About us

The British Association of Independent Schools with International Students’ mission is to champion support for international students.

BAISIS defines and shares best practice in academic and pastoral provision for international students in British independent schools and English medium schools globally.

Value of membership:
  • As part of the Boarding Schools’ Association Group, BAISIS’s expertise in academic and pastoral provision for international students is supported by the reputation, strength and passion of Abitas Group
  • A meaningful network with professionals in the field of international education globally
  • Sharing best practice on academic and pastoral matters regarding international students
  • A comprehensive programme of training and development courses specifically tailored to the needs of staff working with international students, accredited by the BSA
  • Regular webinars on academic and pastoral support of international students
  • Annual conference at reduced rates for members
  • Termly meetings followed by free CPD sessions

Schools Membership fee: £695 per annum (50% reduction for BSA Members)

  • Information sharing networks between staff in member schools
  • Mentoring and development support for those with new international programmes
  • A listing on the BAISIS website and use of the BAISIS logo as a recognised marque of commitment to quality academic and pastoral provision for international students
  • Free use of approved agents, guardians and pre-sessional agreements
  • Sharing market and agent knowledge to help with marketing and recruitment
  • Communicating updates, invitations and discounts from our partner organisations
  • Part of a lobbying group on relevant issues through membership of the All Party Parliamentary Group for International Students and links with the UK Government

10 reasons to become a BAISIS member

BAISIS in numbers

25
Years of service
145
Member schools
30
Supporting members
8
Partners
59
Training events per year

Executive team

Bethan Hudson MTIOB

Executive Director, Consultancy and Director, BAISIS (Maternity)

Bethan is Director of BAISIS and leads on all consultancy and INSET services across Abitas Group as Executive Director, Consultancy. Before joining BSA in 2017, Bethan was a pastoral lead and houseparent, in state and independent, co-educational and girls’ and UK and international schools. Bethan is a keen advocate for youth opportunity and social mobility worldwide and believes confident, well trained, and supported practitioners can be a positive force for young people and their development.

Claire Scrimgeour

Business Support Manager (Maternity)

Claire joined the group in 2021 and has extensive financial and administrative experience making her well-placed to support core business functions and projects across the group.

Jess McArdle

Boarding and Education Services Manager (Maternity)

Jess joined in April 2022 as a Business Support Executive, bringing with her a wealth of experience from diverse industries. With a background in the entertainment sector, Jess spent nine years working in various roles across cruise lines, holiday parks, and television. This period honed her skills in customer service, project management, and creative problem-solving, making her adept at navigating fast-paced environments.

Emily Smith

Finance and Administration Executive (Maternity)

Emily joined in March 2023 as Finance and Administration Executive. Emily has a background in finance, administration and early years education, making her well placed to support our members.

Ella Waddington

Business Support Executive

Ella has a background in finance and credit control, as well as a degree in English Language and Communication. In her previous role, she received the Bathroom Manufacturer Association’s 30 Under 30 Award in recognition of her contributions to the industry.

Geri Pick

Business Support Executive

Geri joined in January 2026 and has 10+ years experience in administration, accounts and logistics. A year of that was running her own business as a Virtual Assistant.

Become a member school, supporting member or partner.

Together, we can define and share best practice in academic and pastoral provision for international students.