Account
Shortlist
Currency
T

The British School Manila

Philippines, Manila

Shortlist

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Managed by doris 👵🏼
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₱536,040 - 1,414,215
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 978
Type Co-educational
Opened 1976
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Senior Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The British School Manila (BSM) is a not-for-profit international school established in 1976. It provides a British international education for students aged 3 to 18, with a Primary School and a Senior School on a single, open campus in University Park, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila. The campus is open, airy and family-friendly, encouraging interaction across year groups. The curriculum is adapted from the English National Curriculum and is organised into Key Stages (Early Years Foundation Stage and KS1; KS2; KS3; KS4; KS5). In KS4 students study the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and in KS5 they follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The school welcomes more than 950 students from over 50 nationalities and offers a wide range of after‑school activities across five strands: Academic, Creative Arts, Physically Active, SIDE (Science, Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship), and Service & Sustainability. Facilities include a Creative Arts Centre, two swimming pools and multiple sports fields. A school bus service operates with routes to Bonifacio Global City, Makati, Ortigas and Alabang.

The Essentials

The British School Manila has 978 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

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

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.

Type

The school is co-educational and privately run as a not-for-profit international school.

Additional learning support

BSM offers Learning Support, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and School Counselling as part of its Student Support Services.

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: none stated; the school is secular.

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

Bus service: The school provides a bus service for students.

Fees

Annual tuition at The British School Manila ranges from PHP 536,040 to PHP 1,414,215 for 2026/27.

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.

Notes and points to expect on invoices

- Tuition is presented in two currency components (a GBP component and a PHP component); both currency components are payable each term. The school will accept the GBP portion in USD or PHP based on published school exchange rates (exchange rate adjustments and any conversion markup are applied by the school).
- Where a student requires additional learning support, the applicable Learning Support Fee stage will be billed termly in addition to tuition. External exam fees, some off‑site trips and optional activities are charged at cost when they occur.
Academics

The British School Manila teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

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.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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)

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 (EAL)

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 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

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.

Admissions

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

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

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.

doris
linked-in-logo facebook-logo instagram-logo
© 2026 doris Worldwide Ltd. All rights reserved.