This May 9–11, Senior Consultant Jeremy Lewis joined more than 500 education leaders, school representatives, and exhibitors at the 44th annual Council of British International Schools Conference in London. Held at Convene 155 Bishopsgate, the event brought together members of the international school community for professional learning, meaningful dialogue, and collaboration. For Search Associates (SEARCH), the conference offered another valuable opportunity to deepen relationships with schools while gaining insight into the evolving priorities of international education.
Jeremy reflected on his first impressions:
Arriving at the conference venue on Saturday afternoon for early registration and set-up, I was immediately struck by the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Fellow exhibitors were busy unpacking materials and preparing their booths for the arrival of more than 500 conference attendees. While many displays were still taking shape, exhibitors and delegates alike gathered for the pre-conference dinner, an evening marked by warmth, conviviality, and the renewal of long-standing friendships and professional connections.
This year’s conference theme, Listen. Learn. Lead., framed discussions led by COBIS CEO Colin Bell, who emphasized the importance of intentional listening and the growing influence of student voice in shaping the future of international schools. Delegates, Jeremy among them, also heard from Frank Gardner, the BBC’s Security Correspondent, whose reflections on global conflict underscored the realities many international school communities continue to navigate. These conversations reinforced the importance of strong school leadership, resilience, and global awareness—areas where Search Associates continues to support schools through recruitment, leadership transitions, and strategic partnership.
Along with representing SEARCH in the Exhibitors Hall, Jeremy attended several workshops focused on leadership and school development. One particularly impactful session explored leadership transitions, with research showing that only 24% of respondents believed these transitions are managed effectively. The discussion highlighted how thoughtful onboarding and sustained professional support can strengthen school communities—an area closely aligned with Search Associates’ mission to help schools attract, support, and retain exceptional leaders.
On the conference’s final day, Jeremy attended sessions examining global recruitment trends and the future of learning in international schools. Discussions around educator mobility, shifting regional interest, and curriculum design offered valuable insights into how schools need to adapt to a changing educational landscape. For Search Associates, these conversations reaffirmed its role not only as a recruitment partner, but as a trusted resource helping international schools build thriving, future-focused communities.
Once again, COBIS delivered an exceptional platform for professional growth, collaboration, and connection—while reinforcing the importance of organizations like Search Associates in supporting the continued success of international schools worldwide.
