Burghfield's Willink School wins British Council's International School Award

The Willink School has received an international award for its world languages and cultures education.

The British Council's International School Award promotes a global outlook and wider community engagement in classrooms.

The Willink School has demonstrated these values through in person, online, extra-curricular and charitable activities.

Every October, Key Stage 3 groups partner with Padworth College to run a cultural and language event and Key Stage 4 groups regularly liaise with foreign partner schools.

Key Stage 5 have been running a project in conjunction with their Moldovan school partner since 2004.

The school has organised residential trips to Iceland, Belgium, Spain, France and Germany.

Headteacher, Peter Fry, said: "The Willink school is delighted to have received this accolade by the British Council.

"We are extremely proud of all our students, who always seize every possible opportunity to take part in international activities."

Mr Fry also confirmed that the school plans to pursue further international projects over the coming years.

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.

"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 utmost pride that we celebrate their achievements.

"By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, these schools are empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy."

The award is now issued worldwide in countries including Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan and Taiwan.

More than 6,000 UK schools have received the British Council's International School Award since it started in 1999.