If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.
If you talk to him in his own language,

that goes to his heart.

NELSON MANDELA

British Council International School Award - Accreditation Level 2026-2029

We are delighted to inform you that we have recently been awarded the Accreditation Level of the British Council's International School Award. This accomplishment reflects the school's dedication to integrating a diverse and imaginative array of international initiatives. We will be presented with a certificate and a plaque during the International School Award ceremony which is due to take place in the winter. You will also see the International School logo on our website, social media channels and other relevant communications. 

Feedback from the assessor -

Gwauncelyn Primary School has successfully satisfied the requirements for accreditation of the International School Award.

A strong commitment to internationalism and global learning is clearly integrated throughout the school curriculum. The Impact Evaluation is comprehensive and insightful. Students are developing attitudes and attributes associated with global citizenship, along with an appreciation for cultural diversity. They demonstrate motivation to learn foreign languages and exhibit curiosity about the wider world and their role within it, while also acquiring valuable life skills through direct engagement with peers from other countries.

You have two international partner schools Spain and Zambia) with whom the pupils have successfully carried out the three required collaborative activities. The Spanish partnership and the celebration of speaking in the Mother tongue has allowed for the language speaking element of this award to easily be achieved. 

The international page on your website provides information, photos and examples of pupils work which the assessor has found useful for this evaluation process. Well done and thank you. The local and wider communities have been actively involved with families sharing home languages, cultures and traditions enriching the diversity of the school community. 

Plans for the future include applying for further Erasmus + funding to enabling widening the international opportunities and gain additional partner schools.

Congratulations to the staff and pupils on an excellent impact evaluation. Good luck for all future endeavours. 

We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the British Council's International School Award Intermediate Level.

Feedback provided by the British Council 

"Gwauncelyn Primary School is deeply committed to developing global citizens and embedding internationalism in authentic and engaging ways across the curriculum. Your projects reflect a genuine enthusiasm for promoting intercultural understanding, pupil voice, and meaningful global learning. Your partnership with La Inmaculada Ikastetxea stands out as a strong, purposeful collaboration that has enabled your Year 5 pupils to explore their own identities while learning about life and language in the Basque region. The exchange of digital presentations and the live video call brought the experience to life for learners, fostering curiosity, empathy, and confidence. The attention given to mutual communication and shared learning between schools demonstrates a clear understanding of how to nurture international partnerships in a way that benefits both pupils and staff. Your wider international work is equally compelling. The deforestation project, in collaboration with Size of Wales, allowed pupils to engage with real global issues in meaningful ways. The opportunity to meet a Ugandan Fairtrade coffee farmer and participate in Youth COP 24 offered rich, real-world connections and inspired critical thinking about sustainability and fairness. It’s wonderful to see this learning influencing your school’s own choices, such as the changes to the school menu, and to know that pupils feel empowered to take action as a result of their learning. Your celebration of global festivals and International Mother Language Day added a joyful and inclusive dimension to your programme. These activities gave younger pupils a sense of pride in their heritage and a broader understanding of cultural diversity. The involvement of your Language Ambassadors and the contributions from parents enhanced the sense of community and brought further meaning to the learning experience. Whole-school assemblies, peer-led learning, shared performances, and curriculum links across year groups have ensured that the values of your international work have filtered through the school in tangible and lasting ways. We look forward to seeing how your international journey continues to grow."

Feedback provided by the British Council on the work we submitted for the Foundation Level International School Award

"Well done to everyone at Gwauncelyn Primary School for your hard work and for submitting a successful application for a Foundation Certificate. Your activity is very strong and is enhanced by being a whole school event. It sounds like you had a great day or two. You clearly are working to develop global understanding within your school and using language very much as a vehicle for achieving this. Good luck with your future work and well done."