International Inclusive School Award
The International Inclusive School Award is designed for schools outside the UK and Ireland that are committed to achieving the highest standards of school inclusion.
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What is the International Inclusive School Award?
The International Inclusive School Award is part of IQM’s globally recognised accreditation programme, ensuring that inclusion awards for international schools follow the same rigorous, trusted processes as those in the UK.
This award celebrates exceptional inclusive teaching, where schools demonstrate commitment to ensuring every student, regardless of background or ability, can achieve and thrive.
It is designed to recognise international schools that embed inclusive values into their teaching, leadership, and culture, creating an environment where all learners feel a true sense of belonging.
Not an international school? Follow the link below to find out all about the Inclusive School Award for UK schools.
How do you achieve International Inclusive School Award status?
To achieve the International Inclusive School Award, schools must engage in the same thorough process as UK schools, guided by the IQM nationally recognised framework.
Evidence must be provided to show a consistent, strategic approach to international school inclusion, embedding inclusive teaching abroad into daily practice.
The process includes self-evaluation, external assessment by experienced IQM assessors, and a collaborative action plan to strengthen inclusion even further.
Successful schools demonstrate how their inclusive approaches have a measurable impact on student outcomes and overall school culture, securing their place among leading inclusion awards for international schools.
How long does the International Inclusive School Award last for?
The International Inclusive School Award accreditation is valid for three years, after which a renewal assessment is required to ensure continued excellence in international school inclusion.
Schools demonstrating exceptional commitment and impact may progress to Centre of Excellence status, mirroring the UK and Ireland models.
International schools that hold Centre of Excellence status for three consecutive years are eligible for consideration for Flagship School Award status, the highest recognition within the IQM framework.
At this level, schools are recognised as leaders in inclusive teaching abroad, sharing best practice across borders, contributing to research, and influencing policy on inclusion awards for international schools.
Annual reviews for the Centre of Excellence and Flagship schools ensure inclusion remains a driving force, keeping strategies fresh, impactful, and ahead of global trends.
Process
Applying for the International Inclusive School Award is a structured process that is adapted to work effectively in different global contexts.
Evaluative Framework
Assessments are conducted using IQM's respected, internationally applicable framework to ensure consistent, credible evaluations.
Pricing
All costs for the International Inclusive School Award can be found in our free International School Pack.
What are the benefits of the International Inclusive School Award for schools?
The International Inclusive School Award offers a unique opportunity for schools around the world to be formally recognised for excellence in international school inclusion. Backed by the credibility of the IQM Award framework, it provides assurance to parents, staff, and the wider community that the school delivers consistently high standards of inclusive teaching abroad.
For schools in the UAE, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, achieving this award reflects alignment with the growing global movement towards inclusive practice. In the UAE in particular, government strategies emphasise diversity, equity, and inclusion, making the International Inclusive School Award a valuable credential for meeting these standards and standing out as a school of choice.
The award also gives international schools the opportunity to join IQM’s global professional network, sharing innovations in inclusive teaching abroad and learning from other inclusion awards for international schools. Cluster group participation fosters international partnerships, encourages collaborative projects, and enables schools to contribute to research that shapes the future of international school inclusion.
Progression to Centre of Excellence and eventually to the Flagship School Award enables schools to amplify their influence by mentoring other schools, leading international initiatives, and contributing to policy-level discussions about inclusive teaching abroad. This is particularly valuable for schools in competitive markets, where demonstrating leadership in inclusion awards can differentiate them significantly.
Ultimately, the International Inclusive School Award is more than just a mark of achievement. It’s a commitment to continuous improvement, cross-border collaboration, and global leadership in international school inclusion. Schools that hold this award not only provide inclusive teaching abroad within their own classrooms but also help shape the future of inclusion awards for international schools worldwide.
School Stories
Take a look at some of our recent IQM-accredited schools and their journey towards achieving and sustaining excellence in inclusion.
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FAQs
A nationally and internationally recognised accreditation that celebrates and supports outstanding inclusive practice in schools.
The average time for schools to complete the award is two terms, though timescales vary depending on readiness and chosen award level.
Yes - we work with schools in the UAE, Europe, and beyond, adapting our assessments to different curricula and cultural contexts.
Pricing information can be found on each award page. The cost of a school's registration is £299.50 + VAT. This is renewed every 3 years. The cost for Flagship and Centre of Excellence are UK prices.
No - while SEND is a core focus, IQM covers all aspects of inclusion, from diversity and equity to staff culture and community engagement.
About IQM
The only national award for inclusion in the UK, IQM has been committed to recognising exemplary inclusive schools for over 20 years and in over 20 countries around the world. The three awards allow schools and organisations to dcelebrate their inclusive practice against nationally recognised framework.
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