Jack Hunt Academy is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious British Council International School Award for the second time, recognising the Academy’s outstanding commitment to global education and international partnerships.

The International School Award celebrates schools that demonstrate exceptional practice in embedding international learning across their curriculum, helping students develop the cultural awareness, knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Jack Hunt Academy has a strong and long-standing commitment to international learning. A key highlight of the Academy’s programme is its annual Diversity Day, now in its 17th year, which celebrates the wide range of 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, providing students with valuable opportunities to build meaningful global connections.

Under the leadership of Ms Sidra Hussain, Internationalism Coordinator, the Academy’s Pledge to Kindness initiative has grown significantly, expanding beyond the school to engage partner schools across Pakistan, Cameroon, Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, India and Morocco. The initiative has brought together educators and students from different countries to share cultural perspectives on kindness, strengthening international partnerships and reinforcing kindness as a core value within global engagement.

Through this initiative, students have been empowered to take positive action within their local communities while developing lasting friendships and partnerships with young people 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 2 February and was attended by Members of Parliament and representatives from schools across the UK, including Ms Hussain.

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, praised the Academy’s achievements, highlighting the importance of schools in bringing global perspectives into education 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 award encourages schools to develop an international ethos across all areas of school life, promote collaborative partnerships with schools overseas and engage students in year-round international learning opportunities.