For more than 20 years, Schule Schloss Salem has been a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), a global community of schools and universities whose aim is to educate for intercultural competence and global citizenship. In October 2020, the Salem management team agreed to seek international accreditation with CIS. After two reporting phases, a community survey and a preparatory visit, the final accreditation visit of nine peer evaluators took place, on site, at the end of November 2024. During an intense week, these CIS representatives completed a busy programme of meetings, visits, events and observations, reporting on standards in nine areas of school operation and organization. 

Following a process of independent report verification, we received confirmation of accreditation status at the end of January, an achievement of which the entire school community can be very proud. Feedback highlights the quality of teaching, professionalism in the Services, the warmth and care for our students in the boarding school and the helpfulness and flexibility of our support staff. The eloquence, initiative and social skills of our students is also highly praised. In addition, the final report contains a number of recommendations that will be incorporated into a cycle of school development, leading to reaccreditation in 5 years time.

Thank you to all colleagues who have contributed to the accreditation process. CIS representatives experienced Salem as an authentic, dynamic and caring place where a community of committed, enthusiastic and competent teachers and learners live and work together. The Chair of the visiting team was particularly touched by his conversations with students and concluded his report, quoting from one of them:

“This school changes you, it changes every single part of you. When you leave this school, every part of you is changed and you are not the person you were when you come here. That is Salem”.