Education, Wimborne | Posted on February 9th, 2026 | return to news

Wimborne school receives national award for international education

A teacher from Allenbourn Middle School collected the British Council’s International School Award at a ceremony in the Houses of Parliament.

Allenbourn Middle School pupils have an awareness of life outside their school and hometown. This was proven recently when the school was awarded the British Council’s International School Award, recognising its exceptional commitment to bringing a global perspective into the classroom.

The award celebrates schools that go above and beyond in equipping young people with the cultural understanding and language skills necessary for a globalised world.

The ceremony took place at the Houses of Parliament on Monday 2 February, attended by Members of Parliament and educational leaders from across the UK.

Allenbourn has long-standing partnerships with the Felix Buhot School in Valognes and Collège George Desdevises du Dézert, Lessay, in Normandy. In 2025, the school hosted a visit from their French counterparts, allowing Year 8 pupils to meet their long-term pen pals in person for the first time.

Madame Carmen Diment, the school’s lead French teacher who has championed these links for 11 years, said: “These partnerships allow pupils to practise their language skills in a practical, fun and meaningful way. It sparks a genuine curiosity about other cultures; our pupils become eager to learn more simply because they want to communicate and connect with their peers abroad.”

The school’s global outreach extends beyond linguistics. Key initiatives include a popular Fair Trade fashion show, organised by Geography lead Roger Trim, and specialised English modules exploring identity and bilingualism through poetry.

Mark Legge, headteacher, said: “We are immensely proud to receive this recognition, which reflects the hard work and enthusiasm of our pupils and staff. At Allenbourn, we believe that understanding our place in the wider world is vital. This award validates our aim to foster curious, empathetic and globally minded citizens who are ready for the challenges of the future.”

Scott McDonald, chief executive of the British Council, said: “The school’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prestigious award. The International School Award is a great chance for schools to demonstrate the important work they’re doing to bring the world into their classrooms.”
To learn more about the school, visit allenbournmiddle.org.