Last week marked the successful conclusion of another incredible year of our teacher partnership with Gordon’s Independent School.
This unique programme bridges borders. It connects passionate UK educators with international school leaders to transform classrooms worldwide.
This past year saw exciting growth both at home and abroad. We proudly expanded our network to include:
- 7 new UK teachers from the Arete Learning Trust (Blenheim High School), including Headteacher Tony Bodell.
- Educators from 8 different countries, including our newest partner nations: Guyana and Liberia.
How the Partnership Works
We match UK teachers with international education professionals during Winter Term based on the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) focus that the international partners have identified and their subject specialism.
During Spring and Summer Term, UK teachers provide targeted coaching, strategic guidance, and bespoke digital resources to help them meet those goals. Regular feedback and engagement ensure that international teachers are most benefitting from the expertise of the UK teachers.
This collaboration delivers immense and unmatched mutual benefits for both sides of the partnership. UK teachers improve learning outcomes in under-resourced countries.
For Olivia Bennett, of Blenheim High School, she outlines that ‘I have learned a little bit about the school system in Pakistan and how it differs/aligns with the UK system. I have had to think outside of my own school setting to imagine what strategies and tools will be most relevant and high-impact in a different setting. I have been able to practice effective coaching methods.’
Matt Gullick, Head of PE at Gordon’s Independent School went above and beyond, even choosing to lead an online TPD session for the entire school of Karachi Grammar, Pakistan:
‘The Commonwealth Education Trust programme has strengthened my ability to lead, support, and influence educational improvement at both classroom and whole-school level. It has enhanced my communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, while deepening my understanding of effective pedagogy, inclusion, and strategic school development. The experience has increased my confidence in coaching professionals, facilitating CPD, and working across diverse international contexts. Overall, it has broadened my educational perspective, improved my ability to drive sustainable change, and reinforced my capacity to support high-quality teaching and learning.’
Importantly, international partners are school leaders who cascade this new learning to their entire staff. For aspiring leaders in the UK, this is an opportunity to have whole-school impact, which may even accelerate their own careers.
Shape the Future of Global Education
We are already looking ahead to the next academic year. We want to expand our impact even further.
Are you a school looking to have international impact and develop your teachers further? Click here to enquire about developing a partnership in your school.
