The BSO scheme was implemented in 2010 to give parents and others an assurance that a school had been properly inspected and to give access to the inspection reports of each BSO.
There are several reasons for a school to submit itself to the rigorous BSO inspection system and these, of course, vary from school to school. These include:
UK Government Accreditation
BSO schools have the right to display the ‘BSO Inspected’ logo on websites and publications. The UK government gained worldwide legal protection of this logo, which has the status of a “State Emblem”.
Benchmark Against Leading British Schools
Schools that have successfully undergone a BSO inspection demonstrate to parents and the school community that they have reached a certain standard and that this is similar to that of a UK independent school that has attained the same rating in an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection. (ISI inspects the great majority of UK-based independent schools).
Ofsted Monitored External Validation
The Board of Governors may wish to use an inspection as a measure of how well their school is operating. Although this should, of course, be one of many indicators used.
Become a DfE Registered School
BSOs are given a DfE GIAS number as part of the recognition of their status.
Eligible for ECT Induction
BSOs have the right to take British Early Career Teachers (ECTs) through their Statutory Induction in the same way as if they to do this in a school in England.
In-Country Routes to QTS
Experienced graduate teachers overseas who, for one reason or another, do not have a UK-recognised teaching qualification are also able to pursue routes to QTS followed by ECT Induction in a BSO accredited school.
Join AoBSO
A BSO can join the Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO) and benefit from membership of an organisation that brings together Heads and Principals to pursue common interests.
Beyond Outstanding
Any school, no matter how good, can benefit from an external assessment of their strengths and areas for development.