The Council of British International Schools (COBIS) regularly organizes a variety of conferences, seminars, and professional development events specifically designed for educators. These events cater to teachers, school leaders, teaching assistants, and education professionals working in international schools. They are aimed at fostering professional growth, sharing best practices, and discussing critical issues in international education.
Overview of COBIS Conferences and Seminars for Educators
COBIS offers a comprehensive program of events including an annual flagship conference, ongoing webinars, inclusion and belonging conferences, and specialized training programs for various educational roles. These events provide educators with opportunities to learn, network, and innovate within the international education community.
Key COBIS Events for Educators
Annual Conference
- Event Nature: The signature COBIS event, held annually, bringing together school leaders, educators, and experts worldwide.
- 2025 Theme: “Passion with Purpose: Extending International Education.”
- Date & Location 2025: May 10-12, 2025, Convene 155 Bishopsgate, London, UK.
- Focus Areas: Social responsibility, leadership, innovation, curriculum development, wellbeing, sustainability, and future schools.
- Notable Features: Inclusion of student voices, global delegate participation (schools from over 70 countries), and high-profile speakers from academia, authorial, and educational leadership backgrounds.
- Next Conference: Scheduled for May 9-11, 2026, in London.
Inclusion and Belonging Conference
- Event Nature: An online event focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in schools.
- Date: November 18-19, 2025.
- Audience: Teachers, SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators), DEIJB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Belonging) leaders, administrators, and advocacy groups.
- Key Topics: Inclusive curriculum design, equitable recruitment, neurodiversity, human rights in education, and creating empowered school environments.
Webinars and Online Training
- COBIS offers free and paid webinars throughout the year to keep educators updated on best practices, emerging trends, and new educational tools.
- Topics include safeguarding with AI, mental health, digital innovation, neurodiversity, unconscious bias, and more.
Specialist Training Programs
- COBIS Programme for Early Career Teachers (CPECT): A two-year blended learning program integrating theory and practice to support early-career teachers.
- Diploma Programs for Teaching Assistants: Including Diplomas for International Teaching Assistants (DITA), Early Years, and Lead Teaching Assistants (DILTA) with blended and online delivery.
- Programme for Middle Leaders: A one-year development program aimed at enhancing leadership skills for middle management in schools.
- Various short courses and workshops on topics like AI strategy development, innovative technology use, and inclusive classrooms.
Table of Key COBIS Events for Educators in 2025
| Event Name | Format | Dates | Target Audience | Key Themes/Focus Areas | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43rd Annual Conference | In-person | May 10-12, 2025 | School leaders, educators | Leadership, innovation, wellbeing, social impact | London, UK |
| Inclusion and Belonging Conference | Online | Nov 18-19, 2025 | Teachers, SENCOs, DEI leaders | Equity, diversity, inclusion, neurodiversity | Online |
| Early Career Teachers Program | Blended | Starts Sept 2025 | Early career teachers | Professional development, practical skills | Various/Online |
| Programme for Middle Leaders | In-person/Online | Starts Oct 2025 | Middle leaders | Leadership skills, professional growth | Various cities |
| Teaching Assistant Diplomas | Online/Blended | Ongoing | Teaching assistants | Practical skills, pedagogy, leadership | Various/Online |
| Various Webinars and Workshops | Online | Throughout 2025 | Broad educator audience | Inclusive education, AI safeguarding, mental health, bias | Online |
Highlights and Latest Updates for 2025
- The 2025 Annual Conference in London was a milestone event gathering more than 650 delegates from over 70 countries, sparking high-level discussions on extending the social purpose of international education.
- Student participation was notably emphasized, with students from diverse countries contributing to panel discussions and presentations.
- COBIS has expanded its inclusion and belonging efforts with a dedicated online conference focused on diversity and equity scheduled for November 2025.
- New courses for teaching assistants and middle leaders have been scheduled for various global locations including Lagos, Bucharest, and Muscat, alongside online formats.
- Topics on artificial intelligence, neurodiversity, mental health, and unconscious bias are at the forefront of COBIS’s professional learning programs this year.
- Continuing professional development programs such as the Early Career Teachers Program maintain a blended learning delivery, encouraging international collaboration.
- Free workshops on innovative technologies and digital environments aim to equip schools with tools to transform student experiences.
Why Attend COBIS Conferences and Seminars?
- Professional Growth: Access cutting-edge knowledge and practical strategies for classroom and school leadership.
- Networking: Connect with international peers, thought leaders, and experts in British international education.
- Global Perspective: Engage with issues and innovations relevant to international schools worldwide.
- Inclusivity and Diversity Focus: Gain insights into creating equitable and inclusive educational environments.
- Access to Resources: Receive materials, recordings, and ongoing support to implement learning in schools.
- Recognition: Enhance qualifications through accredited diploma programs and leadership courses.
FAQs About COBIS Educator Events
- Who can attend COBIS conferences and seminars?
Educators, school leaders, teaching assistants, SENCOs, DEI leaders, and administrators from COBIS member and non-member schools are welcome. - Are events held online or in-person?
Both. COBIS hosts in-person flagship conferences and regional programs, alongside online webinars and remote learning courses. - Is prior experience required for training programs?
Some programs target early-career educators while others are aimed at experienced school leaders seeking further development. - Are there opportunities for international participants?
Yes, many events are online or held in global locations to accommodate international educators.
Conclusion
COBIS remains a leading facilitator of high-quality professional learning for educators in British international schools, with a strong commitment to innovation, inclusion, and global collaboration. The diverse range of its conferences, seminars, and training programs throughout 2025 ensures educators worldwide can access meaningful development opportunities to enhance their practice and contribute to the future of international education.
