The eligibility criteria for COBIS (Council of British International Schools) membership revolve around meeting stringent standards of quality assurance, British educational ethos, and robust accreditation processes as of 2025.
What is COBIS?
COBIS is a leading global association for British international schools, set up to promote high educational standards and best practices among schools delivering a British-style education internationally. Schools join COBIS to gain recognition, access professional development, and assure parents of their commitment to excellence.
Membership Routes & Categories
COBIS offers several membership categories, each with its own eligibility requirements. Here is an overview:
| Category | Key Criteria | Who Can Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional School | In planning phase; scheduled to open in 1-2 years | New schools (pre-opening) |
| COBIS Member (Compliance) | Meet Accreditation and Compliance Standards 1-5 | Existing schools |
| COBIS Accredited Member (COBIS) | Meet Accreditation and Compliance Standards 1-10 | Existing schools |
| COBIS Accredited Member (BSO) | Successful BSO inspection within last 5 years | British schools (international) |
| COBIS Accredited Member (CIS) | Recognised CIS Accredited school; British ethos | CIS accredited schools |
| COBIS Accredited Member (ISI) | Successful ISI inspection report in last 5 years | UK-based schools |
| COBIS Accredited Member (WASC/NEASC) | Accredited by WASC/NEASC; British ethos | WASC/NEASC accredited schools |
| COBIS Accredited Member (OEAS) | Accredited online school via OEAS | Online British schools |
General Eligibility Criteria
The main criteria for COBIS membership include:
- Quality Assurance: Schools must be accredited or quality assured through COBIS or partner organisations (BSO, CIS, ISI, NEASC, WASC, OEAS).
- Educational Ethos: Commitment to British educational values and principles is essential.
- Compliance & Accreditation Standards: Schools must meet COBIS-defined standards for recruitment, student welfare, facilities, governance, and educational ethos. Additional standards apply for full accreditation.
- Documented Evidence: Schools must provide inspection reports, accreditation letters, action plans addressing improvement needs, and references as required by each membership route.
Bulleted Summary of Key Points
- Schools in planning or pre-opening phase can apply for Provisional status.
- Existing schools need to comply with COBIS Accreditation and Compliance Standards 1-5 for Member status, and 1-10 for Accredited Member status.
- Schools accredited by UK-recognised inspectors (BSO, ISI), CIS, NEASC, WASC, or OEAS can use their accreditation to apply.
- Demonstrated commitment to British values and ethos is required.
- Supporting documentation (inspection reports, action plans, references, code of conduct) must be provided.
- Annual membership fees are calculated per pupil; a one-time application fee applies.
Accreditation & Compliance Standards
COBIS sets mandatory standards in the following areas:
- Recruitment practices
- Student welfare
- Facilities and infrastructure
- Governance systems
- British educational ethos and values
- Boarding (where applicable)
- Curriculum and teaching (for full accreditation)
- Staff development
- Leadership and management
- Community engagement and partnerships
Standards 1-5 are mandatory for Compliance; standards 7-10 are required for full Accreditation.
Latest Updates for 2025
- COBIS Accreditation and Compliance Scheme: In February 2025, COBIS accreditation gained recognition by Japan’s Ministry of Education and became a valid quality indicator for membership in Japanese institutions.
- Beacon School Status: COBIS awards Beacon School status to schools demonstrating exceptional excellence in defined standards, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing across the network.
- Membership Fee for 2025/26: The annual membership fee is £6.01 per pupil, with a new member application fee of £372.
- Development Plan 2022-2025: COBIS continues to implement its development plan for high standards, ongoing evaluation, and member engagement to enhance value and global impact.
Table: Document Checklist for COBIS Membership Application
| Document/Requirement | For Which Membership Route? |
|---|---|
| Completed Application Form | All |
| Accreditation/Inspection Reports | Accredited/Compliance Routes |
| CIS/BSO/ISI/NEASC/WASC/OEAS certificate | Partner Routes |
| Action Plan (addressing improvement) | ISI/BSO/CIS/Compliance |
| References (school-based) | CIS/Compliance |
| Signed Code of Conduct | All |
| Statement of British Educational Ethos | All but Provisional |
Conclusion
Schools aspiring for COBIS membership in 2025 must meet rigorous quality assurance benchmarks, share British educational values, and provide documentary evidence of compliance or accreditation. Whether applying as a provisional school, an accredited member through a partner route, or seeking full COBIS accreditation, the association’s modern standards ensure global excellence and continuous improvement.
