We are delighted to announce a major milestone for 8billionideas: our first-ever Champion School partnership with North Gate British School, Ajman for the International GCSE Global Skills Projects, launching in September 2026.
This marks the launch of the 8billionideas Champion Schools programme — a global initiative designed to bring real-world skills into formal education at scale.
Developed in partnership with OxfordAQA and 8billionideas, this qualification is designed to go beyond a traditional GCSE experience.
It responds to the growing need for students to not only achieve strong academic outcomes, but also develop the transferable skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Alongside academic learning, students will develop creativity, communication, collaboration, leadership and problem-solving skills through structured individual and group projects linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
OxfordAQA Chief Examiner Emily Cheffins explains: “Alongside strong academic foundations, students increasingly require the ability to think critically, collaborate effectively and apply their learning in meaningful ways. International GCSE Global Skills Projects brings these capabilities into a rigorous, accessible framework, representing an important evolution in how education prepares students for the future.”
At 8billionideas, we are committed to transforming education so learning is directly connected to the real world. North Gate British School is the first of many Champion Schools helping us deliver on that mission globally.
Tom Meakin, Headteacher at North Gate British School, said: “We are proud to be part of the first Champion School partnership with 8billionideas. This initiative reflects our belief that education must evolve to meet the demands of a changing world, ensuring students develop both academic strength and essential life skills.”
Find out more here:
https://oxfordaqa-lp.vercel.app/?utm_source=north_gate_british_school&utm_medium=parent_letter&utm_campaign=igcse_global_skills_projects_2026