French International School of Bucharest and International British School of Bucharest are both in Bucharest, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. French International School of Bucharest also offers French, and International British School of Bucharest also offers EYFS, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are RON 8,650 - 10,550 at French International School of Bucharest and RON 5,650 - 22,350 at International British School of Bucharest, which puts International British School of Bucharest roughly 46% higher. French International School of Bucharest takes pupils from 2 to 12, and International British School of Bucharest from 3 to 18.
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F
French International School of Bucharest
Bucharest, Romania
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International British School of Bucharest
Bucharest, Romania
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year RON 8,650 - 10,550 | Fees / year RON 5,650 - 22,350 |
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Age range
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Age range 2 - 12 years | Age range 3 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum British Curriculum, French Curriculum | Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels |
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Pupils
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Pupils — | Pupils 430 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size — | Typical class size 22 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language French, English, Romanian | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 2019 | Opened 2000 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service Yes |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location Bulevardul Dacia Nr. 12, Sector 1, Bucharest, Romania. | Location 21-25 Agricultori Street, District 2, Bucharest, Romania. IBSB is located in District 2 of Bucharest. |
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Stages
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Stages Serves pupils from prekindergarten (2 years old) to the final year of high school. A junior high school opened in September 2024; the middle school opens in September 2026; the high school opens in September 2028. | Stages EYFS; Primary School; Secondary School. |
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School type
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School type The EFI Bucarest is a French international school within the Odyssey Education group. It is a trilingual school (French, English and Romanian) and follows the French national curriculum as approved by the French Ministry of Education. | School type Day school. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix 14 nationalities represented. | Pupil nationality mix 32 nationalities represented. |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support — | Additional learning support English Support is provided. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation Affiliated with France; approved by the French Ministry of Education and follows the French national curriculum. | Country affiliation — |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation — | Religious affiliation — |
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School day structure
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School day structure For kindergarten and primary, classes start at 8:30am and finish at 4:00pm; Wednesdays finish at 12:00pm. The schedule uses nine half-days per week: four full days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) and one half-day (Wednesday). There are two breaks during the day, around 10:30–11:00am and 2:45–3:00pm, and the morning lessons finish around 11:50–12:00 with a 1.5-hour lunch break. | School day structure EYFS: Gates open 8:15 am; 9:00 am registration; 9:00–3:00 learning; 3:00–5:00 pm After School Club (termly fee). Primary: Day starts at 8:30 am with morning line-up; 8:30–3:00 pm lessons; 3:00–3:50 pm clubs (Monday–Thursday). Secondary: Day starts at 8:30 am with morning registration; 8:40–3:50 pm lessons; 4:00–5:30 pm Afterschool Clubs (Monday–Thursday). |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details — | Bus service details — |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application / First registration fee - First registration fee (one-time, payable at enrolment): EUR 1,200. Reduced rate for enrolment before 30 March 2026: EUR 850. Payment of this fee must be made within two weeks following the admission notification in order to confirm enrolment. This first registration fee is non‑refundable. Tuition fees by school year (annual amounts for 2026–2027) - Kindergarten – TPS, PS (early years): EUR 8,650 per academic year. - Kindergarten – MS, GS (upper kindergarten): EUR 9,450 per academic year. - Primary (CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2): EUR 10,550 per academic year. - Middle School (Grade 6 / 6ème): EUR 10,550 per academic year. - Passerelle Programme (separate short programme fee): EUR 1,950. Per-term figures (calculated from the annual fee; shown as per-term amounts if invoiced in three equal instalments) - TPS, PS: EUR 8,650 per year — approximately EUR 2,883 per term (annual ÷ 3). - MS, GS: EUR 9,450 per year — approximately EUR 3,150 per term (annual ÷ 3). - Primary (CP–CM2): EUR 10,550 per year — approximately EUR 3,517 per term (annual ÷ 3). - Middle School (6ème): EUR 10,550 per year — approximately EUR 3,517 per term (annual ÷ 3). - Passerelle Programme: EUR 1,950 total (programme fee). If split into three equal instalments, approx. EUR 650 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms - The first registration fee must be paid within two weeks following the admission notification to confirm the enrolment. Annual tuition fees are set for the academic year 2026–2027 and charged per pupil at the levels above. Families receive invoices from the school administration with the payment deadlines indicated on those invoices. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. EFI Bucarest operates as a day school for the listed levels and does not list boarding or residential programmes with associated fees. Other costs and fees - Uniforms: A standardized school uniform is required; families must obtain the uniform items as stated in the school's uniform policy and supply lists. Specific uniform pricing is not listed with the tuition figures. - School supplies: Supply lists for each year (preschool and elementary) are provided; costs for supplies are additional to tuition and vary by level. - Catering (school meals): A school meal service is offered; meal charges and subscription options are handled separately from tuition and are additional to the amounts above. - Extra‑curricular activities / after‑school programmes / holiday camps: These services are available and typically carry separate fees; such activity fees are additional to tuition. Refund information (applicable items) - The first registration fee is explicitly non‑refundable. Fee payment options - Enrolment and administrative billing are managed through the school's admissions process and administrative office; invoices are issued by the school administration. For specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, card payment, direct debit) and the details required for remittance, contact the school's admissions or reception teams using the published contact details. Administrative contact for fee matters - EFI Bucarest reception: +40 (749) 098 867; contact@efibucarest.org. Admissions office: admissions@efibucarest.org. Use these contacts for billing queries and to obtain invoice and payment‑method details. | Fee details Enrollment & application fees - Enrolment Deposit: EUR 3,500. This payment secures a place and is deducted from the total tuition fee; it is non-refundable in case of withdrawal. - Registration Fee (non‑refundable, first time only for new students): EUR 1,800 for the 1st child or each sibling; EUR 1,200 for the 3rd child; EUR 0 for the 4th child. Tuition fees by year group (2026–2027) — annual and instalments - Nursery (Half‑day): Annual tuition EUR 7,350. 1st instalment EUR 4,410 (Aug 31 – Feb 28); 2nd instalment EUR 2,940 (Mar 1 – Jun 25). - Nursery & Reception (Full day): Annual tuition EUR 12,850. 1st instalment EUR 7,710 (Aug 31 – Feb 28); 2nd instalment EUR 5,140 (Mar 1 – Jun 25). - Primary School (Years 1–6): Annual tuition EUR 18,150. 1st instalment EUR 10,890 (Aug 31 – Feb 28); 2nd instalment EUR 7,260 (Mar 1 – Jun 25). - Middle School (Years 7–9): Annual tuition EUR 20,670. 1st instalment EUR 12,400 (Aug 31 – Feb 28); 2nd instalment EUR 8,270 (Mar 1 – Jun 25). - High School (Years 10–13): Annual tuition EUR 22,350. 1st instalment EUR 13,410 (Aug 31 – Feb 28); 2nd instalment EUR 8,940 (Mar 1 – Jun 25). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed on a two‑semester basis (two instalments per academic year). For 2026–2027 the fiscal semesters are: 1st instalment period Aug 31, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027; 2nd instalment period Mar 1, 2027 – Jun 25, 2027. Payment due dates specified are: 1st instalment due by August 05, 2026; 2nd instalment due by February 01, 2027. The school may adjust fees with 90 days' prior notice. Sibling discount - A 10% sibling discount is offered where two or more siblings are registered; the discount is applied only to the youngest sibling. Additional costs invoiced separately - Certain club and after‑school activities - Residential trips - Transportation - School lunch - School uniform - Events Fund - Re‑takes, remarks and external examination checks These items are invoiced in addition to the annual tuition. What tuition covers - Certain clubs and school activities - Local educational trips - Class textbooks and software access - Stationery - IGCSE & AS/A‑level examinations (as listed in the fee details) Certain items are included within the tuition and others are charged separately as listed above. Refund information - The Enrolment Deposit (EUR 3,500) is non‑refundable in case of withdrawal. The Registration Fee is non‑refundable. Annual tuition adjustments may be made with 90 days' notice. Boarding - No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed; there are no boarding fees applicable. Fee payment options - The published fee schedule specifies payment via "IBSB Direct Payments" in two instalments with the instalment periods and due‑by dates shown above. Specific payment channels (for example, explicit mention of credit card or bank transfer details) are not provided within the published fee schedule. For the 2026–2027 fee structure the school specifies the two‑instalment payment arrangement. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement A standardized uniform is worn by EFI Bucarest students. The uniform reinforces the school identity and belonging within the EFI community and the Odyssey network. | Uniform requirement Uniform is required for all pupils. The uniform is practical, comfortable, long wearing, and environmentally friendly, supplied by Trutex; orders can be placed online and there is an on-campus Uniform Shop for fitting. Sixth Form wear a corporate professional dress code with collared shirts for both genders, a tie for boys, and dark trousers or a knee-length skirt/dress. |
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Food options
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Food options The school provides a school meal service within the school with healthy, balanced menus tailored to children's nutritional needs and prepared by a French chef. | Food options All children from Nursery to Year 13 eat lunch at school. Healthy, nutritional school meals are provided based on an international menu and are an additional charge. In addition to the school menu, students can buy food from the School Kiosk, and students in Years 12 and 13 are allowed to exit the school to buy food off campus if they wish. |
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House system
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House system — | House system The House System is an integral part of life at IBSB. Students are placed into one of three houses—Dobrogea, Transilvania, or Muntenia. Each house elects a Captain and Vice Captain and participates in monthly House Competitions for points; the end-of-term winning house receives a trip, and the year-end winner is awarded the IBSB House Cup. |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership EFI Bucarest is part of the Odyssey Education group. It is a French educational establishment approved by the French Ministry of Education and provides education in accordance with the French national curriculum; the school is trilingual (French, English and Romanian). | Governance and ownership IBSB is a COBIS, ECIS and CEESA member since 2002 and ARACIP accredited. An ISI British School Overseas inspection in September 2022 confirmed that the school meets all standards with excellent outcomes for learning and personal development. The school is a Cambridge Assessment International Examinations centre since 2001 and an Edexcel centre since 2012, and is a member of AoBSO. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details EFI Bucarest is a trilingual school (French, English and Romanian) approved by the French Ministry of Education and delivering education in accordance with the French national curriculum. French is the language of instruction; English and Romanian are taught from prekindergarten onwards, with English around 4.5 hours per week plus 1 hour of co-teaching and Romanian 2 hours per week. About 20% of the total curriculum is taught in English. The primary curriculum uses a common base structured into five areas: Languages, Methods and tools, Personal and citizen education, Natural and technical systems, Representations of the world and human activity. The Passerelle programme provides intensive French lessons (3 hours per week in small groups) for non- or low-French-speaking students to support immersion, and the Portal programme assists in their smooth integration into the curriculum. After kindergarten and primary, EFI Bucarest will open its junior high school in September 2024 and its high school in September 2028, enabling the French baccalaureate (international option) and language certifications that open doors to top universities worldwide. | Curriculum details The school follows the National Curriculum of England for ages 3–18, with the Early Years Foundation Stage for Nursery and Reception; Primary (Years 1–6) and Secondary (Years 7–11) follow the National Curriculum, and Cambridge IGCSE is taken in Years 10–11; Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers Cambridge AS and A-Level courses. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results GCSE A-A* average for the Summer 2025 exam session was 57%. IGCSE and Cambridge AS/A-Level exams are scheduled twice a year. |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression Pupils will study for the French baccalaureate (international option) and language certifications, which open doors to the best universities worldwide. | Higher education progression 95% of IBSB graduates continue their studies at top universities worldwide. University destinations include Cambridge, Yale, University College London, London School of Economics, Bocconi University, University of Amsterdam, and others. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented Value all forms of talent. | Gifted and talented More Able and Talented is a whole-school approach with differentiated teaching and enrichment opportunities; IBSB is a member of the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE). |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning The school transmits fundamental skills and general cultural knowledge to all students, the pillars of intellectual and social development, and supports each student through a personalised approach and individual growth. | Social & emotional learning Personal development is treated as important as academic subjects. Values, attitudes, self-confidence, self-awareness, and life skills are supported for lifelong success and happiness. On arrival, each new student is paired with a buddy to help with the transition, and joins a House System that promotes community spirit and positive behaviour through house points and events. A Teacher Mentoring System and a Prefect Mentoring System provide ongoing guidance, while two qualified student counsellors support emotional and social development through individual or group sessions, with confidentiality except in safety concerns. Counselling is introduced to all students at the start of each academic year. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) EFI Bucharest is open to students of all nationalities and welcomes kindergarten and primary school pupils who speak little or no French. To ensure their successful integration, the school has set up the Portal programme, providing pupils with a smooth transition, so that they learn French quickly while easing their way into the school's teaching curriculum. | Special educational needs (SEN) IBSB provides support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Every child has equal entitlement to education; when a specific need is identified, parents are informed and an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is created in collaboration with families. IBSB is a member of the National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN), giving staff access to resources and training to deliver SEND support. Pupils needing dedicated SEND or EAL support achieve well due to effective provision. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language The school is a trilingual school (French, English and Romanian), approved by the French Ministry of Education and providing education in accordance with the French national curriculum. The school uses a 1 multilingual education approach. | English as an additional language IBSB is an international school with students from many countries, and many students speak English as a second language and may not initially have the English language skills required for the English National Curriculum and mainstream lessons taught in English. Students entering IBSB are assessed to determine if they need additional English support, and where a need is identified, extra support is provided in small classes to enable them to learn quickly and integrate into mainstream classes. The aims of English Language Support include assessing English proficiency, placing students in appropriate EAL classes, providing 1-5 hours of extra English per week, and designing programs to meet individual needs while developing basic interpersonal communicative skills (BICS) and cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP) in a positive learning environment. Extra support is delivered in small groups, up to a maximum of five EAL lessons per week; EAL and related expectations are communicated with parents and reflected in annual reports. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing The educational values include intercultural dialogue, cooperation and initiative as part of a global mindset and citizenship education, supporting students in social development and 21st‑century engagement. | Mental wellbeing Wellbeing and emotional health are supported through the IBSB Student Support and Wellbeing program. The school emphasises personal development, including values, attitudes, self-confidence, self-awareness, and life skills. On arrival, students are paired with a buddy, and join a House System that fosters community and positive behaviour through house points, meetings, and events. A Teacher Mentoring System and a Prefect Mentoring System provide additional guidance, while two qualified student counsellors support emotional and social development through individual or group sessions. Counselling is confidential, with disclosures only made when safety concerns arise, and counsellors are introduced to students at the start of each academic year. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding — | Safeguarding Child safeguarding is a top priority at IBSB. All staff receive annual safeguarding training, with select staff receiving advanced safeguarding and safer recruitment training. Safeguarding checks are recorded in the Staff Central Record, meeting DfE BSO standards. The school has a designated safeguarding lead and maintains a Whole School Child Safeguarding Policy for reference by staff and families. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview EFI Bucarest is housed in Casa Scarlat Kretzulescu, a historic building in central Bucharest near Piata Romana. The campus spans 2,200 m² for teaching and school life. It is a trilingual institution (French, English and Romanian) approved by the French Ministry of Education and follows the French national curriculum. It is part of the Odyssey Education group network, connecting thousands of students across the Odyssey network. The school's philosophy blends French educational traditions with multilingual, international teaching. | Facilities overview The campus was modernised in recent years and offers dedicated outdoor areas for different ages. Outdoor spaces include sports fields for football and basketball, ping-pong tables, climbing and play centres, and an Early Years area with age-appropriate activities and safety features. A new administrative building houses the Early Years Center and a spacious Lunch Room. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities The building includes a multi-sports hall and two large, secure, tree-lined playgrounds. The campus supports physical education and outdoor activities within these spaces. After-school activities include sporting options such as karate. The school's after-school program includes a variety of cultural, artistic and sporting activities conducted after regular classes. | Sports facilities Outdoor sports facilities include football and basketball fields, ping-pong tables, and climbing and play centres to support a range of physical activities. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities Spacious, connected classrooms are equipped with modern furniture. A media library provides a reading and information hub for students. The building includes a canteen for student meals. These facilities support the French curriculum and a multilingual teaching approach within the Odyssey Education network. | Academic facilities The school has specialist areas including science labs, physical education facilities, art/DT spaces, and ICT facilities. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities EFI Bucarest offers after-school activities from the first year of kindergarten to CM2. They are optional but highly recommended and designed to improve learning skills, particularly in languages. After-school activities run for 30–32 weeks outside normal school hours, from Monday to Friday, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, with a snack break from 4:00 to 4:30 pm. Activities include Chess, Karate, Arts, Theatre and Public Speaking, Robotics and Coding, Magic Hub, Kinderdance, and Design Video Game. Holiday camps are organized during school holidays with bilingual theatre, dance, music workshops and sports games. | Extra curricular facilities The club programme includes academic clubs (Debate Club, Journalism Club, STEM Club, Logic Club, Kumon Maths and English), creative clubs (Drama Club, Future Fashion Club, Arts and Crafts, Creative Circle, Sewing Club, The Big Sing Along), cultural clubs (Mandarin Club, Cultural Tales, Mini Travelers, Sezătoarea Creativă), sports clubs (Football, Tennis, Swimming, Karate, Ballet, Dance, Capoeira, Alpha Basket Club), and science/STEAM clubs (Wow Lab, Little Scientists, Food Science, LEGO Challenge, Cognitive Science Club). Mindfulness and wellbeing clubs (Kids Yoga, Mindfulness Club, Feeling Friends) are also offered. The program is supported by Kumon, Wow Lab, and Essearte Academy Romania, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis with a term brochure detailing eligibility and schedules. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History EFI Bucarest is part of the Odyssey School Network and is supported by French institutions. It was founded to offer education rooted in French excellence, multilingualism, an international outlook and personal development. The school follows the French national curriculum and is approved by the French Ministry of Education for all primary cycles. The academic vision blends the French idea of general culture with bilingual education delivered by international teachers, creating a trilingual (French, English, Romanian) and multicultural teaching environment, unique in Bucharest. The school is located on a single campus in central Bucharest, in a historic building that formerly housed the Romanian Literature Museum. | History IBSB has a long history of academic excellence. It is the first COBIS-accredited school in Romania and the first international school officially recognised by ARACIP (the Romanian Ministry of Education). The school offers a well-established extracurricular programme, including lessons from specialist sports teachers and music teachers, timely visits from specialist subject teachers, senior students, and special guests, and an extensive range of class trips and afterschool clubs. |
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Community
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Community EFI Bucarest has an international community of parents, students and staff. Pupils are welcomed into a dynamic and multicultural environment where each member of the school community finds their place and builds lifelong relationships. Parents and EFI Bucharest work together to ensure the best possible education for the children. Elected parent representatives defend the interests of the pupils' parents and maintain regular and meaningful contact with the school, building a relationship based on trust. Parent representatives inform other parents about actions by distributing documents to pupils and serve as intermediaries, working directly with the headmaster and the school community (educational advisors, teachers). | Community IBSB's community is formed by students and staff from up to thirty countries, coming together as a single IBSB community and contributing to a vibrant cultural calendar, lively debate, and the core values of respect and tolerance. Pastoral care and wellbeing are central, with a school nurse, two full-time student counsellors, and a dedicated pastoral care team; new students receive a well-organised induction programme and English language support. The school offers a broad co-curricular programme with day and residential trips, lunchtime activities, after-school clubs, a Work Experience Programme, CAS, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a wide range of sporting opportunities, and a Creative Arts Programme, enriching student life on and off campus. IBSB emphasizes partner collaboration with parents, working as parents as partners toward World Class School Membership. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association EFI Bucarest's Parent-Teacher Association is formed by elected parent representatives who defend the interests of the school's parents. They work in close collaboration with the headmaster and school leaders, including educational advisors and teachers, to ensure regular and meaningful communication. Parent representatives keep the wider parent community informed by distributing documents to pupils. They serve as intermediaries, bridging families and the school in matters of education and school life. The PTA reinforces parental involvement in the school and helps foster a relationship of trust between families and the school. This collaboration supports the overall educational environment and school activities. | Parent teacher association PTF stands for Parents, Teachers, and Friends and is the reconstituted PTA. The board includes current and past IBSB parents who work alongside the Senior Management Team to determine school policy and help plan and organise school events. The PTF also organises a social calendar of events where parents can meet and socialise with teachers and other parents. PTF meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month in the Flavors Café on the first floor of the new IBSB building. Minutes from PTF meetings are available in the Parents' Area. The PTF has a Mission and Vision statement and a Policy. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The school follows the French national curriculum approved by the French Ministry of Education and is part of the Odyssey Education network. It is a trilingual school (French, English and Romanian) with teaching delivered by French and international teachers. The school welcomes pupils from prekindergarten (2 years old) up to the final year of primary school, with junior high opening in September 2024 and high school in September 2028, enabling study for the French baccalaureate (international option) and language certifications to access universities worldwide. | Academic & intellectual The school offers a wide range of after-school academic clubs to strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving. Academic clubs include Debate Club, Journalism Club, STEM Club, Logic Club, and Kumon Maths and English. Science and innovation clubs include Wow Lab, Little Scientists, Food Science, LEGO Challenge, and Cognitive Science Club for hands-on STEAM exploration. The club programme is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative The school integrates artistic and cultural learning into the pathway to academic success. In kindergarten, the teaching approach emphasizes interactive activities such as games, songs, performances and visits to museums to foster creativity. Extracurricular offerings include arts plastiques, theatre and public speaking, and a diverse roster of activities such as chess, robotics, and design-related programs. Extracurricular activities run after school from 16:30 to 17:30, with longer sessions on Wednesdays, and are available to students from Nursery through CM2. | Arts & creative Creative clubs include Drama Club, Future Fashion Club, Arts and Crafts, Creative Circle, Sewing Club, and The Big Sing Along, nurturing imagination and self-expression. These clubs provide opportunities for performance, design and hands-on creativity. Participation helps students express ideas and develop creativity. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language The school provides a Passerelle programme to support non-French-speaking students with intensive French instruction in small groups to ensure quick integration. French is the reference language, with roughly a third of lessons taught in English and Romanian, and all teachers apply an immersion-based approach to language learning. The school promotes intercultural exchange and an international outlook through programs such as Model United Nations, school trips and partnerships with other international schools. | Cultural & language Cultural experiences include Mandarin Club, Cultural Tales, Mini Travelers, and Sezătoarea Creativă, giving students a window into global traditions and languages. These clubs expose students to diverse cultures and languages, broadening global awareness. They complement language learning in class. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities are offered to students from Nursery through CM2 and are strongly encouraged, spanning arts, sports and language development. The program runs for 30–32 weeks outside regular hours, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 16:00 to 17:30, with a 16:00–16:30 snack break, and Wednesday from 12:00 to 16:00 including lunch. Activities include chess, karate, arts plastiques, theatre and public speaking, robotics and coding, Magic Hub, Kinderdance, and design video games. | Social & hobbies The programme encourages students to join many clubs to develop social and personal skills. Mindfulness and wellbeing clubs such as Kids Yoga, Mindfulness Club, and Feeling Friends support emotional balance and self-awareness. Movement and sports clubs include Football, Tennis, Swimming, Karate, Ballet, Dance, Capoeira, and Alpha Basket Club, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. |
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Community & service
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Community & service The EFI Bucharest community is international and multicultural, welcoming pupils, families and staff from diverse nationalities. Parents participate actively, with elected parent representatives who defend pupils' interests and maintain regular, trust-based contact with the headmaster and educational staff. The school emphasizes collaboration among pupils, families and the wider community. | Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is a programme IBSB participates in, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. It includes four sections: service, skills, physical recreation, and adventurous journey; Gold includes a residential project. Examples of service include first aid, visiting and supporting people in need, hospital volunteering, sports coaching, and charity work. The Award is recognised by universities worldwide as an indication of character and community commitment. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional Leadership and international-mindedness are fostered through programs such as Model United Nations and intercultural exchanges, which are highlighted as part of the school's educational opportunities. The school emphasizes personal development, initiative and teamwork as part of its educational missions and aims to prepare students for top universities. | Leadership & professional Student leadership is fostered through the Student Council, which runs events and campaigns and promotes social and civic development. The Council emphasizes student voice and involvement in school life. The House system reinforces teamwork and leadership, with house captains and monthly competitions. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award also develops leadership and life skills through its sections and residential project. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing After school and on Wednesday afternoons, pupils can participate in a wide range of cultural, artistic and sporting activities, with some offered in English. The educational model also emphasizes artistic and sporting involvement as part of the pathway to academic success, contributing to a well-rounded and active lifestyle. | Lifestyle & wellbeing Mindfulness and wellbeing clubs such as Kids Yoga, Mindfulness Club, and Feeling Friends support emotional balance and self-awareness. Sports and physical activity are emphasized through Football, Tennis, Swimming, Karate, Ballet, Dance, Capoeira, and Alpha Basket Club. The overall aim is to promote physical health, mental balance, teamwork, and resilience. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision EFI Bucarest is a trilingual school offering French, English and Romanian and is part of the Odyssey Education network. It follows the French national curriculum. It welcomes pupils from prekindergarten (2 years) up to CM2 (9-10 years), with higher classes opening each year to continue to high school. Junior high will open in September 2024 and high school in September 2028, enabling study for the French baccalaureate (international option) and language certifications. | Language provision French, German, Spanish, and Romanian are offered as modern foreign languages. Modern Foreign Languages are introduced from Year 1. Classes are taught by native English teachers with bilingual Romanian assistants. Language clubs offer additional language opportunities, including Italian or Russian beyond the MFL programme. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching The school is a trilingual school offering French, English and Romanian. It is approved by the French Ministry of Education and provides education in accordance with the French national curriculum. The educational model combines French academic excellence with the dynamism of English-speaking schools, delivered by a team of French and international teachers. | Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction. Classes are taught by qualified native English teachers, supported by bilingual Romanian assistants. |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs In Secondary School, students have the chance to take part in school excursions or a student exchange programme to experience language use in the country of origin. Language clubs provide native-speaker experiences and opportunities to learn languages such as Italian or Russian beyond the MFL programme. |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards World Class School Award (June 2022) as part of the World Class Schools Fellowship; 2021 is the year when 100% of the graduating class received offers to reputable universities worldwide, with 74% to top 1% universities and 95% to top 5% universities. |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations COBIS, ECIS, and CEESA membership since 2002; ARACIP accreditation by the Romanian Ministry of Education; AoBSO (British Schools Overseas) membership; ISI inspection in September 2022 confirming compliance with British School Overseas standards and rating for educational quality as excellent; Cambridge Assessment International Examinations Centre since 2001; Edexcel Centre since 2012; World Class Schools Fellowship with World Class School Award in June 2022. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions EFI Bucarest welcomes pupils of all nationalities. From the beginning of the school year in September 2026, the French International School of Bucharest will offer classes from Pre-Kindergarten (TPS) to Middle School Grade 6 (6ème). Recruitment is based on the results of the admission tests. Admission depends on the quality of the application, the test results and the availability of places. The admission process has three stages 1. Processing of application & admissions interview. Once you have submitted the online application and it has been processed by the admissions department, you will be invited to an admissions interview. 2. Reply to admission application. After the admission committee has come to a decision, your child's place will be confirmed by email and additional documents will be requested. 3. Payment of registration fees. After admission is confirmed, you will be asked to pay the first registration fee. The 1st registration fee is €1,150 and will not be refunded in the event of cancellation. Your child's final registration will be confirmed by email within 7 days following receipt of your payment. Registrations for the 2026-2027 school year are now open. The following documents must be uploaded when registering online: The completed online registration form; A copy of the child's passport or national identity card; Copies of passports or national identity cards of the parents/guardians; A copy of the family record book or any document proving the child's civil status; School evaluations for 24/25 and 25/26 school years for the children enrolled in the primary school. | Admissions Enrolment starts at Nursery for children aged 3 or older on September 1. IBSB uses an open enrolment policy and does not exclude students based on academic ability; all students are assessed before they start and a programme is in place to support progress, including Extra English Support for those needing language assistance. New enrolments are considered from March; those submitted before February are placed on the waiting list, which is processed for the new academic year on March 1. You can visit the school by appointment to meet the Head of School or Executive Director and receive an official tour, and a day at the school can be arranged for prospective pupils. Enrolment during the year is possible if a place is available. The school uses Cambridge assessments: Cambridge Pupil Progress Tests in Primary, Checkpoint in Year 9, IGCSE in Years 10–11, and A Levels in Years 12–13; reports and communications with parents are online via the Schoolbase system. An initial Registration Fee of 1,000 and a deposit of 1,500€ are payable at enrolment, with termly payments due before the start of each term. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships — | Scholarships The IBSB Scholarship Programme is available annually for students entering Years 7–10 and Year 12, with up to three senior scholarships for 2026–2027. Scholarships cover approximately €15,000 per year, about 70% of the annual tuition and include a waiver of IBSB enrolment fees; recipients may also access mentoring and internship opportunities at Allianz-Țiriac. Applications open February 9 and close March 28; CAT4 and EPT assessments, plus special talent and subject assessments, occur in April; interviews are held on May 2; announcements follow on May 6 (with acceptance by May 8) or May 11 for unsuccessful results; if awarded, external candidates must register by May 30. Types of scholarships include Academic, Sporting, and Excellence in Creative Arts, each requiring a portfolio of evidence, CAT4 and EPT results, and other supporting materials. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist — | Waitlist There is a waiting list for new enrolments; if you submit your new enrolment application before February you will be placed on the waiting list, which is processed for the new academic year on March 1. Enrolment during the year is possible if a place becomes available. |
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