Does COBIS offer different types of memberships (associate, full, etc.)?

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Different types of COBIS memberships

The Council of British International Schools (COBIS) offers a variety of membership types tailored to the diverse needs and statuses of British international schools and related organizations. These memberships range from schools in the early stages of planning to fully accredited international schools, and even to organizations supporting the sector. The membership structure ensures that schools adhere to rigorous quality standards while providing options that reflect their development and accreditation status.

Overview of COBIS Membership Types

COBIS memberships are primarily designed to recognize and support British international schools at different phases of their existence and accreditation journeys. There are also membership options for businesses and organizations that provide services to these schools.

Main School Membership Categories

COBIS school memberships are broadly categorized as follows:

  • COBIS Provisional School
  • COBIS Member (Compliance)
  • COBIS Accredited Member
  • COBIS Accredited Member with Recognized Accreditations (BSO, CIS, ISI, WASC, NEASC, OEAS)
  • Supporting Associate Membership (for organizations)

These categories reflect the school’s stage in operation and their level of quality assurance or external accreditation.

Detailed Breakdown of Membership Categories

Membership TypeDescriptionEligibility CriteriaKey Features and BenefitsApproximate Fees (Annual)
COBIS Provisional SchoolFor schools in planning or opening phase (within 1-2 years).School not yet operational but planning to open soonRecognition of commitment to quality assurance£1,495 + £295 registration
COBIS Member (Compliance)For schools aiming to meet COBIS Accreditation and Compliance Standards 1-5.Schools meeting foundational compliance standardsQuality assurance, membership benefits£3,869 + £310 registration
COBIS Accredited MemberFor schools meeting broader COBIS Accreditation and Compliance Standards 1-10.Schools fully meeting COBIS standardsAccess to full COBIS member benefits, inclusion in accreditation networkVaries; tiered by school size
BSO Accredited MemberFor schools accredited through British Schools Overseas inspection (recognized by UK Govt).Successful BSO inspection in last 5 yearsRecognized UK Government accreditationVaries, with additional registration
CIS Accredited MemberFor schools accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).CIS-accredited schoolsDual recognition with CIS accreditationFees apply + registration
ISI Accredited MemberFor UK-based schools inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.Schools with successful ISI inspection in last 5 yearsCombined membership benefitsFees apply + registration
WASC Accredited MemberFor schools accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.Schools with WASC accreditationInternational accreditation recognitionFees apply + registration
NEASC Accredited MemberFor schools accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.Schools with NEASC accreditationInternational accreditation recognitionFees apply + registration
OEAS Accredited MemberFor online schools accredited by the Department for Education’s Online Education Accreditation Scheme.Schools accredited by OEASOnline education accreditationFees apply + registration
Supporting Associate MembershipFor businesses and organizations offering products or services to British international schools.Companies and consultants serving the sectorAccess to promotional channels; NOT endorsed by COBIS£685 approximate

Key Membership Benefits

  • Quality Assurance: Schools demonstrate commitment to maintaining high standards in education, safeguarding, governance, and ethos through COBIS’s rigorous accreditation and compliance processes.
  • Recognition and Credibility: Accredited schools benefit from recognized status that signals quality and adherence to internationally accepted standards, supported by organizations such as BSO, CIS, and ISI.
  • Professional Development: Members gain access to quality continuing professional development (CPD) programs for school leaders, teachers, and support staff.
  • Networking and Representation: Membership fosters engagement with a global network of British international schools and provides representation with British educational bodies and governments.
  • Access to Resources: Schools receive COBIS identity guidelines, membership handbooks, consultancy services, leadership mentoring, and support tailored to the British international education sector.

Latest Updates on COBIS Membership (2024-2025)

  • The 2025/26 membership fees have been updated with the application fee for new members now at £372.
  • The annual membership fee per pupil for the school year 2025/26 is set at £6.01.
  • COBIS continues to emphasize quality assurance through its multiple accreditation routes including BSO, CIS, NEASC, WASC, ISI, OEAS, and its own Patron’s Accreditation scheme.
  • Schools in the planning phase can join as Provisional Members, committing to quality assurance within their first year of operation.
  • The organization regularly consults its members to adapt routes to membership and improve member experience, ensuring that membership reflects evolving global standards and member needs.
  • Supporting Associates (business members) are actively encouraged to engage with the market but must note that COBIS does not endorse their products or services directly.

Summary Points

  • COBIS provides flexible membership types catering to schools from planning stages to fully accredited institutions, as well as to supporting businesses.
  • Membership types include Provisional, Compliance, Accredited (with several possible accreditations), and Supporting Associate for organizations.
  • Fees and registration costs vary depending on membership type and school size, with per-pupil fees applying for schools.
  • The membership structure reinforces COBIS’s commitment to educational quality and international standards.
  • Schools and organizations benefit from networking, professional development, global recognition, and representation through COBIS.

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