doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
T

The British School Kathmandu

Nepal, Kathmandu

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 500
Type Co-educational
Opened 1966
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin, Nepali
Typical class size 22
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

The British School Kathmandu is a fee-paying, not-for-profit, independent international school in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, Nepal, serving students aged 3 to 18. It delivers the English National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum in the Primary School (Foundation 1 to Year 6) and Cambridge IGCSE and Edexcel syllabi for IGCSE and A Levels. English is the language of instruction. The school has British affiliation and is under the patronage of the British Embassy. Established in 1966, it now educates around 585 students from over 40 countries and is governed by a Board of Governors. The campus offers a Music Department with a Recording Studio and weekly instrumental lessons, formal drama, and a Performing Arts Workshops. Outdoor learning includes Forest School at Chobar and primary expedition trips. Co-curricular activities are extensive, including Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, with a broad programme across primary and secondary.

Bakhundole, Lalitpur 44600, Nepal

The Essentials

The British School Kathmandu has 500 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, Nepal. Jhamsikhel is a neighbourhood in Lalitpur within the Kathmandu Valley. The mailing address is PO Box 566 Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. The school can be contacted at +977-1-5421794.

Stages
Primary School (Foundation 1 to Year 6). Secondary School (Year 7 to A Levels).

Type
The British School Kathmandu is a fee-paying, not-for-profit, independent, international school delivering the English National Curriculum.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Approximately 500 students from over 40 nationalities; the largest international group is British nationals.

Additional learning support
A large proportion of students are multilingual and learn English as an Additional Language (EAL). A Supported Immersive Model (SIM) is used for EAL. The school provides Learning Support for a range of needs, including Speech and Language Therapy, school counselling, and a dedicated ALN team.

Country affiliation
British affiliation; patronage by the British Embassy in Nepal.

School day structure
Arrival is between 8:00 and 8:15 am. Foundation 1 to Year 1 go straight to their classroom, while Years 2–6 line up in front of the primary buildings. Secondary students go to their lockers and mentor rooms for mentor time. Children should not be left unsupervised anywhere on the school grounds before 8:00 am.

Bus service
Yes. A transportation service covers most areas of Kathmandu and Patan. For routes and seat availability, contact the Finance department.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is not compulsory except for PE. A PE tracksuit is worn in winter and a house shirt is worn year-round. Polo shirts and PAWs polo shirts are available from the school shop.

Food Options
School lunches are provided by two contracted caterers, Khaja Ghar and Yellow Bambou, offering vegetarian options with Western and Nepali choices. Packed lunches may be brought from home and heated on site; lunch drop-offs are not allowed. The school recognises special diets and allergies, with parents responsible for ensuring healthy packed lunches; it is not a nut-free school.

House System
Houses are Dhaulagiri (Red), Kanchenjunga (Blue), Annapurna (Yellow), and Makalu (Green). A house shirt is worn year-round and inter-house events are part of school life.

Governance and Ownership
The British School Kathmandu is a not-for-profit, non-selective school overseen by a Board of Governors elected from the parent body. The Board includes parents, staff and colleagues from partner organisations. The school is a member of COBIS, FOBISIA and Quality Kathmandu Schools (QKS).
Fees
Application and one‑off enrolment fees
- Registration (non‑refundable): £200 per child.
- Capital Development Fee (one‑off on enrolment): £3,500 for Foundation 1, Foundation 2/KS1 & KS2 and KS3 & KS4; £2,150 for KS5.
- Security deposit (refundable): £2,800 per child (paid on enrolment). The security deposit is refundable subject to the school receiving a formal withdrawal notice by the term‑specific deadline and after any deductions for loss or damage.

Tuition fees — per term and annual totals by year group
- Foundation 1
- Per term: £1,345.
- Annual total (4 terms): £5,380.
- Foundation 2 / KS1 & KS2 (Y1–Y6)
- Per term: £2,565.
- Annual total (4 terms): £10,260.
- KS3 & KS4 (Y7–Y11)
- Per term: £3,239.
- Annual total (4 terms): £12,956.
- KS5 (Y12–Y13)
- Per term: £3,426.
- Annual total (4 terms): £13,704.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is invoiced and charged by term (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3 and Term 4). Parents receive a separate invoice for each term; fees are due before the start of the relevant term.
- Preferred currency for international payments is UK pounds sterling (GBP); please ensure you cover all bank and transfer charges so the school receives the full invoice amount. Shortfalls will be notified and can be settled in cash at the finance office.
- Nepalese parents without access to a foreign‑currency account may pay in Nepali Rupees with prior approval from the Finance Department; exchange‑rate method and bank details are provided by the Finance Department on request.
- Late payment penalty: a daily administrative charge of GBP 2 per day is applied to overdue tuition until payment is received (applies where deadlines are missed). Parents are asked to include pupil name, year group and invoice number on all payments.

Boarding fees
- Boarding: not applicable. No boarding fees are listed in the school's published fee schedule. The school operates as a day school and does not publish an annual boarding charge.

Other costs and additional charges
- Additional, separate charges may apply for: Special Educational Needs (SEN) / Additional Learning Needs (ALN) support, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, co‑curricular clubs, external examination fees, educational trips and events outside the normal curriculum, and other optional activities. Parents will be notified in advance of any such charges.
- School uniform items and selected school merchandise are sold via the school's community shop; uniform costs are payable separately and are not included in the tuition figures.
- Transport (school bus) is offered; bus charges are invoiced separately through the Finance Department.

Refund information
- The security deposit (£2,800) is refundable in full provided formal written notice of withdrawal is received by the school on or before the term‑specific deadline for the term in which the pupil is leaving:
- Term I deadline: 15 September.
- Term II deadline: 15 November.
- Term III deadline: 11 March.
- Term IV deadline: Last day of May (31st).
Failure to provide formal notice by the relevant deadline may result in forfeiture of the security deposit; the school may also deduct amounts from the deposit to cover loss or damage to school property.
- Withdrawal notices and the clearance procedure are required to process refunds of the security deposit; late notice or failure to complete the clearance process can fully or partially affect refunding the deposit.
Academics

The British School Kathmandu teaches British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
English is the language of instruction and the school delivers the English National Curriculum. The International Primary Curriculum is followed in the Primary School from Foundation 1 to Year 6, alongside the English National Curriculum in Mathematics and English. Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel syllabi are followed for IGCSE and A Level examinations. The school accommodates students from Foundation 1 in Primary to A Levels in Secondary. The primary years combine the International Primary Curriculum with the English National Curriculum, while the secondary years follow UK qualifications through IGCSE and A Levels. [turn0search1]

Student Teacher Ratio
Most primary classes are around 22–23 students; secondary classes are smaller. There is a learning support to student ratio of 1 academic professional to every 4 learners. [turn0search0]

Higher Education Progression
North American destinations include the University of British Columbia (UBC), Brown University, New York University, Rhode Island School of Design, and the University of Michigan. United Kingdom destinations include University College London (UCL), Bristol, Kent, University of the Arts London, Leeds Art College, Chester and UWE Bristol. In Europe, destinations include ESMOD Paris and LCI Barcelona; in Australia, universities include the University of Sydney, UNSW, University of Melbourne and Monash University. [turn1search0]
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a pastoral care system focusing on the wellbeing of the whole student, including long-term academic, personal and social development. The mentor is the primary pastoral carer, supported by specialist teachers and the Pastoral Leadership Team. The PSHE curriculum provides opportunities to develop values and morals that help students thrive in an ever-changing world. The school promotes a growth mindset, encouraging students to recognise their strengths and areas for development, take risks and contribute kindly to the community. Attendance and punctuality are emphasised as important aspects of wellbeing and successful learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school follows an inclusive model and welcomes applications from all. It offers a range of support based on the UK SEND framework, with a Learning Support department guiding provision. There are two levels of support: Class Action (up to 15 hours per week) with an IEP and access to Speech and Language Therapy, and School Action (more than 15 hours per week) with curriculum modifications and access arrangements for IGCSE. Progress is monitored by the Learning Support team, Heads of Key Stage, parents and teachers, and students may be added to the LD Register or Initial Concern Register as appropriate. English Language Learners receive targeted EAL support, assessed and tracked through NASSEA steps.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The majority of students at The British School Kathmandu are multilingual and come from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. New-to-English students spend the first two to six weeks in class to become familiar with routines, settings, teachers and peers. Students are assessed using the NASSEA steps across Listening and Understanding, Speaking, Reading and Writing to determine language progression. An EAL Pupil Profile is created and students enter one of three EAL programs as they progress through NASSEA steps. The aim of all EAL provision is full inclusion in the mainstream classroom while supporting social and emotional wellbeing.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual recognises their potential, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively and contribute to their community. School-based counselling is part of a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing, offering on-going prevention and intervention strategies and one-to-one support for those who voluntarily seek it. The counselling service works with the pastoral team to provide guidance, crisis management and referrals, and supports transition programmes and parental education.

Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and child protection. Staff and visitors comply with safeguarding procedures and policies, and all staff are vetted and receive training. Safeguarding is central to the school's role, including responding to concerns or disclosures, supporting students emotionally and practically, and maintaining a safe campus. The school draws guidance from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Keeping Children Safe in Education, NSPCC and the British Gurkhas Nepal, with a dedicated safeguarding governor and a designated safeguarding lead to oversee policies and practice.
Parent Experience

History
The British School Kathmandu was established in Nepal in 1966 by a group of British and Commonwealth parents seeking a British-style education. It received official recognition from His Majesty's Government of Nepal on 7 July 1967 and has been under the patronage of the British Embassy. In 1997 it moved to Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur to include Key Stage 3, and in February 1998 His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales officially opened the new site. In August 2004 the school extended to offer A Levels, with the first graduating cohort in 2006. The British School Kathmandu now educates 585 students aged 3-18 from over 40 countries; it is a not-for-profit, non-selective school overseen by a Board of Governors and is a member of COBIS, FOBISIA and Quality Kathmandu Schools; it has received international awards including the Times Educational Supplement Independent School Awards 2016 (British International School Initiative of the Year) and the British International School Awards 2017 (Community Initiative of the Year).

Community
The school's mission is to provide meaningful service learning experiences for students through collaboration with sustainable community partners to make a positive impact on the local and global community and to develop personal responsibility. It collaborates with community partners in areas such as education projects and building projects; the school has rebuilt schools in Dhading and runs projects ranging from water and sanitation to classroom resources. Our community partners include Mary Ward, Hope Rising Children Home, Shramik School, Shree Tika Vidhyaashram, Guheshwori School, Disabled New Life Center and many others; the school hosts annual events such as a community conference, teacher training and a community sports day, and invites partner children to TBS events.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Parent Association.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The British School Kathmandu is located in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, Nepal. The campus offers outdoor learning experiences, including Forest School at Chobar and primary expedition trips that build independence, teamwork and cultural awareness. The Music Department provides a Recording Studio and offers weekly instrumental lessons; it follows the London College of Music exams and acts as an on-site exam centre. Drama is a formal part of the curriculum, with a dedicated drama team and opportunities to participate in school productions. The school emphasizes inclusive learning and a broad co‑curricular programme.

Sports Facilities
The school runs a Physical Education and Sports programme led by a Head of Faculty - Sports. Primary pupils have two PE lessons per week, with swimming included for students from Foundation 2 to Year 6. The sport programme includes activities such as Zumba/Yoga, Rounders and Basketball across different year groups. In KS4, students can follow either a Sports Leadership pathway or a ‘Performing at Maximum Levels' route. The school also offers IGCSE PE and A Level PE, covering both practical and theoretical aspects of physical education.

Academic Facilities
The school follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) alongside English National Curriculum Mathematics and English from Foundation 1 to Year 6, with Cambridge IGCSE and Edexcel syllabi for IGCSE and A Level examinations. The London College of Music (LCM) exams are offered at TBS, with the school acting as an LCM examination centre. The Music Department includes a Recording Studio and weekly Instrumental Lessons, supported by specialist staff. Drama is taught as a subject from Years 7–11, with a dedicated team and a curriculum that develops devising, performance and evaluation skills. The campus supports these artistic disciplines with a music production and performance emphasis, underscored by a broad co-curricular drama and music programme.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers a wide range of clubs and activities, typically around 65–70 for primary and 50–55 for secondary each term. Clubs are voluntary and sign-ups are managed through the Parent Portal, with a lottery system for choices when demand exceeds places. There is a Performing Arts Workshops (PAWS) programme that extends music, drama and performance beyond lessons. The Music Department provides weekly instrumental lessons (Year 3–Year 13) and offers performances, concerts and exportable opportunities beyond the classroom. The school is committed to providing opportunities that foster creativity, collaboration and leadership through its extensive co‑curricular activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers around 65-70 clubs for primary students and 50-55 clubs for secondary students each term. Clubs are voluntary and provide additional challenge, social interaction and enjoyment. A range of clubs supports academic, leadership and creative pursuits, including Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

Arts & Creative
Drama is taught as a subject in Years 7-11, with opportunities to devise, perform and participate in school productions and PAWS (Performing Arts Workshops). The Music Department provides instrumental lessons, concerts, choirs and recitals, and operates a school recording studio for projects and pathways such as London College of Music exams. Extra-curricular Performing Arts Workshops extend music and drama beyond lessons.

Cultural & Language
Languages include English (the language of instruction) with French, Spanish, Mandarin and Nepali as language subjects; from Year 7 students specialise in two languages. In Primary, additional languages include German, Italian, French, Nepali and Spanish, with Nepali taught in Key Stage 2 by a Nepali learning support team. Model United Nations is a TBK activity and TBK hosts MUN trips and conferences. Inter-school cultural experiences include inter-school collaborations and visits to World Heritage sites.

Social & Hobbies
The school runs a large range of clubs and activities, typically 65-70 clubs for primary and 50-55 for secondary per term. Clubs run after school in blocks, usually 2:30–3:30pm for primary and 3:30–4:30pm for secondary, with a lottery-based sign-up process. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and Model United Nations are among the clubs, along with music and drama options.

Community & Service
The mission is to provide meaningful service learning experiences through collaborations with sustainable community partners to make a positive impact on local and global communities. It collaborates with community partners in areas such as education projects, rebuilding schools, training, fundraising and student volunteering. Partners include Mary Ward School, Hope Rising Children Home, Shramik School, Shree Tika Vidhyaashram, Guheshwori School and other local organisations, with TBK hosting visits, training and community events.

Leadership & Professional
Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is available, with Bronze and Silver levels. Model United Nations trips and conferences are part of TBK's co-curricular program. A Sports Leadership pathway in Key Stage 4 offers a Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership and involves students in leading sport sessions and coordinating community-facing activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is integrated into the curriculum through PSHE and Wellbeing in Key Stage 4 and beyond, alongside core Physical Education. Primary and Secondary PE include a broad range of activities; Year 7-9 feature yoga and mindfulness and team sports, and Year 10-11 offer sports leadership and GCSE/IGCSE PE. The school also provides a dedicated counsellor and wellbeing support services for students.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction and the school delivers the English National Curriculum. In Primary, languages taught from Foundation stage include German, Italian, French, Nepali and Spanish, with Nepali taught in Key Stage 2 by the Nepali learning support team. In Secondary, languages offered include French, Spanish, Mandarin and Nepali, with related language study available through KS3/KS4 and further study at post-16 levels. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support uses the NASSEA framework to assess language progress and provides a structured EAL pathway.

Immersion Programs
The school uses a Supported Immersive Model (SIM) for learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL) in both Primary and Secondary. New-to-English students spend the first two to six weeks in class to acclimate to routines, settings, teachers and peers. The NASSEA steps framework tracks language progression across four strands (Listening and Understanding, Speaking, Reading and Writing) to guide language support. The EAL provision is personalised for each student and includes Intensive Language Support across Steps 1-3 and continued progression into Steps 3-4 and 5+ for Primary and Secondary.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete the Online Registration forms, Medical information forms and EAL Pupil Profile (only for those students whose first language is other than English), which can be downloaded from the Registration Form section.

2. Provide a copy of the child's birth certificate and passport.

3. If the child has been to school before, submit copies of the last two years' reports and the contact details of the previous school's Principal or relevant class teacher.

4. Pay the non-refundable registration fee of £200 per child.

5. This process places the child on the waiting list; the date of registration is used for awarding places as and when they become available. When a place becomes available, the TBS Admissions Manager will contact the parents.

7. Children of all ages will be invited to participate in an age-appropriate entry assessment to ensure a smooth and supported transition into TBS.

8. If there are English as an Additional Language (EAL) needs, a further assessment may be required by the Learning Support Coordinator to ensure the school can meet the child's needs.

Scholarships
The school offers scholarships for those joining us for A-levels. The application process for scholarships is advertised annually and further details can be found in the admissions materials. A Scholarship Financial Declaration is part of the Online Registration Forms. In addition, current families experiencing temporary financial hardship may contact the school to discuss bursary options.

Waitlist
All registered children are placed on a waiting list maintained by the Admissions Manager, and parents are informed once places become available. Where demand exceeds the number of places, priority is given as follows:

1) United Kingdom, British Overseas Territory and Crown Dependency passport holders;

2) Sibling of current TBS child(ren);

3) Child(ren) of serving British Gurkhas Nepal staff;

4) Commonwealth country passport holders;

5) Passport holders of countries with no national school provision in Kathmandu;

6) Passport holders of countries with a national school provision in Kathmandu;

7) Nepali passport holders (Nepali passport holders must obtain a No Objection Letter from the Ministry of Education and submit it at registration);

8) Children are accepted throughout the academic year (subject to availability).

9) Children need to be registered and assessed before a place is offered.

10) For those outside Nepal or Kathmandu, an interim assessment may be arranged to consider a provisional place subject to on-site testing when in Kathmandu.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Nepal View all schools in Kathmandu View all schools in Nepal British curriculum schools in Nepal Open days & tours in Kathmandu What is the British curriculum? View all schools Search all schools