The Council of British International Schools (COBIS) is widely recognized as a global membership association for British international schools. A common question arises: does COBIS operate solely with bilingual schools in Florida, or does its scope extend internationally? This article explores COBIS’s role, reach, and the latest updates to clarify its global presence and services.
What is COBIS?
COBIS is a membership organization dedicated to supporting British international schools worldwide. It serves schools that follow the British curriculum or adopt British educational standards abroad, providing professional development, networking, quality assurance, and advocacy for members.
- It promotes high standards of British education globally.
- COBIS connects school leaders, teachers, governors, and students.
- The association plays a critical role in accreditation and member support.
Is COBIS Limited to Bilingual Schools in Florida?
No, COBIS is not limited to bilingual schools in Florida. While some bilingual schools in Florida might be members or affiliated with COBIS, the organization itself operates on a much larger, global scale.
- COBIS’s network includes many British international schools worldwide, not restricted by language or locality.
- The mention of bilingual schools in Florida may sometimes refer to local or regional organizations but is distinct from COBIS’s international remit.
- COBIS supports schools offering British education, whether they are bilingual or monolingual, and whether located in Florida, other U.S. states, or abroad.
The Global Reach of COBIS
COBIS is an international body with a presence in more than 80 countries, impacting thousands of students and educators globally.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Countries | 80+ |
| Member Schools | 450+ |
| Students Educated | 150,000+ |
| Number of Teachers | 30,000+ |
| Continents Covered | Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Americas |
This table demonstrates that COBIS is a truly global network extending far beyond Florida or bilingual settings.
Role of COBIS in Florida and Beyond
- Some bilingual schools in Florida, such as private international schools, may be COBIS members.
- COBIS primarily focuses on schools that follow British curricula, ensuring high-quality British education abroad.
- Membership benefits include accreditation, professional development, safeguarding services, and participation in international competitions and events.
- COBIS provides schools with resources for continuous improvement, staff training, and global networking.
Key Services and Benefits Provided by COBIS
COBIS offers its member schools and staff:
- Representation with the British government, educational bodies, and corporate sectors.
- Professional development courses and leadership training.
- Opportunities for networking among school leaders, teachers, and governors worldwide.
- Quality assurance through a rigorous accreditation and compliance program.
- Student engagement via international competitions and events.
- Support in safeguarding and safer recruitment policies.
Latest Updates on COBIS
- COBIS recently announced the recognition of its Accreditation and Compliance scheme by the Japanese Ministry of Education, highlighting its growing international influence.
- The network continues to expand, with new member schools joining globally.
- COBIS hosts numerous conferences and workshops to aid schools and educators worldwide.
- The association has launched innovative student competitions involving nearly 20,000 students from over 100 schools globally, fostering global learning communities.
Conclusion
COBIS is not confined to bilingual schools in Florida; it is a global membership association representing British international schools in over 80 countries worldwide. Its mission is to support these schools in delivering high-quality British education, regardless of location or language of instruction. While some bilingual schools in Florida may be members, COBIS’s influence and activities are international, ranging from accreditation to professional development and student-centric programs.
Thus, COBIS operates on a broad, global platform, connecting educators and students through a commitment to British educational excellence worldwide.
