BSA international members can apply to undertake the BSA accreditation process. For those schools which have affiliate membership, this automatically qualifies them to be full international members of BSA. All affiliate members are expected to begin the process within two years of joining. However, some full members also choose to have their boarding provision benchmarked against the BSA accreditation standards. The standards have eight sections, each with five sub-sections:
- Relationships within the boarding environment ensure boarders are well looked after
- Health and welfare provision contributes to boarders’ well-being
- Domestic arrangements meet the boarders’ essential needs
- Boarders have an appropriate range of free time and other activities
- Boarding accommodation is fit for purpose
- All appropriate safety provisions are in place
- Boarding is well led and managed
- Staffing and supervision arrangements ensure the boarders are kept safe
Schools complete a self-evaluation and, when ready, apply for the formal process to take place, which generally lasts for two full days, depending on the scale of the boarding provision. This includes scrutiny of policies, procedures and paperwork, and meetings with relevant staff and with pupil groups. The process is designed to take place either face-to-face or online, and will include either an in-person or virtual tour of facilities. Schools are provided with a full written evaluation and, should there be any shortfalls, work with their assessor to ensure the relevant standards are met.
The scheme booklet contains all the details, including the full list of the standards. Schools interested in completing the process should email bethan.waddington@bsagroup.org.uk.
Current member schools which have completed the process are:
A+ World Academy
Clongowes Wood College, Ireland
College Champittet, Switzerland
Fettes College, Guangzhou, China
H-Farm International School, Italy
Kaiyo Academy, Japan
Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket, Sweden
St. Columba’s College, Ireland
Westlake International School. Malaysia
Whanganui Collegiate School, New Zealand
Yew Wah International Education School of Guangzhou, China
Yew Wah International School of Zhejiang, Tongxiang
Yew Wah International School of Shanghai, Lingang
