Berlin British School vs SIS Swiss International School - Berlin

	B Berlin British School Berlin, Germany	S SIS Swiss International School - Berlin Berlin, Germany
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €13,100 - 19,400	Fees / year €13,970 - 21,338
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), German Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), German Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 293
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened 1994	Opened 2016
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 Located in the west of Berlin, Heerstraße 465, 13593 Berlin, Germany. The campus is surrounded by 60,000 m² of wooded parkland.
Stages	Stages Early Years; Primary School; Secondary School	Stages Kindergarten; Primary School; Secondary School (7–10); Secondary School (11–13); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
School type	School type International school of British origin	School type Private day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 293 enrolled students; 30+ nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British origin (UK)	Country affiliation Affiliated with SIS Swiss International School, part of a group with schools in Switzerland, Germany, Brazil and Italy.
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 Day school supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; exact lesson and supervision times vary by school level.
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 A school shuttle is offered for transport.
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 / One‑time Entrance Fee - A one‑time entrance fee is charged upon signing the school contract. The standard entrance fee is €850. For families with gross annual income up to €29,420 the entrance fee is €100; that reduced amount is set off against the monthly fees during the first semester. The entrance fee is due at contract signing and is non‑refundable. Tuition — Preschool (Kindergarten) (school year 2026/27) - Standard tuition for preschool (learning and play time, supervision 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) is €1,085 per month. - Per term (semester, calculated as 6 months): €6,510. - Per year (12 months): €13,020. - After School Care (optional): €32 per month, per weekday booked. - No sibling discount applies to preschool fees. - Shuttle bus: €175 per month per child; flat family rate €252 per month for two or more children. Costs for lunch, school uniform, and field trips are not included in the preschool fee. Tuition — Primary and Secondary School (school year 2026/27) — Standard (regular) rates - Grades 1–6: €1,253 per month. - Per term (6 months): €7,518. - Per year (12 months): €15,036. - Grades 7–9: €1,399 per month. - Per term: €8,394. - Per year: €16,788. - Grades 10–11: €1,599 per month. - Per term: €9,594. - Per year: €19,188. - Grades 12–13: €1,699 per month. - Per term: €10,194. - Per year: €20,388. - The monthly figures cover instruction and supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (core teaching hours and attendance requirements vary by year group). Shuttle bus, lunch, and other optional services are charged separately. Income‑based Tuition (Grades 1–13) — School year 2026/27 (monthly rates) - Gross family income up to €29,420: - Grades 1–6: €100 per month; Grades 7–9: €100 per month; Grades 10–11: €100 per month; Grades 12–13: €100 per month. - Gross family income €29,421–40,000: - Grades 1–6: €346; Grades 7–9: €368; Grades 10–11: €394; Grades 12–13: €394. - Gross family income €40,001–50,000: - Grades 1–6: €558; Grades 7–9: €592; Grades 10–11: €657; Grades 12–13: €657. - Gross family income €50,001–60,000: - Grades 1–6: €757; Grades 7–9: €830; Grades 10–11: €921; Grades 12–13: €921. - Gross family income €60,001–70,000: - Grades 1–6: €957; Grades 7–9: €1,053; Grades 10–11: €1,184; Grades 12–13: €1,184. - Gross family income €70,001–80,000: - Grades 1–6: €1,196; Grades 7–9: €1,329; Grades 10–11: €1,488; Grades 12–13: €1,488. - Gross family income more than €80,001: - Grades 1–6: €1,253; Grades 7–9: €1,399; Grades 10–11: €1,599; Grades 12–13: €1,699. - Income‑based tuition levels are calculated on the basis of worldwide gross family income for the previous calendar year and require submission of an evaluation form and supporting documents. Specific sibling reductions apply to income‑based fees (25% for second child, 50% for third child, 75% for additional children). Sibling Discount (regular tuition) - For families paying the regular tuition rates who enroll two or more children in grades 1–13, a sibling discount of 20% applies to the tuition fees for the second child and any additional children. The sibling discount does not apply to the one‑time entrance fee, lunch, shuttle, or other additional services. Separate sibling discount rules apply to income‑based fees. Other Mandatory / Optional Fees and Charges - Fee for books and lesson materials: €100 annually (per student). - After School Care (optional): €32 monthly (fee based on one weekday; bookings fixed for at least one semester; additional days possible subject to approval). - Shuttle bus: €175 per month per child; flat monthly charge of €252 for families with two or more children. - Lunch: Lunch can be purchased from an external provider; lunch costs are not included in tuition and are charged separately. - School uniform and field trips: Costs for uniform and field trips are not included in the listed fees. - IB Diploma assessment fees (grade 13) and other assessment/exam charges are not included and will be invoiced separately; such invoices include an administration fee of €50. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - The published monthly fees are expressed as monthly average rates based on calculations for 12 months per year (or 6 months per semester). Fees are payable 12 months per year, including holidays. Payment of fees must be made one semester (6 months) in advance unless otherwise agreed. Parents who choose monthly payments will be charged a surcharge of 3% on each payment. Parents who make an advanced payment covering the whole school year are offered a 2% discount. Changes to the agreed payment mode incur an administration fee of €50 per invoice (or per invoice line item within collective invoices). Refunds and Non‑Refundable Charges - The one‑time entrance fee is non‑refundable. Other specific refund rules and legally binding payment and booking modalities are defined in the school contract. Additional costs arising from optional services (transport, lunch, class trips, excursions, IB assessment fees, etc.) are charged separately and follow their own invoicing terms. Fee Payment Options and Administrative Details - Parents are asked to indicate their preferred mode of payment; the school will record the chosen payment mode and any subsequent change triggers the stated administration fee. Payment timing, surcharges, discounts, and invoicing modalities are specified in the school contract. Specific payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, direct debit, credit card) are arranged with the school and appear in the invoicing and contract documentation. Important Notes on Scope of These Fees - Listed tuition figures cover instruction, supervision during the stated core hours, and general school services as described in the fee schedule. They do not include costs for optional or externally provided services and activities (transport beyond the shuttle, lunch, uniforms, field trips, assessment fees, etc.). The school reserves the right to amend fees; the price lists are valid for the stated school year.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school.
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 —
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 The school offers lunch as part of the daily schedule.
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 a private school financed by a combination of school fees and state subsidies.
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 school provides bilingual education from Kindergarten through to college. It offers Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School (7 to 10), Secondary School (11 to 13), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Students can attain the German Abitur or the IB Diploma, enabling them to pursue their chosen educational path.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
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 The German Abitur and the International Baccalaureate Diploma are offered, enabling progression to higher education.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
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 Day School Community fosters social-emotional development. Students learn to share with others, develop assertiveness, and take pride in their achievements.
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) The school places students' learning needs at the heart of its efforts.
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 English and German play equal roles in school communication – in the classroom and in day-to-day school life; language is acquired through the immersion method.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care is a central focus of student welfare, embedded in school life and learning.	Mental wellbeing The school provides a stable and nurturing environment where students can learn and thrive.
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 Located in the west of Berlin, the SIS Berlin campus is surrounded by 60,000 m² of wooded parkland. The spacious grounds offer ample space for various sports activities, school performances and events. The classrooms and special-purpose rooms are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology. Learning spaces include an art studio, a music studio, cantine, two libraries, two science laboratories, modern computer rooms, a school playground with space to play together, and study and relaxation rooms. A paid shuttle bus service is offered to and from the campus.
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 The campus grounds provide ample space for a wide range of sports activities. Sports days are a regular feature of the school calendar, and the SIS Cup brings teams from SIS schools together for sport, games and friendly competition. An image shows floorball being played in a gym, indicating the presence of a gym facility on site. The SIS Cup spans two days and focuses on sport, fairness and fun.
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 The learning environment is supported by contemporary infrastructure in the classrooms and in special-purpose spaces. Learning spaces include an art studio, a music studio, cantine, two libraries, two science laboratories, and modern computer rooms. The school emphasizes bilingual learning from kindergarten through to secondary level, with instruction in German and English across levels. There is also a dedicated study and relaxation room provision within the learning spaces.
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 All SIS Berlin students have the option of a hot lunch in the cantine. After-school care runs from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with various leisure activities and clubs, and can be booked daily. A shuttle bus operates to transport students to and from school during the day. Clubs and a varied after-school program can be booked for one semester. The SIS Student Exchange Programme enables study abroad at another SIS school, and the school participates in international activities such as the SIS Cup, Ozobot programming, art projects and other events across SIS schools.
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 SIS Berlin originated in 2016 when SIS Swiss International School took over Internationale Schule Villa Amalienhof, which continues as SIS Berlin. The SIS brand began in 2008 with the establishment of the first SIS school in Germany in Stuttgart-Fellbach. In 2020 the network adapted to distance learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, and SIS Frankfurt opened that year. As of January 1, 2025, the SIS Swiss International Schools Group became directly integrated into the Klett Group.
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 SIS Berlin offers bilingual education with an international orientation to 293 students from more than 30 nationalities. The campus is in the west of Berlin and sits on 60,000 m² of wooded parkland. Classrooms and facilities are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and teaching technology, and language acquisition begins early under expert guidance to build lifelong competence. Students may pursue German Abitur or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and the bilingual kindergarten serves children aged three to six.
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 —
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 Upper-level students may study abroad at another SIS school through the SIS Student Exchange Programme, expanding academic horizons and intercultural understanding. Model United Nations (MUN) is available as a simulation-based activity that develops critical thinking and leadership. The bilingual, internationally oriented learning environment supports global citizenship and cross-cultural collaboration, complementing academic study. The SIS network facilitates international exposure across SIS schools, enriching academic growth.
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 Clubs offer a range of extracurricular activities, including arts-related options such as painting, which can be booked for one semester. After-school care provides leisure activities such as reading, painting, and playing, supervised by staff. Students have opportunities to express creativity through these activities as part of a varied school day.
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 runs bilingual education in English and German, with language acquisition starting early under expert guidance. The environment emphasizes international-mindedness and global citizenship. The SIS Student Exchange Programme offers upper-level students the opportunity to study abroad at another SIS school. Model United Nations (MUN) provides intercultural learning through simulation.
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 Clubs provide opportunities for social and hobby-based activities for students of all ages. After-school care provides leisure activities such as reading, painting, and playing, with staff supervision. A shuttle bus supports transport to and from school for participation in after-school activities. Lunch can be included in the day, with the option for students to bring food from home.
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 —
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 Students are encouraged to become compassionate leaders who take responsibility for a more sustainable world. MUN and the student exchange programme foster leadership, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness. The bilingual, international education supports leadership development and global citizenship.
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 Lunch is available for students as a hot meal option. Afternoon care runs from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., offering leisure activities and after-school clubs with staff supervision. A shuttle bus provides daily transport between designated points and the school. Clubs and other activities contribute to a varied, balanced day for students.
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 Languages of instruction are English and German at all levels. The bilingual English/German kindergarten teaches in both languages. The primary school uses bilingual instruction in German and English. The secondary school (7–10) is bilingual with English and German given equal importance, teaching each subject in one language for about a year while building proficiency in both. The upper secondary (11–13) continues the bilingual approach and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with IB exams primarily in English and most IB subjects using English literature and teaching materials.
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 The school provides bilingual education in English and German across its programmes from Kindergarten through Secondary School.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs English and German immersion starts in kindergarten, using the 'one person – one language' approach, with German- and English-speaking teachers supporting bilingual development.
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 Make the First Step. SIS Berlin provides information on the admission process. SIS Berlin accepts registrations all year round. Submitting the registration form begins the process; if space is available, the school will contact you; if not, your child's name can be added to the waiting list. A consultation with the school management follows, during which the educational offer is discussed and an admission form is sent to be completed and returned. If visiting in person is not possible, a video conference is available. Trial days allow the child to experience SIS for one or two days. After a positive assessment, the school contract is drawn up and signed. Admission is possible all year round. Most enrollments occur in spring (February to April) for a start in August or September. Enrollment age varies by location and is typically three to five years. There is no entrance examination. If a child does not speak both school languages German and English, enrollment is possible; German and English are learned by immersion, with additional language support offered outside of class or during class time.
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 If there is no place available in the corresponding grade, the child's name will be added to the waiting list.
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