British School of Bucharest vs Cambridge School of Bucharest
British School of Bucharest and Cambridge School of Bucharest are both in Bucharest, about 2 km apart. Both schools offer British and EYFS programmes, and Cambridge School of Bucharest also offers Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are close, at RON 38,919 - 122,858 for British School of Bucharest and RON 66,015 - 109,513 for Cambridge School of Bucharest. British School of Bucharest takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Cambridge School of Bucharest from 3 to 18. Cambridge School of Bucharest is the larger school, with around 1,106 pupils to British School of Bucharest's 700.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
700
Pupils
1,106
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
23
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2000
Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
42 Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, Voluntari, 077190, Romania. Located in the northern outskirts of Bucharest, near the Pipera corridor. The campus is accessible by road and is served by a door-to-door transport service for students via an external bus company.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Early Years Foundation Stage (Pre-Nursery to Reception), Primary School (Years 1–6), Secondary School (Years 7–11), Sixth Form (Years 12–13).
Stages
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School type
School type
British international day school
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning support is provided by the Learning Support team and the SEN Department. They offer in‑class, one‑to‑one and small group support, develop Individual Educational Plans with regular reviews, and work with an Educational Psychologist; external specialists such as speech therapists may be involved. The SEN Department supports students with learning difficulties, medical issues, and behavioural and emotional difficulties; arrangements can be made for exam access; the school can provide targeted support sessions; it cannot meet the needs of Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
British; follows the National Curriculum for England and is recognised as a British School Overseas (BSO).
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Door-to-door transport provided by an external bus company, available for children from 36 months. 8 reasons to use the service include routes in Pipera, Voluntari and Districts 1–4, safe and comfortable buses, car seats for younger children, option of return or single routes, and a Teaching Assistant on board. Morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off are arranged via the Parents' Portal.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Registration fees
- Application fee: €275 per pupil (one‑off, paid before or on the assessment day). This fee is non‑refundable.
- Admissions & Waiting List fee (one‑off, new pupils only; non‑refundable): - Pre‑Nursery, Nursery and Reception: €981 per pupil. - Year 1 – Year 13: €3,674 for the first child; €2,109 for the second child; €919 for the third child; €0 for the fourth child.
Reservation deposit
- Reservation deposit: €5,789 per pupil. This deposit secures a place until 15 April 2026; the balance of fees is due by that date to finally guarantee the place. For parents registering after 15 April the reservation deposit becomes part of the school fee. If the balance is not received in full by 15 April 2026 a place will not be reserved. The school may increase fees with 90 days' notice.
Annual tuition fees by year group (2026/2027 fee schedule)
- Pre‑Nursery (full day 08:30–15:00): €7,819 per year. - Pre‑Nursery (half day 08:30–12:30): €3,948 per year. - Nursery – Year 6: €21,294 per year. - Year 7 – Year 13: €24,683 per year.
Tuition fees expressed per term (school year is three terms: Autumn, Spring, Summer)
- The school's academic year consists of three terms; per‑term figures below are the annual fee divided by three. - Pre‑Nursery (full day): €2,606.33 per term (€7,819 ÷ 3). - Pre‑Nursery (half day): €1,316.00 per term (€3,948 ÷ 3). - Nursery – Year 6: €7,098.00 per term (€21,294 ÷ 3). - Year 7 – Year 13: €8,227.67 per term (€24,683 ÷ 3).
What the school fees include and exclude
- Included within the published school fees (as fixed parts of the fee): certain after‑school activities and some local trips, daytime snacks, insurance; lunch for Pre‑Nursery, Nursery & Reception; one set summer and one set winter uniform for Nursery & Reception; use of a Chromebook/iPad for Years 7–11 if requested; EAL support for the first 12 months where assessed; documentation for internally organised exams.
- Not included in the school fees (extra costs borne by parents): certain after‑school activities and extracurricular trips/activities, private music lessons or instrument rental, most school uniform items (except the Nursery & Reception sets noted above), transport, lunch for pupils other than Pre‑Nursery/Nursery/Reception, one‑to‑one TA support, external examination fees for Years 10–13, extended EAL, SEN support or Educational Psychologist sessions where required, and other ad hoc services (photos, specific documentation, etc.). Costs for optional services are communicated in advance.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not available at the British School of Bucharest; the school operates as a day school. (Boarding facilities/fees are not offered.)
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Key billing timing and enrolment payment points: - Application fee: payable at application/assessment. - Admissions & Waiting List fee: one‑off, payable when a place is offered and accepted. Both of these fees are explicitly non‑refundable. - Reservation deposit: secures the place until 15 April 2026; the balance of fees is due by that date to guarantee the place; if balance is not paid by 15 April 2026 the place will not be reserved. - The admissions process requires that, if a place is offered, parents or guardians confirm the place within 48 hours as part of the acceptance workflow.
Refund information
- Explicitly stated non‑refundable amounts: application fee and Admissions & Waiting List fee are non‑refundable. The reservation deposit is described as securing the place and becoming part of the school fee for late registrants; the reservation deposit is applied to secure a place until the specified date.
Other costs and typical ancillary charges
- Uniform: Nursery & Reception receive one summer and one winter uniform set included; for all other year groups school uniform costs are additional. - Transport: school transport is provided on request by an external bus company and carries supplementary costs. - Meals: lunch is included only for Pre‑Nursery, Nursery & Reception; other year groups pay separately for lunch where relevant. - Examinations and external fees: external examination fees for Years 10–13 are charged separately according to the pupil's subject choices. - Additional support or therapeutic services (extended EAL, SEN support, Educational Psychologist) are charged separately when required.
Fee payment handling and methods
- Applications and enrolment are managed through the school's online admissions platform (OpenApply) and the school's admissions/accounts team. Specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit/debit card or other channels) are handled through the school's payment processes associated with admissions/accounts; these specific payment method details are not listed on the public fee schedule page.
Notes on increases and notice
- The school may increase published fees to reflect inflation, operational or development costs and will give 90 days' notice of any increase.
( Figures and policy statements above are taken from the British School of Bucharest 2026/2027 fee schedule and related admissions pages. )
Fee details
Application and registration fees
- Registration (one‑time) fee: RON 7,676 (paid once at enrolment). - Reservation / advance deposit: the school requires an advance payment to secure a place; this advance is credited against the annual tuition and is distinct from the one‑time registration fee. (Advance / reservation amount and timing are part of the school's enrolment billing practice).
Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) — published 2026/2027 schedule
The following are the school's published annual tuition amounts (each line shows the annual tuition per pupil for the indicated grade/age). These are the headline tuition figures the school publishes for the 2026/2027 academic year:
- Kindergarten 1 (age 3): RON 66,015 per year. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): RON 76,506 per year. - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): RON 76,506 per year. - Grade 1 (age 6): RON 90,067 per year. - Grade 2 (age 7): RON 90,067 per year. - Grade 3 (age 8): RON 94,672 per year. - Grade 4 (age 9): RON 94,672 per year. - Grade 5 (age 10): RON 94,672 per year. - Grade 6 (age 11): RON 99,790 per year. - Grade 7 (age 12): RON 99,790 per year. - Grade 8 (age 13): RON 99,790 per year. - Grade 9 (age 14): RON 104,907 per year. - Grade 10 (age 15): RON 104,907 per year. - Grade 11 (age 16): RON 109,513 per year. - Grade 12 (age 17): RON 109,513 per year.
Per‑term amounts (simple division for record‑keeping)
- The school publishes annual tuition figures. For databases that require per‑term breakdowns, you can represent a per‑term amount by dividing the annual tuition by the number of school terms used in your system. Example (illustrative arithmetic only): if you show three equal terms, per‑term = annual tuition ÷ 3 (e.g., Kindergarten 1: RON 66,015 ÷ 3 = RON 22,005 per term). The annual figures above are the published inputs for such calculations.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- First year total: the first year of enrolment typically shows the one‑time registration fee plus the annual tuition as a combined charge for the initial invoice (example published presentation shows a higher total for the first year reflecting the registration fee + annual tuition). - Reservation / advance: a reservation or advance payment is required to secure a place; that advance is credited against the annual tuition. Parents are required to pay the reservation/advance in order to confirm enrolment. - Sibling discount: a 5% discount applies to each younger sibling while multiple siblings are enrolled.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; the published fee listings show day‑school tuition and do not include boarding fees (no full or weekly boarding charges are published for Cambridge School of Bucharest).
Other costs and ancillary fees
- Special educational needs / EAL surcharge: a supplemental fee for additional learning support or English as an Additional Language placement is published by some sources and can apply in addition to tuition (examples in public reporting show a supplementary fee for specific support programmes). - Examination fees and external assessment: Cambridge examination fees and other external exam charges are not included in headline tuition and are invoiced separately when applicable. - School meals / catering, school transport (bus), uniforms, textbooks and some activity trips are typically charged in addition to headline tuition; several published summaries of school costs list these as extra items to budget for.
Refund and cancellation policy (fees)
- The registration fee is presented as a one‑time, non‑refundable payment at enrolment. The advance / reservation payment is credited against tuition; published information indicates it is applied to the tuition account and treated as part of the fees ledger. Parents should treat the registration fee as non‑refundable and the advance as a credit toward fees.
Fee payment options
- In practice, international and private schools in Bucharest invoice in RON and commonly accept bank transfer as the primary method for payment of tuition invoices. Card and other electronic payment methods are used at many schools for one‑time payments or deposits; the school issues invoices for fee payments that can be settled by the usual business‑to‑school payment channels. (Use the school's admissions contact for precise payment account details and accepted payment channels when preparing enrolment paperwork.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Day school; no boarding provision.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has a compulsory uniform worn daily, including the Physical Education kit.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
In-house nutritious lunch service is provided; EYFS lunch is free; lunch is an additional paid service; parents may also pack lunch.
Food options
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House system
House system
The House System is integral to school life; students remain in their House throughout their time at BSB; House competitions take place, with House colours of red, green, blue and yellow.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The School is operated by Crawford House Foundation; operations are carried out by BSB Sports & Services SRL.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school teaches the National Curriculum for England, with education progressing from Early Years through IGCSE/GCSE to A-Level; more than 140 co-curricular activities (CCAs) supplement the curriculum.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
The school maintains an optimal pupil-to-teacher ratio with class sizes that allow teachers to be attentive to all students.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
In 2024–2025, A-Level: 38% of grades were A*-A, 69% A*-B, and a 100% pass rate; IGCSE: 49% A*-A, 75% A*-B, and a 99% pass rate. A-Level results have been consistently above world averages in recent years, with over half of the cohort achieving A*-A in 2024 and nearly three-quarters A*-B.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
In 2022–2023, more than 95% of graduates gained acceptance into prestigious universities worldwide, including Cambridge, Imperial College London, Durham, St Andrews, IE University Madrid and Fordham University. In 2024–2025, 42 graduates received 152 offers from 196 applications (78% offer-to-application), with destinations including Imperial College London, UCL, Durham, St Andrews, Bocconi (Italy), Esade (Spain), TU Delft (Netherlands), the University of British Columbia, the University of Miami and other leading institutions.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
There is an Able, Gifted and Talented Department.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school provides a comprehensive pastoral care system that supports students' social and emotional needs. We aim to help every student realise their full potential by offering full support and guidance. The pastoral program balances the Sixth Form curriculum with daily interactions between students and staff. Leadership and mentoring are encouraged through peer mentoring, House events, and student council involvement to develop confidence and independence. The school emphasises personal growth, resilience and well-being as part of social and emotional learning.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The SEN Department provides support for learning difficulties, medical issues, and behavioural and emotional difficulties. With an Educational Psychologist, the department offers tailored classes for behavioural, emotional and social development needs. It provides individual counselling sessions for students and parents if required. Individual Educational Plans are developed and regularly reviewed to adapt lessons to each student's needs, typically via in-class support. The school liaises with external agencies such as speech therapists to support communication and interaction needs. The school provides exam access arrangements; however, it cannot meet the needs of Severe Learning Difficulty (SLD) or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty (PMLD).
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The EAL Department's primary role is to provide the necessary English support to help students with a low level of English integrate quickly into an English-language environment. A team of professionally qualified EAL teachers ensures students receive all the English support they need to enjoy their time and succeed. All new students are assessed on entry to determine their level of English. EAL lessons are offered in small groups within the regular timetable and may replace some MFL or Humanities lessons; support can include group lessons, after-school clubs or one-to-one sessions. Students receive language support across subjects, with Cambridge KET and PET examinations available; ESL courses run in Key Stage 3 and IGCSE; Year 11 students sit the IGCSE English as a Second Language exam; KS5 offers IELTS preparation.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through Wellbeing and Pastoral Care, which aims to help every student maintain wellbeing while pursuing a rigorous curriculum. Daily guidance and support occur through interactions between students and teachers, both inside and outside lessons. The pastoral program helps Sixth Form students navigate university applications while fostering leadership and personal growth. The school creates a safe, inclusive environment that values student wellbeing as part of overall success.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school has a Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy last updated 7 March 2025. An Online Safety Policy is in place and last updated 2 March 2026. A Safer Recruitment Policy is in place and last updated 6 March 2026. Additional safeguarding-related policies include the EAL Policy (last updated 25 November 2025) and the Health and Safety Policy (last updated 19 February 2025). The safeguarding framework is implemented across the campus through these policies and related procedures.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The British School of Bucharest occupies a spacious campus in northern Bucharest with academic, sporting and artistic facilities. The campus was purpose-built to support ecological sustainability and environmental protection. It has three main buildings: the EYFS and Key Stage 1 centre at the rear, with Primary School and Secondary School buildings in front, designed to provide a variety of learning settings. The campus includes an indoor multi-purpose sports dome, four indoor sports areas and many outdoor play areas, plus Ringwood Kingdom for EYFS-Year 2 and a Science Garden. There are music rooms, fully equipped laboratories, two large libraries, a drama studio, and a Food Technology Studio with a dining area and six kitchens. The BSB Innovation Hub supports STEAM learning, and outdoor features include a Re-Wilding Zone, a vegetable garden and a pond. The campus security is robust, ensuring a safe and peaceful space for our students.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The campus includes an indoor multi-purpose sports dome and four indoor sports areas. There is an Indoor Multipurpose Sports Hall. Outdoor facilities include outdoor play areas, a climbing wall and an outdoor swimming pool. Ringwood Kingdom provides space for EYFS to Year 2. The sports spaces support PE and a range of extra-curricular activities on campus and off-site.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Fully equipped laboratories support science and technology education. Design & Technology Laboratories and a Food Technology Studio with a dining area and six kitchens support hands-on projects. Two large libraries and a drama studio provide spaces for study, research and performance. The BSB Innovation Hub combines design, technology, math and physics for practical, hands-on learning. Media Suite and Information & Communication facilities support digital learning and information literacy.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Music rooms and soundproof practice spaces support music and performing arts activities, along with a drama studio and performance spaces. The Innovation Hub supports STEAM projects and practical activities across design, technology and science. Art Studios and ICT facilities support creative and digital arts. The Food Technology Studio has a dining area and six kitchens for cooking activities, and Takanaka Bistro & Food Trucks provide on-campus dining experiences. Outdoor features such as the Re-Wilding Zone, a vegetable garden and a pond support ecology and outdoor learning.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Open since 2000 in Bucharest. The British School of Bucharest has welcomed students for more than 20 years and now attracts more than 700 students from 65 nations. The school teaches the National Curriculum for England and has been rated ‘Excellent' in all areas by the UK Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2018, 2022 and 2025. It is recognised as a British School Overseas (BSO) by the ISI and is a full international member of The Heads' Conference (HMC).
History
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Community
Community
The school has a diverse community representing 65 nationalities. The Alumni Association hosts an annual Alumni Reunion to connect graduates with current students. The Community Report describes active charity work and community engagement, including fundraising for Romanian charities (Casa Ioana, Fundatia Inocenti, Light into Europe) and for UK charities, and highlights events such as the ‘Explore Romania' calendar and the Christmas Gift Appeal, as well as ongoing environmental initiatives on campus.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Friends of BSB (FBSB) was formed to ensure that parents at BSB are actively involved in the School's community life, organizing regular meetings, activities and workshops. FBSB uses Classlist for GDPR-compliant parent communication and engagement, and communicates via the Parents' Portal with resources such as the Classlist notices. FBSB enhances the community through ongoing events and experiences for families.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Co-curricular activities include language learning and writing support. Computer skills, mathematical games, and sport are offered. Students enrol in at least two activities per term.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Arts and crafts, cooking and music are offered. There are performing arts opportunities including LAMDA Public Speaking. The activities develop creativity and performance skills.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Model United Nations (MUN) is available. Debating supports communication and critical thinking. Language learning is included in the CCAs.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Debating is a co-curricular activity. Esports is offered as a co-curricular activity. MAD Charity is part of the co-curricular programme.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
MAD Charity is a co-curricular activity. The programme includes charity and community initiatives. These activities engage students in social responsibility.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Entrepreneurship Hub is a co-curricular activity. MUN is a co-curricular activity. LAMDA Public Speaking and Debating develop communication.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Esports and Sports Leadership support wellbeing. Participation in at least two CCAs per term builds confidence. The programme integrates personal growth and teamwork.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The school offers French, German, Spanish and Mandarin as Modern Foreign Languages. MFL is compulsory from Year 3 to Year 11 (Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4) and students can study French, German, Spanish or Mandarin at IGCSE/GCSE and A-Level. The school supports students with languages other than English to sit international examinations, with Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Greek, Italian and Japanese having been studied for IGCSEs/GCSEs and A-Levels. Cross-curricular links with History, Art, Geography, Music and Mathematics reinforce language learning, and trips abroad provide opportunities to experience languages in action.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Eligibility and entry points. Entry to the British School of Bucharest is open to any member of the community, but places are limited by class sizes and a waiting list may apply. Proof of the child's ID (birth certificate, passport or visa) is required for full enrolment. Priority is given to families with siblings already in school. Each year an end date is set for re-registration; after this date, pupils from waiting lists may be offered a place, and starting at the beginning of the academic year is preferable, though admissions assessments can be arranged if needed. 2. Age and year-group entry. Pre-nursery requires two-year-olds by 31 August; Nursery three by 31 August; Reception four by 31 August; Year 1 five by 31 August. Year 7 requires 11 by 31 August; Year 10 entry aged 14 by 31 August; Year 12 and 13 entry (A-Levels) require passing grades in at least five IGCSEs or their equivalent. 3. Admissions criteria and inclusive policy. Candidates are admitted based on intellectual ability, English language proficiency, and alignment with the school's code of self-control, honesty, respect, equality and concern for others. The school has a Special Educational Needs department but may determine it cannot accommodate certain needs. Inclusion is pursued with mixed-ability classes in EYFS/Primary and form groups in Secondary, and the school aims to avoid large nationality imbalances. 4. Admissions procedure. After submission, candidates are invited to admissions tests appropriate to their year group and to book a tour of the school; tests vary by year (Pre-Nursery–Reception none; Year 1–2 short writing evaluation; Years 2–6 CAT4; Years 7–11 Mathematics, English and CAT4; Years 12–13 tests per A-level choices and CAT4). An interview with an academic head follows, and parents may be interviewed if necessary. 5. Offers, waiting list and deposits. If a place is offered, or you remain on the waiting list, you have 48 hours to confirm the acceptance by email. When places for the next year are full, candidates may be placed on a Waiting List and admitted as places become available (often in spring, sometimes in summer). Rejection allows for re-application after six months. 6. Fees and final acceptance. After the file is approved, an invoice for a Reservation Deposit is issued to reserve a place until 15 April, with the balance of the full year's fees due by 15 April to secure the place. Final acceptance occurs once all academic fees have been paid.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
BSB Scholarship Programme. The Board of the British School of Bucharest offers discounted tuition to talented students who would benefit from an education at the School, based on past academic success, an interview with the student and parents, and an essay on a specific theme. The aim is to broaden access to independent education for eligible students and to recognise exceptional talent in certain curriculum areas. Transforming Futures Scholarship Programme (2024–2025). The programme offers full and partial scholarships to students entering Year 10 or Year 12, open to state or private school students, with online registration, an application, an essay and a portfolio required. Selected candidates undertake assessments and interviews (CAT and subject tests), with final results determining scholarships ranging from 10% to 100% of tuition. Applications closed by 15 March 2024 for the 2024–2025 cycle, with CAT and English/Math assessments following shortly after and final results announced in April 2024. The BSB Scholarship Programme 2026–2027. Applications are open for Year 10 or Year 12 entry; scholarships are partial or full and aim to recognise academic potential, motivation and commitment to excellence, underpinning access to a world-class education. Shortlisted applicants attend assessments and interviews on campus, with full details and eligibility available on the dedicated Scholarship Programme page.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
Waiting List. When all places for next year have been awarded, candidates at the appropriate level are placed on a Waiting List and may be admitted as places become available, often in spring but sometimes as late as during the summer.
