International Teacher Training Conference 2026

In June 2026, new colleagues from across the NLCS family of schools gathered at North London Collegiate School in the UK for the annual NLCS International Teacher Training Conference. Bringing together staff from NLCS Dubai, NLCS Jeju, NLCS (Singapore) and NLCS Kobe, the three-day programme provided an opportunity for delegates to immerse themselves in the values, traditions and educational philosophy that underpin an NLCS education.

The conference plays an important role in preparing new staff for the start of the academic year, offering insight into the academic, pastoral and co-curricular experiences that define our schools, while fostering connections across our growing international community.

Day Two: Learning from Classroom Practice

Delegates participated in lesson observations, watched recorded lessons from across the NLCS International schools, and engaged in discussions with school leaders about what makes an exceptional classroom experience. Sessions explored the characteristics of excellent teaching, including pace, engagement, scholarship and high expectations, while separate Junior and Senior School pathways enabled delegates to consider age-specific approaches to learning and development.

Pastoral care remained a central theme throughout the day, with sessions highlighting the importance of strong relationships between teachers and students, and the role these connections play in supporting both wellbeing and academic success.

A particular highlight was the opportunity to hear directly from students. Through pupil voice discussions, question-and-answer sessions and conversations with House Captains and members of the Duty Team, delegates gained valuable insight into the student experience and the culture that makes each NLCS school unique.

The day concluded with school-specific reflection sessions, allowing delegates to discuss their learning with school leaders and begin considering how they will contribute to their own school communities in the months ahead.

Day Three: Preparing for the Journey Ahead

The final day brought together many of the key themes explored throughout the conference.

Delegates participated in sessions focused on the International Baccalaureate continuum, the IB Diploma Programme, pastoral care and wellbeing, boarding, cultural considerations and the parent experience. These discussions provided practical insight into life within each school while emphasising the shared principles and expectations that define an NLCS education worldwide.

As the conference drew to a close, delegates reflected on their experiences and considered how they would apply their learning when they begin their roles this September. The final plenary session celebrated the strength of the NLCS family of schools and the shared responsibility of delivering an exceptional educational experience for every student.

Looking Ahead

The NLCS International Teacher Training Conference is much more than a professional development programme. It is an opportunity for colleagues from across our schools to come together, learn from one another and develop a shared understanding of what it means to be part of the NLCS community.

By bringing new staff together before the start of the academic year, the conference helps ensure that students across our schools benefit from the same commitment to scholarship, ambition, pastoral care and educational excellence that has defined NLCS for generations.

We hope that the conference has both prepared and inspired our new colleagues for the exciting journey ahead. As they return to Dubai, Jeju, Singapore and Kobe, they do so as part of a connected global community, united by a shared vision and a commitment to providing the very best education for every student.

We wish all of our new colleagues every success as they begin the next chapter of their NLCS journey this September.