The rationale

The British Government, aware that there are very many schools outside of the UK that describe themselves as “British”, decided to set up a voluntary inspection system for such schools. The results of such an inspection would, if an inspection visit was successful, give re-assurance and information to parents looking for a British-style education outside of UK borders. It tests also how well students are prepared for the potential of further education in the United Kingdom.

The benefits of BSO for schools and parents

• The BSO system gives an extra level of assurance to parents and the school, from a body that is external to BSME
• Schools may use the inspection report in their public relations processes
• Schools that have undergone a BSO inspection will have their inspection reports listed, on a dedicated page of the DFE web-site, with access for parents and others, to the full inspection report