British Council celebrates contribution of partner schools

The British Council brought together school leaders from across Bangladesh at its annual “Partner Schools Principals' Meet 2026”, celebrating the contribution of schools and educators and recognising outstanding practice across its growing partner schools network.

Held at Sheraton Dhaka, the flagship gathering welcomed principals and senior representatives from more than 210 partner schools in Bangladesh, alongside representatives from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA, said a press release.

The network forms a core part of the British Council’s exams and qualifications delivery in Bangladesh.

Scott McDonald, chief executive of the British Council, joined the event as part of his visit to Bangladesh, underlining the country's importance within the global partner schools network and the role of educators and schools in strengthening long-term educational and people-to-people connections between Bangladesh and the UK.

The evening also featured the British Council Partner Schools Awards 2026, recognising schools’ outstanding practice in six categories: Climate Action, Digital Learning Excellence, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Leadership in Teaching, Safeguarding, and Wellbeing.

Entries were assessed by independent judging panels against standardised criteria following submissions from participating schools.

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Scott McDonald said, “Tonight we get to celebrate the schools that came out on top. But I’d encourage everyone in this room, whether you’re collecting an award tonight or not, to feel proud of the standard this network has set for itself. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted and recognised tonight. Thank you for trusting the British Council as your partner. And thank you, most of all, for the work you do for your students, long after this evening ends.”

Zunayed Ahmed, head of market at British Council Bangladesh, said, “Our Partner Schools are much more than centres where international qualifications are delivered. They are a community of educators who are constantly learning, innovating and sharing good practice, and the Principals' Meet gives us an important opportunity each year to listen to that community and recognise their achievements.”

“This year's awards reflect some of the priorities that matter most to schools today–from excellent teaching and responsible use of digital learning to safeguarding, inclusion, climate action and student wellbeing. We want to continue working alongside our partner schools so that this network becomes an even stronger platform for collaboration, professional development and educational leadership in Bangladesh,” he added.

The Principals’ Meet also gave school leaders space to discuss issues shaping the future of education, including, artificial intelligence and its implications for teaching, learning and assessment; pathways to international higher education; school leadership and innovation; holistic education and student wellbeing; and stronger collaboration between schools.

The programme included a Q&A session with Scott McDonald, British Council Bangladesh Country Director Stephen Forbes, and Zunayed Ahmed as well as an update on the Continuing Professional Development programme, and a session on social and emotional learning.

The annual Principals' Meet is the British Council's primary opportunity each year to thank and engage its Partner Schools community in Bangladesh, recognise achievement and create opportunities for school leaders to exchange experience and ideas.