Berlin British School vs Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus

	B Berlin British School Berlin, Germany	B Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus Berlin, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €13,100 - 19,400	Fees / year €1,200 - 14,400
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), German Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), German Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English, German
Opened	Opened 1994	Opened 2003
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Berlin British School operates across three campuses in Berlin. The Early Years/Kita site is in Grunewald at Havelchausee. The Primary School is on Dickensweg 17-19, Berlin 14055. The Secondary School is located in the Grunewald area.	Location Rückerstraße 9, 10119 Berlin; Invalidenstraße 130, 10115 Berlin; Müggelheimer Damm 145, 12559 Berlin
Stages	Stages Early Years; Primary School; Secondary School	Stages Early Years; Primary School; Primary Years Programme; Secondary School; Secondary School Programme
School type	School type International school of British origin	School type Non-profit international school; IB World School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Academic & Social Emotional Support; English as an Additional Language; German Language Development
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British origin (UK)	Country affiliation Germany
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Early Years runs 50 weeks per year with morning care from 7:30 and after-school activities until 5:00pm. Secondary School day starts at 8:30 and ends at 16:00, with after-school clubs until 16:30. Primary School uses shuttle services between sites, with Primary⇄Early Years buses leaving around 8:30 and returning at 15:00, and Primary⇄Secondary buses leaving around 8:00 and returning at 15:30.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates its own shuttle service between the sites. Primary⇄Early Years buses leave around 8:30 and return around 15:00. Primary⇄Secondary buses leave around 8:00 and return around 15:30. The service also transports students to events and activities.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration fee - A one-off registration (Aufnahmeentgelt) is charged per child: EUR 2,750.00. Sibling reduction on the registration fee: EUR 550.00 for each additional sibling. The registration fee must be paid to secure a place and is stated as non‑refundable (exceptions for low‑income families are described under the income‑dependent rules). Tuition fees by school year (annual amounts; stated per stream) - Early Years (Kita / Early Years): - K1: EUR 13,100.00 per year. - K2: EUR 15,950.00 per year. - K3: EUR 15,950.00 per year. - Monolingual / International School (Ergänzungsschule) — annual tuition by year group: - Primary Grade 1 to Grade 5: EUR 16,600.00 per year. - Grade 6: EUR 17,600.00 per year. - Secondary Grade 7–8: EUR 17,600.00 per year. - Secondary Grade 9–10: EUR 18,500.00 per year. - Grade 11–12: EUR 19,400.00 per year. Tuition is described as covering exercise books, basic consumables, text books, SEN provision (subject to stated exceptions) and transport between sites/sporting facilities where applicable. - Bilingual / Ersatzschule (state‑recognized bilingual primary & state‑approved bilingual secondary) — annual tuition by year group: - Primary Grade 1 to Grade 5: EUR 16,300.00 per year. - Grade 6: EUR 17,250.00 per year. - Secondary Grade 7–8: EUR 17,250.00 per year. - Secondary Grade 9–10: EUR 18,100.00 per year. Tuition for this stream likewise includes specified basic materials and transport between sites/sporting facilities. Income‑dependent (means‑tested) fee option for Ersatzschule (where applicable) - For families opting for the income‑dependent Schulgeld (applicable to the Ersatzschule/bilingual stream), a separate schedule sets monthly Schulgeld amounts calculated by gross family income. The Schulgeld is described as an annual contribution charged in twelve monthly instalments, first falling due from the school‑year start on 1 August. The income bands and corresponding monthly amounts are set out in the Schulgeldordnung. Sibling discounts, reduced material charges and special arrangements for low‑income families are described in that schedule. Per‑term / instalment detail and how discounts apply - Annual tuition figures above are invoiced according to the invoice schedule; paying the entire annual tuition in one lump sum before the start of the academic year entitles the payer to a 2% deduction from the total annual tuition. For the income‑dependent Schulgeld the school specifies twelve monthly instalments with the first instalment from 1 August. Exact invoice due dates are shown on the invoice. Billing schedule and payment terms - The registration fee is payable before the first official school day to confirm a place. School tuition is due on the dates shown on the invoice. If the full annual tuition is paid in advance before the school year begins, a 2% discount on the annual total is permitted. Late payment incurs interest and administrative charges; the stated late payment interest rate is 5% per annum plus an additional administrative fee, and parents are liable for bank charges arising from late payment. Notification of withdrawal must be submitted in writing by a parent or legal guardian at least two months before the last day of the student's final term. All fees are described as non‑refundable except where specific income‑based crediting of the registration fee is applied under the income‑support rules. Examination and assessment fees - IGCSE examination fees are not included in tuition and are invoiced separately: EUR 1,625.00 (per candidate fee indicated). - IB examination fees are not included in tuition and are invoiced separately: EUR 2,725.00 (per candidate fee indicated). - For the bilingual/Ersatzschule stream, the German MSA (Mittlerer Schulabschluss) exam fees are included in the tuition where stated; international exam fees (IGCSE/IB) remain additional. Other costs and fees (typical additional charges) - Annual consumables / materials charges (where applicable to the Ersatzschule): - Primary (Grades 1–6): EUR 740.00 per year (due with invoice, by 01.09 at the latest). - Sekundarstufe I (Grades 7–10): EUR 920.00 per year (due with invoice, by 01.09 at the latest). These are charged as a pauschale (flat charge) for workbooks, stationery and other consumables; families eligible for income‑based reductions see reduced amounts in the income‑dependent schedule. - After School Care (Primary pupils): included in Early Years fees; for Primary pupils not in a paid club, supervised care is free until 16:00 Monday–Thursday; from 16:00–17:00 Monday–Thursday and on Fridays the current fee is EUR 7.50 per hour (or part thereof). After School Care is invoiced at the end of each term; late pick‑ups after 17:00 incur EUR 15.00 per 15 minutes. Charges for one‑to‑one learning support, excursions, music lessons, buses, lunches and many extracurricular programmes are billed separately by the providers. - School uniform: uniform items are purchased separately through the school's suppliers (Uniform Collection and School Directwear for school uniform; Sandogroup for sport uniform). Second‑hand uniform is sold periodically by the PTA; uniform costs vary by item and are paid to the supplier. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable for the Berlin British School's stated provision; the published information and school life pages describe day‑school services (Early Years, Primary, Secondary), after‑school care and transport but do not list boarding or boarding fees. Refund information and deposits - The registration (Aufnahmeentgelt) is described as non‑refundable in the general terms. School tuition payments are stated as non‑refundable. Under the income‑dependent rules there are specific provisions whereby, for families below certain gross income thresholds, the registration fee may be handled differently (for example the registration fee may be set at the level of the monthly Schulgeld or may be credited against the first year's Schulgeld for the lowest income band). Withdrawal notice requirements (in writing, at least two months before the last day of the pupil's final term) apply to contract termination. Fee payment options - The school specifies bank transfer (bank account details given on invoices). The stated account is with Deutsche Bank; the published IBAN for fee payments is DE93 1207 0000 0020 0626 00 and BIC DEUTDEBB160. No credit‑card payment method is listed in the published fee schedules; further payment methods are not specified in the fee documents. All payments should include the pupil name, invoice and account number on the transfer reference. Summary - Registration fee: EUR 2,750.00 per child (EUR 550.00 per additional sibling), stated non‑refundable with specified income‑support exceptions. - Annual tuition: Early Years K1–K3 and year‑group fees for Monolingual and Bilingual/Ersatz streams are listed above under the relevant headings. - Income‑dependent fee option exists for the bilingual/Ersatzschule with monthly Schulgeld bands and special reductions for low incomes and siblings. - Exam fees (IGCSE, IB) and many ancillary services (lunch, bus, extracurricular activities, music lessons, one‑to‑one support, trips) are billed separately. - Payments are required by invoice due dates; a 2% discount applies for full annual prepayment; late payments incur 5% p.a. interest plus admin charges. (End of fee overview.)	Fee details Application & Registration fees - Application (Anmeldegebühr): EUR 50 (one-off; charged when an applicant is invited to an entrance test). Exempt for families with a demonstrated gross annual income under EUR 30,000. - Registration / Admission fee (Aufnahmegebühr): EUR 1,200 (one-off; payable at contract signing). Reduced or exempt for families with lower incomes as specified by the school's fee rules. - Advance payment (Vorauszahlung): EUR 1,350 (one-off; payable at contract signing and credited against the final invoice at contract end). Families with demonstrated lower incomes may be exempt on application. Tuition fees by year group (monthly and annual amounts; income-based categories) - Tuition is charged as a monthly payment spread over 12 months. The table below shows the monthly charge followed by the equivalent annual charge (monthly × 12). Monthly amounts are shown per family gross-income bracket and by year group. - Year groups used by the school: - Klassen 1–6 (Primary) - Klassen 7–10 (Lower Secondary) - Abitur 11–12 (Upper Secondary, German Abitur track) - IB Diploma 11–12 (Upper Secondary, IB Diploma track) - Monthly / Annual (examples by income bracket): - Income from EUR 30,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 231 / year EUR 2,772; Klassen 7–10: EUR 252 / year EUR 3,024; Abitur 11–12: EUR 265 / year EUR 3,180; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 293 / year EUR 3,516. - Income from EUR 32,500: Klassen 1–6: EUR 274 / year EUR 3,288; Klassen 7–10: EUR 289 / year EUR 3,468; Abitur 11–12: EUR 301 / year EUR 3,612; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 327 / year EUR 3,924. - Income from EUR 35,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 357 / year EUR 4,284; Klassen 7–10: EUR 379 / year EUR 4,548; Abitur 11–12: EUR 398 / year EUR 4,776; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 414 / year EUR 4,968. - Income from EUR 37,500: Klassen 1–6: EUR 392 / year EUR 4,704; Klassen 7–10: EUR 422 / year EUR 5,064; Abitur 11–12: EUR 453 / year EUR 5,436; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 471 / year EUR 5,652. - Income from EUR 40,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 433 / year EUR 5,196; Klassen 7–10: EUR 575 / year EUR 6,900; Abitur 11–12: EUR 569 / year EUR 6,828; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 593 / year EUR 7,116. - Income from EUR 60,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 530 / year EUR 6,360; Klassen 7–10: EUR 689 / year EUR 8,268; Abitur 11–12: EUR 737 / year EUR 8,844; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 772 / year EUR 9,264. - Income from EUR 80,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 600 / year EUR 7,200; Klassen 7–10: EUR 828 / year EUR 9,936; Abitur 11–12: EUR 892 / year EUR 10,704; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 932 / year EUR 11,184. - Income from EUR 100,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 694 / year EUR 8,328; Klassen 7–10: EUR 950 / year EUR 11,400; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,018 / year EUR 12,216; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,084 / year EUR 13,008. - Income from EUR 130,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 769 / year EUR 9,228; Klassen 7–10: EUR 1,033 / year EUR 12,396; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,093 / year EUR 13,116; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,171 / year EUR 14,052. - Income from EUR 160,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 838 / year EUR 10,056; Klassen 7–10: EUR 1,095 / year EUR 13,140; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,154 / year EUR 13,848; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,248 / year EUR 14,976. - Income from EUR 180,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 900 / year EUR 10,800; Klassen 7–10: EUR 1,160 / year EUR 13,920; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,220 / year EUR 14,640; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,320 / year EUR 15,840. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is calculated on a monthly basis and payable as monthly instalments spread over 12 months. Parents who wish to access income-dependent fees must submit the required annual income tax documentation and a completed self-declaration by the stated deadline; otherwise the highest income category applies. - Specific due dates shown in the fee rules: application fee at invitation to test; admission fee and advance payment at contract signing; Lehr- und Arbeitsmittel (books/materials) charged annually on 1 August. The advance payment is credited against the final school invoice at the end of the contract. After‑school care / Ganztagsbetreuung (classes 1–6) - If the parent provides a voucher (Hortgutschein) the parental contribution is income-dependent. The documented ranges are: - Hortgutschein up to 18:00: monthly EUR 20–243 (income-dependent). - Hortgutschein up to 16:00: monthly EUR 15–182 (income-dependent). - If no Hortgutschein is provided, a flat additional fee of EUR 480 per month is charged for the afternoon programme. Classes 1–3 can take part in the 13:30–16:00 module without needs assessment. Meals (Verpflegung) - All students take part in the school lunch programme; the school charges a monthly contribution by age group. The charges are shown as monthly rates: - Klassen 1–5: EUR 18 per month (afternoon snack). For Grade 1 the listed rate for breakfast + afternoon snack is EUR 30. - Klasse 6: EUR 30 per month (breakfast and afternoon snack). - Klassen 7–12: EUR 99 per month (breakfast and lunch). - The document notes that pupils in Klassen 1–6 receive the midday meal without cost contribution in some cases and that the school provides allergy-sensitive options; the meal programme is operated by the school catering team. Learning materials, exam and other additional costs - Lehr- und Arbeitsmittel (books and core materials): annual flat rate — Klassen 1–6: EUR 250 (due 1 August); Klassen 7–12: EUR 350 (due 1 August). For Abitur and IB Higher Level practical art costs there is an additional one‑off charge of EUR 150 (due 1 August or as stated). Families with gross annual income up to EUR 30,000 are charged EUR 100 per child for these materials. - Other costs billed separately: materials for after‑school activities, external tests/examinations, remedial learning support, class trips, IB examination fees (IB exam fees are charged at the rates set by the IB organization) and similar additional services. Support is available for holders of relevant benefit passes (BuT) where applicable. Sibling discounts and low‑income concessions - Standard sibling discounts on tuition: - 2nd child: 15% reduction - 3rd child: 25% reduction - 4th child and more: 50% reduction - On application and where justified by family circumstances, higher sibling discounts may be granted (e.g., 25% for 2nd child, 50% for 3rd, 75% for 4th and more). - For families with a demonstrated gross annual income of up to EUR 30,000 the school sets a reduced flat tuition: EUR 100 for the oldest child, EUR 75 for the second child, EUR 50 for the third child and EUR 25 for each additional child. These families are fully exempt from the application fee, admission fee and advance payment; school clothing may be discounted or supplied free of charge on application. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed in the school's fee schedule. No boarding fees are charged because the school operates as a day school. Refunds and contract‑end treatment of payments - The advance payment (Vorauszahlung) is offset against the final invoice at contract termination. The fee rules provide for income-based exemptions and reductions but do not list general automatic refunds for term‑time withdrawals beyond the stated handling of the advance payment; additional refund or cancellation terms are handled per the school's contract and finance procedures. Fee payment options and contact for finance - The application process accepts credit card details for payment of the application fee. For contracts, invoices and other payments the school's finance office issues payment instructions; the finance contact is finance@cosmopolitanschool.de. Specific payment channels for tuition (bank transfer, direct debit, credit card, etc.) are confirmed in the school's finance correspondence and contractual documentation. Other practical notes on compulsory items - Official school clothing is compulsory; clothing is available from a designated supplier and through the school's second‑hand shop. Costs vary by item and family needs; discounted or free provision is available for eligible low‑income families on application.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Primary and Secondary pupils wear a school uniform. Uniforms can be ordered online through Uniform Collection or Direct Schoolwear. The PTA sells second-hand uniforms on the second Wednesday of every month at the Primary lunch hall from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.	Uniform requirement The wearing of the official BCS school uniform is compulsory for all students on school premises.
Food options	Food options Lunch is provided across all sites by Luna, a local catering company, offering a healthy, well-balanced hot lunch. Lunches are booked online by parents; Kita (K1–K3) meals are included. Luna can provide a special diet for allergies, and no pork is served.	Food options BCS operates an on-site catering service, Berlin Cosmopolitan Food Services GmbH, with fresh meals prepared daily. Lunch is mandatory for all students as BCS is a full-day school; the weekly menu typically includes two meat dishes, one fish dish and two vegetarian dishes, plus a salad bar, fresh fruit, and seasonal/local ingredients; dietary needs (gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free, etc.) are accommodated. The school is nut-free and pork is avoided for religious reasons; breakfast is provided for secondary students and younger students follow a structured breakfast routine.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is Berlin British School gGmbH. The Imprint lists Dickensweg 17-19, 14055 Berlin; Georg Müsing is an authorised representative; the register entry is HRB 158737B at Amtsgericht Charlottenburg.	Governance and ownership The school is run by EBS Europäische Bildungsstiftung gGmbH; the supervisory authority is the Senate for Education, Youth and Economy of Berlin; the school is registered at Amtsgericht Berlin-Charlottenburg (Register No. 105640B).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Berlin British School delivers an international, bilingual curriculum across its Early Years, Primary and Secondary programmes. In Early Years and Primary, the curriculum blends the Berliner Bildungsprogramm with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP); it is taught through bilingual English/German pathways or monolingual English, and is aligned to the Berliner Rahmenlehrplan, with full Ersatzschule and Ergänzungsschule status. In Primary, both bilingual and monolingual streams are offered. In Secondary, there is a monolingual English stream and a bilingual English/German stream; in Grade 10 bilingual students sit MSA and IGCSE while monolingual students sit IGCSE; from Grade 11 to 12, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is pursued.	Curriculum details The Berlin Cosmopolitan School implements the Berlin state curriculum and follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The Primary Years Programme anchors the primary curriculum and integrates the Berlin framework with international educational standards through the Program of Inquiry across six transdisciplinary themes. The upper secondary curriculum is bilingual in English and German and offers pathways to the bilingual Abitur or the IB Diploma, with French and Spanish available as additional languages. Mittlerer Schulabschluss is offered at the end of Year 10 via media-based project work, and after Year 12 students can obtain an IB Diploma and the German Abitur. Class sizes are small: primary classes have 18–22 students per class (with up to two classes per year) and secondary classes have a maximum of 22 students per class. The school provides work placements and college counselling, including internships from Year 6 to Year 10 and ongoing guidance through a college counsellor.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Primary: 18–22 students per class with up to two classes per year; Secondary: up to 22 students per class.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school's graduates have been accepted into top universities in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond.	Higher education progression Graduates are prepared for admission to German and international universities. The school provides college counselling and internships, with a dedicated college counsellor and guidance. After Year 12, students can obtain an IB Diploma and the German Abitur.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Gifted and talented or exceptionally able students are recognised and included in the mainstream; they may receive differentiated instruction through a Student Support Plan, with input from teachers, SEN staff and families.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The Berlin British School prioritises pastoral care across the whole school community, supporting students' social and emotional development alongside academics.	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides English as an Additional Language support and learning assistance as part of its Primary and wider school provision.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available in the Primary School, with extra English language assistance as part of the learning program.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care is a central focus of student welfare, embedded in school life and learning.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school maintains safeguarding policies and procedures as part of its commitment to student safety.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Berlin British School operates on three sites with facilities appropriate to each age group. The Early Years (Kita) site is located in Berlin's Grunewald at the Havelchausee and houses Toddlers (2-3), K1 (3-4) and two K2 groups (4-5). The Primary School is five minutes' walk from Berlin's historic Olympic Stadium in Charlottenburg; the single-storey building houses K3 and Grades 1-5 and includes a library, a music room, two gymnasiums and a large playground. The Secondary School is located in the Grunewald area and offers both monolingual and bilingual streams. These sites collectively support learning from Early Years to Grade 12.	Facilities overview The City Campus is in central Berlin-Mitte, spanning Rückerstraße and Mulackstraße. The main building at Rückerstraße 9 is a listed historic building that shapes the character of the campus. The City Campus includes modern learning spaces such as art and music rooms, science laboratories, an IT room, a dance studio, and a recreation and climbing room. A Creative Art Room and a games room on the ground floor support creativity, exercise and social interaction, and the library supports independent work, research and reading. A Maker Space provides space to tinker and program for robotics and other hands-on learning.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Two gymnasiums are available in the Primary School building. There is a large playground. Facilities are distributed across three sites to support physical education for Early Years, Primary and Secondary. The GISST sports programme offers Germany-wide competition for students in Grades 6-12, with football, volleyball, badminton, basketball, cross country and track and field; training takes place after school, with tournaments usually on Fridays and Saturdays.	Sports facilities Basketball is a major activity with intramural play and a partnership with ALBA Berlin for competitive teams. The program also includes football (soccer), girls' football, gymnastics, running and other clubs such as flag football and dance. There are more than 100 pupils in afternoon basketball clubs. The adventure playground City of Children provides outdoor activities near the school.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Primary School building includes a library and a music room. The building also features two gymnasiums and a large playground. The Primary School offers bilingual English/German streams and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) aligned with the Berliner Rahmenlehrplan. The Early Years curriculum is bilingual, with English-taught subjects by teachers and German-delivered curriculum by Erzieher. Learning principles emphasise accessible learning environments and the use of digital technologies.	Academic facilities City Campus offers modern learning spaces for diverse talents, including art and music rooms, science laboratories, an IT room, a dance studio, a recreation and climbing room, and a library. The City Campus Maker Space supports robotics and independent learning, and upper secondary has dedicated rooms for concentrated study. Nature Campus Müggelsee provides bilingual and transdisciplinary primary teaching with direct experiences in nature, forest days and environmental projects. Forest School in Prenden has a long-standing forest-based program with weekly forest days.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities take place in various locations, both inside and outside school. Clubs are run by our own teachers as well as external teachers and coaches, and cover sports, music, arts, ICT and life skills for Primary and Secondary students. GISST provides Germany-wide competitions for Grades 6-12, with a range of sports and after-school training and fixtures. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is available from age 14, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels and a focus on personal and social development through adventurous and practical activities.	Extra curricular facilities The library has English and German books, a growing reference section, laptops for research and a quiet study area open before and after school. Extracurricular programme includes remedial classes, expert clubs, music, dance, science, sports, art, crafts and languages. Basketball has a strong presence with over 100 pupils in afternoon clubs and a partnership with ALBA Berlin. Foreign language clubs include Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Creative and practical clubs include Print Maker, Woodwork and Creative Filmmakers, and the City of Children adventure playground offers outdoor activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Planning began in the early 1990s for a school rooted in British traditions in Berlin, and Berlin British School opened in September 1994 at Dickensweg with 84 children from 23 nationalities. It soon extended to secondary education with IGCSE and the IB Diploma, with the Havelchaussee site opening for Early Years in 1999 and the Postfenn campus welcoming the Secondary School in 2000. In 2014 the school transitioned to the gGmbH legal form with BBS e.V. as shareholder and opened a new sports hall; the Kita became privately financed in 2018 and the secondary school gained Ersatzschule status in 2016. Since December 2022 the Primary School is state-recognised bilingual primary school, and the school celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024.	History The Berlin Cosmopolitan School (BCS) is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 by Yvonne Wende as the Initiative for Education and Talent Promotion, focusing on international education. In September 2004, the first bilingual German-English kindergarten opened in Berlin-Mitte, the foundation stone of today's Berlin Cosmopolitan School. The primary school opened in 2007, and the campus moved to Rückerstraße 9 in 2008; the secondary school started in 2009. In 2013, BCS was accredited as an International Baccalaureate World School for the Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme. The school has achieved the best Abitur average in Berlin in 2016 and 2019, and celebrated 20 years in 2025 with ongoing developments such as a redesigned library, new cafeteria, and a Nature Campus, while continuing IB/Abitur success.
Community	Community The Berlin British School community includes a non-profit PTA that supports the school and fosters a close relationship among families and staff. The PTA organizes social and sporting events for families, including children's discos, the annual cross country run, refreshments at sports day, school play performances and concerts, and the Summerfest. Funds raised support upgrades to facilities and equipment, such as library books, iPads for ICT, spectrometers for Chemistry, keyboards and samba drums for Music, and outdoor play equipment for the school. Monthly PTA meetings are held in the Primary School Hall, and each class has a Parent Class Representative who coordinates communication and involvement with the PTA.	Community BCS maintains an active, international school community with a range of clubs and community groups. The Community section includes Official School Clothing, Friends of Cosmo, and Music Friends of BCS. The school also hosts major events such as the annual Summer Show and other performances that involve students from kindergarten to upper school, as highlighted in the 2025 Summer Show recap. The Summer Show is described as a festival of music, dance, art and community spirit.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Berlin British School PTA is a non-profit organization of parents, teachers and friends. It aims to encourage a close relationship among families and staff. The PTA holds monthly meetings in the Primary School Hall to discuss fundraising and plan events. Volunteers can help with selling tickets, finding sponsors, setting up events, creating posters, baking and serving refreshments, chaperoning discos and cleaning up after events, and staffing Summerfest stalls. Every class has a Parent Class Representative who coordinates parent involvement and feedback to the PTA. New members are welcome to join.	Parent teacher association Friends of Cosmo (F.O.C.) is the PTA-equivalent at Berlin Cosmopolitan School. It is a group of parents who mobilize assets and networks to drive school projects for the benefit of our children and the wider community. Projects include Career Day, the Cosmo Charity Soirée, and DigiBox. F.O.C. hosts quarterly gatherings in Berlin-Mitte; members access a closed LinkedIn group and a WhatsApp group. The membership costs €10 per month and donations are deductible as contributions to Cosmopolitan School Campus gGmbH; applications can be submitted online. Contact: friendsofcosmo@cosmopolitanschool.de.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Primary School is an international school of British origin with high academic standards and small classes. It offers two streams in Primary: monolingual (English) and bilingual (English/German); the bilingual stream is staatlich genehmigte bilingualer Grundschule and blends the Berliner Rahmenlehrplan with the IB Primary Years Programme, and entry requires German fluency. Both Primary streams are taught together in most subjects, with Maths, PE and German taught in their respective streams. In Secondary School the curriculum follows the British National Curriculum, IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with mandatory German lessons according to ability; all secondary reports are in English.	Academic & intellectual The school has a library with a growing collection of English and German books across genres and a reference section with laptops for student research. Debate/Model UN and Creative Writing clubs develop critical thinking and communication, and Mathematics/Problem-Solving activities challenge students to think creatively.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts offerings include Art, Design, Music and Performing Arts, Drama and Theatre Studies, and W.A.T. Instrumental Tuition is available.	Arts & creative The school has music and performing arts opportunities including Jazz & Improv Ensemble, Recorder, Sing-along Club and Soul Sessions, with Junior Performance Class and Creative Filmmakers. Visual arts and crafts include Woodwork, Sewing, Print Maker, T-Shirt Print and World Masks to broaden artistic expression.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is the language of instruction in the Monolingual Stream. The Primary School offers both monolingual and bilingual streams; the bilingual stream is a bilingual English/German programme that blends the Berliner Rahmenlehrplan with the IB Primary Years Programme and requires German fluency. In Secondary School, the Monolingual Stream provides English-language education with mandatory German lessons according to ability, while the Bilingual Stream combines English and German instruction, including German for History, Ethics, Political Education, WAT and PE; Mathematics is taught in both German and English by bilingual staff. German (Native) and German Non-Native options are available, and French and Spanish are offered as additional languages.	Cultural & language The school has Foreign Language Clubs for Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish, integrating language practice with culture through games, stories and cooking. These clubs offer opportunities to explore language and culture beyond core classes.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The extracurricular programme enables students to relax, have fun, and try new challenges. It includes Clubs, Competitions, Trips & Events, and Workshops & Leadership as part of the Enrichment Programme. GISST events and the Duke of Edinburgh Award form part of the enrichment opportunities, supporting teamwork and leadership.	Social & hobbies The school has Games, Balance & Social Clubs and an adventure playground called City of Children, offering hands-on play, crafts and outdoor activities. These clubs provide social experiences and informal interests beyond academics.
Community & service	Community & service Pastoral care is our highest priority and is promoted across the school community. The PTA and Alumni networks support school life, along with resources for new arrivals in Berlin. The enrichment programme includes engagement opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and GISST for service, teamwork and leadership.	Community & service The Cosmopolitan Events Company is a student-run organisation that plans and runs school-wide events, teaching marketing, finance and management. It partners with MitMachMusik to provide music lessons for refugee children in Berlin.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Enrichment Programme provides Clubs, Competitions, Trips & Events and Workshops & Leadership to develop leadership and professional skills. GISST and the Duke of Edinburgh Award offer leadership and teamwork experiences, and access to leadership-focused activities is integral to school life.	Leadership & professional The school has leadership opportunities through participation in Cosmopolitan Events Company, developing project management and teamwork skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care is emphasized for the social and emotional welfare of students. The school also provides practical wellbeing support through services such as Lunch Service, Shuttle Service, and After School Care, and offers a caring environment that supports physical and mental health through a varied school life.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school has a broad sports program including Football, Girls Football, Gymnastics and Judo, plus Self-defence, Parkour, Skateboarding and dance, fostering teamwork, fitness and resilience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction in the monolingual stream and in the bilingual stream. In Secondary, French and Spanish are offered as language subjects. German is taught at multiple levels: German Native, German B (Grades 6–8 and 9–10), and German Ab Initio (Grades 11–12).	Language provision English is the primary language of communication and instruction. German is the second language and is taught according to the Berlin Rahmenlehrplan, with German Language Development (GLD) support for learners. BCS strives for bilingualism by the end of the tenth grade, preparing students for the MSA and the option to pursue either the Abitur in German or the IB Diploma Programme. Language Development (LD) supports English, German, Spanish and French at three levels, and mother tongue materials and clubs support multilingualism; over 70% of students speak English as an additional language.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school has two streams in Primary: monolingual and bilingual. The bilingual Primary stream (English/German) is state-recognised and blends the Berliner Rahmenlehrplan with IBPYP; admission requires fluency in German. Both streams are taught together as one class, with Maths, PE and German taught in the respective stream. The Secondary School also offers a monolingual and a bilingual stream, with the bilingual stream providing teaching in English and German.	Bilingual teaching BCS is bilingual, with English as the primary language of instruction and German taught as a second language. All classroom teachers are native English speakers or fluent in English. The school aims for bilingualism by the end of the tenth grade, preparing students for the German MSA and for either the German Abitur or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs English immersion begins in the Early Years programme. German Language Development (GLD) support is available for lower-level learners, with five forty-five minute German lessons per week. Language Development (LD) provides three levels of support for English, German, Spanish and French. The programme also offers mother tongue language clubs and reading materials in multiple languages through the media centre.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Submit an Application. Complete the Application Form (PDF) and upload your child's school reports from the last two years. The form is detailed, so ensure information is accurate; there is no cost or commitment to apply. If this is your first contact, complete the Enquiry Form. If spaces are available we will discuss the next steps with you. Arrange a Tour. Once the application(s) are received and a place is available, we offer individual tours of the appropriate site (Early Years, Primary and Secondary). Tours last about 30-45 minutes and provide insight into classroom life and the opportunity to talk with teachers, the Head of School and ask questions. Appointments must be made in advance to ensure availability. Student Visit. We offer a free, three-day visit (shorter for Kindergarten—two mornings) to allow students and teachers to get to know each other. The visit includes an assessment to understand the student's current educational level and to observe social adaptability to the school ethos. It also allows the student to experience school life in a relaxed setting. Admission Decisions. After the visit the teachers provide feedback focusing on academic ability and behaviour. A place in the school may be offered; admission decisions are made by the teachers, Head of School and School Principal and are final. A student may start once a contract has been signed and other required documentation, such as immunization records, have been submitted.	Admissions 1. Application. Families interested in sending their children to Berlin Cosmopolitan School should complete the online application form. There is a non-refundable application fee for primary and secondary school of 50 EUR due at the time of application. You must complete the first page to receive your login details, and you will not be able to edit the application after submission. After submitting, you will receive an email with your login details and you can check the status of your application; the school can accept only complete applications with all required documents. 2. Kindergarten & Preschool documents. For Kindergarten & Preschool, provide a photo of the applicant(s) (passport/face photo) in JPEG or PNG format. If applicable, upload a document proving sole custody. Children must be at least one year old before entering Kindergarten; applications from parents with unborn children cannot be accepted; submit after birth. You can start the application process, save it, and continue later if you do not have all required documents. 3. Primary & Secondary information. For Primary School & Secondary School, provide a photo of the applicant(s) in JPEG or PNG format. Submit the 2 most recent school reports translated into English or German (PDF); Grade 1 applicants must include a letter of recommendation or evaluation from a teacher or kindergarten director. Include credit card details for payment of the application fee and, if applicable, upload any sole custody documents. 4. What happens after you submit. The information you submit will be reviewed. Waiting List: Students are placed on the waiting list until a change of status occurs; no specific timeframe is given; check your personal dashboard for updates; priority is given to siblings; the admissions process does not use a numbering system. Meeting & Trial Day: If a place becomes available, primary and secondary applicants are invited to an entrance test and, if necessary, a meeting and a trial day; Kindergarten applicants are invited to an introductory interview. Offer: After assessment, a place may be offered; if no places are available, the child is moved to the top of the waiting list; a contract is sent with seven working days to review and return; contracts become valid after the voucher is handed in. 5. Confirmation. Upon signing and returning the contract and completing required documents, your child is enrolled. Do not contact the school office for details of your application status; use your personal login for updates. The application is valid for one year, after which all information is deleted for data protection.
Scholarships	Scholarships The Berlin British School offers scholarship programmes for existing students as well as external applicants. Our programmes are designed to recognise exceptional academic ability and potential at different stages of a student's educational journey. In line with our commitment to inclusion, we particularly encourage applications from academically gifted students from low-income families. Scholarships are available as follows: To outstanding students from Grade 9 onwards who are already enrolled at the BBS; IB Diploma Scholarships are open to both existing students and external applicants entering Grades 11 and 12. All scholarships are awarded through a competitive selection process and are based on academic merit. The award of a scholarship, and the percentage of tuition fees discounted for such an award will be entirely at the school's discretion. Scholarships for Gr. 9 onwards are worth between 20% and 50% of the tuition fee per year for students already enrolled in Grade 9 or above. A parent who would like to enter their child for a scholarship should complete an attached application form and submit it to the Admissions Secretary; earlier applications increase the likelihood of securing a scholarship. Each scholarship is subject to an internal review at the end of the first year and is awarded for a two-year period; continuation into Grade 12 depends on academic progress, engagement with the programme, conduct and contribution to school life. IB Diploma Scholarships are open to both internal and external candidates and range from 20% to 100% of the annual tuition fee. Applications may be submitted from 1 January for Grade 10 entry in August, with a deadline of 30 April. IB Diploma Scholarships are awarded after a competitive process including assessment and interview, and the value is determined at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. The duration for IB Scholarships is two years (Grades 11 and 12) with a mid-cycle review to determine renewal for Grade 12 based on academic progress, engagement and conduct.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting List: Students are placed on the waiting list until a change of status occurs; no specific timeframe is given; check your personal dashboard for updates; priority is given to siblings; the admissions process does not use a numbering system.
	View full profile →	View full profile →