The award celebrates schools that demonstrate exceptional practice in embedding international learning within their curriculum, helping young people develop the cultural understanding and skills they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Jack Hunt Academy’s international programme includes its annual Diversity Day, now in its 17th year, which celebrates the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives within the school community. The Academy also works closely with partner schools in India, Pakistan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana and Uganda, fostering meaningful global connections.

Under the leadership of Ms Sidra Hussain, Internationalism Coordinator at Jack Hunt Academy, the Pledge to Kindness initiative has expanded beyond the school, engaging partner schools across Pakistan, Cameroon, Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, India, and Morocco. Educators from these countries collaborated to share perspectives and cultural insights into kindness, strengthening international partnerships and reinforcing kindness as a core value in global engagement.

Through this initiative, students have been empowered to take meaningful action within their communities while building lasting relationships with peers around the world.

Mr Jon Hebblethwaite, Head Teacher of Jack Hunt Academy said: “We are incredibly proud to receive the International School Award. This recognition reflects the hard work, integrity, and kindness that lie at the heart of our Academy’s values, and the wider mission of Keys Academies Trust to champion inclusiveness, collaboration, and ambition. Together, we are preparing our young people to thrive in a global society.”

The 2026 award ceremony took place in Westminster on Monday 2nd February and was attended by Members of Parliament and representatives from schools across the UK, including Ms Sidra Hussain from Jack Hunt Academy.

Ms Sidra Hussain said: “Receiving the British Council International School Award for a second time is a tremendous honour for our entire school community. This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the strength of our international partnerships. At Jack Hunt Academy, we believe global education is not just about learning about other cultures, but about building empathy, respect, and meaningful connections that prepare young people to become compassionate and responsible global citizens. I am incredibly proud of the collaborative work we have achieved with our partner schools and look forward to continuing to grow these relationships in the years ahead.”

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: “The school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and strong links with schools overseas. The International School Award recognises the vital role schools play in bringing the world into the classroom and preparing young people to become confident global citizens.”

Since its launch in 1999, more than 6,000 International School Awards have been presented to schools across the UK.

The International School Award encourages schools to develop:

• an international ethos embedded throughout the school
• a whole-school approach to international learning
• collaborative curriculum-based partnerships with schools abroad
• year-round international activity
• engagement with the wider community