BSME Response to Middle East Regional Tensions
The impact of recent regional events has been felt deeply across the BSME community and we know the immense pressure this is currently placing on school leaders, staff members, students and families. Our priority is to ensure that no member school navigates this period alone so we are also offering support to AoBSO, FOBISIA and COBIS member schools in the region, in addition to our own BSME members.
BSME is in direct contact with UK officials at the FCDO to advocate for the needs of the international school sector and ensure accurate, timely guidance is shared across our network.
We strongly encourage all schools and families to remain guided by local Government advisories for the most up-to-date, country-specific security information.
The UK's FCDO Travel Advice for your country will also provide:
- Real-time security assessments and travel guidance
- The ability to register your presence with UK authorities
- Direct links to embassy support and emergency protocols
BSME was founded on the principle of collaboration, and it is in times of crisis that the strength of our community network is most evident. We remain fully committed to facilitating the collaborative sharing of resources, supporting staff wellbeing, and advocating on your behalf.
Here are some resources that you may find useful in the coming hours, days and weeks:
- Talking to children about scary world events - Guidance from the Mental Health Foundation
- Things are feeling different - a story to help younger children and neurodivergent children identify their feelings and emotions and be reassured - produced by Edsidera and Widgit. This resource is also available in Arabic.
- Free webinar from Lighthouse Arabia - Navigating Distressing and Uncertain Times, at 16:00 (GST) on Tuesday, 3rd March. Access directly via this zoom link - no need to pre-register.
The safety and wellbeing of every individual within our member schools remains our highest priority. The BSME Team is available to provide direct assistance and we will continue to support our community through the days and weeks ahead. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time via support@bsme.org.uk.
Last Updated: 03/03/2026, 10:30AM GST