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British International School of Tunis

Tunisia, Tunis

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TND 100 - 17,162
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2500
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Taught languages Arabic, French
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

British International School of Tunis (BIST) is a two-campus British international school for ages 3–18. The curriculum aligns with the English and Welsh National Curriculum and offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge AS and A Levels, plus a secondary BTEC option, with EAL support. BIST is COBIS and Cambridge-accredited and acts as an authorised Cambridge International Exam Centre, providing clear university progression. Part of Britus Education, it has the longest history of British education in Tunisia, with 13 years of experience and a diverse, multinational student body. The campus is purpose-built for discovery, featuring Smart Classrooms, STEAM Room, Science Labs & ICT Suites, a Library, and a dedicated Primary STEAM space; Music Rooms, Art Zones, a Theatre, and Treehouse. On-site facilities include an outdoor pool and a broad PE, gymnastics, athletics and games programme. Forest & Beach School supports outdoor learning, with trips, exchanges and a broad arts, sport and service clubs.

49 Rue du Parc, Tunis 2036, Tunisia

The Essentials

British International School of Tunis has 2,500 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location

Primary campus: 49 Rue du Parc, Tunis 2036; Secondary campus: 42 Rue Socrates, 2015 Kram.

Stages

Primary School ages 3–11; Secondary School ages 11–18; Seamless education journey from Early Years to Sixth Form.

Type

British international school

Pupil Nationality Mix

Diverse pupil body representing over 19 nationalities.

Additional learning support

Full-time EAL and SEND specialists.

Country affiliation

United Kingdom

School day structure

Pupils arrive by 08:15; the first session register 08:15–08:30; last day of term finishes at 12:00.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

Board of Governors, Britus Education and the Executive Principal govern the school; Executive Principal & Chair of Governors: Karyn Walton. They work together to provide confident, strategic leadership and robust accountability for educational and financial performance. The governance focuses on accountability, involvement and innovation. The Board of Governors and Britus Education are significantly involved in self-evaluation and in monitoring teaching quality through quarterly Meetings, parent surveys and reviewing academic achievement with the Executive Principal. Governors have three core functions: clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; holding leaders to account for educational performance and staff appraisal; and overseeing financial performance and ensuring money is well spent. Effective governance rests on six features: strategic leadership, accountability, suitable people, clearly defined structures, statutory compliance, and evaluation. Policies requiring Governor approval include the SEN policy, full Governing Board meeting minutes, Child Protection policy and the policy for supporting pupils with medical conditions; inspectors emphasize Governors' role in inspection.
Fees

Annual tuition at British International School of Tunis ranges from TND 100 to TND 17,162 for 2026/27.

Application and registration fees
- Registration fee: EUR 100 (non-refundable).
- Assessment fee (where applicable): EUR 100.
- Enrolment deposit (applies from EYFS2 and above): EUR 2,500 (deducted from the total tuition).

Tuition fees by year group (annual and standard per-term)
- EYFS1 (age 3–4): Annual EUR 11,051. Standard per-term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,684 (approx).
- EYFS2 (age 4–5): Annual EUR 13,378. Standard per-term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 4,459 (approx).
- Key Stage 1 / Years 1–2 (age 5–7): (fee listed in the school fee schedule).
- Key Stage 2 / Years 3–6 (age 7–11): Annual EUR 14,226. Standard per-term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 4,742 (approx).
- Key Stage 3 / Years 7–9 (age 11–14): Annual EUR 17,162. Standard per-term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 5,721 (approx).
- Key Stage 4 / Years 10–11 (age 14–16): Annual EUR 18,285. Standard per-term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 6,095 (approx).
- Key Stage 5 / Years 12–13 (age 16–18): Annual EUR 19,850. Standard per-term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 6,617 (approx).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard payment plans offered:
- Annual payment in one instalment (due August).
- Two-payment plan: 50% due August, 50% due December.
- Three-payment (per-term) plan: August 45%, December 30%, March 25% (percentages of the total annual fee).
- Fees for pupils joining mid-year are adjusted according to the school's enrolment terms (termly proportion rules apply).

Boarding fees
- Boarding: no boarding provision is listed for BIST; fees for boarding do not apply.

Other costs and routine supplemental charges
- The following items are not included in the published annual tuition and are charged as applicable:
- EAL and SEN additional support: TND 30 per hour.
- Public examination fees (e.g., GCSE/IGCSE/AS/A Level) and any external exam charges.
- Optional extra-curricular activities supplied by external providers (charged separately).
- Uniform: items sold through the school uniform shop (prices vary by item). A lost ID badge replacement: TND 20.
- Late room / after-school collection: TND 25 per hour (payable at the time of pick-up).
- Residential trips, class photographs and optional learning resources (charged as required).

Tax, discounts and inclusions
- Sibling discount: 10% for the second and each subsequent child.
- Admissions-related fees (registration/assessment) are shown as inclusive of 7% VAT. Annual tuition figures are published before sibling discount and before 7% VAT. Supplemental charges are subject to VAT (7% or 19% as applicable).
- The published annual tuition is described as including tuition, lunch and snacks, books, teaching resources, external examination fees, school events (non-PTA), and curriculum day trips.

Refunds and withdrawal / notice
- The registration fee (EUR 100) is non-refundable. A non-refundable tuition fee deposit is required to accept a place (amount and terms referenced in the school's fee schedule).
- A minimum notice period for withdrawal is required (minimum of a half-term or six weeks). In cases of permanent exclusion or termination by the Executive Principal, no reimbursement of fees paid in advance will be given.

Fee payment options
- Specific published details of accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit/debit card, local payment arrangements) are not listed in the publicly available fee schedule and admissions policy documents accessible for review. For planning purposes, parents should assume standard institutional methods such as bank transfer and card payment may be offered, but the definitive list of accepted payment methods and bank details are provided directly by the school's Finance or Admissions office.

Summary of findings and limitations
- The numbers above follow the most recent published fee schedule and the BIST Admissions Policy available in the school's public documents. The school's admissions policy confirms the non-refundable registration fee and the requirement for a non-refundable tuition deposit, and the fee schedule provides the listed annual tuition amounts, payment plan percentages, routine supplemental charges and VAT treatment.
- Note: a complete, dedicated 2026/27 or 2025/26 fee schedule in the public domain tied explicitly to those academic years was not located while compiling this overview; the figures given above match the published schedule and admissions policy available in the school's accessible documents.
Academics

British International School of Tunis teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

Rooted in the National Curriculum of England and Wales, BIST delivers a British international education. The Primary School teaches core subjects Mathematics, Science and Humanities through Project-Based Learning and thematic inquiry, with Forest School, swimming, Arabic, Music and PE integrated. The Secondary School offers Key Stage 3 with a broad curriculum and creative and critical thinking, followed by IGCSE in Years 10–11 and A Levels in Years 12–13. The school is an authorised Cambridge International Exam Centre delivering IGCSE and Cambridge AS and A Levels. English as an Additional Language is available, and BTEC is offered as an option in the secondary curriculum.

Exam Results

June 2022 IGCSE results show high pass rates across subjects with many achieving top grades. Arabic 1st Language and Arabic Foreign Language and French MFL achieved 100% in both the 9-1 scale and A*-C, while Mathematics reached 100% on the 9-1 scale with 44% A-C and Computer Science 9-1 100% with 83% A-C. June 2022 A-Level results show strong performance with Biology and English Literature posting 100% A-E and 100% A-C and Mathematics 75% A-E with 38% A-C and Physics 75% A-E with 25% A-C; Further Mathematics achieved 100% A-E and A-C.

Higher Education Progression

Sixth Form uses a Cambridge International curriculum with up to four AS or A-Level courses across 12 options, building a university pathway. University Support includes Applications and University Fairs to help pupils plan for higher education. The programme emphasises preparing pupils for university with tailored guidance from teachers, tutors and parents.

Gifted and Talented

Gifted & Talented is listed among Additional Programmes, alongside Model United Nations, life skills and work experience. The program provides enrichment opportunities and competitions to support high-ability pupils.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school places wellbeing at the heart of learning. There is a designated pastoral lead in every phase to support pupil wellbeing. A school counsellor offers one-to-one and small-group support. Buddy systems help new pupils integrate into the community. Wellbeing workshops and emotional literacy sessions are provided to develop students' social and emotional skills. The environment is nurturing and respectful, enabling every child to flourish.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school has full-time EAL and SEND specialists to support language development and diverse learning needs. Restorative approaches to behaviour are used, and a counsellor is available to support student wellbeing. Careers and university advice is provided. The school follows the latest SEND Code of Practice and uses a whole-school approach to SEND, with high-quality teaching as the baseline. Pupils identified as SEND are fully integrated into mainstream classes and have access to the English National Curriculum, with a managed programme of support including Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in Early Years and ongoing monitoring. The SENDCO and class teachers collaborate to provide targeted interventions through Waves of Intervention.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school provides full-time EAL support to help pupils access the curriculum. In-class EAL support is available, with a teaching assistant in the mainstream class and a learning buddy. Pupils may be withdrawn for targeted language instruction in small groups. The policy emphasises that pupils' native languages and cultures are valued and that home language can support progress. The aims are to help EAL pupils become confident and fluent in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English and to involve parents in supporting progress at home. The EAL Coordinator oversees provision, progress monitoring and liaison with the SENDCO.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing is the foundation of learning at the school. Designated pastoral leaders exist in every phase, and a school counsellor provides one-to-one and small-group support. Buddy systems support new pupil integration and the development of supportive peer relationships. Wellbeing workshops and emotional literacy sessions are run to build resilience and social-emotional skills. Family and community engagement fosters wellbeing through parent workshops and community links.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility at the school. Designated Safeguarding Leads are Feriel Harzi (Secondary) and Katie Smith (Primary), with Deputy Safeguarding Leads Emna Ben Nasr and Karyn Walton. The DSLs sit on the school leadership team, with explicit roles, training requirements, and procedures for responding to concerns and referrals to authorities when required. Staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse, respond to disclosures, and maintain appropriate confidentiality. The policy aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education and Tunisian safeguarding procedures, and includes inter-agency working and reporting procedures.
Parent Experience

History

BIST delivers the National Curriculum of England and Wales and is COBIS and Cambridge-accredited. Founded by Meriem Milad, BIST is part of Britus Education, an international group led by a team based in Bahrain. Two campuses serve pupils aged 3 to 18+. The school has 13 years of experience. The school has the longest history of providing British education in Tunisia.

Community

Pupils come from over 40 nationalities. Family and community engagement is central, with partnerships that support pupil development. Life at BIST includes events, clubs and sports that reflect a vibrant pupil culture. The campus is purpose built for discovery, with performing arts spaces, an outdoor heated pool and smart classrooms.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Parent Ambassador network for social and practical support. Full transition support for new families is offered. There is a buddy system for new children. Pastoral care and parent workshops support families and guide learning. Clubs, leadership pathways and international trips are part of BIST's offerings.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The campus is purpose-built for discovery, designed for innovation, exploration and creativity. Learning spaces include Smart Classrooms, STEAM Room, Science Labs & ICT Suites, Library & Reading Books, and a dedicated STEAM Room for Primary projects. Creativity spaces include Music Rooms, Art Zones and a Treehouse. Houses, swimming and sport spaces support physical education, with weekly swimming for younger primary pupils and a broad PE, gymnastics, athletics and games programme. On-site amenities include Maison L'olivier catering and a pool for year-round swimming, plus spaces for events and enrichment.

Sports Facilities

Outdoor Pool on site provides year-round swimming. The PE, gymnastics, athletics and games programme supports active learning and physical development. Monthly inter-house events promote sport, academics and the arts. Weekly swimming with certified instructors is available for younger primary pupils.

Academic Facilities

Smart Classrooms are flexible learning zones. STEAM Room and Science Labs & ICT Suites enable innovation in action. Library & Reading Books provide quiet zones for focused study. A Dedicated STEAM Room supports hands-on primary projects. Music Rooms and Art Zones foster creativity, alongside a Treehouse for informal learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Houses, Swimming & Sport: every Primary pupil belongs to a House with monthly inter-house events across sport, academics and the arts. Weekly swimming with certified instructors for younger pupils, plus PE, gymnastics, athletics and games, sports teams and school-wide Health Week. Trips & Expeditions: Local trips to museums, art exhibitions and archaeological sites, residentials, international visits (UK, France, Germany, MUN summits) and work experience placements with real-world links. Enrichments and events are part of the school life, including a range of clubs and activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school curriculum is rooted in the National Curriculum of England and Wales. It is an authorised Cambridge International Exam Centre and delivers IGCSE, AS and A Levels. This framework provides a clear progression to top universities worldwide. The educational approach emphasizes curiosity and a lasting love of learning.

Arts & Creative

The campus includes performing arts spaces, studios, music rooms and a theatre stage. These facilities support practical engagement with drama, music and the visual arts. Creative expression is encouraged through opportunities in performance and productions.

Cultural & Language

The pupil body represents over 19 nationalities, creating a multicultural environment. Morning greetings reflect this diversity and lessons are designed to engage a global perspective. Global citizenship is a focus within the school ethos.

Social & Hobbies

Clubs and sports are part of pupil life, with events and activities arranged to foster teamwork and personal interests. The Life & Culture section describes vibrant student life and an inclusive culture. Students have opportunities to participate in clubs, events and sports outside the classroom.

Community & Service

Family & Community Engagement is part of BIST's framework. The school builds a strong community through meaningful partnerships with organizations. Pupil development is supported through community initiatives and collaborations.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership blends experience and innovation to shape a community built on integrity, ambition and educational excellence. The school emphasizes guiding students to develop leadership and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Pupil wellbeing and support are priorities, with specialist support and Lifeskills and Work Experience. The campus features an outdoor pool for year‑round swimming and a Forest & Beach School accredited program for outdoor learning. Smart classrooms and wellbeing initiatives contribute to a balanced school life.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction. The curriculum is rooted in the National Curriculum of England and Wales. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is available to support pupils who need language help.
Reputation

Awards

Forest & Beach School accreditation; Primary Science Quality Mark; African Excellence Awards 2025

Accreditations

BSO (British Schools Overseas) and COBIS (Council of British International Schools) accredited; Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection; Cambridge International Exam Centre authorized to offer IGCSE, AS and A Levels; Recognised by the UK Department for Education; Accredited by the Tunisian Ministry of Education.
Admissions

Admissions

British International School of Tunis offers a British education to pupils aged 2.8 to 18 (Pre-Nursery to Year 13). The Primary School covers EYFS for ages 2.8 to 5 and Years 1 to 6; the Secondary School covers Years 7 to 11 and the Sixth Form covers Years 12 to 13. The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum; BIST is a Cambridge International Exam Centre, COBIS accredited, ISI inspected and recognised by the UK Department for Education and the Tunisian Ministry of Education. Applications are welcomed year round and assessments are carried out at any stage. For Primary, children are typically invited to attend a trial day; for Secondary, entrants sit CAT4 testing and subject assessments and may have an interview with a member of the academic leadership team. The final decision to offer a place rests with the Executive Principal after review of documentation and assessment results in light of the pupils needs and ability to access the curriculum. If a place is offered, an acceptance letter should be signed and the enrollment fee settled to secure the seat, usually within seven days. If no places are available at enrollment, the applicant may be placed on the waiting list until a place becomes available. Admission priority for oversubscribed year groups is siblings of existing pupils; children educated in an English curriculum; children with English as a first language; children of overseas families; and children with more siblings. Class sizes are kept to an average of 20 to 24 pupils per class to support English as an Additional Language and SEND needs. The school provides English as an Additional Language support, and admission considers the applicants English language level; EAL support may be provided as needed.

Waitlist

If no places are available at the time of enrollment, the applicant may be assessed and placed on the waiting list until a place becomes available. Waiting lists are used to allocate places as they become available.
School Events
The school has not added events