Promoting Internationalism is a key mission within our school.
Pilton Community College has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award, 2025-2028, in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.
The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life work in today’s world.
Pilton Community College has demonstrated a wealth of international opportunities for all students in school with events such as European Day of Languages and Cultural Diversity Day. Students have the opportunity to take part in whole school competitions that raise their cultural awareness. The school has partner school connections across Europe and regularly welcomes foreign visitors to the school from France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. The school runs a wide range of international trips.
A small group of students had the chance to travel further afield to visit Kira Farm in Uganda following their successful fundraising for the charity Amigos. We link with local primary schools to develop language learning and host The Modern Foreign Language Speaking Competition South West for secondary schools.
On hearing the news that Pilton Community College had received the award, Headteacher, Graham Hill said: "We make every attempt to broaden the horizons of our students, breaking down the rural isolation of North Devon, ensuring that they have opportunities to take part in international activities and gain an appreciation of the wider world. The school has developed an extensive programme of international opportunities for our students. Our aim is to nurture the respect and understanding of other cultures."
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. The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work in bringing the world into their classrooms. 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 preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy."
The Award is now available worldwide in countries such as Greece, India, and Nigeria. Over 6,000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.
The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:
An international ethos embedded throughout the school A whole school approach to international work Collaborative curriculum-based work with international partner schools Year-round international activity Involvement of the wider community.
To view all of our international activities, please click here and filter by selecting MFL.
