We spoke with Dr. David Porritt, Principal of Budapest British International School (BBIS), about the school’s experience with COBIS Accreditation, the positive impact it has had on their school community, and their decision to re-accredit via COBIS Accreditation at the end of their 5-year quality assurance membership renewal cycle. Located in Hungary’s capital, BBIS has fostered a vibrant, supportive environment during Dr. Porritt's tenure.

Why did you decide to pursue COBIS Compliance initially?

Our journey toward COBIS Compliance began with the need for a recognized framework to ensure continuous improvement. As an IB World School working toward an IB continuum, we had a solid foundation but saw value in the wider scope COBIS offered. The COBIS process promised accountability across diverse standards, including safeguarding, student well-being, leadership, and governance, which complemented our IB evaluations. The framework allowed us to gain external validation and provided an opportunity for reflection on our practices, integrating the experiences of educators worldwide.

What was your school like before embarking on the process?

Before the COBIS process, we had strong academic programs and a committed team of educators but acknowledged areas for growth in both teaching and operational functions. The school needed a system that ensured academic success while supporting strategic growth and operational robustness. As a leader inspired by Bandura’s self-efficacy and agency theory, I believed COBIS Compliance could empower us to lead with confidence. The framework's rigorous standards guided us in defining effective leadership, equipping our team with the tools for professional agency.

Why did you decide to re-accredit via COBIS Accreditation in 2023?

Completing the COBIS Compliance process in 2023 set a transformative path for BBIS. Pursuing full accreditation in 2024 allowed us to build on that progress. Although some schools pursue both steps at once, we took the COBIS team’s advice to engage in a longer, reflective process, appropriate for a developing school. We valued the insight from Jennifer Bray as our Lead Improvement Partner, along with the advice from Gary Minnit and Mick Smith, whose experiences as international educators enriched the process. Accreditation enabled us to benchmark against global best practices while fostering a collaborative environment aligned with our focus on team development.

How did you find the Accreditation process compared to Compliance?

The move from Compliance to Accreditation felt like a natural, deepening reflection on our practices. While Compliance ensured we met essential standards, Accreditation pushed us to examine the sustainability of our policies, practices, and culture. This phase was about more than meeting criteria; it emphasised reflective practice and collaboration. Leaders thrive when given accountability and space for reflection, and the Accreditation process truly offered this, enabling us to align practices and identify areas for growth.

How has the re-Accreditation process affected your school community?​​​​​​​

Re-accreditation fostered a shared commitment to continuous improvement within our school community. As my research into coaching suggests, when leaders lead confidently, they foster empowering environments for others. The accreditation process catalysed reflection among our school leaders and engaged teachers, culminating in 29 commendations that affirmed our progress, not only in academics but in building a supportive school culture. This process also spurred the redesign of our playgrounds, early years play spaces, medical room, and outdoor learning areas—key areas identified through our partnership with the COBIS team.

What impact has Accreditation had on your school overall?

Accreditation has had a lasting impact on BBIS, strengthening our systems, especially around safeguarding, and enhancing teaching practices. It has given us confidence that we meet and exceed global standards, recognising the dedication of our team and the resilience they have shown.

BBIS initially achieved COBIS Compliance in March 2018, and successfully re-accredited via COBIS Accreditation in May 2023. The renewal underscores BBIS’s dedication to continuous improvement and high standards in international education.

For any questions or for more information about the COBIS Accreditation and Compliance scheme, please contact sharon.gallagher@cobis.org.uk.