The Chinese New Year was just around the corner. On the other side of the world, an international education award ceremony was about to hand Nanjing International School (NIS) the only award given to a school in China.
On 20 January, the International School Awards 2020 took place in London. Schools in 40 different countries submitted a total of 255 entries for the chance to take home a medal.
Of the 12 awardees, NIS won the Strategic Leadership Initiative award, which recognises an initiative that has been collectively spearheaded by a leadership team, senior leadership team or governing body.
Present in London to collect the award was NIS Director, Laurie McLellan. “It was humbling to be on stage at the Grand Connaught Ballroom in London surrounded by hundreds of Heads of leading British and international schools from all over the world”, he said speaking later to The Nanjinger.
“Particularly rewarding as one of our students, Luigi in Grade 11, created the video as part of our submission to the panel of judges. This is great recognition for quality international education in Nanjing”.
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Only two other schools in China made it to the shortlist stage. Western Academy of Beijing was nominated for Pastoral Initiative, and Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong for Digital Technology in Learning Initative.
Recognition as the Best of the Best
Guests learned of the winners at a gala dinner that recognised some of the world’s top schools in Africa, America, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Top award, International School of the Year 2020, went to St Andrews International School Bangkok (Primary School). St. Andrews also picked up the award for Best Environmental Initiative.
The PIE News which provides business analysis and news for Professionals in International Education has reported the story. Quoted therein was Leigh Webb, CEO of ISC Research, hosts of the International School Awards. “There are some quite exceptional international schools implementing truly outstanding initiatives”, commented Webb.
The complete list of winning schools is as follows.
- ACS International Schools Surrey, UK [Digital Technology in Learning Award]
- Atlanta International, US [International Award]
- Branksome Hall Asia, South Korea [Support Students as Future-thinking Innovators Award]
- British Embassy School Ankara, Turkey [Ethical Values Education Award]
- Dubai College, UAE [School Wellbeing and Safeguarding Award]
- International Community School Amman, Jordan [Inclusion Award]
- Nanjing International, China [Strategic Leadership Award]
- New Cairo British International, Egypt [Pastoral Award]
- Qatar Academy for Science and Technology [Teaching and Learning Award]
- Raha International, UAE [Best Initiative to Support Students’ Pathways to Higher Education]
- St Andrews International Bangkok (Primary School), Thailand [The International School of the Year 2020]
- St Andrews International Bangkok (Primary School), Thailand [Best Environmental Initiative Award]
- The British International School Abu Dhabi, UAE [Community Award]
