Willow School: Creating a world-class British international school with local values and culture

Willow School was founded by Sally Lassami and Serine Benatia, two dynamic women driven by a shared vision of providing a world-class education in Algeria. Serine, a mother and entrepreneur who recognised a significant gap in the education market, was motivated by her experiences living in Dubai and disheartened by the lack of English or British international schools in Algeria, she aspired to create an institution that would offer her child exposure to global standards while preserving Algerian cultural values.

Sally, with her extensive experience as an HR Chief executive at HSBC in Dubai, recognised the challenge of placing expatriate executives in Algeria due to the limited availability of suitable international schools.

Together, they embarked on a mission to create Willow School, aiming to broaden children’s horizons and provide
them with opportunities on an international scale. Navigating a global pandemic, trilingual learning, and attracting high quality teachers, Willow School was first founded in 2019, so the COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge in the school’s first year of operation. The sudden shift to online schooling was particularly difficult due to internet issues and parents’ unfamiliarity with this teaching method. Identifying and securing qualified teachers who could meet Willow School’s educational standards was also a significant challenge.

“We wanted a school that gave Algerian children exposure to the world and all its opportunities, but one that
retained local, national values and culture.” says Serine.

“Willow School’s biggest success story is our children who become fully trilingual - English, French, and Arabic - and achieve excellent academic results. During year-end school parties, parents often see their children perform plays in English, French, and Arabic, showcasing their language skills and cultural understanding. These performances are emotional moments for parents, who are proud to see their children excel in a trilingual environment.”

Strategies for making a new British curriculum international school a success story

• Integration of advanced technology – the school invests heavily in IT infrastructure, including smart boards and school management systems, as well as partnering with Pearson for their innovative qualification and assessment services, to enhance the learning experience.
• Professional development for teachers – investing in professional development opportunities for teachers has been crucial. Willow School provides ongoing training to enhance teachers’ skills and adapt to the diverse needs of students.
• Open communication channels – maintaining open lines of communication with parents and staff is essential. Willow School encourages feedback and collaboration to address any ongoing concerns, ensuring a transparent and responsive environment.
• Flexible recruitment strategies – to attract qualified educators, Willow School broadened its recruitment efforts, reaching out to international networks and educational institutions. This approach helped them find teachers who could meet their high standards.“We want to attract teachers who adhere to our ethics and high values. These are critical and non-negotiable. We provide ongoing training and development for our teaching staff, be it through Pearson or on-the-job training.“
• State-of-the-art facilities and extra-curricular activities – Willow School boasts state-of-theart buildings and school facilities, including a large playground, dance rooms, and spaces for extracurricular activities including judo, kickboxing, gymnastics, and dance. These activities contribute to the overall development of students and provide them with opportunities to explore their interests.
• An ongoing investment and commitment to student wellbeing – Willow School provides consistent monitoring and support for students. They have psychologists and speech therapists on staff to address the individual needs of students, ensuring a comprehensive approach to education.
• Partnering with Pearson – Willow School chose Pearson for its comprehensive curriculum that covers all key areas of education. Pearson’s wellstructured design supports both teacher training and student learning, ensuring that educators are equipped to deliver effective lessons. The recognition and standard of Pearson qualifications opens the door to international opportunities, preparing students for a globalised world and supporting Willow School’s vision/ Sally says, “Since we met the Pearson Regional Director, we have established a key milestone in our relationship with Pearson, who have provided superb first-class support. We are very pleased.”

In conclusion

Willow School’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and community support. By addressing challenges head-on and implementing innovative strategies, Sally Lassami and Serine Benatia, as co-founders and Managing Directors, have created a school that not only meets international standards but also honors Algerian cultural values. Their commitment to excellence and holistic education has made Willow School a beacon of hope and inspiration for parents and educators in Algeria.