Nobel Algarve Lagoa Achieves Council of British International Schools

Nobel Algarve British International School Lagoa is proud to announce that it has successfully met the standards required for Council of British International Schools (COBIS) Compliance Member school status, marking an important milestone in the school’s continued development and commitment to international best practice. 

COBIS is a globally recognised and respected organisation supporting British international schools and promoting high standards in areas including education, safeguarding, governance and student wellbeing. Achieving Compliance status means that Nobel Algarve Lagoa has undergone a rigorous external review against these standards and been recognised as highly achieving against all of the above, following a comprehensive evaluation in June. 

The assessment provides valuable external recognition of the systems, standards and practices that underpin the educational experience at Nobel Algarve Lagoa. In particular, the report highlights the school’s strong focus on safeguarding, the recruitment of appropriately qualified and experienced staff, and its commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment for students. 

The achievement also reflects the significant progress made over the past year as the school continues to develop its vision of One School, uniting both the National and International Sections under shared goals and ethos. The COBIS team noted the way in which both sections have increasingly worked together, including through the introduction of a common timetable, creating more opportunities for students from both sections to interact and strengthening relationships across the school community.

For families considering an international education in the Algarve, COBIS Compliance provides an additional point of confidence. It demonstrates that Nobel Algarve Lagoa has been independently assessed against recognised standards for British international schools, while continuing to develop its distinctive bilingual and international model, providing the best of a British education in a truly multinational, international environment.  

The report describes the school as being at the beginning of a “new era” of stability under its new Head of School, Ian Walker, recognising the enthusiasm and determination of students, staff and parents with the direction the school is now taking. 

With COBIS Compliance valid for five years and the next quality assurance check scheduled for 2031, this achievement represents both recognition of the progress already made and an important foundation for the school’s continued growth and ambition. We look forward to taking the next steps together, and to continuing to watch Nobel Algarve Lagoa grow.  
 
Commenting on the award, Head of School, Ian Walker, said: 
"I am delighted that we have been able so quickly to make the type of progress required to achieve this status. This says so much about the effort and skills of colleagues right across the team, and about the relationship with our families. It is an honour to work with them all. When we add this award to the summer’s strong achievements at GCSE and A-Level, we can be confident that we are building a very solid platform for future growth and success here in Lagoa. I am determined that our current and future students will benefit from that growth and success."