OVERALL OBSERVATIONS

The British School St. Petersburg, Russia, has been established in a purposedesigned, modern building in a residential area of the city. It is a new school that is founded upon a vision to develop the whole child, not just academically, but also personally and socially.

At present the school is open to students from Early Years to Year 8, with many facilities that enhance the pupils’ educational experiences, making optimum use of both indoor and outdoor spaces and providing extensive opportunities for educational activities. This will be further expanded when the new third floor of the current building opens in September.

The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum. A wide range of academic subjects are available to students, which are complemented by the school’s wideranging co-curricular programme. Whilst embracing local culture, the school retains a British ethos and promotes British educational values.

This is a happy school, with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Behaviour is exemplary and students are polite and hard-working. The school has succeeded in creating a positive climate for learning, where mutual respect is seen between students and teachers. Staff in all areas of the school demonstrate dedication to the school and towards the academic and pastoral well-being of the students. Parents appreciate the work of the school and feel that their children are cared for and are achieving well in all aspects of their school life.

The Headteacher has a clear and shared vision of the direction in which the school will continue in the future. The staff understand and support the school’s aims and show a high degree of commitment. They are supported in their work by a team of highly committed and professional governors who have a clear understanding of their role. The Headteacher is a leader who is dedicated, capable and inspirational. The school would be advised to use his expertise to create opportunities for leadership and provide training to establish succession planning and increase leadership capacity and sustainability.

Under the guidance of the Headteacher, the dedication of the whole team to strive for continual school improvement will enable the school to continue to not only operate to their current high standards, but to achieve their ambitious plans for school improvement in the future.

PRIORITY NEXT STEPS

• Devise and define unique school values in collaboration with stakeholders. • Enhance opportunities for student leadership in global citizenship. • Create opportunities for leadership for staff and provide training to establish succession planning and increase leadership capacity and sustainability. • Devise and implement a whole school PSHE programme.

Recommendation to COBIS Director of Accreditation:

The British School St. Petersburg is fully compliant with the COBIS Compliance Standards 1-5 and should be granted COBIS Compliance Member school status.