Over the past few days, we were pleased to welcome the CIS (Council of International Schools) visiting team to H-FARM International School as part of our accreditation journey. I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to our visitors for the time, care and professionalism they brought to their work and to our students, staff and parents for the warm welcome and openness you showed throughout.
During their visit, the CIS team spent time across the school getting a real sense of day-to-day life at H-FARM. They visited learning spaces, observed classes, reviewed key documentation and, most importantly, spoke with students, teachers, support staff and parents to understand our culture, our values and how we work together as a community.
While we will receive more detailed feedback in the next stage of the process, the team repeatedly commented on several strengths they experienced during their time with us.
A culture of caring relationships and inclusion
Students of all ages spoke about the high quality of relationships with their teachers, and parents confirmed the strong emphasis adults place on care and support. The visiting team also noted a strong sense of inclusion within the student community, with shared expectations around respectful behaviour and mature dialogue that promote wellbeing, safety and belonging.
Strong wellbeing and safeguarding systems
The team highlighted the structured, tiered approach to supporting student wellbeing, including access to counselling and external professionals when needed. They also noted that leaders and teachers actively welcome feedback that supports the well-being of everyone in the community, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding and care in everyday practice.
A clear educational direction and strong alignment with the IB
The visiting team recognised that our vision, mission and 6 Dimensions of Success are well aligned with the lived curriculum, as well as co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities. They also observed a strong commitment to IB frameworks across the school, supporting a balanced curriculum for different age groups and an internationally-minded education that builds understanding of languages, cultures and global issues.
Visible progress in language learning and learning support
In particular, the team noted evidence of improvements in English learning in the Primary School through a multi-faceted approach, including a stronger focus on reading and improved library resourcing. They also highlighted effective tiered support for SEN, EAL and the use of individual plans to meet specific students’ needs.
Student agency, innovation, and “future-forward” learning
Across campus, the team saw many explicit and implicit messages about a future-focused education. They highlighted student agency and innovation, especially in the Middle School, through ambitious projects such as the Personal Project and Acceleration Lab, alongside pathways for students to develop ideas and passions across many areas of school life.
A growing, improving boarding experience
Boarding students described an inclusive and caring environment where adults are trusted and intentional about helping new students settle in. The team noted strong induction and inclusion practices, a clear focus on wellbeing (including counselling support) and improving safeguarding and communication systems, including tools that help keep parents informed and connected. They also recognised structured medical provision, clear emergency procedures and ongoing plans to further develop boarding.
We are grateful for the thoughtful conversations that took place and for the opportunity to reflect on our practice through an international lens, ready for our next steps as a community. CIS accreditation is ultimately about continuous improvement, celebrating what we do well and identifying meaningful next steps so we keep growing as a school.
Thank you again for your trust, your engagement, and your partnership. We will share further updates and key outcomes with our community as the accreditation process continues.