At the Junior Duke, we believe that education should help young people become not only successful learners, but also kind, resilient, creative and responsible citizens. Developing these qualities has always been at the heart of what we do, which is why we are proud to have sponsored the recent Council of British International Schools (COBIS) Student Achievement Awards.
The awards recognise students across the global COBIS network who have made an exceptional contribution to their schools and communities. Each year, schools nominate students of any age who have demonstrated qualities such as leadership, resilience, creativity, kindness and a commitment to causes that matter, including sustainability, community service and social responsibility.
These are qualities that resonate deeply with Junior Duke's mission. Through our programmes, we encourage young people to step outside their comfort zones, embrace challenges, develop life skills and discover the positive impact they can have on the world around them. The COBIS Student Achievement Awards celebrate exactly these attributes in action.
The reach of the awards continues to grow. During the 2024/25 academic year, 136 schools nominated students, with 358 young people receiving certificates in recognition of their achievements. This year, participation increased significantly, with 173 schools nominating students and 459 students receiving awards.
We are delighted that our sponsorship helps ensure the awards remain free for schools to enter, making it possible for more students to be recognised and celebrated for the difference they make.
What makes this initiative particularly special is that it extends beyond recognition. A significant proportion of the sponsorship funding is donated to Cool Earth, a charity working to protect rainforests by partnering directly with Indigenous and local communities.
Cool Earth supports the people who live in rainforest regions, helping them protect their forests while improving their quality of life. Donations fund practical initiatives including education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods and forest protection. By addressing the root causes of deforestation, this approach helps preserve vital ecosystems, protect biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions. You can find our more about the charity here: https://www.coolearth.org
For us, this creates a powerful connection between celebrating young people and supporting a more sustainable future. It reflects the belief that individual actions matter and that positive change often begins at a local level before creating a wider global impact.
One of the most rewarding aspects of sponsoring the awards is hearing from schools about what the recognition means to their students. As one school recently shared:
“We truly appreciate the opportunity for our students to be recognised through the COBIS Student Achievement Awards. It is wonderful to see their efforts and achievements celebrated alongside students from so many schools worldwide.
Thank you also for the meaningful charitable contribution made to Cool Earth on behalf of the nominated students. This is a thoughtful initiative that we greatly appreciate.”
At the Junior Duke, we know that character development is not measured solely by grades or examination results. It is demonstrated through perseverance when things are difficult, empathy towards others, the confidence to lead and the determination to make a positive difference.
The students recognised through the COBIS Student Achievement Awards embody these values every day. We are honoured to support an initiative that celebrates their achievements while contributing to a cause that benefits communities and the environment around the world.
Congratulations to all of this year's nominees and award recipients. We are delighted to be continuing our sponsorship for the 2026/27 academic year and look forward to celebrating many more inspiring young people in the years ahead.
