This edition of the SecEd Webinar will focus on how schools are using the International Baccalaureate (IB) to drive school improvement and achieve Ofsted success.
There are around 200 schools in the UK now offering IB programmes. We will hear from two multi-academy trusts that have embraced IB programmes across a number of their schools to impressive effect.
The webinar will look at the different programmes that are available at secondary level and why and how they have been adopted and implemented by our case study schools. We will offer advice and “lessons learned” for other schools.
We will look at how the IB programmes have been used to drive school improvement and achieve positive inspection outcomes. We will also consider how students and parents have responded.
This webinar is a must for any school or multi-academy trust curious about the IB programme and all that it can offer.

OUR WEBINAR PARTNERS
The International Baccalaureate is a leader in international education – developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. Its range of programmes empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast. Its programmes include the Primary Years Programme (3 to 12), the Middle Years Programme (11 to 16), the Diploma Programme (16 to 19), and the Career Related Programme (16 to 19). Visit https://ibo.org/programmes/

HOST
Pete Henshaw is the editor of SecEd and Headteacher Update and has specialized in education journalism for more than 20 years.

MEET OUR PANEL
Emma Smith is the founding principal, Leigh Academy Blackheath, an 11 to 18 comprehensive secondary school and International Baccalaureate World School that opened in the Royal Borough of Greenwich in 2018. Judged outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in December 2022, the school opened its post-16 provision in 2023 and offers the IB Middle Years Programme as well as the IB Diploma and career-related programmes post-16. Emma is a qualified art teacher and has held a number of deputy principal positions across schools within the Leigh Academies Trust. She is a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and has recently completed her National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership.

Julian Metcalf is headteacher of Dartford Grammar School in Kent, a 11 to 18 state-funded IB World School serving north west Kent and south east London. The school began offering the IB Diploma in 1996 alongside A levels, before introducing the IB Middle Years Programme in 2003 and moving to a sole IB offering post-16 in 2008. The school has been judged outstanding by Ofsted on five occasions, most recently in December 2022. Julian has formerly worked at the Skinners' School, for the Specialist Schools and Academies, and as UK Manager for the IB. He is currently a governor at the Skinners' Kent Academy and Primary Schools, the former offering the IB Career-Related Programme and the MYP, and a director at the IB Schools and Colleges Association.

Dianne Blackburn is an educational consultant working with schools across the world. She has extensive experience in pedagogical leadership, change management, and educator training. Dianne works for the International Baccalaureate as a lead educator and field representative. She is an MYP coordinator and principal examiner and is also chair and workshop leader for the IB Educator Network (IBEN). Dianne has worked with Leigh Academies Trust to support IB programme development through change management, particularly in areas such as structured inquiry.

THIS WEBINAR WILL ANSWER KEY QUESTIONS

What is the IB and what programmes does it offer?

Why might schools/MATs consider the IB?

How can the IB help state schools with their Ofsted outcomes?

Case study: How have IB programmes helped to drive school improvement and improve Ofsted outcomes?

Case study: What has been the response from students and parents to the IB ethos and approach?

Case study: What has been the impact of the IB on teacher wellbeing and retention?

Question & answer from the audience
• We will leave time for audience questions at the end of the webinar