International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM)
Building confidence through continuous school improvement
What is the International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM)?
EDT’s International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM) is an inspection and accreditation process that helps international school leaders move beyond compliance to embed lasting improvement in their schools.
When your school is awarded with ISQM accreditation, this demonstrates that it has shown high standards of student achievement, an effective curriculum and use of resources, a successful leadership team, and strong partnerships with parents and the community. But it doesn’t end there: ISQM provides continued advice and support beyond inspection, helping you to make sustained improvements over time.
Why choose the International Schools Quality Mark?
Assurance for parents and the community
ISQM accreditation gives parents and the community confidence that your school has been judged by independent evaluators to meet rigorous quality standards.
Continued advice and support beyond inspection
We do not just accredit your school and disappear, but instead offer continued advice and support, helping your school to build on its strengths and address areas for improvement.
Cost-effective way to demonstrate quality
We offer excellent value for money through our continuous support and the quality of our team.
Proven track record in international school inspection
We have long experience in international education contexts, including supporting high-quality and sustainable school improvement.
What does the process look like?
Frequently asked questions
What areas will my school be inspected in during an International Schools Quality Mark inspection?
During an International Schools Quality Mark inspection, your school will be inspected in the following areas:
- student achievement and progress
- student personal development
- teaching and learning
- curriculum
- support and guidance for students
- leadership and management
- partnerships with parents and the community.
Your school must be judged as effective in these areas to receive the accreditation.
How long does an International Schools Quality Mark accreditation last?
The International Schools Quality Mark is given for five years, during which you can display your school’s certificate of accreditation on the school premises and use the accreditation logo on school publications.
What happens after accreditation?
EDT continues to work with your school, providing ongoing advice and support with applying recommendations.
What makes EDT’s ISQM different to other accreditation bodies?
EDT offers a partnership approach, meaning:
- ongoing support before and beyond accreditation
- continued guidance to improve performance
- a focus on sustainable school improvement rather than one-off inspection.
What is the difference between BSO inspections and the International Schools Quality Mark?
BSO inspections are designed for international schools that offer a UK curriculum and who wish to demonstrate their alignment with standards in England. EDT is authorised by the UK’s Department for Education to carry out these inspections.
The International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM) is EDT’s own accreditation and school improvement framework, and is suitable for international schools seeking a whole-school quality mark. ISQM is aligned with BSO inspection to increase impact and reduce duplication, though a school can teach non-British curricula and be ISQM-accredited.
Let's work together
If you are interested in achieving EDT's International Schools Quality Mark, contact our school improvement team.
What is the International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM)?
The International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM) is an accreditation framework that helps education authorities and regulators to promote consistent quality and continuous improvement across schools. Based on international benchmarks and expectations found in leading inspection systems, ISQM gives you trusted evidence of a school’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Why do regulators recognise the International Schools Quality Mark?
Internationally benchmarked standards
ISQM is aligned with internationally recognised frameworks, such as Ofsted in England and Sor Mor Sor in Thailand.
Independent external review
Provides an independent assessment, giving you an objective view of school quality.
Supports transparency and accountability
Gives you greater confidence that schools are regularly evaluating their performance and taking action to improve it.
International expertise and trusted review process
Our experienced reviewers understand diverse international school contexts, supported by EDT’s 20+ years of inspections experience.
Frequently asked questions
What areas is a school inspected on during an International Schools Quality Mark inspection?
During an ISQM inspection, a school will be inspected in the following areas:
- student achievement and progress
- student personal development
- teaching and learning
- curriculum
- support and guidance for students
- leadership and management
- partnerships with parents and the community.
The school must be judged as effective in these areas to receive the accreditation.
What makes EDT’s International Schools Quality Mark different to other accreditation bodies
EDT offers a partnership approach, meaning:
- ongoing support before and beyond accreditation
- continued guidance to improve performance
- a focus on sustainable school improvement rather than one-off inspection.
What is the difference between British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections and the International Schools Quality Mark?
British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections are designed for international schools that offer a UK curriculum and who wish to demonstrate their alignment with standards in England. EDT is authorised by the UK’s Department for Education to carry out these inspections.
The International Schools Quality Mark (ISQM) is EDT’s own accreditation and school improvement framework, and is suitable for international schools seeking a whole-school quality mark. ISQM is aligned with BSO inspection to increase impact and reduce duplication, though a school can teach non-British curricula and be ISQM-accredited.