Istanbul International School vs The British International School Istanbul

	I Istanbul International School Istanbul, Turkey	T The British International School Istanbul Istanbul, Turkey
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year TRY 18,150 - 27,650	Fees / year TRY 21,600 - 52,500
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 375	Pupils 520
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1997	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Two campuses in Üsküdar, Istanbul. Campus A is Turistik Camlıca Cad. No 20, Üsküdar 34692. Campus B is Harman Sok. No 1, Üsküdar 34676.	Location Zekeriyaköy Forest Campus, Kilyos Caddesi No: 227, Sarıyer, Istanbul
Stages	Stages Early Years; Primary School; Middle School; Cambridge IGCSE; AS/A Levels	Stages Pre-School (ages 2.5–4); Primary (ages 5–11); Secondary (ages 12–18)
School type	School type International school offering Cambridge curriculum in Istanbul	School type Private school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Students from over 60 nations; a multinational school.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support The Learning Support Department works with classroom teachers and parents to support children with special needs, beginning at enrollment with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and meetings. Services include formal monitoring and IEPs, with staff collaborating with teachers, parents, administrators, external Educational Psychologists, Speech Therapists and other professionals. The program offers pull-out and push-in support as well as Booster Classes and Learning Support across all areas of the curriculum.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation British (division of The British School Istanbul)
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details The school bus transport is provided by BURAK TURAN TURİZM. The service uses up-to-date vehicles with tracking and a parent proximity reporting system; contact iletisim@burakturanturizm.com for details.	Bus service details Bus service is offered through AZ-AL. Buses are GPS-tracked, equipped with security cameras, and operated by qualified drivers and hostesses; a representative is based at both the City and Zekeriyaköy Campuses. Bus service registration forms are available for Etiler STEAM Campus and Zekeriyaköy Forest Campus.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - No separate non‑refundable application or registration fee amount is published. Any prior payment made for placement tests is deducted from the annual tuition. Annual Tuition — published amounts by grade (USD) - Early Years (age 4–5): USD 18,150. - Term 1 (50%): USD 9,075.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 3,025.00. - Primary School - Grade 1: USD 22,250. - Term 1 (50%): USD 11,125.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 3,708.33. - Grade 2: USD 22,250. - Term 1: USD 11,125.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 3,708.33. - Grade 3: USD 22,250. - Term 1: USD 11,125.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 3,708.33. - Grade 4: USD 22,250. - Term 1: USD 11,125.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 3,708.33. - Middle School - Grade 5: USD 22,600. - Term 1: USD 11,300.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 3,766.67. - Grade 6: USD 23,400. - Term 1: USD 11,700.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 3,900.00. - Grade 7: USD 23,400. - Term 1: USD 11,700.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 3,900.00. - Grade 8: USD 23,950. - Term 1: USD 11,975.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 3,991.67. - IGCSE - Grade 9: USD 25,500. - Term 1: USD 12,750.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 4,250.00. - Grade 10: USD 27,000. - Term 1: USD 13,500.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 4,500.00. - AS/A Levels - Grade 11: USD 27,650. - Term 1: USD 13,825.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 4,608.33. - Grade 12: USD 27,800. - Term 1: USD 13,900.00. Terms 2–4 (each): USD 4,633.33. (All listed tuition amounts are published in US dollars; each annual figure is quoted as a single amount and the per‑term breakdown above follows the school's four‑installment billing structure.) What those fees cover - Published tuition amounts include tuition, lunch, books and materials, assessment and V.A.T. as part of the package. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard payment plan: four installments. The first installment equals 50% of the total annual fee; the remaining 50% is split across three subsequent installments. The final installment must be completed by the published deadline. Late payments incur a surcharge of 3% of the delayed amount. - A 5% discount is applied when the annual tuition is paid in full in advance (advance‑payment eligibility and cutoff dates are specified by the school). Sibling discounts are applied as follows: 5% for the second child, 10% for the third child and 15% for the fourth child. Boarding / Accommodation - No boarding provision or boarding fees are published; boarding is not itemized as part of the school fee schedule. Other costs and optional services - School bus: transport is provided by an external bus operator; the bus operator sets bus pricing and parents are asked to contact the transport company for pricing. Bus fees are not included in the published tuition amounts and are quoted separately by the bus operator. - Uniforms: no separate uniform charge is itemized in the published tuition schedule. Books, materials and lunch are included in the published tuition figures. - Cambridge examination registrations: the school requires Grades 5, 8, 10, 11 and 12 to sit Cambridge exams and the school's published tuition includes the minimum number of Cambridge examinations required by the school; additional or external exam charges may apply separately. Refund information - To withdraw, an application must be completed at least 15 days prior to official withdrawal to allow processing. If cancellation of registration occurs before the start of the school year, a refund is made with a deduction of 10% of the published tuition fee. If withdrawal occurs during the school year: 10% of the published tuition fee is deducted; remaining school days are counted and a pro‑rated refund for tuition and lunch is calculated accordingly. Books, educational materials and assessment fees are not refundable. Fee payment methods - Accepted payment methods are wire / bank transfer and credit card. Any additional surcharges charged by the credit card provider are the responsibility of the cardholder. The school publishes bank account details for payments and expects transfers to include the student name and invoice reference when remitting funds. Surcharges and penalties - Late payment surcharge: 3% of the delayed amount. Credit card transaction surcharges (if any) are charged to the payer. Notes on fees not itemized - No distinct registration deposit, refundable deposit, capital levy or a published application fee amount is itemized in the published fee schedule. Placement/assessment payments are acknowledged and any such prior payment is offset against annual fees, but specific placement/test‑fee amounts are not published. Optional services (school bus, select extracurriculars or exam retakes beyond the school's included minimum) may incur additional charges quoted separately.	Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Application fee: USD 1,250 (one‑time, payable before an application may be processed; non‑refundable). - Registration fee: USD 5,500 (one‑time, non‑refundable; applies to Year 1–Year 13; Pre‑School and Reception pay the registration fee once they progress into Year 1). The registration fee is designated for capital investments and must be paid in full at registration; different payment deadlines apply depending on whether you choose the discounted full‑payment plan or the instalment plan. Tuition fees (2026–2027 academic year) — annual and per‑term amounts by year group - Pre‑School (Half Day) - Discounted full payment (if paid before 31 December 2025): USD 17,000 per year. - Full payment (if paid before 1 March 2026): USD 20,200 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 21,600 per year. - Instalment amounts (three equal instalments): USD 7,200 due 1 May 2026; USD 7,200 due 1 July 2026; USD 7,200 due 1 September 2026. - Pre‑School (Full Day) - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 19,100 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 22,500 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 25,500 per year. - Instalment amounts: USD 8,500 + USD 8,500 + USD 8,500 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026). - Reception - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 23,400 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 25,000 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 29,550 per year. - Instalment amounts: USD 9,850 + USD 9,850 + USD 9,850 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026). - Primary - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 37,200 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 39,800 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 47,550 per year. - Instalment amounts: USD 15,850 + USD 15,850 + USD 15,850 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026). - Secondary (Years 7–10) - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 38,800 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 41,500 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 49,050 per year. - Instalment amounts: USD 16,350 + USD 16,350 + USD 16,350 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026). - Secondary (Years 11–12) - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 40,400 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 43,200 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 50,550 per year. - Instalment amounts: USD 16,850 + USD 16,850 + USD 16,850 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026). - Secondary (Year 13) - Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 41,850 per year. - Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 44,800 per year. - Instalment plan total: USD 52,500 per year (this figure includes IB fees; it does not include IB remark or retake charges). - Instalment amounts: USD 17,500 + USD 17,500 + USD 17,500 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026). Billing schedule and payment terms - Discounted full‑payment deadline: payment before 31 December 2025 qualifies for the discounted rate. - Full‑payment deadline: payment before 1 March 2026 applies for the standard full‑payment rate. - Instalment plan: three equal instalments due on 1 May 2026, 1 July 2026 and 1 September 2026. Students may not start school until instalment plan payments are fully paid where required by the school. Late instalment payments incur a surcharge. - Late payment penalty: a surcharge of 5% is applied to late 1st, 2nd and 3rd instalment payments. If payments remain outstanding 14 days after the due date, students may not be admitted until payments are up to date. - Registration deadlines linked to payment option: registration fee must be paid by the deadline appropriate to the chosen payment plan (discounted full payment vs instalment plan) in order to benefit from the related payment terms. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed in the published fee schedule; no boarding fees are shown. The school's fee schedule and related admissions information do not set out a boarding option or boarding charges. Other costs and extras - The following items are not included in tuition and are charged separately: bus service (contact AZ‑AL for bus pricing), health/medical insurance, uniform, educational day trips and sports activities. - IB exam coverage: Year 13 tuition includes IB fees, but does not include IB remark or retake fees. Exam fees and costs for books/materials may be charged separately and are specifically referenced in refund and deduction rules. - Uniform: the school lists an official uniform provider and uniform costs are not included in tuition. Refund and withdrawal terms - Application and registration fees are non‑transferable and non‑refundable. There is no remission of tuition for periods of absence. A refund for unused tuition may be made at the school's discretion if a student is withdrawn during the academic year provided specified conditions are met. Refund conditions include providing a minimum 90‑day written notice (registered post) to the Director of Admissions and the student being absent from school for the remainder of the term; the school will deduct costs for books, materials, exam fees, prepaid taxes and the registration fee when calculating any refund. Fee payment options and bank details - Payment method listed: payment by bank transfer in USD to the school's Akbank USD account. Full account details (account number, branch, SWIFT and IBAN) are provided for making payments; parents must indicate student name(s) on the transfer and ensure payments are made on time. The school states it is not responsible for payments sent to incorrect accounts or for bank charges incurred. No credit‑card payment option is listed in the published fee information.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Edessa Textile is the official uniform provider, with the Maslak store for purchases. Uniform lists cover Pre-School, Primary School and Secondary School and include short- and long-sleeve white polo T-shirts, white and navy T-shirts, fleece, Bermuda shorts, pants, a dress or skort, a hoodie, PE shorts, a PE tracksuit and a hat.
Food options	Food options Campus A (Ages 4–12) has an eatery; Campus B (Ages 13–17) has an eatery.	Food options Lunch Menu and Snack Menu are provided. The menus indicate vegetarian (V), vegan (Vv), gluten-free (G) and lactose-free (L) options, with calorie values shown.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school operates on two campuses in Çamlıca, Istanbul. It is approved and inspected by the Turkish Ministry of Education, has Cambridge International School status, is a member of the International Schools Association, and is an approved teacher training centre for the University of Stenden International Teacher Education Programme.	Governance and ownership The British International School Istanbul is a division of The British School Istanbul.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Cambridge International Curriculum is used from Primary through High School. Primary Grades 1–5 are equivalent to Cambridge Years 2–6, and Middle School Grades 6–8 align with Cambridge Years 7–9. Cambridge IGCSE is offered for the 14–16 age range and Cambridge International AS & A Levels for post‑16 study. The Primary curriculum encompasses Environmental Studies, Life Skills, and Expressive Arts, with English and Turkish language development and a Second Language Acquisition program. Cambridge Pathway emphasizes deep subject knowledge, conceptual understanding and higher‑order thinking skills, and multilingual education with IGCSEs available in more than 30 languages. Progression is designed as a coherent spiral across ages 5–19.	Curriculum details The British International School Istanbul uses the Cambridge International Curriculum in Primary and Secondary up to IGCSE. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) students follow an adapted English National Curriculum; in Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) they study the Cambridge IGCSE; in Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13) they pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The Pre-School follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Across the Primary School, the Cambridge Curriculum is used for English, Mathematics and Science.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio The staff to student ratio is better than 1 to 6; class sizes are small, with a maximum of 15 in iGCSE and IB Diploma classes.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IB Diploma Programme: 100% pass rate in 2025 with an average of 33 points and a top score of 40; 23 of the 30 subjects and levels scored above the global average. IGCSE results in 2025 show an 88% pass rate (A–C), the best pass rate in 10 years, with notable achievements such as a student earning 11 A grades.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University Guidance and Counselling provides individualised support for university applications and international acceptances. The Cambridge Advantage and Cambridge A Level qualification recognition support admission to universities worldwide; Cambridge qualifications are recognised by over 1,400 universities, including more than 550 in the United States. The school maintains active engagement with universities and government authorities to support recognition and progression to higher education.	Higher education progression Graduates go on to universities around the world, including University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, UC Berkeley, University of British Columbia, Seoul National University, New York University, London School of Economics and Political Science, Imperial College London, Brown University, University of Glasgow, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, Goldsmiths, University of London, King's College London, Lucerne University, The University of Nottingham, Royal Holloway University of London, University of Southampton, Suffolk University Boston, and The George Washington University.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The school notes that when a student is naturally gifted in a subject such as Mathematics, BIS aims to stretch and challenge them.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school fosters an understanding of human values such as love, respect, trust, self-esteem and responsibility. The school has a child-centred curriculum that addresses the needs of students in a changing world and facilitates their transfer to international or national schools. The secular curriculum encourages curiosity, reflection and questioning, with an emphasis on sharing knowledge rather than competition. Staff, students and parents are expected to meet each other with respect, acceptance and friendship. The school supports bilingualism and biculturalism, reflected in our approach and in teacher recruitment.	Social & emotional learning PSHCE is the backbone of BIS Istanbul's curriculum, prioritising character and personal well-being. PSHCE is delivered across the whole school using the National Curriculum and Guiding Statements, with a modified SEAL-GD program where applicable. In Early Years, Personal, Social and Emotional Development covers self-confidence and self-awareness, managing feelings, and making relationships. Weekly assemblies support PSHCE themes and Stars of the Week recognise positive behaviours. In Primary, SEAL-GD objectives are embedded across the curriculum and reinforced through assemblies led by curriculum coordinators and teachers; ESL support helps all students access the program.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) All students are evaluated by a School Counselor to demonstrate developmental, emotional and academic readiness for admission. For high school applications, a placement test is used to inform readiness. An offer of a place is not based solely on the entrance test; parents provide the most recent two years of school reports to assist placement. Assessments are conducted by faculty who appreciate that each child progresses at their own pace. Following a child's assessment, entry may be offered, placed on a waiting list, or denied if the school cannot confidently support a child's specific learning needs and development.	Special educational needs (SEN) The Learning Support Department works with classroom teachers and parents to support children with special needs. The process begins at enrollment and includes Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and meetings. As students progress, teachers liaise with parents and the SEN department about concerns. Services available include formal monitoring and IEPs, with Learning Support staff collaborating with external Educational Psychologists, Speech Therapists and other professionals. The school serves a diverse international student body and provides pull-out and push-in support as well as Booster Classes and Learning Support across the curriculum.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Language is essential for communication; students become fluent readers, writers, confident speakers and thoughtful listeners in at least two languages. Students read with interest and comprehension from literature in a variety of genres, cultures and times, and discuss, analyse and share interpretations. They write with clarity and purpose, carefully considering their intended audience. They confidently listen, speak, read and write in at least two languages as they work across the curriculum. The school supports bilingualism and biculturalism reflected in our approach, curriculum and teacher recruitment.	English as an additional language An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is provided to help non-native English speakers access the curriculum. German, Spanish, French and Turkish are also offered as foreign languages. EAL support helps students integrate and succeed academically.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Counselors are part of the Istanbul International School staff. The admissions process includes a meeting with a Counselor to discuss developmental and emotional readiness. The school lists Counselor as a role on the team, indicating dedicated student support. Counselors contribute to admissions assessments to help determine readiness and appropriate placement.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by BIS Istanbul's safeguarding and wellbeing framework, including a School Guidance Counselor. The Secondary Guidance Counselor is the point of contact, promoting a culture where students feel valued and can approach staff for support. The school has a dedicated school nurse at both the Zekeriyaköy and City Campuses to address health needs. Guidance & Counselling staff emphasise that students should feel confident and comfortable talking to staff. The PSHCE curriculum further supports emotional, social, and physical health.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding BISI has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy designed to safeguard and promote welfare. The policy designates Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and uses CPOMS as a central record keeping system for safeguarding concerns. The policy states the school's core safeguarding principles: safeguarding and promoting welfare, ensuring safety, and that all staff and volunteers protect students from abuse and neglect. It requires staff training, safe recruitment, and clear reporting procedures; it also covers digital safeguarding, child protection case management, and working with external services. The policy emphasises creating a safe, welcoming environment where students are respected, valued and can thrive.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Two campuses operate at Istanbul International School: Campus A for ages 4–12 and Campus B for ages 13–17. Campus A includes 20 classrooms, an ICT lab, a science lab, an indoor sports gym, a library, an outdoor sports court, a primary outdoor area, an early years playground, a vegetable garden, and a multi-purpose room with an eatery. Campus B includes 12 classrooms, four science labs, an ICT lab, a mathematics lab, a library, recreational outdoor areas, an eatery, an auditorium and a recreational room. The school provides these facilities across its two campuses to support learning in a range of subjects and activities.	Facilities overview The Zekeriyaköy Forest Campus is a purpose-built campus located on the outskirts of Istanbul, near the Belgrade Forest and about 4km from the Black Sea, on the European side. It serves students aged 2 to 18 and is about 50 minutes from the heart of Istanbul. The campus comprises four main teaching buildings linked to a central sports hall. In the Administration Building there are two libraries, two computer suites and six science laboratories, along with the reception, kitchen and dining facilities. Outdoor spaces include rubberised play areas, the BIS Botanic Garden with an amphitheatre and running track, and a 210-seat theatre with advanced audio-visual facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Campus A has an indoor sports gym and an outdoor sports court. Campus B offers recreational outdoor areas.	Sports facilities Sports facilities include three indoor gymnasiums, an all-weather sports pitch, a basketball/tennis court and a heated 25m covered swimming pool. Play areas and activity playgrounds have rubberised safety surfaces. The facilities support a broad PE, sport and athletics program across year groups.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Campus A includes 20 classrooms, an ICT lab, and a science lab, as well as a library. Campus B includes 12 classrooms, four science labs, an ICT lab, a mathematics lab, and a library.	Academic facilities Six science laboratories support science teaching. Two libraries and two computer suites support research and ICT-enabled learning. The administration building houses these resources and also the reception area, kitchen and dining facilities. The theatre is equipped with modern audio-visual facilities to support presentations and performances.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Extra-curricular facilities include the BIS Botanic Garden adjacent to the campus, with an amphitheatre for theatrical events and a running track for outdoor activities. The 210-seat school theatre has advanced audio-visual facilities for performances. Three indoor gymnasiums support physical activities outside class, while an all-weather sports pitch and a basketball/tennis court extend outdoor sport options.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The story of how an idea, a vision of education, became Istanbul International School.	History The British International School Istanbul is a division of The British School Istanbul. It is a leading private international school in Istanbul, offering a comprehensive British curriculum that includes the Cambridge International IGCSE Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It is the first and only school in Türkiye to hold triple accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), and the Middle States Association (MSA-CESS). The school places a high emphasis on languages, offering German, Spanish, French and Turkish, with English as a Second Language support. The Zekeriyaköy campus is purpose-built for Pre-School through Secondary, located four miles from the Black Sea and near the Belgrade Forest.
Community	Community Istanbul International School participates in the International Schools Association (ISA), which promotes international and intercultural understanding. Youth Leadership Encounter (YLE) is hosted by a member school; Istanbul International School will host the YLE in Istanbul for the 2024-25 academic year. The Gallery showcases a vibrant, diverse learning community with content categorized by campus and year level (All, Campus A, Campus B, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School).	Community The school hosts a multinational learning community with students from over 55 nationalities, aged 2½ to 18. The languages offered include German, Spanish, French and Turkish, with strong English as a Second Language support. The PTA is a volunteer organization that supports The BISI Community, led by an Executive Committee. The PTA aims to welcome and connect families, facilitate communication among parents, students, teachers and the school, and add some fun to the school year. PTA activities include committee meetings, volunteering at events, coffee mornings, World Community celebrations, and fundraising.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a volunteer organization established to support The BISI Community: students, families, and staff. Its goals are to welcome and connect families to the school, to facilitate communication among parents, students, teachers, and the school, and to add some fun to the school year. The PTA is led by an Executive Committee of dedicated parent volunteers and Senior Leadership Team members. PTA activities include committee meetings, volunteering at events, coffee mornings, and World Community celebrations. Fundraising through the PTA distributes donations to the community and designated charities, and inquiries can be made to pta@bis.k12.tr; a PTA Charter is available.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Middle School clubs include Debate Club, Chess Club, and Robotics Club. High School adds J-Tech Club, Model United Nations (MUN), Film Production Club, and Books & Creative Writing Club. These clubs develop critical thinking, public speaking, research, and technical skills through collaborative projects and presentations.	Academic & intellectual Secondary School offers academic catch up sessions as part of the after-school program. Students can stay after school Monday to Thursday for academic catch up, and the program also includes a range of activities that support learning beyond the classroom.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Music Club and Drama Club provide opportunities to perform and study music and theatre. Art Club offers visual arts projects and studio work. Film Production Club, Books & Creative Writing Club, and Craft Club provide filmmaking, storytelling, and hands-on making.	Arts & creative After-school clubs include drama, photography and guitar, with participation in school choir and school productions. There are arts and crafts options such as ceramics, paper modelling and magic club. Two types of clubs exist—those organised by teachers (included in fees) and those run by private teachers (paid); an ECAs fair is held at the start of the year.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) experiences promote art, language and music. Debate clubs and learning additional foreign languages are pursued within CAS.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Role-playing Club and Craft Club provide social, hobby-based activities outside academics. Role-playing Club fosters creativity, teamwork, and collaborative storytelling; Craft Club teaches crochet and beadwork and handmade design. These clubs help students connect with peers and explore interests beyond the classroom.	Social & hobbies Friday afternoons offer a range of activities such as Judo, football, paper modelling, magic club, ceramics, forest running, Gaelic football and badminton.
Community & service	Community & service Community service initiatives are part of the Extracurricular Programme. Students participate in volunteering and charitable activities, contributing to local communities. Participation builds social responsibility, teamwork, and empathy.	Community & service The Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) framework encourages students to grow beyond academics by engaging in artistic, athletic and service experiences. CAS includes leading fundraising experiences and pursuing service projects to impact the broader community. Friday experiences include Photography, MUN, Drama, Personal Training, School Production and leading activities in English with a local school for the visually impaired.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Model United Nations (MUN) Club and Debate Club build leadership, public speaking, and research skills. Students take on organizing roles, lead discussions, and present positions. J-Tech Club also provides opportunities for project leadership in ICT and robotics.	Leadership & professional Within CAS, students organize and lead fundraising activities and community projects, developing leadership and planning skills. MUN, debate clubs and language initiatives provide opportunities to practice leadership, collaboration and communication. Students have undertaken projects such as archaeological digs and exhibitions, demonstrating project leadership and teamwork.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Football Team and Volleyball Team promote physical fitness, teamwork, and resilience. Yoga Club focuses on holistic well-being and mindfulness. Participation supports mental and physical health and provides regular opportunities for exercise beyond classroom hours.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Activity emphasizes physical exertion and fitness through team sports and individual activities. Sports experiences include football, basketball, volleyball, archery, tennis and swimming; Friday activities also focus on physical wellbeing, such as Judo and other athletics.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Multilingual education is valued; language plays an important role in the curriculum, either as a subject or as a medium of teaching and learning. Cambridge programmes are often used for the English-medium strand of a bilingual programme, and Cambridge IGCSEs are available in more than 30 languages.	Language provision German, Spanish, French and Turkish are offered as part of the language program. English as a Second Language support is provided to help non-native English speakers access the curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers bilingual education with an English-medium strand and English as a second language support for students aged 5 to 16.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards ISO 9001 — Quality management certification. ISO 14001 — Environmental management certification. ISO 22000 — Food safety management certification. ISO 27001 — Information security management certification. ISO 45001 — Occupational health and safety management certification.
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment International Education — Cambridge has accredited Istanbul International School to deliver its full school programmes and the school is an accredited Cambridge Exam Centre. Republic Of Türkiye Ministry Of National Education — The school is accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Education. International Schools Association — Istanbul International School is a member of the International Schools Association, which holds a consultative status with UNESCO. ITESS NHL Stenden \| Groningen — The school is an approved training partner of the ITESS NHL Stenden consortium. Erasmus + — The school is an approved training partner for teacher trainees under the Erasmus+ program.	Accreditations Cambridge Assessment Accreditation — Accreditation by Cambridge Assessment International Education. Council of International Schools — Accreditation by the Council of International Schools, signaling adherence to international school standards. Council of British International Schools — Accreditation by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). DofE International Award — The school participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program (DofE). International Baccalaureate — The school is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme. Middle States Association — Accreditation by the Middle States Association (MSA).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: To begin the application process please submit your inquiry through the Online Student Registration page. The admissions process is designed to ensure that students are appropriately placed at Istanbul International School, while maintaining the integrity and consistency of the school program and policies. Detailed information about grade content and level is explained in registration meetings. An offer of a place is not based solely on the entrance test; parents should provide the most recent copies of their child's school report from the past two years to assist with placement, especially if the student is coming from another country or a different curriculum. All students will be evaluated by a School Counselor and, for high school applications, by a placement test to demonstrate developmental, emotional and academic readiness. Step 2: After completing the online application you will be sent an automatic email confirmation of your application. In the following days you will be sent information on the next steps to the email that you have provided. Assessments may be required to determine if the curriculum suits the student; assessments are conducted by the faculty who appreciate that each child progresses at their own pace. Following an assessment, the student may be offered a place, placed on the waiting list (if places are currently not available) or denied entry in case the school cannot confidently support a child's specific learning needs and development. Step 3: After all preliminary steps are completed as stated in the email that you receive, you will be contacted by our Admissions Team to set up a meeting for you and your child with a Principal and Counselor. Before Counsellor appointments and Entrance Examinations are scheduled, you will be requested to make a payment for the Assessment fee to the bank account number that we will send you. This fee is non-refundable, non-transferable, non-adjustable and is required in order to qualify for the entrance examination. Step 4: After completing Steps 1-3, as well as the assessment and placement test/entrance examination (if required) you will be contacted by our Department Head informing you of the school's decision on registration. If the application is accepted and registration can move forward, a meeting will be set up with our Admissions Officer to discuss School fees and payment plan options.	Admissions 1. Aims and Eligibility. The British International School Istanbul has an inclusive admissions policy and welcomes students of all nationalities and those for whom English is an additional language. Turkish students are not admitted in accordance with Turkish Ministry of Education regulations. Students are accepted between ages 2½ and 18 and are placed in a class by age, subject to English access; in the first EYFS class, students stay half-day for at least the first term. 2. Initial Enquiry. The parent contacts the School and requests an appointment to visit. This can be done via the online contact form or by telephone. A member of the admissions team provides information about the school and the admissions process. An appointment for a visit is arranged. 3. Preliminary Visit. The prospective parent confirms the appointment and is given a contact name. During the visit the parent is given a tour of the school and meets the Director/Deputy Director. 4. Completion of the Application. The parent completes an application for each student when BIS is the chosen school. 5. Application Fee. Each new applicant pays 1,250 USD before the application is processed; this is a one-time, non-refundable fee. The fee must be paid for the application to be processed. The application will not proceed until the fee is received. 6. Registration Fee and Payment. The Registration Fee is 5,500 USD, a one-time payment for students from Year 1 to Year 13; Preschool and Reception pay the Registration Fee when they reach Year 1. The fee is non-refundable and funds campus development, sports facilities, technology and library improvements. Registration is not complete until the fee is paid in full. New Parents paying the Discounted Tuition Plan must pay the Registration Fee by February 1; if not, the discount does not apply and the student is placed on the instalment plan. New Parents on the Instalment Plan must pay the Registration Fee by May 1, with the first instalment not subjected to late charges; students may not start until all instalments are paid. 7. Documentation. The Director of Admissions must receive the following documents: four passport photographs of the child; two photographs of each parent; photocopy of the child's passport; parents' passport copies; BIS Medical Form; BIS Family Contract; Financial Policy + Invoice Information form. Parents should complete all sections of the application form with as much detail as possible and provide recent sealed original reports from the previous school where applicable. 8. Withdrawal. Ninety days' written notice is required to withdraw a student and obtain a refund of fees. The notice should be provided in writing to the admissions/finance team. 9. Registration Forms. Prospective parents download and complete BIS Medical Report Form, BIS Family Contract, Financial Policy, Head Teacher Recommendation Form, Invoice Information, Registration Form, and Swimming Lessons – Parent Disclaimer. 10. Policy Update – July 2025. For the Turkish Ministry of Education equivalence process: two years of school reports (including midterm reports) are required; reports not in English, Russian or Arabic must be translated and notarised; email scanned copies of reports in advance and submit originals on arrival. Residence Permit (Ikamet) is required to begin the process, after which access to e-Devlet is arranged via PTT. Copies of student and parent passports are required. The Edenklik portal provides further guidance; the equivalence process is mandatory for all families. For more information, contact via the Enquiry Form.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Assessments may lead to admission decisions. If there are no places available at the time of assessment, the student may be placed on the waiting list. The waiting list is part of the admissions process and placement is determined by availability. A decision may also be denied entry if the school cannot confidently support the student's specific learning needs and development.	Waitlist —
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