Our Accreditation

Alice Smith School’s Journey Towards Double Accreditation

At Alice Smith School, we pride ourselves on pursuing not just one, but two prestigious international accreditations: from the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). This double accreditation uniquely positions the school as a global leader in educational quality, safety, and continuous improvement, offering comprehensive benefits to students, parents, and staff.

As we continue to strengthen our commitment to educational excellence we are progressing towards dual international accreditation with the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

When a school holds accreditation from either COBIS or NEASC, it is eligible to apply for additional accreditation with the other organisation. This is possible because both accrediting bodies mutually recognise the quality and standards upheld by each other’s accreditation. At Alice Smith School, we have already submitted our latest COBIS accreditation report, which reflects our excellent standing and commitment to maintaining the highest educational standards.

neasc-logo-banner 300dpi xlg

What's next?

Having earned notable recognition from COBIS, including prestigious Beacon Status Awards for Ethos & Values and Student Leadership, Alice Smith School stands proudly in good standing within the COBIS community. Alice Smith School has already submitted its latest COBIS accreditation report as part of the evaluation, showcasing the school’s consistent commitment to quality and continuous improvement. This strong foundation has paved the way for the school to pursue additional accreditation through NEASC.

A key milestone in this journey is the upcoming NEASC Foundation Standards visit, known as the Transfer and Addition Report (1.6). During this visit, NEASC will review the school's adherence to its rigorous foundation standards. Once the Foundation Standards visit is successfully completed, Alice Smith School will be awarded NEASC accreditation in addition to its existing COBIS accreditation. The school will maintain both accreditations concurrently until the next COBIS accreditation cycle, at which point a joint accreditation visit will be conducted by a combined team from both COBIS and NEASC. This collaborative approach ensures a streamlined yet thorough evaluation process that upholds the highest international standards.

This mutual recognition and partnership between COBIS and NEASC benefits Alice Smith School by enhancing our international reputation and providing students with credentials that are widely recognised by universities and educational institutions worldwide. It also reinforces the school’s ongoing commitment to a transformational learning environment that prepares students for global success.

With this dual accreditation, Alice Smith School exemplifies the best of British international education alongside globally benchmarked standards, delivering a rich, future-focused educational experience for its community.

Why Double Accreditation Matters:

  • Holistic Assurance of Excellence: While COBIS focuses on maintaining the highest standards within British international education, NEASC complements this by providing rigorous, globally recognised standards applicable across diverse curricula. Together, they ensure Alice Smith School meets—and exceeds—the broadest spectrum of international quality benchmarks.
  • Enhanced Credibility and Recognition: Double accreditation signals to universities, employers, and parents worldwide that the school upholds exceptional standards in both British and international education communities. This dual recognition enhances the credibility of student credentials and provides smoother pathways for higher education globally.
  • Stronger Continuous Improvement Framework: Combining the strengths of COBIS’s quality assurance and community approach with NEASC’s transformative, learner-centred accreditation process creates a robust cycle of self-reflection and strategic growth. The school is better equipped to innovate, adapt, and elevate student outcomes consistently over time.
  • Broader Access to Resources and Networks: Membership and accreditation with both COBIS and NEASC open doors to extensive professional development opportunities, collaborative learning communities, leadership training, and resource sharing. This benefits teaching staff while enriching the curriculum and learning environment for students.
  • Streamlined ComplianceThrough strategic partnership and mutual recognition from accreditation bodies like COBIS and NEASC, the school can move towards global standards of compliance and focus on delivering excellence in education.
NEASC Global Learning image

Key Information for Parents

  • NEASC accreditation is both a badge of excellence and a catalyst for continual growth.
  • Your child benefits from a learning community that is committed to high standards, innovation, and wellbeing.
  • The process assures quality, safety, and a forward-thinking education—and includes our community of parents and educators in the journey.
For more information about NEASC or the school’s accreditation process, parents can always reach out to school leadership or visit NEASC’s official website.