We are delighted to announce that we have launched our new Quality Assurance Scheme for Affiliate Success, which focuses on delivering enhanced value to the IH network of affiliate schools through an upgraded inspection framework.
Adding Value, Not Simply Assessing Compliance
In our pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement, we recognise the importance of aligning our inspection processes with the IH World's mission, vision, and core values. The goal is to improve the inspection experience for affiliates, ensuring they receive greater value. We remain committed to staying abreast of industry developments, evolving quality standards, and key topics such as EDIB, sustainability, and innovation.
Why Revise the Scheme?
This project arose from feedback from IH members in the member survey demonstrating a desire to refine and enhance the inspection framework and our objective to align it more closely with the needs and aspirations of our members. We are also committed to introducing a more personalised approach, ensuring the inspection process becomes a collaborative endeavour, tailored to the needs of each of our affiliates.
The new inspection reports are designed as strategic roadmaps, offering tailored insights and recommendations that align with both the IH Promises and the individual quality objectives of each school. Our intention is for schools to feel inspired to raise their standards even higher. Inspectors, adopting a consultancy mindset, not only assess but actively contribute to the continuous improvement initiatives of each affiliate.
This process promotes a collaborative partnership between IHWO, inspectors, and affiliate schools. Together, we have created a Quality Inspection Scheme that is not merely a box-ticking exercise but an invaluable resource for growth and development. By enhancing every aspect of the inspection process, we aim to inspire a sense of ownership and enthusiasm among affiliates, fostering a shared commitment to delivering the highest standards of quality education and raising the quality of our network as a whole.
Features of the New Scheme
Our main objective is to ensure that affiliates derive maximum value from the inspection process. We have introduced a self-evaluation component, which encourages schools to reflect on their practices, identify areas for improvement, and take proactive ownership of their quality journey, rather than relying solely on inspection outcomes.
Inspectors now receive enhanced training on available resources and support. To further assist schools, we have created a library of inspector profiles, helping schools select the right inspector for their needs. Inspectors approach the inspection with a consultancy mindset, focusing on providing suggestions and support rather than simply outlining requirements. We want to focus on the “HOW” rather than the “WHAT,” ensuring collaboration and value.
As an organisation, we are immensely proud of our diverse range of members working in various contexts and recognise that excellence can look different in different contexts. We wholeheartedly embrace this diversity and so, with collaboration at its core, the new IH Quality scheme gathers and shares “examples of excellence”—such as success stories, school features, and exciting projects uncovered during inspections—to foster a sense of community and ignite inspiration between schools. These examples help create connections between areas of expertise and showcase the unique ways in which IH schools are excelling.
Once the inspection is complete, if a school falls short of any requirements, the IHWO team provides the tools, templates, and resources to help them meet and exceed those criteria. Alongside mandatory requirements, inspection reports include a wealth of suggestions—valuable ideas to enhance quality at member schools. These reports offer inspiration and signpost schools to relevant resources available to them as part of the IH network.
Ongoing Support
IH inspections are not isolated events. Support is available before, during, and after the inspection, as we recognise that quality assurance is a never-ending commitment to excellence.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, we have plans to develop toolkits for specific areas identified through inspection trends and outcomes. These ready-to-use toolkits will support schools in addressing common challenges and finding swift, effective solutions. We recognise the wealth of excellence within its network, and the enhanced inspection scheme will help showcase and amplify that excellence. The aim is to create opportunities for IH schools to learn from and inspire each other, strengthening the network as a whole.