The British School of Bahrain celebrates 30 years of nurturing young minds and driving educational innovation.
Marking its 30th anniversary, The British School of Bahrain (BSB) has long been recognised for delivering quality education in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built campus. Across its Infant, Junior, and Senior Schools, BSB nurtures young individuals by fostering Academic Excellence and values while developing their sporting and artistic talents.
A commitment to holistic education and community engagement has solidified BSB’s place as one of Bahrain’s leading educational institutions.
As part of the Inspired Education Group—a global network of over 118 premium schools educating more than 95,000 students—BSB’s approach to student enrichment combines international best practices with a celebration of individuality.
This focus has earned the school a spot among the Top 150 Private Schools worldwide and the Top 15 in the Middle East, according to the Carfax Global School Index. In 2024, BSB was rated “Outstanding in All Areas” by both the British Schools Overseas (BSO) and Bahrain’s Education & Training Quality Authority (BQA).
As the school embarks on its third decade of excellence, Head Teacher Liz Stanley reflects on the school’s journey and the milestones that have shaped its reputation.
As BSB marks its 30th anniversary, how does this milestone reflect on the school’s journey and its significance to the community?
Celebrating 30 years is about honouring our legacy and vibrant community. With over 90 nationalities and nearly 2,800 students, our diversity is at the heart of who we are. We cherish fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the local community.
This milestone isn’t just about reflecting on the past; it’s also about looking to the future. While we celebrate the achievements of our alumni and our academic successes, we are focused on innovation. We want to ensure our students are ready for the future by introducing initiatives like the Inspired AI platform and Inspired Metaverse.
This year, we are launching a significant campaign to provide 10,000 children worldwide with access to a BSB education. This initiative honours our journey while giving back. Our community will play an essential role in creating effective learning opportunities for children globally.
The Nsouli Scholars Programme is also returning with its ground-breaking global initiative, offering full scholarships to extraordinary students for the duration of their education to Inspired’s prestigious schools. This initiative, honouring Nadim Nsouli, who founded Inspired in 2013, reflects Inspired’s commitment to transforming lives by empowering the next generation of leaders.
The programme provides full coverage of day or boarding fees for students starting in September 2025, in addition to the 2,200 scholarships and bursaries already available globally across Inspired’s schools. This comprehensive scholarship not only aims to nurture academic excellence but also to promote personal development through Inspired’s holistic focus on academics, sports, and the performing and creative arts.
What innovative approaches or programmes have played a significant role in maintaining such a high standard of education over the years?
BSB evolves constantly, drawing strength from its place within the Inspired Education Group’s global network of 118 schools. This collaboration drives innovation and enhances student outcomes.
Early years follow the Reggio Emilia philosophy, fostering curiosity and a love for learning, supported by a newly refurbished Infant building. Technology plays a vital role, with Inspired AI boosting maths results and virtual reality expanding learning beyond the classroom.
Student well-being is a priority, with a 360-degree support system and mental health ambassadors. BSB’s success lies in staying globally connected, innovative, and focused on enriching the student experience.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the school as it continues to grow and evolve?
Academic excellence remains our priority, with a strong focus on expanding music, performing arts, and sports to enrich the holistic curriculum. Our goal is to position BSB as a leading centre of excellence in Bahrain and the region.
Well-being and inclusivity are equally vital, especially post-Covid, as mental health challenges grow. Embedding well-being across all areas ensures lasting impact.
A supportive culture is key—when staff, students, and parents feel valued, success follows. By fostering a positive environment, we enable innovation, growth, and the confidence to take risks. Building and nurturing this culture remains my top focus.
What do you think has been the most significant factor in securing a spot among the Top 150 schools worldwide?
Excellence is our constant goal, with a commitment to refining practices and adopting global best standards as part of Inspired Global Group. This dedication drives outstanding academic results, consistently surpassing international averages. Offering a broadrange of subjects ensures steady academic pathways to top universities in the world. Our recognition among the top 15 private schools in the Middle East and the Top 150 globally reflects our academic success and holistic approach.
Beyond academics, we pursue excellence in music, performing arts, and sports, competing regionally and developing high-performance programmes. Our culture of innovation and continuous improvement ensures we remain adaptable and forward-thinking, securing our place as a globally recognised leader in education.
How important are extracurricular activities in shaping well-rounded students, and what unique opportunities do you offer?
Our extracurricular excellence is driven by passionate, creative teachers who collaborate and inspire innovation. I focus on fostering a culture where staff feel confident to try new ideas, encouraging students to engage and grow.
Our students have the opportunity to participate in the Inspired Global Exchange Programme as well as unique summer camps offered by Inspired.
A holistic approach is key to British education. We expose students to diverse subjects, nurturing creativity, athleticism, and a love for the arts alongside academics. A thriving society needs innovators, not just academics.
At BSB, we personalise extracurricular activities to reflect students’ interests, developing well-rounded, confident individuals prepared for the future and the evolving demands of the creative economy.
