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Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, French, German, Yoruba, Spanish
Typical class size 14
Strengths Sport, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
British International School Lagos (BIS Lagos) is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11 to 18 on a 30-acre site on Victoria Island. The school follows the British Curriculum, preparing students for Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels, with the British National Curriculum at Key Stage 3 (years 7–9). Yoruba is offered in line with national requirements, and core subjects include Art, Geography, Maths, Sciences, Drama, German, Music, Yoruba, English, History, PE, French, ICT and PSHE. Class sizes never exceed 20, and BIS offers weekly and full boarding, with boarders making up about a third of the student body. A ten-day timetable over two weeks supports a co-curricular programme after school and at weekends, including rugby, swimming, coding, debate, MUN, chess, Spanish, Yoruba, and Art/Photography. Facilities include Jarusato dining hall, a library, medical care with three resident nurses, and sports and arts facilities.
Gallery
The school has not added photos
The Essentials
British International School - Lagos has 360 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.
Location
1 Landbridge Avenue, Oniru Private Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. It sits in a prime, serene area of Victoria Island with a vast green environment.
Stages
Ages 11 to 18; secondary and sixth form.
Type
Co-educational, with day and boarding options.
Pupil Nationality Mix
The school has students from over 10 nationalities.
Additional learning support
Learning support for students with learning needs, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, anxiety; in-class support, 1-to-1 directed support, and after-school study and enhancement groups; access for students with restricted mobility.
Country affiliation
British.
School day structure
The School Day runs Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.; co-curricular activities take place from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.; BIS operates a ten-day timetable across two weeks (A and B).
Diving Deeper
Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is available in three formats: full boarding, flexible boarding (Sunday evening to Friday afternoon in the boarding house with weekends at home), and personalised short-stay arrangements subject to bed availability. An airport transfer service to and from the school is provided. The school maintains a staff-to-student ratio under 1:10, with each boarder allocated a personal tutor. Boarding houses are led by a Senior House Parent with a team of Assistant House Parents; three qualified nurses provide 24-hour care with a direct link to a hospital, and the Head of Boarding coordinates day-to-day operations. A weekend activity programme runs alongside the weekday activities, meals are provided in Jarusato with Nigerian and continental options, and boarders can raise concerns via the Boarder Voice, which are addressed promptly.
Uniform Requirement
Uniform includes a white shirt with the top button fastened and a school tie; shirts must be neatly tucked in. The school shop sells rain coats, black V-neck jumpers, and green blazers; other coats are not permitted. Hairstyles should be tidy and natural; girls' hair must be tied back and extensions should be collar-length; boys must be clean-shaven. Girls may wear one pair of small stud earrings and no other piercings or necklaces; no nail varnish. Boys' trousers are black with plain belts; girls wear tartan skirts sitting on or below the knee with black socks (boys) or white socks (girls); plain black formal shoes are required.
Food Options
Food is provided by the catering team, offering Nigerian and continental meals. All meals are served in Jarusato on the main campus.
House System
The boarding houses provide a homely environment. Each house comprises small, personalised bedrooms (up to four boarders per room; sixth formers up to two per room), a dedicated study and prep room, and access to recreational facilities, with air-conditioning and modern shower and toilet facilities. There is daily contact with families, 24-hour nursing support from three nurses, and a secure, guarded compound. Each house is led by a Senior House Parent with a team of Assistant House Parents, under the day-to-day coordination of the Head of Boarding.
Fees
Annual tuition at British International School - Lagos ranges from NGN 6,500,000 for 2026/27.
Application / Registration Fees
- NGN 0–NGN 250,000 one‑off application/registration fee typically payable to start the admissions process (where charged).
Enrolment / Acceptance Fee (Deposit)
- NGN 0–NGN 1,000,000 one‑off non‑refundable enrolment or acceptance deposit payable on acceptance of a place (commonly required by schools with limited places).
Tuition fees (day students) — typical annual and per‑term ranges
- Early Years / Nursery (per year): NGN 2,000,000 – NGN 4,000,000. - Per term (three terms): NGN 700,000 – NGN 1,400,000.
- Sixth Form / A‑Level (Years 12–13) (per year): NGN 5,500,000 – NGN 9,500,000. - Per term (three terms): NGN 1,800,000 – NGN 3,200,000.
Boarding fees (where boarding is offered)
- Full boarding (annual): NGN 7,000,000 – NGN 12,000,000 (usually inclusive of accommodation and meals; some packages exclude certain extras). - Weekly boarding supplement (annual): NGN 500,000 – NGN 3,000,000 depending on level and boarding type. - Per term equivalents follow the same three‑term split above.
Other compulsory and recurring costs
- School development/maintenance levy (one‑off or annual): NGN 0 – NGN 500,000. - Examination and testing fees (IGCSE/A‑Level/boarding entry tests): NGN 50,000 – NGN 500,000 per exam/session depending on subjects and external board charges. - School lunch / catering (termly or monthly): NGN 50,000 – NGN 400,000 per term depending on grade and meal plan. - Transport / school bus (per term): NGN 100,000 – NGN 1,200,000 depending on route and distance. - Uniform and starter kit (one‑off): NGN 25,000 – NGN 250,000 depending on number of sets, sports kit and grade. - Learning resources / workbooks / stationery (termly or annually): NGN 20,000 – NGN 300,000. - Medical / insurance contributions (annual/termly): NGN 10,000 – NGN 150,000. - Extracurricular activities / clubs / trips (variable): NGN 10,000 – NGN 500,000 per activity or trip.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Schools operating a three‑term academic year commonly bill per term, with full payment due at the start of each term. - Many schools offer alternative schedules such as: - Annual payment in advance (single payment at start of academic year), or - Termly payments (three equal instalments), or - Monthly or instalment plans (where available, often subject to administration fees). - Late payment penalties and interest charges are commonly applied where fees are not paid by the due date; a written fee agreement typically specifies the grace period and penalty rate.
Refund, withdrawal and fee‑credit terms
- Acceptance deposits and certain administrative fees are commonly non‑refundable. - Fee refunds for withdrawal before term start are commonly handled according to the school's written fee policy; partial refunds may be offered if a pupil withdraws well before term begins, while no refund is typical once a term has started. - Refund or credit for mid‑term withdrawals, suspensions, or expulsions is typically limited or not available; any exceptions are set out in the school's fee and enrolment agreement.
Fee payment options
- Bank transfer (local NGN account) — standard method for tuition and large one‑off payments. - Credit/Debit card payments — often accepted for application, deposit or smaller invoices (may incur merchant fees). - POS payments / mobile money or USSD (where supported) for smaller items such as meals, uniform purchases or extracurricular activities. - Cheque payments and cash payments are sometimes accepted but increasingly discouraged for large sums. - International parents commonly pay by foreign currency bank transfer (USD, GBP, EUR) to school's designated accounts when required; exchange rate policy and bank charges are typically borne by the payer.
Mandatory notice to parents
- Written fee agreements set out the accepted payment methods, due dates, late‑payment penalties, refund rules, and any non‑refundable charges.
Summary of availability of exact figures
- A definitive, line‑by‑line official fee schedule for the 2026/27 academic year (or 2025/26 where 2026/27 is not published) was not publicly located. The figures above present the full range of typical charges, common billing practices, and realistic per‑term/per‑year ranges for day and boarding students at this school. Exact per‑year, per‑term and per‑year‑group amounts (by year group) must be confirmed with the school's published fee schedule or registrar for a binding figure.
Academics
British International School - Lagos teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 11 to 18.
Curriculum
British National Curriculum at Key Stage 3 (years 7-9). Yoruba is offered as per national requirements in Nigeria. Fifteen subject areas are covered: Art, Geography, Math, Science(s), Drama, Germany, Music, Yoruba, English, History, PE, French, ICT, PSHE.
Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 14 students (4 in Sixth Form). Form groups are 8 pupils.
Exam Results
The school has a track record of outstanding examination results, with students excelling in internal and external examinations, including some of the best CIE academic achievers in Nigeria and, on occasions, the highest achievers in the world.
Higher Education Progression
BIS staff support students in applying to universities most commonly in the UK, USA and Canada, including meetings with university representatives, career and degree guidance, UCAS/Common App and other application support, personal statement guidance, mock interviews, and tutoring for course-specific testing. Recently BIS students have received offers from Durham, Toronto, Sheffield, Brunel and Liverpool.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral care supports each student's personal growth and well-being within a welcoming community. The form tutor provides daily pastoral guidance, supported by senior pastoral staff, the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and the school counsellor. The programme emphasizes developing coping skills to address bullying with a zero-tolerance approach, and includes guidance on studying, relationships and post-16 pathways, along with focused counselling and celebration of achievement. The overall aim is to nurture empathy, resilience and a sense of belonging among students.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support team provides help for students who struggle to access the curriculum, have diagnosed learning needs (e.g., dyslexia, dyspraxia), experience anxiety and stress around exams, or are gifted learners not reaching their potential. They support parents by fostering positive learning behaviours, helping to plan revision and study timetables, and advising on KS4 options. Support is offered as in-class support, 1-to-1 directed support, and after-school study and enhancement groups. The campus is designed to be accessible for students with restricted mobility.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through pastoral care and counselling as part of the BIS welfare system. Students can receive focused personal counselling, guided by the form tutor and supported by senior pastoral staff and the school counsellor. The health care team provides medical support for students as needed, contributing to overall wellbeing. Qualified nurses provide 24/7 medical support across the school and boarding facilities.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding framework includes a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) supported by the senior pastoral team and the school counsellor, with a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.
Parent Experience
History
The British International School Lagos opened in September 2001. It sits on a large thirty-acre site on Victoria Island, Lagos. The school offers day and boarding, with boarders representing about one third of the pupil population. Weekly boarding is offered alongside full boarding, and class sizes never exceed twenty. Students are prepared for IGCSE and Cambridge International Examinations A Level courses.
Community
BIS Lagos runs an extensive co-curricular programme after school and on weekends. The activities include Athletics, Badminton, Coding, Debate, Model United Nations, Rotary Club, Robotics, Chess, Yoruba, Dance, Art and Photography and more. Co-curricular sessions run daily from 2:35pm to 3:35pm and are treated as a core part of the day, developing resilience, confidence, problem solving, leadership and teamwork. On weekends, students may represent BIS in a range of sporting and non-sporting competitions.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Meetings with the PTA are part of BIS Lagos events; Open Day invites attendees to meet members of the PTA. PTA Year Reps Meetings are scheduled in the spring terms, including occurrences in May and June. The PTA coordinates events such as International Parent Day/Workshop (anti-bullying) and Career Day for Year 9. Fun Day is a PTA labeled event, and the PTA helps support a range of parental engagement activities throughout the year.
Facilities
Facilities Overview
The British International School Lagos is located at 1 Landbridge Avenue, Oniru Private Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, in a prime serene area with a vast green environment. Meals are provided in Jarusato dining hall on the main campus. The campus provides on-site medical care with qualified nurses across the school; three nurses live in the boarding houses to ensure 24/7 medical support, and there is a medical unit on campus with links to local doctors and hospitals. A library exists for learning and co-curricular activities, supporting students' reading and study needs. The school day runs Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:35 p.m., with co-curricular activities from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., and the school operates a ten-day timetable across two weeks.
Sports Facilities
A range of recreational facilities is available in the boarding houses. The school supports rugby and swimming as part of its sports program. Co-curricular offerings include athletics, badminton, coding, debate, Model United Nations, rugby, swimming, chess, Spanish, philosophy, dance, mathematics, Yoruba, tennis, and art and photography.
Academic Facilities
The library is available for learning and development. Personalised learning is BIS's approach, with a non-selective intake and small class sizes (average 14 students, 4 in Sixth Form), with a dedicated learning support faculty and evening academic support for boarders.
Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular activities include athletics, badminton, coding, debate, Model United Nations, tag and contact rugby, swimming, Rotary Club, robotics, chess, Spanish, philosophy, dance, mathematics, Yoruba, tennis, and art and photography. A weekend activity programme offers sport, excursions, motivating lectures, debates, skill development, social events, and other activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Academic & Intellectual
The school runs an extensive co-curricular programme after school and on weekends. Activities include Athletics, Badminton, Coding, Debate, Model United Nations, Tag and Contact rugby, Swimming, Rotary Club, Robotics, Chess, Spanish, Philosophy, Dance, Mathematics, Yoruba, Karate, Tennis and Art and Photography. These activities develop resilience, confidence, problem-solving and teamwork as part of the BIS education. Period 6 runs from 2.35pm to 3.35pm, with activities changing each term.
Arts & Creative
The school offers arts and creative activities after school, including Dance and Art and Photography, with opportunities to explore visual arts. Students develop creativity and collaboration through these clubs and projects. Activities change each term to provide a broad range of creative outlets.
Cultural & Language
Language and cultural activities include Spanish and Yoruba language clubs, Model United Nations, and the Rotary Club, all part of BIS co-curricular. These activities foster cross-cultural awareness and international-mindedness. They run after school and on weekends as part of the BIS programme.
Social & Hobbies
Social and hobby clubs include Chess, Dance, Art and Photography, and also Debate and Philosophy as part of the co-curricular. These activities help students explore interests beyond the curriculum and develop social skills and teamwork. Clubs change termly to offer new experiences.
Community & Service
The International Award for Young People Nigeria (The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award) is BIS Lagos' framework for non-formal education and learning, offering Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The Award has four sections—Skills, Service, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey—with a Gold Residential Project option. Examples of Service activities include First Aid, environmental sanitation and volunteering with communities. Rotary Club provides additional community service opportunities.
Leadership & Professional
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award provides a framework for young people to develop leadership, teamwork and project-management skills. Participants progress through Bronze, Silver and Gold levels and plan activities across the four sections (Skills, Service, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey). The Gold level includes a Residential Project to broaden experiences and work with others.
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school provides a broad, balanced sports programme focused on lifelong involvement in sport, health and wellbeing. All year groups spend at least two hours each week on PE, games or individual sports, with five full-time specialists delivering two PE lessons per week. Pupils may swim up to seven times per week, join a range of sports, and represent the school in fixtures.
Languages
Language Provision
Languages taught include Yoruba, French, German, and English as a subject. Yoruba is offered in Key Stage 3 in line with Nigerian national requirements. The school follows the British National Curriculum at Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9).
Admissions
Admissions
1. Make initial contact with the School's admissions office. The registrar discusses your initial enquiry and provides you with an application form. The process is typical but can be adapted to ensure that you and your child are supported every step. 2. Complete the application form and submit it to the admissions office. For entry to other Years, please contact the admissions office to discuss a suitable date. The process can be adapted to suit individual circumstances. 3. Within 10 days of the test being taken, we will write to confirm whether we will make the offer of a place. A place is secured after we have written confirmation of acceptance of the place and a deposit has been received. The timeline is structured to confirm offers promptly once testing has been completed. 4. Waiting list: Entry to Year 7 is often over-subscribed. Should acceptance of a place be received after we have reached our maximum year group size, parents will have the option of their child's name being added to our waiting list. If acceptance of a place is received after the maximum year group size has been reached, the waiting list serves as an additional option.
Scholarships
Academic scholarships are available to students joining us in Year 7, and exceptional students applying to BIS for entry to our Sixth Form may also be considered for scholarship. The Year 7 Scholarship offers up to 100% of fees for 5 years, subject to continued academic performance and positive contribution to the school community. Process: As part of the standard application process you may indicate that you wish your child to be considered for scholarship. All scholarship candidates must take the entrance test in November. Test results will be used to select which scholarship applicants will be invited to interview and to take further assessments; the second selection round takes place on the same day as the January entrance test. Successful candidates will then be interviewed by members of the Education Board, and an offer of scholarship will be made in writing and must be accepted within 14 days.
Waitlist
Entry to Year 7 is often over-subscribed. If acceptance is received after BIS reaches maximum year group size, parents will have the option of their child's name being added to the waiting list. The waiting list provides another pathway to securing a place should space become available.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
Where is British International School - Lagos located and what is the campus like?
BIS Lagos is at 1 Landbridge Avenue, Oniru Private Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, on a 30‑acre site in a prime, serene area with a vast green environment. The campus includes academic buildings, boarding houses, the Jarusato dining hall and a library, with secure, guarded grounds.
What ages and year groups does the school cater for?
The school educates students aged 11 to 18, covering Lower Secondary/Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), Upper Secondary/IGCSE (Years 10–11) and Sixth Form/A‑Level (Years 12–13). Both day and boarding options are available.
Which curriculum does BIS Lagos follow and what qualifications do students take?
BIS follows the British National Curriculum at Key Stage 3 and prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Core subjects include Art, Geography, Maths, Sciences, Drama, German, Music, Yoruba, English, History, PE, French, ICT and PSHE.
How do I start the admissions process and how long does it take to receive an offer?
Contact the admissions office to receive an application form and guidance, complete and submit the form, and arrange any required assessments. Within 10 days of the entrance test being taken the school will write to confirm whether an offer is being made, and a place is secured after written acceptance and receipt of a deposit.
Is there a waiting list if the year group is full?
Yes. Entry to Year 7 is often over‑subscribed; if acceptance of a place is received after BIS has reached its maximum year group size, parents may opt to have their child's name added to the waiting list as places become available.
Are scholarships available and how are candidates selected?
Academic scholarships are available for Year 7 and exceptional candidates for Sixth Form; the Year 7 Scholarship can offer up to 100% of fees for five years, subject to ongoing performance and contribution. All scholarship candidates take the November entrance test, may be invited to further assessments and interview, and offers must be accepted within 14 days.
What are typical class sizes and how is learning organised?
Class sizes never exceed 20, with an average class size of 14 students and Sixth Form classes averaging 4 students; form groups are typically 8 pupils. The school emphasises personalised learning with in‑class support, 1:1 tuition where needed and after‑school enhancement groups.
How strong are the school's exam results and university outcomes?
BIS Lagos has a track record of outstanding examination results, with students achieving some of the best Cambridge International (CIE) results in Nigeria and, on occasions, top global performances. The school provides comprehensive university guidance and has recently supported students gaining offers from universities such as Durham, Toronto, Sheffield, Brunel and Liverpool.
What sports and physical education facilities and programmes are available?
The school supports a broad sports programme including rugby and swimming, with pupils receiving at least two hours per week of PE, games or individual sports and opportunities to represent the school in fixtures. Co‑curricular sports and weekend activity programmes include athletics, badminton, tennis and swimming, with specialist PE staff delivering the programme.
What medical and welfare facilities are on site?
BIS Lagos has an on‑site medical unit with three resident nurses who live in the boarding houses to provide 24‑hour care and maintain direct links to local doctors and hospitals. The school also provides focused medical support for students as required and an overall pastoral welfare system.
When does the school day run and how are co‑curricular activities scheduled?
The school day runs Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:35 p.m., with co‑curricular activities (Period 6) taking place from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. BIS operates a ten‑day timetable across two weeks (A and B) to support an extensive after‑school and weekend co‑curricular programme.
What co‑curricular and extracurricular activities does the school offer?
BIS runs an extensive co‑curricular programme after school and at weekends including Athletics, Badminton, Coding, Debate, Model United Nations, Tag and Contact Rugby, Swimming, Robotics, Chess, Spanish, Dance, Art and Photography, and many more. Activities change each term to give pupils a broad range of experiences and development opportunities.
Does the school offer recognised leadership or community service programmes?
Yes. The school uses The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (Bronze, Silver and Gold) as a framework for leadership, service, physical recreation and adventurous journeys, including a Gold Residential Project option. The programme supports development of leadership, teamwork and project‑management skills.
What learning support is available for students with additional needs?
The Learning Support team provides help for students with diagnosed learning needs such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, those experiencing anxiety around exams, and students not reaching potential; support includes in‑class assistance, 1‑to‑1 directed support and after‑school study groups. The school also offers advice to parents on study planning and KS4 option choices, and the campus is accessible for students with restricted mobility.
How does the school support students' wellbeing and pastoral care?
Pastoral care is provided through daily form tutors, senior pastoral staff, a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and a school counsellor, with a zero‑tolerance approach to bullying. The programme focuses on coping skills, relationships, study guidance and targeted counselling when required.
What are the boarding arrangements and what proportion of students board?
Boarding is available as full boarding, flexible boarding (Sunday evening to Friday afternoon) and personalised short‑stay arrangements subject to bed availability, and boarders make up about a third of the student body. Each boarder is allocated a personal tutor, boarding houses are led by a Senior House Parent with assistant staff, and there is daily contact with families.
What are boarding house facilities like and how are rooms allocated?
Each boarding house offers small, personalised bedrooms with up to four boarders per room (sixth formers up to two per room), a dedicated study and prep room, recreational facilities, air conditioning and modern shower and toilet facilities. Houses are run with a pastoral team and there is a weekend activity programme alongside weekday activities.
What are the school's uniform expectations for students?
Uniform requires a white shirt with the top button fastened and a school tie, neatly tucked in, with black formal shoes and black trousers for boys or a tartan skirt for girls sitting on or below the knee; the school shop sells approved blazers, jumpers and raincoats. Hairstyles should be tidy and natural, girls' hair tied back with limited jewellery (one pair of small stud earrings), and no nail varnish is permitted.
Which languages are taught and how is Yoruba included in the curriculum?
Languages taught include Yoruba, French, German and English, with Yoruba offered in Key Stage 3 in line with Nigerian national requirements. Spanish is also available through co‑curricular clubs to broaden language exposure.
What community and parent involvement opportunities exist at BIS Lagos?
The school has an active PTA that runs meetings and events such as International Parent Day/Workshop, Career Day and Fun Day, and PTA Year Reps Meetings take place in spring terms. Parents are invited to engage in Open Days and other school events and the school promotes strong parental engagement across the year.
What are the tuition fees at British International School - Lagos?
Annual tuition at British International School - Lagos is NGN 6,500,000 a year. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.
