The Beacon Academy vs The British School Manila

	T The Beacon Academy Manila, Philippines	T The British School Manila Manila, Philippines
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₱514,920 - 1,435,800	Fees / year ₱536,040 - 1,414,215
Age range	Age range 12 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Online/Hybrid	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 978
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2009	Opened 1976
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Beacon Academy sits on a nine-hectare campus in Biñan, Laguna, Philippines. The campus address is Cecilia Araneta Parkway, Biñan, Laguna 4024. It is located about 45 minutes south of Metro Manila and sits near Ayala Westgrove's Beacon (South) Gate, Sevina Park, and Broadfield Estate. Access is via the Mamplasan, Santa Rosa, or Eton exits from the South Super Highway.	Location 36th Street, University Park, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The campus sits within the Bonifacio Global City district, a major international business and residential area. It is near other international schools and foreign embassies, reflecting its international community.
Stages	Stages The Beacon Academy serves students in Grades 7–12. It offers the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 7–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).	Stages The British School Manila provides education from Early Years through Senior School. Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1–5 follow the English National Curriculum, with Key Stage 5 offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
School type	School type Independent, non-profit, co-educational IB World School. It operates as a day school with no boarding facilities publicly described.	School type The school is co-educational and privately run as a not-for-profit international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides a Learning Support Program to help students cope with academic demands. It includes Supervised Study Hall for DP and MYP after class, plus Academic Consultations and resources for teachers to support identified students in mainstream classes.	Additional learning support BSM offers Learning Support, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and School Counselling as part of its Student Support Services.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country-specific affiliation is published. The Academy is an IB World School operating in the Philippines.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is stated; BSM operates as a British international school and is not tied to a single country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation stated; the school presents itself as rooted in Philippine culture and global-minded education.	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation: none stated; the school is secular.
School day structure	School day structure End of the school day is around 3:00 PM, with a 30-minute gap before co-curricular activities begin at 3:30 PM. DP students have designated free periods for Supervised Study Hall right after class, coordinated by the Diploma Programme Coordinator.	School day structure School day typically starts at 7:40 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and at 8:10 a.m. on Thursdays. The day ends around 2:30 p.m. for most year groups, and Nursery ends at 12:30 p.m.
Bus service details	Bus service details The Beacon Academy offers bus service from Taguig and Rockwell to the Biñan campus for students and faculty. Students may also register their own cars, and the Student Services Office can assist with carpools.	Bus service details Bus service: The school provides a bus service for students.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Admissions Fees - Admissions processing (application) fee: PHP 2,500 (non-refundable). - Reservation fee (to hold an accepted student's slot): PHP 75,000 per child (applies to tuition due; non-refundable if the student subsequently withdraws). Payment due within two weeks of receipt of an offer or continuing enrollment letter. - Matriculation fee (new students only): PHP 100,000 (one-time, non-refundable). - Additional immigration charge for certain foreign applicants: Special Study Permit fee PHP 15,000 where applicable. Tuition fees — structure and how they are billed - Tuition is billed as two components: a USD component and a PHP component. You will be billed for both the USD amount PLUS the PHP amount. The school publishes both Annual and Semestral payment options. Forex used in published examples is USD 1 = PHP 58 (subject to change). Annual payment (standard rates) - Grades 7–8: USD 3,200 plus PHP 550,000 — tuition (PHP) shown as PHP 735,600. Capital Development Fee (CDF) option shown: PHP 500,000 (one-time refundable) or PHP 75,000 (non-refundable annual option). Matriculation PHP 100,000 (one-time). Miscellaneous fee PHP 29,000 (per year). Example Year 1 total shown: PHP 1,364,600; Year 2+ payout shown: PHP 801,380. - Grades 9–10: USD 3,300 plus PHP 579,800 — tuition (PHP) shown as PHP 771,200. CDF PHP 500,000 (one-time refundable) or PHP 75,000 (non-refundable annual option). Matriculation PHP 100,000 (one-time). Miscellaneous fee PHP 29,000 (per year). Example Year 1 total shown: PHP 1,400,200; Year 2+ payout shown: PHP 838,760. - Grades 11–12: USD 3,400 plus PHP 609,600 — tuition (PHP) shown as PHP 806,800. CDF PHP 500,000 (one-time refundable) or PHP 75,000 (non-refundable annual option). Matriculation PHP 100,000 (one-time). Miscellaneous fee PHP 29,000 (per year). Example Year 1 total shown: PHP 1,435,800; Year 2+ payout shown: PHP 876,140. Semestral payment (standard rates, per semester) - Grades 7–8: USD 1,760 plus PHP 302,500 — tuition (PHP) shown as PHP 404,580. CDF PHP 500,000 (one-time refundable) or PHP 75,000 (non-refundable annual option). Matriculation PHP 100,000 (one-time). Miscellaneous fee PHP 29,000 (per year). Example Year 1 total shown (with CDF included): PHP 1,438,160; Year 2+ payout shown: PHP 878,618. - Grades 9–10: USD 1,820 plus PHP 319,000 — tuition (PHP) shown as PHP 424,560. CDF and other deposits as above. Example Year 1 total shown: PHP 1,478,120; Year 2+ payout shown: PHP 920,576. - Grades 11–12: USD 1,870 plus PHP 336,000 — tuition (PHP) shown as PHP 444,460. CDF and other deposits as above. Example Year 1 total shown: PHP 1,517,920; Year 2+ payout shown: PHP 962,366. Early Advantage special tuition (incoming Grades 7 & 8) - Early Advantage (Annual) Option A: USD 2,240 plus PHP 385,000 — tuition (PHP) shown as PHP 514,920. CDF Option shown as PHP 250,000 (one-time). Matriculation (reduced) PHP 50,000 (one-time). Miscellaneous fee PHP 29,000 (per year). Year 1 total example shown: PHP 843,920; Year 2+ payout shown: PHP 580,700. - Early Advantage (Annual) Option B: USD 2,240 plus PHP 385,000 — tuition (PHP) shown as PHP 514,920. CDF Option shown as PHP 75,000 (4‑year payout). Matriculation PHP 50,000 (one-time). Miscellaneous fee PHP 29,000 (per year). Year 1 total example shown: PHP 668,920; Year 2+ payout shown: PHP 655,700. - Early Advantage (Semestral) Option A and B are also published with analogous USD + PHP components and the same CDF / matriculation alternatives; Year 1 and Year 2+ totals are shown in the school's admissions guide packet. Other recurring and one-time fees - Miscellaneous fee: PHP 29,000 per child per year. This covers library online resources, clinic services, curricular activities and trips, wellness initiatives, blended learning technology, one official ID, and one yearbook. Miscellaneous fees are non-refundable. - Capital Development Fee (CDF): two choices — refundable option PHP 500,000 paid at the start of tenure (refunded in full when the student graduates or exits the Academy; no interest), or a non-refundable annual option PHP 75,000 paid each academic year for the student's stay. CDF refunds are processed within forty‑five (45) days from the end of the applicable school year and upon completion of school clearance forms when applicable. - Matriculation fee: PHP 100,000 (one-time) for new students (non-refundable). Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing timing: Tuition and fees are billed in June. For Annual payments and the 1st semester payment, amounts are due on the 1st of July. The 2nd semester payment is due on the 1st of December. If a due date falls on a non-business day, it is extended to the next business day. Failure to pay may result in the loss of the student's slot. - Accepted payment methods and instructions: Parents are encouraged to remit payments by bank transfer to the Academy's bank accounts (Bank of the Philippine Islands). Payments via checks are accepted; cash payments are strongly discouraged. The admissions packet references a QR payment option for the admissions processing fee and provides bank account details for transfers. For finance queries contact the Finance Office directly (contact details published in the admissions packet). Refund and withdrawal policy - Withdrawal refunds for tuition: If a student formally withdraws, tuition refunds (for the term) are charged as follows: within the first week of classes at the start of the school year — 10% of the total amount for the term; within the second week — 20% of the total amount for the term; withdrawal after the second week may result in the full charge of school fees for that term. Miscellaneous and other school fees are non‑refundable regardless of withdrawal timing. Depending on the chosen CDF option, the Capital Development Fee may or may not be refundable. Academic and other school records will not be released until all financial obligations are settled. - CDF refund timing: Refunds of refundable CDF deposits are processed within forty‑five (45) days from the end of the applicable school year and upon completion of school clearance forms where applicable. Boarding fees - Boarding fees: Not applicable. The Academy's admissions materials and fee schedules list day-school tuition, deposits, and ancillary fees but do not include any boarding program fees. Other costs commonly incurred (examples referenced in materials) - Official uniform, textbooks, school supplies, extracurricular activity fees, external examination fees, and optional trips or off-campus activities are additional to the fees listed above and may be billed separately under miscellaneous or activity charges as applicable. The miscellaneous fee partially subsidizes certain activities, but some items (uniforms, optional trips, certain external exam fees) are typically charged separately.	Fee details Application fee - Application fee (non-refundable): PHP 30,000. Tuition fees (termly) — amounts payable each term - Nursery: GBP 1,225 + PHP 88,030 per term. Annual equivalent (three terms): GBP 3,675 + PHP 264,090. - Reception – Year 6: GBP 2,440 + PHP 175,520 per term. Annual equivalent: GBP 7,320 + PHP 526,560. - Year 7 – Year 9: GBP 2,745 + PHP 197,365 per term. Annual equivalent: GBP 8,235 + PHP 592,095. - Year 10 – Year 11: GBP 2,885 + PHP 207,560 per term. Annual equivalent: GBP 8,655 + PHP 622,680. - Year 12 – Year 13: GBP 3,230 + PHP 232,385 per term. Annual equivalent: GBP 9,690 + PHP 697,155. Other compulsory or regularly charged fees - Yearbook: PHP 2,500 per family, charged yearly. - Class and individual photos: PHP 1,200 per year (charged yearly). - External examination fees: charged at cost as incurred (these appear as additional charges and are billed separately). - Learning Support Fees (for students who require additional learning support), charged termly by stage: - Stage 2: PHP 24,955 per term (PHP 74,865 annual). - Stage 3: PHP 65,100 per term (PHP 195,300 annual). - Stage 4: PHP 103,075 per term (PHP 309,225 annual). Entrance fee and Capital Development Fee (CDF) - A non‑refundable Entrance Fee is charged and is payable on acceptance; the Admissions Guide for prior years has recorded an Entrance Fee of PHP 339,450. - A Capital Development Fee (CDF) is charged and billed termly; previous published schedules show a CDF of PHP 47,825 per term (applicable Nursery to Year 13) and that the CDF is non‑refundable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed and payable termly. There are three terms per school year. Existing students' fees must be paid in full by the first day of each term. - For new admissions, fees are payable according to the due dates shown on the school Statement of Account. Mid‑term admissions are billed pro‑rata for the remaining weeks of the term. The full term tuition is required regardless of the length of time the child attends, except where pro‑rata billing applies for mid‑term starts. - Illustrative term dates and due dates listed in published schedules: Term 1 due in August; Term 2 due in January; Term 3 due in April. Late payments incur interest (example shown: interest at 2% per month for fees not received by the due date) and prolonged non‑payment may result in suspension notices. Refunds and withdrawal terms - Entrance Fee and Capital Development Fee (CDF) are non‑refundable. - Notice of withdrawal must be submitted in writing using the school's Notice of Withdrawal form by the published deadlines; failure to provide the required notice can entitle the school to payment in full for the following term. Academic records and reports are withheld until all outstanding fees (including interest) are settled. - Prior admissions guidance documents state that a Nursery deposit equal to one‑half term's fee is billed on acceptance and may be refundable under the specific conditions listed in the school's enrollment terms (parents should note deposit conditions and deadlines). Boarding - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding fees. Other optional / commonly billed services and likely additional costs - Optional services and ancillary costs (examples that are typically charged separately): school lunches, school bus/transport, extra‑curricular activities, overseas trips and specialist courses; these items are billed separately or on request. (Published schedules list yearbook, photos, external exam fees and learning support fees as separate charges.) Payment methods and instructions - Accepted payment channels include bank transfers to named school accounts (examples given include HSBC, UnionBank and Metrobank accounts in the school's collection arrangements). Parents must indicate the student's name on the bank advice and are responsible for any bank charges. - Card payments are accepted (credit/debit) via a card payment link; card payments incur a processing fee (example noted up to 3.2%). - E‑wallet payments (examples shown include Maya and GCash) are accepted as alternative channels in the school's payment options.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The cafeteria offers breakfast, snacks, and lunch during recess and lunch periods. The school works with a food provider to plan a variety of healthy meals and snacks for students.	Food options Sodexo Philippines provides the school's cafeteria service for SY 2024-2025. The partnership expands menu variety with international and local cuisines and includes micromarket and vending solutions, as well as after-school activities teaching cooking skills and nutrition. A detailed information pack and ordering options were planned to be rolled out to families in August 2024. (source: turn0search5)
House system	House system —	House system On admission, students and staff are allocated to one of three Houses: Luzon (Green), Visayas (Red), Mindanao (Yellow). Each House has three Student Captains and three Deputies. The House System fosters community and includes whole-school and year-group competitions, with House Points, House Shields and a House Cup awarded across terms. (source: turn0search1)
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Beacon Academy is operated by The Beacon Academy Inc. It is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 7-10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12), and is accredited by the Philippine Department of Education.	Governance and ownership The British School Manila is operated by British Education Inc. It is governed by a 12-member Board of Governors (four elected, eight appointed) and overseen by a five-member Council of Trustees that includes members of the British Embassy and the Australian Embassy. Day-to-day operations are led by the Head of School, supported by the Chief Operating Officer and the Heads of Primary and Senior School. (source: turn0search0)
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Beacon Academy in Biñan, Laguna, is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 7–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12), with accreditation by the Philippine Department of Education. The MYP for Grades 7–10 comprises eight subject groups: Language and Literature (English), Language Acquisition (Mandarin or Spanish), Filipino, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences, Arts, and Technology, and is guided by intercultural awareness, holistic learning, and the five Areas of Interaction; Grade 10 includes the MYP Personal Project, with Grade 9–10 also incorporating Community and Service and, in some years, Comparative Religion (Grade 9) or Philosophy (Grade 10). In Grades 11–12, the Diploma Programme uses six subject groups (Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts) plus the DP Core: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service, all aimed at university readiness; extensive counseling supports students before selecting DP courses. The Beacon Academy employs inquiry-based teaching and the Harkness Method across programs, with English as the language of instruction and a learner-centered approach that ties learning to the Filipino context. The campus is located on a nine-hectare site in Binan with integrated facilities, and the school emphasizes college readiness through counseling within its internationally oriented curriculum.	Curriculum details BSM follows an adapted English National Curriculum arranged into Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stages 1–5. EYFS (Nursery–Reception) and KS1 (Year 1–2) use play-based learning with phonics (Letters & Sounds) and Year 2's Inquiry Projects to build foundational literacy and numeracy. KS2 (Years 3–6) develops knowledge through concept-based learning around topics such as interdependence, systems and change, supported by the Learning Power Approach and a Well-Being Framework. KS3 (Years 7–9) delivers a bespoke British National Curriculum taught by subject specialists with emphasis on global citizenship. KS4 (Years 10–11) follows a two-year International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme, with students choosing subjects to achieve breadth and depth for university study. KS5 (Year 12–13) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), comprising six subject groups and a core of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service, with Higher and Standard Level options.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The Beacon Academy integrates social-emotional learning through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile, guiding students to be caring, balanced, and reflective individuals. The school explicitly adopts the ten IB Learner Profile attributes to shape student development across knowledge, communication, and interpersonal skills. Caring emphasizes empathy and service to others, while Balanced emphasizes well-being across intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional domains. Service as Action (MYP) and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) (DP) provide structured opportunities for community service and personal growth that support SEL. The Harkness Method and inquiry-based learning foster collaborative, respectful dialogue, while the campus design promotes wellness with ample light, space, and fresh air.	Social & emotional learning The British School Manila adopts a bespoke Well-Being Framework that promotes a whole-school approach to positive physical and mental health. Five key areas are defined as targets for all students: Self Acceptance, an Active and Balanced Lifestyle, an Ability to Self-regulate, a Sense of Belonging, and a Capacity for Growth and Resilience. The school uses a Positive Education approach (Positive Psychology) to help students lead meaningful lives and contribute to others, with the aim of cultivating what is best within themselves and in others. Dedicated Positive Education classes teach these concepts, and key ideas are reinforced in other subjects. The Physical Education Health & Well-Being Team delivers a programme that integrates the Well-Being Framework into the PE curriculum to support holistic development and belonging. Well-Being lessons cover relationship-building, self-talk and realistic thinking, emotional self-regulation, resilience, gratitude, self-motivation, curiosity, and strengths recognition.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The Beacon Academy does not publicly disclose information regarding special educational needs (SEN) provision in its published materials. The organizational profile lists a Dean of Students as part of the leadership, indicating welfare responsibilities but does not describe SEN staffing or programs. The school presents itself as an IB World School offering MYP and DP as a mainstream program, with accreditations from the Philippine Department of Education and the IB, and no explicit SEN unit is described. Accreditations and program descriptions emphasize IB and general student welfare rather than SEN-specific services. Based on published materials, there is no publicly disclosed SEN facility or dedicated SEN staff.	Special educational needs (SEN) BSM offers Learning Support, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and School Counselling as part of its Student Support Services, delivered by a multidisciplinary team. Learning Support provides high-quality intervention for Primary and Senior School, with tailored support for learning, language, social and behavioural needs, using a multi-tiered approach that includes in-class, small group and individual support for both short-term and longer-term needs. Speech-language therapists provide intervention for speech and language disorders and delays, assessing speech, language, cognitive-communication, pragmatic language and feeding/swallowing skills to determine accommodations and strategies. Occupational Therapy helps students improve task behaviours, gross and fine motor skills, cognitive skills, executive functions, sensory processing and communication to enable meaningful participation. School Counselling offers comprehensive, student-centered support aimed at promoting academic, personal, social and emotional development, delivered by a team of professionals with a focus on diversity, inclusion and cultural sensitivity. The school does not publicly disclose information regarding whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The Beacon Academy offers Language Acquisition courses in Mandarin and Spanish for the Middle Years Programme, and Filipino language work is included in the Diploma Programme. Public materials do not describe a dedicated EAL (English as an Additional Language) program or staffing for English language learners. The IB Learner Profile highlights the aim of effective communication in more than one language. Language offerings are presented as part of IB subject groups (e.g., Mandarin, Spanish, Filipino) rather than as a separate EAL support service. Therefore, public information does not specify a formal EAL program.	English as an additional language EAL support is provided through Learning Support; the Admissions page states that English Language Proficiency is required and that all candidates undergo an age-appropriate English assessment, with Learning Support available for incoming students. The Student Support page notes that Learning Support can address language needs as part of its broad intervention for learning, language, social and behavioural needs. There is no separate, named EAL department listed on the site; support is delivered through Learning Support. English language proficiency requirements are explicitly outlined in the Admissions section.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through the IB emphasis on Balance, which calls for balancing intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects to achieve well-being for oneself and others. The campus is designed with ample light, space, and fresh air to promote wellness and enhance learning. Caring, as part of the IB profile, supports empathy and social connectedness, contributing to students' emotional health. The School Life offering—including after-school clubs and student-led activities—supports social-emotional development and personal leadership. Together, IB learning, campus design, and student activities contribute to a holistic approach to mental wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is central to BSM's Well-Being Framework, which emphasizes positive physical and mental health and uses Positive Education to foster resilience and a growth mindset. The framework is integrated into the curriculum and school life, with a focus on self-acceptance, belonging, emotional regulation, and self-motivation. The PE, Health and Well-Being programme reinforces mental well-being by delivering the Well-Being Framework through PE and sport, promoting inclusivity, differentiation and active lifestyles. Well-being concepts are taught in dedicated Well-Being classes and reinforced across subjects, including relationship-building, self-talk, resilience and gratitude activities. The aim is to cultivate belonging, curiosity and a capacity for growth in all students.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The Beacon Academy Philippines does not publicly disclose safeguarding and child protection policies in its published materials. The organizational structure includes a Dean of Students, indicating welfare oversight, but no publicly described safeguarding framework is detailed. Accreditations listed (IB and DepEd) do not provide safeguarding policy specifics. Public contact channels for inquiries exist (e.g., admissions and student services), which may be used to request safeguarding information. Therefore, publicly accessible information about safeguarding is not disclosed on the published materials.	Safeguarding BSM is committed to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and maintains an environment that minimizes risk of harm while promoting students' right to be heard if they feel unsafe. The school also promotes safeguarding and the well-being of staff, parents and volunteers and expects their active participation in creating a safe and inclusive environment. The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy can be accessed through the Family Portal. These policies reflect a structured, school-wide approach to safeguarding and child protection.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Beacon Academy is located on a nine-hectare green campus in Biñan, Laguna. It offers integrated performance, library, laboratory, and athletic facilities to support the IB program in a peaceful, distraction-free environment. The campus comprises two buildings and 13 classrooms. It includes three laboratories, a library, an auditorium, and a visual arts gallery, along with spaces for the arts and athletics. There are dedicated spaces for creative and physical activities, including a cafeteria, a football field, an Olympic-sized pool, a gymnasium, a bouldering room, a wood-working workshop, a fitness room, and a dance studio.	Facilities overview The British School Manila's campus combines academic, arts, and sports facilities designed to deliver learning beyond the classroom. The indoor multi-purpose hall supports basketball, volleyball and badminton, with a covered court, two football fields, and two swimming pools on site. The Creative Arts Centre provides spaces for drama, music and visual arts, including dedicated music rooms and a dance studio, and it opened in 2019 with a large atrium and a glass exterior. A library was added in 2014 as part of the Learning Resource Centre. In 2024, laboratory prep rooms and ICT facilities were introduced as part of campus refurbishments.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The athletic facilities include a football field, an Olympic-sized pool, a gymnasium, and a bouldering room. A dance studio and a fitness room support movement-based activities and physical education. Additional spaces support sports and recreation, contributing to a well-rounded physical education program. The facilities are designed to accommodate a range of team and individual activities.	Sports facilities Indoor multi-purpose hall for sports including basketball, volleyball, and badminton; a covered court; two football fields; and two swimming pools.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities There are three laboratories on campus for science learning. A dedicated library supports research and independent study. There are 13 classrooms across two buildings to accommodate IB courses and collaborative work. There are 13 offices supporting administration and student services.	Academic facilities Library added in 2014 as part of the Learning Resource Centre. Laboratory prep rooms support science teaching, and ICT facilities in El Nido were updated in 2024 as part of campus refurbishments.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Beacon Academy supports student-led, faculty-mentored after-school clubs and outreach programs. Arts and performance are integrated into student life, with two art studios, a music room, a visual arts gallery, an auditorium, and a dance studio. Athletic and performance spaces enable after-school activities across arts and sports, including a football field, Olympic-sized pool, gymnasium, and bouldering room. The cafeteria provides a social hub for breaks and events. The auditorium and gallery spaces offer opportunities for exhibitions and performances.	Extra curricular facilities 180+ After School Activities are offered weekly across five strands: Academic, Creative Arts, Physically Active, SIDE (Science, Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship), and Service & Sustainability. Primary and Senior cafeterias were refurbished as FoodiE Bistros in 2024.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Beacon Academy was founded in 2009 by architect Leandro Locsin Jr. and his wife, Mailin Paterno-Locsin. It was established to serve as the high school extension of its sister school, the Beacon School in Makati, with the aim of providing an internationally recognized curriculum rooted in Filipino values. The campus opened in August 2010 in Biñan, Laguna, in the company of education and local government guests, and Leandro Locsin Jr. later served as the board chairman. The Academy was accredited by the International Baccalaureate in 2011 to deliver the full IB continuum (Middle Years Programme for Grades 7–10 and Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12). The campus sits on land donated by the Locsin family on a nine-hectare property in Biñan, Laguna, about 40–45 minutes south of Metro Manila. The Beacon Academy is a sister school of the Beacon School in Makati and brands itself as an international school rooted in Filipino culture and ethos.	History The British School Manila was established in 1976 in the old Union Church with 36 students, making it the oldest not‑for‑profit international school in Manila offering British education. In 1980 the school moved to Merville, Parañaque as the student population grew to 107 students. In 1997 the school expanded to offer Key Stage 3 of Senior School, and in 2002 the Bonifacio Global City campus was inaugurated. The school was authorised to offer the IB Programme in 2003, with the first IB cohort in 2005. Royal visits included Princess Anne in 1999 and 2015, and the 40th anniversary was celebrated in 2016, followed by the opening of the Creative Arts Centre in 2019.
Community	Community The Beacon Academy Philippines describes its community as diverse, inclusive, and participatory, with a broad range of students from different backgrounds. The student body is mainly Filipino, with foreign-based faculty contributing to an international dimension within a Filipino context. The school emphasizes a sense of community and inclusivity through its programs and student life, including a student publication and opportunities to participate in international activities such as Model United Nations and World Scholar's Cup. Public materials also highlight events that foster community life, such as school-wide celebrations and activities that bring families into the campus community.	Community The school community is diverse, with more than 950 students from over 50 nationalities across Primary and Senior School on a single campus. Home–school partnerships and close engagement with UK and Commonwealth trained teaching staff support cross‑year interaction and a family‑like atmosphere. The calendar features Whole School Assemblies, Fun Run, International Evening and Speech Day, while Guy Fawkes Night and the Summer Fete are led by the PTA to strengthen community ties.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Public materials do not publish a dedicated Parent-Teacher Association by name. Family involvement is described as part of a broader sense of community and engagement with the school through events and communications. The Great Griffin Carnival (publicized in 2024) and online information sessions for prospective families (2024) illustrate family-facing activities hosted by the school, alongside a 2024 commencement ceremony featuring a guest speaker. The school expanded to offer Grades 7 and 8 for the 2024–2025 year, reflecting ongoing development of student-life programs that families engage with. For ongoing updates and admissions inquiries, families are directed to contact the admissions team.	Parent teacher association The PTA sits at the heart of BSM, focusing on sustaining a sense of belonging and organizing events that engage students, families and staff. It coordinates whole‑school occasions such as Guy Fawkes Night in Term 1 and the Summer Fete in Term 3, and supports other school events to involve parents in the life of the school. Parent Representatives and the BSM PTA work together to strengthen family–school communication and ensure timely dissemination of key messages. The SY 2024-2025 PTA committee oversees areas including Work at BSM, BSM Alumni, BSM Taguig Scholarship Programme, Community Events, and the official PTA group. Membership comprises 11 parents and two teachers, elected by the school community. The PTA aims to create moments of joy, with funds from ticket sales supporting further activities or projects such as a climbing wall, bleachers on the sports field, and garden restorations.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Clubs and programs for academic enrichment at The Beacon Academy include Model United Nations, Math Varsity, and the Engineering Guild. The Beacon Investment Club and an Entrep Club provide experiences in finance, analysis, and enterprise skills. Additional academically oriented options include Larawan (Literature) and The Pre-Med Club, which support language-based study and science-related inquiry. The school participates in inter-school competitions through ISSA, MISAA, ISTA, and JGFP.	Academic & intellectual The After School Activities (ASA) programme offers 180+ scheduled sessions each week across five strands: Academic, Creative Arts, Physically Active, Science, Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship (SIDE), and Service & Sustainability. SIDE provides STEM-focused experiences such as science, design challenges, and entrepreneurial projects beyond the classroom. The school supports academic enrichment outside class time through student leadership roles and clubs, including Model United Nations. Activities Week and Trips provide residential and outdoor learning experiences that extend education beyond the classroom.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts and creative activities include Griffin Dance Club, Larawan (Literature), Griffin Post, and Yearbook, along with Kitchen Kind (Cooking). These clubs offer performance, writing, publishing, and culinary exploration beyond class time. Students have opportunities to express themselves through dance, literature, journalism, and creative projects. The range of arts-focused clubs is listed among the School Life activities.	Arts & creative BSM offers extensive arts and creative activities across music, drama, visual arts, dance, and film, supported by the Creative Arts Centre. The Visual and Performing Arts department showcases student work through displays, performances, and exhibitions, including regular concerts, theatre productions, and art events. Students participate in major events such as the BSM Summer Concert featuring orchestras, choirs, and bands, and in productions and art festivals hosted or attended by the school. The school also hosts large-scale arts events such as FOBISIA drama festivals and various school productions.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Model United Nations is offered as a club, providing students with a forum for global issues and cross-cultural discussion. Larawan (Literature) provides a language- and literature-focused outlet beyond the classroom. Griffin Post and Yearbook contribute to student journalism and communication, supporting language use and cultural expression. These clubs reflect the school's emphasis on language, literature, and global awareness.	Cultural & language Model United Nations is offered for students from Year 5 to Year 13, providing opportunities to engage in diplomacy and global issues. International evenings and other multicultural events are part of the school's community life, reflecting its diverse community. Cultural activities are integrated with student leadership and performance opportunities within the Creative Arts and broader ASA programmes.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Social and hobby-based offerings include Griffin Dance Club and Kitchen Kind (Cooking). The Griffin Post and Yearbook provide collaborative, creative outlets that support peer connections and school culture. The clubs listed under School Life demonstrate opportunities for informal interests alongside academics.	Social & hobbies The ASA programme includes a broad range of after-school clubs across academics, arts, sports, and service, with a dedicated Physically Active strand for sports and fitness. Facilities such as the indoor multi-purpose hall, covered court, two football fields, and two swimming pools support these activities. The Student Leadership programme and peer mentoring provide social development experiences, alongside coaching roles and extracurricular projects. Activities Week & Trips further enhance social engagement through group experiences and community-building activities.
Community & service	Community & service The Beacon Academy emphasizes community service through COSA (Community Outreach Student Association). COSA leads student-initiated outreach projects that benefit others and the environment, including the Early Readers Project, which works with public elementary schools to improve literacy. Additional outreach activities include partnerships with Biñan Day Care Center, workshops for pupils, and other service projects.	Community & service Service & Sustainability is a dedicated ASA strand offering volunteering, charity work, and community outreach opportunities. The school emphasises partnerships with community organisations and integrates service initiatives into school life, including broad participation during events and assemblies. Community events and school-wide activities foster a sense of belonging and social responsibility among students, families, and staff.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership development is integrated through student-led, faculty-mentored clubs and outreach programs. The Beacon Academy Student Council provides student governance, while the Entrep Club focuses on entrepreneurship and initiative. Model United Nations also supports leadership and collaboration, and The Pre-Med Club offers science-oriented projects and teamwork opportunities.	Leadership & professional BSM's Student Leadership programme runs for Year 6–Year 13, providing a platform to initiate ideas, model positive behavior, and develop problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. In addition to the Student Council and leadership teams, students can engage in Buddying and Peer Mentoring, Sports Events & Extra Curricular Coaching, magazine editorial work, and opportunities such as TEDxBritishSchoolManila and Model United Nations. These roles cultivate leadership, communication, project management, and teamwork skills across the school community.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and physical activities are a core part of the program, with teams in Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Football, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, and Volleyball. The school participates in inter-school competitions through ISSA, MISAA, ISTA, and JGFP, providing opportunities for teams to compete locally and regionally.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Well-Being framework guides a holistic approach to health, aiming for an active and balanced lifestyle, self-regulation, belonging, and resilience. The ASA strands emphasize physical activity and wellness as part of everyday school life, supporting students' physical and mental health. Positive Education and well-being initiatives are integrated into daily practice to promote lasting healthy habits. Outdoor education, residential trips, and activities within ASA also contribute to well-being and personal growth.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction is English across the IB programmes. Mandarin and Spanish are available as Language Acquisition courses in the MYP. Filipino is offered in two tracks—Language and Literature and Language Acquisition—within the MYP, and is also available in the DP as a Language Acquisition option. In the Diploma Programme, language acquisition includes Filipino, Mandarin, and Spanish.	Language provision The language of instruction at The British School Manila is English. Beyond English, the school offers Mandarin, French and Spanish as Group 2 languages in the IB Diploma Programme, with Mandarin B HL/SL, French B HL/SL, Spanish B HL/SL and Spanish ab initio SL. Students may access English language assessments and Learning Support to assist non-native English speakers.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The Beacon Academy uses English as the language of instruction across the IB programmes. Mandarin and Spanish are offered as Language Acquisition options in the Middle Years Programme (MYP), enabling students to study a second language alongside English. Filipino is offered in two complementary tracks—Language and Literature and Language Acquisition—across the MYP and Diploma Programme (DP), tailored to students' backgrounds and proficiency levels. The IB Learner Profile emphasizes expressing oneself in more than one language, reflecting the school's multilingual environment.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Mandarin and Spanish language acquisition is delivered through immersive activities in the MYP (Grades 7-10). In the Diploma Programme (DP), Language Acquisition includes Filipino, Mandarin, and Spanish delivered through immersive learning experiences. These immersion-based language programs help students develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills and intercultural understanding. Languages offered for immersion include Mandarin, Spanish, and Filipino.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The Beacon Academy's accreditations and recognitions include: - Philippine Department of Education (DepEd): The Academy is accredited by DepEd to deliver both Junior High School and Senior High School (Academic Track). - International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: The Academy is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to deliver the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 7-10 and the Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11-12; IB accreditation supports international standards and global university recognition. - Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC): The Academy has been accredited by PCNC since 2005, indicating alignment with government-regulated NGO standards for transparency and governance.	Accreditations {
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1 — Access and download the Admissions Packet. The public admissions area provides a packet for applicants that includes Application Form A (Parents) and Application Form B (Students), along with initial instructions for starting the process. This packet is the official starting point for submitting an application. Step 2 — Complete and submit the forms; note that an interview is part of the admissions process for certain grade levels. After obtaining the packet, fill out Application Form A (Parents) and Application Form B (Students) as required, following the included instructions. The admissions process may include an interview as part of the evaluation, depending on the grade level and application specifics. Step 3 — Prepare and submit Admissions Requirements Uploads; gather and send supporting documents. The packet and related pages reference an Admissions Requirements Upload link to provide documents such as medical information, transcripts, and teacher recommendations. Step 4 — Final review and notification of acceptance after all parts are completed. The Academy confirms admission once all components of the Admissions process have been completed; final acceptance is communicated after the review. For context, the admissions guidelines indicate that a student is admitted upon successful completion of all parts of the process.	Admissions 1. Submit an Enquiry. Submit your enquiry via the Admissions Enquiry Form. The Admissions team will respond to your enquiry with information and the next steps in the admissions process. Applications are processed throughout the year, subject to space availability. 2. Admissions Briefing/School Visit. To ensure you have the information you need, a briefing and a school visit are offered as part of the application process. The briefing typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, while the visit lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. Because briefing and visit appointments are limited, they are scheduled in line with application priorities, and advance booking is required. 3. Submission of Application Requirements. To process the application, provide a complete application form and health record for each child, school reports covering the past two years (with a grade translation and current English/Math work if from a non-British system), and the details of your current school for online reference forms. Include copies of the child's birth certificate and passports ( Applicant and Parents ), recent photos, and an application fee payable prior to invitation for review/assessment. 4. Review of Application Requirements. The Admissions team, together with the Primary and Senior School teams, will review the submitted documents and the application form to determine readiness for assessment. This review assesses documentation completeness, language proficiency considerations, and alignment with available spaces. 5. Invitation for Assessment. An applicant will be invited to proceed with assessment if recommended after the review. Invitations are issued by the Admissions team in accordance with the school's assessment plan for the relevant year level. 6. Assessment. The assessment duration varies by year group: Nursery–Reception about 1 hour; Year 1–2 about 1–2 hours; Year 3–6 about 1.5 days; Year 7–13 about a full morning with a 15-minute interview. The school may request additional days if further assessment is recommended. 7. Decision. The Admissions team will inform families of the decision regarding their child's application, indicating whether a place is offered, the child is placed in the wait pool, or the application is declined. Wait pool placements depend on space and pass of entrance assessments.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships and Financial Aid: The Beacon Academy Philippines states a commitment to offering students from all backgrounds the opportunity to receive a holistic, internationally minded education and indicates that incentives and assistance are available to help deserving students enroll. Specific eligibility criteria, application steps, and award amounts are not published on the public pages.	Scholarships BSM Taguig Scholarship Programme (BSMTSP). The British School Manila operates the BSM Taguig Scholarship Programme to help excellent, but financially disadvantaged Senior High School and college students in Taguig obtain higher education from the top schools in Metro Manila. The programme provides augmented services and supports scholars with seminars/workshops and pastoral guidance, and the committee monitors career movements after graduation to support ongoing development. Current scholars are being supported by the programme, and the initiative has supported scholars for about 20 years. Since it began, the programme has funded a total of 55 scholars, with 24 current scholars noted on the page.
Waitlist	Waitlist Public admissions materials do not describe a formal waitlist or pool system for The Beacon Academy Philippines.	Waitlist Wait Pool and Admissions Priority. A wait pool process is in place. Once admissions by year level have reached the maximum class size, the following Admissions Priority Procedures apply, subject to the student applicant successfully completing the entrance assessment. Priority categories determine order of consideration: Category 1 – Dependents of British diplomats and Commonwealth diplomats; Category 2 – Commonwealth nationals resident in the Philippines by expatriate employment status; Category 3 – Siblings of enrolled students not in Category 1 or 2; Category 4 – Dependents of families not included in Categories 1–3.
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