British International School of Cracow vs Open Future International School

	B British International School of Cracow Krakow, Poland	O Open Future International School Krakow, Poland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year PLN 40,000 - 62,500	Fees / year PLN 10,800 - 41,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 210	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language Polish, English
Opened	Opened 1995	Opened 2013
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Cracow (Kraków), Poland. Located in historic Cracow, the city is rich in history, culture, and innovation.	Location Open Future International School is located in Kraków, Poland. It operates across three campuses: Open Future International Preschool at ul. Babińskiego 4 (30-389 Kraków); Open Future International School at ul. Kwiecista 25 and ul. Pawła z Krosna 10 (30-389 Kraków); and Open Future Bilingual High School at ul. Tadeusza Rejtana 2 (30-510 Kraków). The administration and secretariat are located in the school buildings.
Stages	Stages Foundation; Primary; Secondary; IB	Stages Preschool; Primary School; High School (Liceum). The High School is bilingual and prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The school offers IB programmes: Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.
School type	School type International school offering an English-based curriculum from early years to the IB Diploma.	School type Private day school; bilingual (English and Polish) international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 30 nationalities represented. It is a multicultural community.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support The school provides psychological and pedagogical support, including speech therapy. Speech therapy sessions are conducted during school hours, with initial diagnosis at the start of the school year and individualized plans as needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British	Country affiliation Poland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Preschool operates Monday–Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Preschool classes run 7:30am–5:30pm with meals at 8:30–8:50 (breakfast), 10:30–10:50 (soup), 12:50–1:10 (lunch) and 3:00–3:15 (afternoon snack). The kindergarten closes at 5:30pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Academic year covered: These figures are published for the 2025/2026 academic year (no 2026/2027 fee schedule was available at the time of checking). Application / registration fee - PLN 3,000 one-time, non-refundable. Tuition fees (by year group) — published as monthly amounts payable from September to June (10 months) - Foundation 1 & 2 (Early Years): Monthly PLN 4,000 — Annual total (10 months) PLN 40,000. - Years 1–6 (Primary): Monthly PLN 6,000 — Annual total (10 months) PLN 60,000. - Years 7–11 (Lower and Upper Secondary up to IGCSE): Monthly PLN 6,000 — Annual total (10 months) PLN 60,000. - IB Diploma Years (IB1 & IB2 / Years 12–13): Monthly PLN 6,250 — Annual total (10 months) PLN 62,500. - Example first-year total for a new entrant in Kindergarten 1: PLN 40,000 tuition + PLN 3,000 registration = PLN 43,000. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed across the school year and is payable from September to June (the published figures are given as monthly instalments for those months). - Payments can be made by bank transfer directly into the school's bank account; bank transfer fees are payable by the payer. - School fees do not include public examination entry fees (IGCSE, IB), school camps, field trips or the cost of school lunches; these are charged separately. Boarding fees - The British International School of Cracow operates as a day school; boarding is not applicable. Other costs and additional charges - Examination fees for external public exams (IGCSE and IB) are additional and charged separately. - School trips, school camps, and school lunches are not included in the published tuition and are charged in addition. - There is no daily compulsory uniform. The school encourages purchase of house-colour polo shirts and hoodies (optional) sold through an external school shop; those branded items are an additional cost and are not sold directly by the school office. Refund information - The registration fee is non-refundable. Fee payment options (accepted methods) - The published information specifies payment by bank transfer into the school account; bank transfer charges must be borne by the payer. No other specific card or online-payment methods are published in the available fee notes. Brief note on published details and gaps found - The school's published materials give the one-time registration fee, monthly tuition amounts (Sep–Jun) and confirm that bank transfer is used for payments, and that exam entries, trips and lunches are charged separately. However, a detailed published policy on tuition refunds, notice periods for withdrawal, and a full list of accepted payment methods (e.g., whether credit card or online payment is accepted) was not found in the fee information available. The registration fee is explicitly stated as non-refundable.	Fee details Application / Registration / Enrollment fees - Registration / application fee for middle school: 150 PLN (one-off). - Enrollment fee for middle school (one-off, payable after contract signature): 1,500 PLN. - Pedagogical assessment fee for new primary-school entrants from other kindergartens: 250 PLN. - Entry/wpisowe for primary-school admissions (where applicable) is handled as a one‑time payment under the school's enrolment rules. The preschool statute also specifies that the entry fee is paid within 14 days of signing the education contract and is not reduced proportionally to the expected period of attendance. Preschool (2026/2027) — fees and schedule - Annual tuition (AMBER and RUBY groups) with 10% image‑consent discount: PLN 27,000 per year. Equivalent pay schedule: payable in 10 monthly instalments. Payments are due by the 10th of each month when paid in instalments. - Annual tuition (AMBER and RUBY groups) without the image‑consent discount: PLN 30,000 per year. - Grade 0 (preschool/year 0) annual tuition with image‑consent discount: PLN 29,700 per year (or in 10 monthly instalments). Without discount: PLN 33,000 per year. - The preschool tuition includes educational materials, project day trips (local), selected workshops and basic insurance; it does not include compulsory meals (meals are charged separately), replacement footwear, or sports outfit. Additional extracurricular classes are charged separately. Primary School (2026/2027) — fees and schedule - Pedagogical assessment fee for applicants from other kindergartens: PLN 250 (one‑off). - Annual tuition (with 10% image‑consent discount): PLN 36,225 per year. Equivalent instalment schedule shown: 10 monthly instalments of PLN 3,622.50 each (payments due by the 10th of each month when using the instalment plan). - Annual tuition (without image‑consent discount): PLN 40,250 per year (10 monthly instalments of PLN 4,025). - The primary‑school tuition covers bilingual IBO‑aligned teaching, textbooks and worksheets, school supplies, project trips (local, one‑day), certain workshops, psychological support and pupil accident insurance. The tuition does not include compulsory meals, school uniform, replacement footwear, sports outfit, backpack/pencil case, multi‑day trips or international exchanges. Additional paid classes are available separately. Middle School / Lower‑secondary (current published rates) - Registration fee: 150 PLN (one‑off). Enrollment fee: 1,500 PLN (one‑off, payable after contract signature). Education (tuition) fee shown: PLN 10,800 per school year. Meals are charged additionally. Payment and instalment options are set in the enrolment/education agreement. High School (2026/2027) — fees and schedule - Grade 1 (High School) annual tuition with 10% image‑consent discount: PLN 36,900 per year, or 10 monthly instalments of PLN 3,690 (payments due by the 10th of each month when using instalments). Without image‑consent discount: PLN 41,000 per year (10 instalments of PLN 4,100). - Grades 2–4 (High School) annual tuition with 10% image‑consent discount: PLN 36,000 per year, or 10 monthly instalments of PLN 3,600 each. Without image‑consent discount: PLN 40,000 per year (10 instalments of PLN 4,000). - High‑school tuition includes bilingual instruction, school materials used in class, local project trips, workshops, some remedial classes, psychological care and student accident insurance. The tuition does not include compulsory textbooks, school footwear, sports clothes, backpack/pencil case, multi‑day trips or international exchanges; some remedial classes (e.g., Spanish) may be charged separately. Billing schedule and payment terms - Instalment option: For preschool, primary and high school tuition the school publishes a 10‑instalment payment option; instalment payments are indicated as due by the 10th of each month when the 10‑instalment plan is used. Annual prepayment and on‑time payment discounts are offered in published fee terms. - Discounts and sibling reductions: discounts are available for consent to publish the child's image (typically 10%), loyalty/continuation discounts for students continuing education at Open Future, early payment for the full year, timely payments, and sibling discounts (typically 9% for 2nd child, 18% for 3rd child, 27% for 4th and subsequent children). Middle‑school pages also list sibling discounts. - Contract and enrolment conditions: admission is confirmed by signing an education contract; payment of the applicable registration/enrollment fees and the signed contract are conditions of final enrolment. Payment deadlines and penalties for late payment are specified in the education agreement. Boarding - Boarding is not offered as part of the Open Future International School fee structure; published fees and school materials describe day‑school care hours and paid meals, with no boarding or residential fees listed. Tuition and care cover school‑day hours only. Other costs and recurring charges - Meals: compulsory meals are charged separately where indicated (meals are compulsory for certain primary classes and are billed in addition to tuition). Payment for meals is collected separately, typically to a designated bank account and often monthly (meal payment timing noted on the meals page). - Uniforms, replacement footwear, sports outfit, backpacks and fully equipped pencil cases: charged to parents and not included in tuition for primary and high school students. - Textbooks: compulsory textbooks are not included in high‑school tuition. Additional workbooks/worksheets and many in‑class materials are included. - Multi‑day trips and international exchanges: not included in published tuition; these are charged separately. - Additional classes / extracurricular activities: many are chargeable extra options and are billed according to the activity offer for the given school year. - Insurance: pupil/student accident insurance is included in primary and high‑school tuition. Refunds and withdrawals - Entry/wpisowe (one‑off entry fee) is paid within the timeframe defined in the contract and is not subject to proportional reduction according to the preschool statute. Monthly absence does not release parents from their obligation to pay tuition for the month. Withdrawal, refund or credit arrangements are governed by the signed education contract and the statutory provisions referenced in that contract; the statute sets payment timing and the non‑proportional nature of the entry fee. Fee payment options - Bank transfer to the designated school (organ) bank account is used for payments (meals and other fees are specified as payable to a designated bank account). Payment schedules, instalment options and exact bank details are provided in the education contract and billing communications from the school. Meal payments are commonly billed monthly and collected after the month ends. No public information is published listing credit‑card or other specific electronic payment methods as standard fee options.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school does not have a school uniform.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options BISC Lunches are provided; a weekly lunch menu includes soups, main dishes and desserts.	Food options Meals are provided by catering companies selected by the school. Students may eat their own meals on campus and warm food in a designated area; the current menu is available in the online system and meals are ordered daily by 7:30 am, with payment at the end of the month.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Independent school founded in 1995; co-owned; Monika Wnęk joined the group of co-owners in 2024 as President of the School7s Management Board; supervised by the Polish Ministry of Education and the Ma42opolska Board of Education; Parent60–Teacher Association (PTA) and the Advisory Board involve parents in governance.	Governance and ownership Founders and owners are Anna and Karol Tomczyk.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details English-based curriculum from early years to the IB Diploma. Foundation Level follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage, and all stages are centred on the English National Curriculum. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered across secondary, and Cambridge and Edexcel examinations are used in senior years. The school is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation and by Cambridge International, and teaches an English-based curriculum across the school.	Curriculum details Open Future International School implements the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the early years and primary grades. It offers the International Baccalaureate continuum with Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school uses bilingual instruction in Polish and English, enabling English language development as part of daily learning. The High School follows the Polish core curriculum and applies IB philosophy; it is currently a candidate for MYP and DP and has been authorized for the Diploma Programme since June 2, 2023 (IB World School 050654).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma results are well above the global average. IB Diploma candidates achieve excellent results, with annual average scores above global figures, and graduates progress to leading universities around the world.	Exam results IB May Session 2025 results: over 202,000 students worldwide received results for the Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). Open Future graduates achieved world-class IB results, with our top score of 40/45 and HL grades of 7 in Mathematics, Physics, and English; one graduate was admitted to Aalto University in Finland.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates progress to top universities around the world, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London and University of Bath.	Higher education progression The Diploma Programme is recognized by over 2,000 universities worldwide, including institutions in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand.
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 IB Diploma Programme develops students intellectually, socially, and emotionally. There is active partnership with parents, with regular parent–teacher meetings and four detailed school reports each year to support student well-being and progress.	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school places a high priority on safeguarding of students and staff, including child protection, and the safe recruitment of appropriately qualified and experienced staff.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Dedicated facilities support creative, athletic, and technological talents. The school educates 220 students from over 35 countries. It offers a complete educational pathway from Preschool (age 3) to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with English as the language of instruction. The IB Diploma Programme is available from primary through secondary. Located in historic Cracow.	Facilities overview Open Future kindergarten operates in buildings built for the exclusive use of the kindergarten. It offers a bilingual learning environment with English and Polish, and integrates art and gym classes in dedicated spaces. The playground includes a sandbox, swings, a table with benches, a wooden train and a wooden house. Children have tasty and healthy meals in a separate canteen. The program follows the Polish Core Curriculum and includes project‑based learning, social development and access to psychological and pedagogical support when needed.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Gym is available for Physical Education.	Sports facilities The Primary School building includes a gym. Just behind the High School building there is a 30‑acre school garden with designated alleys and benches among the nature. The Chill Room in the High School building is fitted with a ping‑pong table.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ICT & Library facilities are available for learning. Science facilities support Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/ESS.	Academic facilities The three‑level building has classrooms, gyms, a canteen, a library, an IT room and offices inside. The High School building features thematic classrooms (maths, physics, IT and languages), a professionally equipped science laboratory, a library, locker rooms and toilets on each floor, and a Chill Room with kitchen and canteen. The building is ventilated by a mechanical ventilation system with recuperation and is equipped with alarm systems and video surveillance.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extra Curricular Activities are offered beyond the classroom. A timetable shows the current range of activities for the 2023/2024 academic year and prices vary; some activities may be provided free of charge. Information is available via the Schoology platform.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities are organized on site in the school building in Kraków and are conducted in cooperation with the Krakow Youth Talent Factory and the Open Future Psychological and Pedagogical Clinic. Some courses are free (included in tuition) and some are paid additionally. Extracurricular activities offered in the 2024/2025 school year include dance, little dragons – taekwondo, chess, mathematics and robotics.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History British International School of Cracow has 30 years of experience delivering British education. The school blends traditional British educational practices with innovative teaching methods and serves students from more than 30 nationalities. It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which has been delivered since 2006, and operates as an IB World School. The school is accredited by the IB, Cambridge International, COBIS, and AQA.	History Open Future was founded in Kraków by Anna and Karol Tomczyk, who are the founders and owners of Open Future International School and Preschool. It is the first school in Lesser Poland to obtain authorization for the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate Organization, and the implementation and certification process took three years. The school has ten years of experience, more than 500 students, and conducts about 30 projects each year. Its education combines the Polish core curriculum with international school competencies.
Community	Community BISC Kraków hosts a multicultural community in the heart of Cracow, with families from diverse cultural backgrounds. The school emphasizes care and belonging, recognizing each child as an individual and supporting both academic and personal growth. It maintains active channels for family engagement, including a newsletter that shares university destinations, curriculum highlights, student achievements, and community events. Beyond the classroom, the school offers activities such as a ski camp, a green camp, and concerts that bring the community together.	Community Open Future is a lively place full of happy, open and active children. The main principle is to be open and kind. Students are supportive and cooperative friends who help each other daily, and the school emphasizes kindness, self-confidence and respect for others. Graduates are guided by a strong sense of responsibility for their surroundings, flourishing as aware and caring citizens of the world.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers Beyond the Classroom programs such as Summer School, Ski Week, Green Camp, and Mini Camp, along with theatre performances and concerts. These experiences foster curiosity, creativity, teamwork, and leadership while linking learning with real-world adventures. They develop confidence and collaborative skills through hands-on activities beyond regular lessons.	Academic & intellectual Programming and robotics are offered as extracurricular activities. Chemistry classes – Chemical World are available for students to explore science beyond the core curriculum. The Academy of Measureology is another science‑oriented option. Extracurricular activities take place in the school building, align with family schedules, and some are free of charge while others are paid.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Theatre performances and concerts are part of Beyond the Classroom, enabling students to express themselves and collaborate in drama and music settings. These activities foster creativity and confidence in front of audiences and provide opportunities to explore drama and musical performance beyond standard lessons.	Arts & creative Dance is offered as an extracurricular activity. Ceramics and drawing are also available to nurture creativity. Activities take place in the school building and are led by passionate professionals in their fields. Some activities are included in tuition; others may require additional payment.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Chess is offered as a social and recreational activity. Freestyle football – football tricks is also available for students to develop coordination and teamwork. Extracurricular activities take place on the school premises and are led by passionate professionals. The 2024/2025 school year features these activities on site to fit family schedules.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Participants gain social and leadership skills through involvement in camp programs and performances. These experiences encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, while providing opportunities to plan and participate in events. They build confidence and collaborative abilities useful for further studies and future careers.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Ski Camp offers a week of adventure in the mountains where students develop skiing or snowboarding skills while building confidence and teamwork. Green Camp connects students with nature through outdoor exploration and activities that promote respect for the environment and personal growth. Mini Camp provides an early overnight experience that supports independence and social development. Theatre performances and concerts also support emotional well-being through creative expression.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Swimming pool is available as part of extracurricular activities. Taekwondo is offered to promote fitness and discipline. These on-site activities support students' physical wellbeing and fit busy family schedules.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction is English, with an English-based curriculum from early years through the IB Diploma. In Group 1 Studies in Language & Literature, students may study English A Literature or Polish A Literature, or pursue a self-study language option. In Group 2 Language Acquisition, courses include English B, French B, German B and Spanish B.	Language provision Polish and English are the languages of instruction at Open Future. English is used alongside Polish in everyday teaching. Spanish is the second foreign language taught in Open Future High School, with classes conducted by a Polish-speaking teacher and a native speaker, enabling theory and practice to be learned concurrently. Students participate in cultural-linguistic activities at a professional Spanish language school in Alicante, Spain.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Open Future International School is bilingual with two languages of instruction: Polish and English. English is used in everyday communication as often as possible, and students are immersed in English through the immersion method. Between 50% and 80% of the curriculum content is delivered in English, while the remaining content is taught in Polish. Polish language, geography, and history are taught in Polish in accordance with the Polish Ministry of Education guidelines for international sections.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs English language learning is enriched by international students, assistants, and teachers from around the world, as well as by cultural and language-focused events held throughout the school year. The immersion method places English at the center of everyday classroom life, with English used in everyday communication as often as possible. Between 50% and 80% of curriculum content is delivered in English, with the remainder taught in Polish. Polish content, including Polish language, geography, and history, is taught in Polish in line with MOE guidelines.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school welcomes children of all nationalities and operates an ongoing enrolment throughout the school year. English is the language of instruction in all stages, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for students new to English; a language assessment may be required prior to enrolment with an EAL teacher. For enrolment, the following documents are required: the child's passport; previous school reports; any previous qualifications achieved; any previous certificates of English language proficiency; a visa or Resident's Card for non-EU students stating the right to remain in Poland during enrolment; a letter of support from the employer if they will be liable for the payment of tuition fees; and a non-refundable registration fee of PLN 3,000.	Admissions Enrollment is open year‑round for Open Future International Preschool and Primary School, space permitting. Preschool and primary enrollment steps: 1. fill the registration form on openfuture.edu.pl; 2) meet with a preschool/primary school representative; 3) begin the admission procedure: when enrolling into first grade, a pedagogical examination is required (this study is additionally paid); kindergarten students have priority in enrolling into the primary school; for grades 2–8, a free trial week is offered to meet peers and teachers; during the trial week the school assesses English proficiency to plan language support; 4) sign the education contract with attachments and provide the required documents; 5) settle all amounts arising from the contract. Documents required when signing include a birth certificate, a school readiness certificate for first grade, a copy of the recent school report, and for foreign students a certificate or report containing information about grades and skills. Enrollment is conducted in order of application; siblings of Open Future students have priority; if there is no place, a waiting list may be used. High school recruitment runs year‑round until places are filled and follows these steps: 1. fill the registration form; 2) meet with a school representative; 3) English language level diagnosis (minimum B1+; FCE may be considered for the highest grade); 4) interview with the high school principal; 5) sign the education contract with attachments and provide the required documents (first grade needs information from the register and grades from the first half of 8th grade plus a certificate of completion of primary school; older classes require certificates of completion of previous classes); 6) beginning of high school education.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If there is no place available in a class or group, a child may be placed on the waiting list.
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