UK Inspection in the European Schools

Tender description

The UK is a member of the European Schools (ES) system and signatory to the associated 1957 ES Convention. The aim of the ES system is to provide a free, multi-lingual education for the children aged 4 to 18 of individuals employed by the EU institutions. Such children (known as Category 1) total around 21,000, although there are a further 5,000 who attend by paying fees. There are currently around 1,200 UK pupils in the ES system, 900 of whom have Category 1 status. From September 2017 there will be 13 European Schools in six countries. The Department for Education (DfE) as part of its treaty obligations, has a requirement for the provision of two Inspectors to assess and maintain the quality of teaching within the ES system and the conduct and performance of UK seconded teachers within it. These Inspectors will also be required to represent UK interests by advising on the curriculum and all pedagogical matters.