Ben Turner
Principal
Welcome to the British International School Budapest, a vibrant, warm community with a strong and well-deserved reputation.
At BISB, we're proud of our excellent academic results and university destinations. However, we're equally proud of achieving these results alongside the development of the skills and dispositions necessary to thrive in our exciting and rapidly changing world.
Learning at BISB values the acquisition of knowledge and academic skills alongside the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships; work collaboratively; communicate effectively; demonstrate care and kindness; maintain personal wellbeing; and assume responsibility. It's through these principles that we ensure our students are equipped to make an impact on the world around them. As you browse through our website and social media, you'll see this rich student experience come to life.
Our campus has first-class facilities in a central location. Our teachers are dedicated, skilled, and committed professionals. Furthermore, our continued professional development ensures that our teachers remain at the forefront of educational practice and provide a world-class experience.
I encourage you to contact us to arrange a visit, where you'll experience our school first-hand.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 40 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
Number of students
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1045
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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70
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Most common nationality
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Hungarian and British
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Ratio of local students to international students
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1:4
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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French, Spanish, German, Hungarian, Chinese
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Max. number of students per class
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22
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Average number of students per class
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18
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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Students in Primary school have their own iPad for use in school in every classroom. Secondary students receive ICT lessons, with the fully resourced ICT suites being made available before school, during break times and after-school if the students wish to use it for independent guided study.
Classrooms throughout the school are fully equipped with interactive whiteboards, digital cameras, projectors, individual workstations, laptops and iPads.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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Our Virtual School Experience is available to all students during times of emergency. This is a full programme of lessons, teaching and activity via the internet meaning the school can move seamlessly from teaching in school to teaching online when necessary.
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External examinations or assessments available
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IB Diploma, IGCSE
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Results in these examinations
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IBDP Results 2024
- BISB Average points 34 against the world average of 30.32
- 24% of our students achieved 39 points or more
- BISB pass rate 99% against a global average of 80%
IGCSE Results 2024
- 93% A*- C, 9-4 grades
- 60% A*/A, 7-9 grades
- 3 of our students achieved 11 A*/9 grades
- 37% of our students achieved at least 8 A*/A, 7-9 grades
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes
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Approximate hours of homework given
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Depends on the subject and grade level.
A general guide is that tasks should be twenty minutes per subject for Year 7, rising to forty minutes per subject for Year 9. Longer tasks might require a longer period in which to complete them but it is expected that students in Year 9 are working to a maximum of two hours per night.
Students in the (I)GCSE programme (Years 10 and 11) are set homework tasks that may involve devoting additional weekend time to personal study. In addition to short specific tasks, some homework assignments may be part of longer research or project work. Students studying the IB diploma will have more homework set in accordance with the recommendations from the International Baccalaureate.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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100%
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Learning Support
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Learning support offered
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This can range from in-class support to lessons where the student spends time with the Learning Support team.
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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Students are offered accelerated learning in Mathematics and Science. Those aiming for Oxbridge are supported with interviews and specialist help with their application with our Careers and University Guidance Counsellor.
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Student access to education psychologist
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Yes
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Entry evaluation for students
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CAT4 Assessment and interviews.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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Early Years - KS1 (3-5-year-olds): Children will be assessed by attending an observational visit to the classroom or sending a video of certain aspects of the child's behaviour
KS2 (5-10-year-olds): Students will be assessed by an online cognitive ability test and an English assessment if English is not their first language. All students will need some English. The level of English proficiency required increases with age.
KS3 (11-13-year-olds): Students will be assessed by an online cognitive ability test and an English assessment if English is not their first language. A reasonable proficiency in English is required by all students.
KS4 (14-15-year-olds): Students need to be proficient in English. All students will be assessed by an online cognitive ability test and an English assessment if English is not their first language.
Sixth Form (16-18-year-olds): Students need to be fluent in English. All students will be assessed by an online cognitive ability test, an English and Mathematics assessment plus subject-specific assessments. Each student will also be interviewed by the Head of Secondary.
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Waiting list
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In some year groups, there is a waiting list.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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No deadline. We have rolling admissions.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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In most year groups if there is space this is possible.
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School start time
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Early Years: 8:15
KS1-KS4: 8:40
Sixth Form : 8:40
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School finish time
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Early Years: 15:15
KS2: 15:30
KS3-KS4: 15:35
Sixth Form: 15:35
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Supervised care before/after school
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We provide extracurricular activities only.
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School bus service available
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Yes
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School provided lunches
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Yes
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes
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Uniform required
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Yes
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Facilities at the school
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Science Labs, Theatre, Library, Sixth Form Room, Art studios
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Sports facilities at the school
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2 Astroturf pitches, outdoor and indoor basketball courts.
3 large gymnasiums for indoor training including gymnastics, rock climbing, volleyball and trampolining.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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The British International School Budapest is a caring, multicultural community where the development of the intellect is complemented by the pursuit of personal and interpersonal growth. We have the most up to date facilities in the city of Budapest and an outstanding reputation for high-quality education. Students at BISB are empowered to aspire to excellence, cultivate responsibility and to act with integrity. The school embraces diversity and nurtures ambition in every student.
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Teaching approach of the school
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The British International School Budapest consistently delivers the best educational results within the city and offers a Global Campus that provides high quality learning with an international perspective. We have outstanding teachers who work with each student to help them achieve the best they can.
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Early Years and Primary | Ages 3-11
At our international kindergarten in Budapest, we teach the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Our play-based programme nurtures creativity and curiosity, and inspires our children to imagine, investigate, and discover. Guided by our specialist early childhood educators – and learning in dedicated, age-appropriate spaces – our children hit their seven EYFS curriculum milestones.
Divided into Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, our primary curriculum expands our students’ core Mathematics, English, and scientific skills, as well as nurturing their personal, social, and physical development. Our children learn to express themselves, solve problems, and apply knowledge in a practical way, as we introduce specialist subjects – including music, languages, and art – through exciting themes and topics.
Secondary | Ages 11-16
Our secondary curriculum is split into two phases: Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (IGCSEs). Developing critical thinking and analytical skills – as well as the ability to communicate ideas – our students take control of their learning as they specialise in their chosen IGCSE subjects. Energised by exciting opportunities beyond the classroom, your child will become a confident, independent learner, ready for the challenges of the IBDP.
IB Diploma | Ages 16 to 18
The leading International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Budapest, our prestigious Diploma Programme opens doors to the best universities in the world. Your child will complete three core programme elements and specialise in six IB programme subject areas. This provides a broad and balanced education that develops the skills our students need for a bright future.
The IB Diploma Programme is a comprehensive, two-year course for 16 to 18-year-olds. It’s unique because it isn’t based on a particular national education system; instead, it provides a balance between global experiences and academic specialisation. This develops the skills required by the world’s leading universities and employers.
Our Campus
Your child will love learning on our campus, with its spectacular views of Buda Hills and tranquil natural surroundings. Here, exceptional teachers deliver life-changing experiences and academic excellence in state-of-the-art sports facilities, performing arts spaces, classrooms, and labs. Innovation flourishes, too, thanks to the latest education technology (EdTech), which plays a pivotal role in every child’s journey.
Check out the facilities in this interactive virtual tour.