The Beacon School vs The British School Manila

	T The Beacon School Manila, Philippines	T The British School Manila Manila, Philippines
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₱392,177 - 919,181	Fees / year ₱536,040 - 1,414,215
Age range	Age range 3 - 14 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 360	Pupils 978
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2001	Opened 1976
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Beacon School is located in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The campus address is 2266 Central Square, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City 1231. It sits in central Makati with access to major roads and public transport options. Beacon announced a move to a new Makati campus along Pasong Tamo Extension in February 2023, with Phase I opening for Pre-K to Grade 8 in August 2023.	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 Beacon School offers education from Pre-K through Grade 8. It is an IB World School authorized to deliver the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP).	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 Beacon School is an independent, non-profit, secular and co-educational IB World School. It is an IB World School offering the PYP and MYP; it operates as an independent, non-profit institution.	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 A publicly listed SEN program is not described on public pages. The school publishes a Child Safeguarding policy and has a Student Services section that includes onboarding, a community portal, after-school activities, and school conferences, indicating available student support structures.	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 There is no country affiliation listed; The Beacon School operates as an independent IB World School.	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 The Beacon School is secular and has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation: none stated; the school is secular.
School day structure	School day structure Public pages do not publish start and end times for the school day; the exact timings are provided by the admissions team upon inquiry. The school calendar lists dates and events but not daily hours.	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 Public pages do not list a school bus service for The Beacon School. Families may arrange private transport or other arrangements as needed.	Bus service details Bus service: The school provides a bus service for students.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - An application fee of PHP 2,500 is payable at the time the completed application documents are submitted. Tuition fees (by year group) Note: The school's published annual tuition structure is shown as a two-part amount (a USD component plus a PHP component). The published annual totals and a per-term estimate (see Billing schedule and note on calculation below) are given here. - Pre-Kinder - Annual: USD 850 plus PHP 344,500. - Estimated per term (annual divided by three terms): USD 283.33 plus PHP 114,833.33. (Per-term figure shown as an arithmetic division of the annual amount; see note below.) - Kinder to Grade 5 - Annual: USD 1,800 plus PHP 760,000. - Estimated per term: USD 600.00 plus PHP 253,333.33. (Calculated by dividing the annual amount by three terms.) - Grades 6 to 8 - Annual: USD 2,000 plus PHP 807,000. - Estimated per term: USD 666.67 plus PHP 269,000.00. (Calculated by dividing the annual amount by three terms.) Billing schedule and payment terms - The school year is organised in school terms (the calendar references Term 1, Term 3, etc.), and admissions and re-enrolment references use a three-term structure. The per-term amounts above are derived by dividing the published annual tuition by three, consistent with the school's three-term academic references. - Once a place is offered, a reservation fee is required by the date shown in the letter of offer to secure a place; the school's admissions information also states that returning-student re-enrolment requires payment of a Returning Students Fee by the date advised by the Board of Trustees. (Specific reservation/returning fee amounts are not published in the accessible admissions text.) Boarding fees - The Beacon School operates as a day school for students from Pre-K to Grade 8; no boarding programme or boarding fees are listed for the Makati campus. Other costs and typical additional fees - School-branded clothing and merchandise (examples and prices): - One Beacon Shirt — Adult PHP 800; Child PHP 650. - Barracudas Shirt — PHP 600. - Ball cap — PHP 500. - Barracudas water tumbler — PHP 900. - (These are sample shop items and prices available from the school shop.) - Co‑curricular activities, field trips and program-specific costs are included in descriptions of the school's programmes; such activities and any related fees (for example, curriculum trips or optional activities) are additional to tuition and merchandise costs. Refund information - The school's public admissions pages specify the application fee, reservation/returning-student payments and that reservation payment secures a place, but no publicly available page or downloadable policy on fee refunds (for application, reservation, tuition or other deposits) was located in the published admissions or policies material accessible on the school pages. The availability and terms for refunds (if any) are therefore not explicitly published in the materials examined. Fee payment options - Bank transfer via Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is provided as an online payment method with both PESO and DOLLAR account numbers listed for the Beacon International School Foundation. The Enrol/Finance contact information and the BPI account details are published as a school payment method. - The Enrol page provides step-by-step instructions for adding the school as a biller in BPI Online (Manage Recipients → Add recipient → select Biller → BEACON INT'L SCHOOL FOUNDATION; confirm details and submit). The Finance Office contact details are published for payment queries. Summary of evidence and limits of the available public information - Application fee and the requirement for a reservation fee (amount given in the offer letter) are published in the school's admissions information. - Annual tuition amounts by broad year-groups (USD + PHP components) are published in a recent independent parent- guide article that lists the school's published tuition ranges and figures. The per-term numbers above are arithmetic divisions of those annual totals by three because the school's published calendar and admissions pages reference a three-term year; the per-term figures are therefore inferred from the published annual totals and the school's term structure. - The school's Enrol/Finance information explicitly lists BPI bank account numbers and instructions for online payment, and the school shop lists sample prices for branded shirts and items. - What was not publicly available in the pages examined: a detailed official tuition and fees schedule in a single downloadable fee schedule that lists every fee line (for example: explicit reservation fee amount, Returning Students Fee amount, term-by-term billing schedule text, formal refund rules) was not located in the accessible admissions and policy pages. For those specific line items and formal refund terms, the Finance Office contact is provided for direct confirmation.	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 —	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 —	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 School Philippines offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Pre-K to Grade 5 and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grade 6–8, with high school years planned for the future. It is accredited by the Philippine Department of Education and IB-authorized to deliver PYP and MYP. The PYP uses transdisciplinary units built around six themes (Who We Are; How We Express Ourselves; How the World Works; Where We Are in Place and Time; How We Organize Ourselves; Sharing the Planet), integrating core disciplines and stand-alone subjects such as Visual Arts, Filipino, Music, Physical Education, and Religious or World Religion. The MYP organizes learning around eight subject areas—Language A (English), Language B (Filipino and another language), Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, Design, The Arts, and Physical Education—guided by global contexts and culminating in a Grade 8 Community Project; Grade 6–7 also includes Religious and Moral Education. Service as Action is embedded across the MYP, with school partnerships for service learning, and the campus is located in Makati with IB School Code 002224.	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 School PH supports social and emotional learning through the House System, which fosters a close-knit community and cross-grade collaboration, with house-based service projects and school-wide activities.	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 school uses an inclusion approach with reading and learning support specialists and provides additional services for students whose needs can be met; admissions assess whether Beacon has the resources to support a student with special needs.	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 Limits are placed on the number of English Language Learners within any one section.	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 Art Therapy is offered as part of After School Activities (3-5) to support students' emotional well-being.	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 School PH has a Child Safeguarding policy as part of its School Policies.	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 Beacon School's Makati campus serves students from Pre-K to Grade 8 as part of its IB program. A 2023 announcement described relocation to a 12,500-square-meter Makati campus along Pasong Tamo Extension, with a main building renovated to house Pre-K to Grade 8. The campus includes a playground, a soccer field, a gymnasium, and an urban garden. Visual arts is integrated into the curriculum and there is a gallery showcasing student work, with drama and music also offered as part of the arts program.	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 site includes a gymnasium for indoor activities and a soccer field for outdoor play and games. Outdoor spaces also include a playground and an urban garden that can be used for physical education and movement activities. These facilities support a range of PE and team sport 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 —	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 —	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 School was founded in 2001 by educators and professionals who sought a rigorous, progressive K–8 program within a close-knit learning community. It is governed by The Beacon International School Foundation, an independent, non-profit, secular organization that currently serves Pre-K to Grade 8 and envisions adding a high school in the future. In 2023, Beacon moved to a new Makati campus as part of the One Beacon Project, which consolidates The Beacon School with Beacon Academy under a single organizational umbrella. The One Beacon Project intends to extend Beacon's inquiry-based IB education by adding a high school at the Makati campus and by offering Pre-K to Grade 8 at Beacon Academy's Laguna campus, which currently serves up to Grade 12. Beacon was among the first Philippine IB World Schools authorized to deliver both the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme.	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 School is an independent, non-profit, secular and co-educational IB school for students from Pre-K to Grade 8 in Metro Manila. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning and Filipino cultural values, building a global-minded community rooted in local culture. Beacon's community life includes sporting achievements, student performances, and family events that bring together students, parents, alumni and friends, such as the ISAA volleyball tournament results and events like the Moana 2 Block Screening. Families participate through the Beacon Community Portal and school programs that connect parents with staff and activities.	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 A formal Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is not publicly listed on The Beacon School's public pages; parent involvement is organized through The Beacon International School Foundation and broader community programs. The Beacon International School Foundation acts as the school's governing and fundraising body, reflecting its independent, non-profit status. Community events that involve families include the Par for a Purpose: 1st Beacon School Golf Cup and related fundraising tournaments. Other family activities include Moana 2 Block Screening, which invites parents, alumni and friends, and merchandise campaigns such as Beacon Barracudas merch. The school maintains a community portal for parent volunteers and communication, and offers after-school activities and conferences to engage families.	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 The Beacon School offers an after‑school activities program for students from K to 8 that extends learning beyond the academic day. STEM and related enrichment options include Robotics Class (3–8), Nutty Scientists, Coders' Playspace, and Bricks 4 Kidz. There are film‑ and media offerings such as Film‑making, Future Film Makers, and Cartoon Creations, alongside other academic and inquiry‑based activities like Tatak Filipino!, Sign Language for Kids, and Lego/Bricks‑related clubs. The program supports inquiry, collaboration, and creative problem‑solving beyond regular class time.	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 The Music After School program offers group classes including Chorale, JAM, Guitar Ensemble, Stick & Stomp, Glee, Showstoppers, and String Ensemble, with individual lessons in violin, piano, guitar, drums, and voice available. Recitals are held, and students regularly perform at school assemblies and events. Additional arts offerings include Film‑making, Art Therapy, K‑2 Painting, K‑2 Photography, Origami, Storybook Artists, and Cartoon Creations, among other creative 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 The Beacon School emphasizes language learning through curriculum‑based language acquisition opportunities and a global perspective. The school marks Filipino Week, International and Book Week, and the Christmas celebration to celebrate culture. Sign Language for Kids (K‑2) and Tatak Filipino! (3–8) provide structured cultural and language experiences, complemented by cross‑grade and cultural activities organized through the school's community programs.	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 A broad range of social and hobby activities runs after school, including film‑making, photography, crafts, and board games such as 3–8 Board Geeks. Students can explore creative and social pursuits through K‑2 Storybook Artists, K‑2 Painting, K‑2 Origami, K‑2 Cartoon Creations, and similar clubs. These offerings give students opportunities to build friendships and pursue personal interests beyond 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 Experience includes a House System that runs service projects and community initiatives, with students contributing to house goals through participation, collaboration, and leadership activities. Grades 7–8 participate in a four‑day RAFI Center for Leadership program to develop self‑awareness, social consciousness, collaboration, and resilience. Off‑campus activities connect classroom learning to the wider community, and students practice responsible outdoor behavior through Leave No Trace principles.	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 embedded in Beacon's programs: the House System promotes collaboration and community leadership, with service projects and school‑wide initiatives. The RAFI CFL Center for Leadership program provides structured leadership training for older students. The Beacon Experience and school conferences also offer mentoring, planning, and opportunities for developing professional skills as part of the student leadership pathway.	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 The athletics and wellbeing program includes Taekwondo, Gymnastics, T‑ball/Baseball, Futsal/Football, Archery, Volleyball, Badminton, and Chess. K‑2 Kid's Yoga is offered as a mindfulness‑ and movement‑based activity. The program emphasizes teamwork, discipline, safety, and enjoyment across sports, with ongoing opportunities to participate in group physical activities. Off‑campus experiences and outdoor activities further support students' physical health and overall wellbeing.	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 for all core subjects in The Beacon School's IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. Filipino is taught as a second language, organized into six phases, and students may begin at any phase and progress through the continuum. English language arts is provided as Language and Literature, emphasizing reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Spanish and Mandarin are offered as language electives to develop additional language proficiency.	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 —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards In 2024, The Beacon School's volleyball teams achieved a notable ISSA Inter-Scholastic Sports Association result: the Middle School Boys won the championship and the Middle School Girls finished in third place.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The Beacon School is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten to Grade 5 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–8 at its Makati campus. This marks the school as an IB World School with internationally recognized curricula in its current facility.	Accreditations {
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 0. Age-Grade Level Placement Information: The Beacon School places new students according to age by the end of August for the academic year, with a clear mapping to grade levels and local/national equivalents. The table shows how ages align to Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1 through Grade 8, and beyond (for the IB structure). Class size limits are 16 students for Pre-K to Grade 3, 17 for Grades 4–5, and 20 for Grades 6–8. This framework guides initial placement decisions and ensures alignment with the school's program. 1. Introductory Tour: Prospective families are welcome to visit The Beacon School for an introductory tour. It is advised to contact the Admissions Office in advance to arrange a visit so you can receive a structured briefing. During the tour, you will get an overview of the admissions process and information about the school; a packet of application forms is provided to take away and study. This visit helps families assess fit before submitting formal materials. 2. Submission of Application Documents and Application Fee: To formalize an application, complete and submit the forms and required documents from the admissions packet to the Admissions Office. If any documents are in a language other than English, provide certified translations in English. You can download the required documents from the admissions packet, and an Application Fee of PHP 2,500 is payable with the submission of all completed documents. 3. Sit-in Visit: After review of the application materials and if there is an available slot in the requested grade level, the prospective student is invited to attend a “sit-in” pre-entry visit at the level applied for (or another level as determined by the Admissions Committee). The sit-in duration equals the length of the school day at that level. The sit-in is a required step and helps assess fit and, where applicable, whether the school has the resources to support a student with particular needs. 4. Academic Testing and Interview: All applicants will have an interview with the Guidance Counselor. Students applying for Grades 4–8 will be tested in Math and English and will write an essay to establish academic readiness. These assessments are conducted on paper during the sit-in visit. 5. Interview with Parent(s): In some cases, after the sit-in, an interview is arranged with the prospective student's parent(s) together with the grade level coordinator and the Head of School to discuss fit, expectations, and any additional considerations. This step ensures parents and the school share alignment on the student's needs and the school's offerings. 6. Offers of Placement and Acceptance: Once the sit-in, testing (if applicable), and committee review are complete, space may be offered. Offers for the following school year are generally issued by early March, with the possibility of earlier offers if space permits. Acceptance decisions are final once communicated. 7. Reservation and Enrollment: After a place is offered, a reservation fee is due by the date indicated in the offer letter to secure the slot. The enrollment process proceeds with the completion of necessary forms and the submission of any outstanding documents. This step formalizes enrollment and moves the family toward the start of the term. 8. Re-enrolment of Returning Students: The school supports returning students who remain in good standing (academic proficiency and behavior per the Code of Conduct). Returning Students Fee must be paid by the date advised by the Board of Trustees, and the reservation fee guarantees space for the following academic year.	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 The Beacon School offers The Beacon School Scholarship Programme, which can provide tuition coverage for Grades 6, 7, and 8. Scholarships are awarded based on three pillars: 1) Academic Merit (evidence of strong academic ability, critical and creative thinking, and strong communication; options include above-average ACER (OPI) scores, CAT4 results, stellar school records, an essay, and a teacher recommendation), 2) Financial Need (families must demonstrate need and provide documents such as the current Income Tax Return and a completed Beacon Scholarship Application Form), and 3) Potential Contribution to The Beacon School Community (leadership and evidence of responsible citizenship). Applications and decisions are managed by the Admissions team, and the school can provide more information via email.	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 Yes. When a grade-level section is full, prospective students who meet Beacon's admissions requirements are placed on a waitlist. They may be invited to sit in when an opening arises, subject to Admissions Guidelines. This waitlist mechanism allows families to remain in consideration while the school manages space and resources.	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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