Millburn Primary School honoured by British Council International Award for 'exceptional work in global education'
A Coleraine primary school has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to ‘bring the world into the classroom’.
Millburn Primary School received the award which celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in global education.
Bringing an international dimension into the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.
The 2026 award ceremony took place in Westminster on February 2 and was attended by MPs and representatives from schools around the UK.
Millburn PS is the only primary school in the UK to serve as a hub for the Confucius Institute, a partnership that brings Mandarin language learning and Chinese cultural education directly into the classroom.
Pupils engage in lessons, workshops and celebrations, including Chinese New Year events, and have the opportunity to explore global cultures in a hands-on way.
The school’s international programme also includes Spanish language teaching from primary four upwards, a Spanish club and collaborative links with schools in Germany and Spain.
Through video calls, letters and postcards, pupils experience the purpose and excitement of learning languages while developing cross-cultural awareness and communication skills.
Millburn PS International Languages Coordinator Ian Gilchrist said: "It’s huge for us. It’s fantastic to be recognised at Westminster and to put Millburn on the map, but the real reason we do this is for the kids – to give them the opportunity to see the world from the classroom, learn languages and gain confidence in new cultures.
"We pride ourselves on having confident, creative, and curious pupils.”
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: "Millburn has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad.
"The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work bringing the world into their classrooms. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with upmost pride that we celebrate their achievements.
"By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, Millburn is preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and is creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.’