Diocese of Chichester

Bishop Luffa Church of England School in Chichester has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life work in today’s world.

The Archdeacon of Chichester, Fr Luke Irvine-Capel, is Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education. He said: “I am delighted to celebrate with Bishop Luffa School the recognition that this International School Award brings.

“At a time when we, as a nation, are re-negotiating our situation in the world, and reconnecting with one another after the trauma of the pandemic, the commitment to international dialogue, relationship, intellectual curiosity, mutual endeavour, collaboration, and creativity that this award recognises is an encouragement, not only to the school community, but to us all across the City and Diocese of Chichester.”

Bishop Luffa’s international work includes projects with partner schools in Spain, France, Germany, Sweden, South Korea and Tanzania. The International Links projects vary from Penpals, trips abroad, World Culture Week, Eco-Green activities, Language Exchanges to creating a Diversity, Equality and LGTBQ+ committees and run several projects on these matters this year. They even host an International Teacher Training Programme in collaboration with Chichester University.

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: ‘The school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad.

The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work bringing the world into their classrooms. This is especially commendable when schools have been deeply affected by the global pandemic. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with utmost pride that we celebrate their achievements.

By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, these schools are preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.’

The Award is now available worldwide in countries such as India, Egypt, Lebanon, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Over 6000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:

● An international ethos embedded throughout the school

● A whole school approach to international work

● Collaborative curriculum-based work with a number of partner schools

● Year-round international activity

● Involvement of the wider community