British Council brings together leaders from over 210 partner schools
The British Council brought together principals and senior representatives from more than 210 partner schools across Bangladesh at its annual Partner Schools Principals' Meet 2026, recognising educators' contributions and outstanding school practices.
Held at Sheraton Dhaka, the event also welcomed representatives from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA, according to the press release.
The Partner Schools Network forms a core part of the British Council's delivery of examinations and qualifications in Bangladesh.
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British Council Chief Executive Scott McDonald attended as part of his visit to Bangladesh. His participation highlighted the country's importance within the global network and the role of schools in strengthening educational and people-to-people connections between Bangladesh and the UK.
The evening featured the British Council Partner Schools Awards 2026, recognising outstanding practice in six categories: Climate Action; Digital Learning Excellence; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Leadership in Teaching; Safeguarding; and Wellbeing.
Independent judging panels assessed entries against standardised criteria following submissions from participating schools.
"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," Scott said.
"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."
British Council Bangladesh Head of Market Zunayed Ahmed said the network provided a community for educators to learn, innovate and exchange good practice.
"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. The Principals' Meet gives us an important opportunity each year to listen to that community and recognise their achievements," he said.
"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."
The meeting gave school leaders opportunities to discuss artificial intelligence and its implications for teaching, learning and assessment, alongside pathways to international higher education.
Other topics included school leadership and innovation, holistic education, student wellbeing and stronger collaboration between schools.
The programme featured a question-and-answer session with Scott, British Council Bangladesh Country Director Stephen Forbes and Zunayed. It also included an update on the Continuing Professional Development programme and a session on social and emotional learning.
The British Council said the annual meeting was its principal opportunity to engage with and thank its partner schools in Bangladesh, recognise achievements and help school leaders exchange experiences and ideas.
