British Council International School Award success for St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy

St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life work in today’s world.

St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy’s international work includes an exciting cross-curricula link with the De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in the Philippines, collaborative projects with the primary schools across the Newman Catholic Collegiate, an international café and celebrations for the European Day of Languages.

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: ‘The school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad.
The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work bringing the world into their classrooms. This is especially commendable when schools have been deeply affected by the global pandemic. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with upmost pride that we celebrate their achievements.
By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, these schools are preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.’

The Award is now available worldwide in countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan and Taiwan. Over 6,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.

Dominic McKenna, Principal at St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy, said: ‘We’re really pleased to have received this award. I’m proud of the work that our school has put into embedding a rich global culture into our students’ learning and activities. This award is testament to commitment and hard work of everyone involved.’