The International School of Billund: From vision to global inspiration

Making everyday education motivating 

Many education systems recognise the value of play, but turning that belief into everyday teaching is far more challenging. Schools need approaches that balance curriculum goals with children's curiosity, creativity and wellbeing. The question was not why play matters, but how to make learning through play a meaningful and sustainable part of school life.

Exploring the how

Since ISB opened, we have worked closely with the school to explore what high-quality playful learning looks like in practice. Beginning in 2015, together with ISB and Harvard Graduate School of Education's Project Zero, we supported the Pedagogy of Play initiative. Teachers and researchers tested ideas, reflected on classroom practice and created tools and resources grounded in learning and teaching experiences.

A model in practice

Today, ISB stands as a living example of what long-term collaboration can achieve. Built on the rigorous educational framework of the International Baccalaureate, the school consistently achieves academic results on par with the global IB average while placing playful learning at the heart of education. More than 1,000 educators and decision-makers visit ISB each year to experience this approach in practice. The school's expansion in 2025, increasing capacity to 750 students, reflects continued investment in a pedagogical approach that is benefiting children locally while inspiring education systems globally.

Inspiring others

Creating lasting change in education takes more than research or funding alone. It requires trusted partnerships where schools, researchers and funders, public or private, learn together over time.  Working alongside ISB teachers, we have helped build evidence showing that children are most engaged when learning combines choice, wonder and delight, giving them opportunities to explore, ask questions, take ownership and experience the joy of discovery. These playful experiences help children develop not only academic knowledge, but also creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, agency and confidence.  The insights from this collaboration have informed practical tools and approaches that educators can adapt to their own contexts. What began as a shared vision in Billund has grown into an international source of inspiration, demonstrating how playful learning can motivate children and enrich teaching in classrooms around the world. 

1. Partner: The International School of Billund 

2. Partner since: 2013 

3. Geography: Denmark 

4. Collaborators: Harvard Graduate School of Education's Project Zero

5. Funding: DKK 659 million (EUR 88.2 million)