TEACHERS, principals and senior inspectors from Bulgaria are seeking to improve their education system by following the example of west Belfast.
A delegation from Sofia visited the area after a research project strongly endorsed the work of the West Belfast Partnership Board (WBPB).
The board has brought together 10 schools, community and other services into a network supported by the Education and Training Inspectorate.
Since 2013, the percentage of pupils entitled to free school meals achieving five or more GCSEs at grade A*-C including English and maths has risen significantly.
The Bulgarian delegation was joined by academics from Dublin City University (DCU) Institute of Education.
Dr Martin Brown from DCU said he was not surprised there was growing interest in west Belfast education.
"What really strikes me most is the highest commitment and willingness among all those involved in education in west Belfast to collectively work together for the greater good and from this, to share high-quality evaluation, teaching, learning strategies and resources," he said.
"This is an impact model of schools and community partnership that should be not only be used in Northern Ireland but in other areas of Europe and elsewhere."
