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The British School Manila

Philippines, Manila

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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 Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Spanish
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, Secondary School, Kindergarten
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.

University Park, 36th St, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines

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.
Diving Deeper

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
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
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)
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.
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.
Parent Experience

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
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 (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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
Indoor multi-purpose hall for sports including basketball, volleyball, and badminton; a covered court; two football fields; and two swimming pools.

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
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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Languages

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.
Reputation

Accreditations
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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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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