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The British International School Istanbul

Turkey, Istanbul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TRY 21,600 - 52,500
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 520
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Taught languages German, Spanish, French, Turkish, English
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The British International School Istanbul (BISI) offers a British-led international education for ages 2–18. The Pre-School follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage; Primary and Secondary use the Cambridge Curriculum to IGCSE, with Key Stage 3 adapting the English National Curriculum. Key Stage 4 offers Cambridge IGCSE, and Key Stage 5 delivers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. BISI, a division of The British School Istanbul, holds triple accreditation from CIS, COBIS and MSA-CESS—the first in Türkiye. It emphasizes languages—German, Spanish, French and Turkish—with English as a Second Language support. The Zekeriyaköy Campus serves ages 2–18 and includes four teaching blocks, two libraries, six science laboratories, a 210-seat theatre and BIS Botanic Garden. Outdoor spaces include rubberised play areas and a running track; facilities include three gyms, an all-weather pitch, a basketball/tennis court and a heated 25 m pool. Extra-curriculars cover drama, photography, guitar and choir, plus CAS, MUN and debate.

Etiler Mahallesi Cengiz Topel Caddesi, Etiler, Tuğcular Sk. No:27, 34337, 34337 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

The Essentials

The British International School Istanbul has 520 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
Zekeriyaköy Forest Campus, Kilyos Caddesi No: 227, Sarıyer, Istanbul

Stages
Pre-School (ages 2.5–4); Primary (ages 5–11); Secondary (ages 12–18)

Type
Private school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from over 60 nations; a multinational school.

Additional learning support
The Learning Support Department works with classroom teachers and parents to support children with special needs, beginning at enrollment with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and meetings. Services include formal monitoring and IEPs, with staff collaborating with teachers, parents, administrators, external Educational Psychologists, Speech Therapists and other professionals. The program offers pull-out and push-in support as well as Booster Classes and Learning Support across all areas of the curriculum.

Country affiliation
British (division of The British School Istanbul)

Bus service
Bus service is offered through AZ-AL. Buses are GPS-tracked, equipped with security cameras, and operated by qualified drivers and hostesses; a representative is based at both the City and Zekeriyaköy Campuses. Bus service registration forms are available for Etiler STEAM Campus and Zekeriyaköy Forest Campus.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Edessa Textile is the official uniform provider, with the Maslak store for purchases. Uniform lists cover Pre-School, Primary School and Secondary School and include short- and long-sleeve white polo T-shirts, white and navy T-shirts, fleece, Bermuda shorts, pants, a dress or skort, a hoodie, PE shorts, a PE tracksuit and a hat.

Food Options
Lunch Menu and Snack Menu are provided. The menus indicate vegetarian (V), vegan (Vv), gluten-free (G) and lactose-free (L) options, with calorie values shown.

Governance and Ownership
The British International School Istanbul is a division of The British School Istanbul.
Fees

Annual tuition at The British International School Istanbul ranges from TRY 21,600 to TRY 52,500 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- Application fee: USD 1,250 (one‑time, payable before an application may be processed; non‑refundable).
- Registration fee: USD 5,500 (one‑time, non‑refundable; applies to Year 1–Year 13; Pre‑School and Reception pay the registration fee once they progress into Year 1). The registration fee is designated for capital investments and must be paid in full at registration; different payment deadlines apply depending on whether you choose the discounted full‑payment plan or the instalment plan.

Tuition fees (2026–2027 academic year) — annual and per‑term amounts by year group

- Pre‑School (Half Day)
- Discounted full payment (if paid before 31 December 2025): USD 17,000 per year.
- Full payment (if paid before 1 March 2026): USD 20,200 per year.
- Instalment plan total: USD 21,600 per year.
- Instalment amounts (three equal instalments): USD 7,200 due 1 May 2026; USD 7,200 due 1 July 2026; USD 7,200 due 1 September 2026.

- Pre‑School (Full Day)
- Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 19,100 per year.
- Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 22,500 per year.
- Instalment plan total: USD 25,500 per year.
- Instalment amounts: USD 8,500 + USD 8,500 + USD 8,500 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).

- Reception
- Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 23,400 per year.
- Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 25,000 per year.
- Instalment plan total: USD 29,550 per year.
- Instalment amounts: USD 9,850 + USD 9,850 + USD 9,850 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).

- Primary
- Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 37,200 per year.
- Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 39,800 per year.
- Instalment plan total: USD 47,550 per year.
- Instalment amounts: USD 15,850 + USD 15,850 + USD 15,850 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).

- Secondary (Years 7–10)
- Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 38,800 per year.
- Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 41,500 per year.
- Instalment plan total: USD 49,050 per year.
- Instalment amounts: USD 16,350 + USD 16,350 + USD 16,350 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).

- Secondary (Years 11–12)
- Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 40,400 per year.
- Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 43,200 per year.
- Instalment plan total: USD 50,550 per year.
- Instalment amounts: USD 16,850 + USD 16,850 + USD 16,850 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).

- Secondary (Year 13)
- Discounted full payment (before 31 December 2025): USD 41,850 per year.
- Full payment (before 1 March 2026): USD 44,800 per year.
- Instalment plan total: USD 52,500 per year (this figure includes IB fees; it does not include IB remark or retake charges).
- Instalment amounts: USD 17,500 + USD 17,500 + USD 17,500 (due 1 May, 1 July, 1 Sept 2026).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Discounted full‑payment deadline: payment before 31 December 2025 qualifies for the discounted rate.
- Full‑payment deadline: payment before 1 March 2026 applies for the standard full‑payment rate.
- Instalment plan: three equal instalments due on 1 May 2026, 1 July 2026 and 1 September 2026. Students may not start school until instalment plan payments are fully paid where required by the school. Late instalment payments incur a surcharge.
- Late payment penalty: a surcharge of 5% is applied to late 1st, 2nd and 3rd instalment payments. If payments remain outstanding 14 days after the due date, students may not be admitted until payments are up to date.
- Registration deadlines linked to payment option: registration fee must be paid by the deadline appropriate to the chosen payment plan (discounted full payment vs instalment plan) in order to benefit from the related payment terms.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not listed in the published fee schedule; no boarding fees are shown. The school's fee schedule and related admissions information do not set out a boarding option or boarding charges.

Other costs and extras

- The following items are not included in tuition and are charged separately: bus service (contact AZ‑AL for bus pricing), health/medical insurance, uniform, educational day trips and sports activities.
- IB exam coverage: Year 13 tuition includes IB fees, but does not include IB remark or retake fees. Exam fees and costs for books/materials may be charged separately and are specifically referenced in refund and deduction rules.
- Uniform: the school lists an official uniform provider and uniform costs are not included in tuition.

Refund and withdrawal terms

- Application and registration fees are non‑transferable and non‑refundable. There is no remission of tuition for periods of absence. A refund for unused tuition may be made at the school's discretion if a student is withdrawn during the academic year provided specified conditions are met. Refund conditions include providing a minimum 90‑day written notice (registered post) to the Director of Admissions and the student being absent from school for the remainder of the term; the school will deduct costs for books, materials, exam fees, prepaid taxes and the registration fee when calculating any refund.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Payment method listed: payment by bank transfer in USD to the school's Akbank USD account. Full account details (account number, branch, SWIFT and IBAN) are provided for making payments; parents must indicate student name(s) on the transfer and ensure payments are made on time. The school states it is not responsible for payments sent to incorrect accounts or for bank charges incurred. No credit‑card payment option is listed in the published fee information.
Academics

The British International School Istanbul teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
The British International School Istanbul uses the Cambridge International Curriculum in Primary and Secondary up to IGCSE. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) students follow an adapted English National Curriculum; in Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) they study the Cambridge IGCSE; in Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13) they pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The Pre-School follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Across the Primary School, the Cambridge Curriculum is used for English, Mathematics and Science.

Student Teacher Ratio
The staff to student ratio is better than 1 to 6; class sizes are small, with a maximum of 15 in iGCSE and IB Diploma classes.

Exam Results
IB Diploma Programme: 100% pass rate in 2025 with an average of 33 points and a top score of 40; 23 of the 30 subjects and levels scored above the global average. IGCSE results in 2025 show an 88% pass rate (A*–C), the best pass rate in 10 years, with notable achievements such as a student earning 11 A* grades.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to universities around the world, including University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, UC Berkeley, University of British Columbia, Seoul National University, New York University, London School of Economics and Political Science, Imperial College London, Brown University, University of Glasgow, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, Goldsmiths, University of London, King's College London, Lucerne University, The University of Nottingham, Royal Holloway University of London, University of Southampton, Suffolk University Boston, and The George Washington University.

Gifted and Talented
The school notes that when a student is naturally gifted in a subject such as Mathematics, BIS aims to stretch and challenge them.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
PSHCE is the backbone of BIS Istanbul's curriculum, prioritising character and personal well-being. PSHCE is delivered across the whole school using the National Curriculum and Guiding Statements, with a modified SEAL-GD program where applicable. In Early Years, Personal, Social and Emotional Development covers self-confidence and self-awareness, managing feelings, and making relationships. Weekly assemblies support PSHCE themes and Stars of the Week recognise positive behaviours. In Primary, SEAL-GD objectives are embedded across the curriculum and reinforced through assemblies led by curriculum coordinators and teachers; ESL support helps all students access the program.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Department works with classroom teachers and parents to support children with special needs. The process begins at enrollment and includes Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and meetings. As students progress, teachers liaise with parents and the SEN department about concerns. Services available include formal monitoring and IEPs, with Learning Support staff collaborating with external Educational Psychologists, Speech Therapists and other professionals. The school serves a diverse international student body and provides pull-out and push-in support as well as Booster Classes and Learning Support across the curriculum.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is provided to help non-native English speakers access the curriculum. German, Spanish, French and Turkish are also offered as foreign languages. EAL support helps students integrate and succeed academically.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by BIS Istanbul's safeguarding and wellbeing framework, including a School Guidance Counselor. The Secondary Guidance Counselor is the point of contact, promoting a culture where students feel valued and can approach staff for support. The school has a dedicated school nurse at both the Zekeriyaköy and City Campuses to address health needs. Guidance & Counselling staff emphasise that students should feel confident and comfortable talking to staff. The PSHCE curriculum further supports emotional, social, and physical health.

Safeguarding
BISI has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy designed to safeguard and promote welfare. The policy designates Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and uses CPOMS as a central record keeping system for safeguarding concerns. The policy states the school's core safeguarding principles: safeguarding and promoting welfare, ensuring safety, and that all staff and volunteers protect students from abuse and neglect. It requires staff training, safe recruitment, and clear reporting procedures; it also covers digital safeguarding, child protection case management, and working with external services. The policy emphasises creating a safe, welcoming environment where students are respected, valued and can thrive.
Parent Experience

History
The British International School Istanbul is a division of The British School Istanbul. It is a leading private international school in Istanbul, offering a comprehensive British curriculum that includes the Cambridge International IGCSE Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It is the first and only school in Türkiye to hold triple accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), and the Middle States Association (MSA-CESS). The school places a high emphasis on languages, offering German, Spanish, French and Turkish, with English as a Second Language support. The Zekeriyaköy campus is purpose-built for Pre-School through Secondary, located four miles from the Black Sea and near the Belgrade Forest.

Community
The school hosts a multinational learning community with students from over 55 nationalities, aged 2½ to 18. The languages offered include German, Spanish, French and Turkish, with strong English as a Second Language support. The PTA is a volunteer organization that supports The BISI Community, led by an Executive Committee. The PTA aims to welcome and connect families, facilitate communication among parents, students, teachers and the school, and add some fun to the school year. PTA activities include committee meetings, volunteering at events, coffee mornings, World Community celebrations, and fundraising.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a volunteer organization established to support The BISI Community: students, families, and staff. Its goals are to welcome and connect families to the school, to facilitate communication among parents, students, teachers, and the school, and to add some fun to the school year. The PTA is led by an Executive Committee of dedicated parent volunteers and Senior Leadership Team members. PTA activities include committee meetings, volunteering at events, coffee mornings, and World Community celebrations. Fundraising through the PTA distributes donations to the community and designated charities, and inquiries can be made to pta@bis.k12.tr; a PTA Charter is available.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Zekeriyaköy Forest Campus is a purpose-built campus located on the outskirts of Istanbul, near the Belgrade Forest and about 4km from the Black Sea, on the European side. It serves students aged 2 to 18 and is about 50 minutes from the heart of Istanbul. The campus comprises four main teaching buildings linked to a central sports hall. In the Administration Building there are two libraries, two computer suites and six science laboratories, along with the reception, kitchen and dining facilities. Outdoor spaces include rubberised play areas, the BIS Botanic Garden with an amphitheatre and running track, and a 210-seat theatre with advanced audio-visual facilities.

Sports Facilities
Sports facilities include three indoor gymnasiums, an all-weather sports pitch, a basketball/tennis court and a heated 25m covered swimming pool. Play areas and activity playgrounds have rubberised safety surfaces. The facilities support a broad PE, sport and athletics program across year groups.

Academic Facilities
Six science laboratories support science teaching. Two libraries and two computer suites support research and ICT-enabled learning. The administration building houses these resources and also the reception area, kitchen and dining facilities. The theatre is equipped with modern audio-visual facilities to support presentations and performances.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extra-curricular facilities include the BIS Botanic Garden adjacent to the campus, with an amphitheatre for theatrical events and a running track for outdoor activities. The 210-seat school theatre has advanced audio-visual facilities for performances. Three indoor gymnasiums support physical activities outside class, while an all-weather sports pitch and a basketball/tennis court extend outdoor sport options.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Secondary School offers academic catch up sessions as part of the after-school program. Students can stay after school Monday to Thursday for academic catch up, and the program also includes a range of activities that support learning beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
After-school clubs include drama, photography and guitar, with participation in school choir and school productions. There are arts and crafts options such as ceramics, paper modelling and magic club. Two types of clubs exist—those organised by teachers (included in fees) and those run by private teachers (paid); an ECAs fair is held at the start of the year.

Cultural & Language
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) experiences promote art, language and music. Debate clubs and learning additional foreign languages are pursued within CAS.

Social & Hobbies
Friday afternoons offer a range of activities such as Judo, football, paper modelling, magic club, ceramics, forest running, Gaelic football and badminton.

Community & Service
The Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) framework encourages students to grow beyond academics by engaging in artistic, athletic and service experiences. CAS includes leading fundraising experiences and pursuing service projects to impact the broader community. Friday experiences include Photography, MUN, Drama, Personal Training, School Production and leading activities in English with a local school for the visually impaired.

Leadership & Professional
Within CAS, students organize and lead fundraising activities and community projects, developing leadership and planning skills. MUN, debate clubs and language initiatives provide opportunities to practice leadership, collaboration and communication. Students have undertaken projects such as archaeological digs and exhibitions, demonstrating project leadership and teamwork.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Activity emphasizes physical exertion and fitness through team sports and individual activities. Sports experiences include football, basketball, volleyball, archery, tennis and swimming; Friday activities also focus on physical wellbeing, such as Judo and other athletics.
Languages

Language Provision
German, Spanish, French and Turkish are offered as part of the language program. English as a Second Language support is provided to help non-native English speakers access the curriculum.
Reputation

Awards
ISO 9001 — Quality management certification.
ISO 14001 — Environmental management certification.
ISO 22000 — Food safety management certification.
ISO 27001 — Information security management certification.
ISO 45001 — Occupational health and safety management certification.

Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment Accreditation — Accreditation by Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Council of International Schools — Accreditation by the Council of International Schools, signaling adherence to international school standards.
Council of British International Schools — Accreditation by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).
DofE International Award — The school participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program (DofE).
International Baccalaureate — The school is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme.
Middle States Association — Accreditation by the Middle States Association (MSA).
Admissions

Admissions
1. Aims and Eligibility. The British International School Istanbul has an inclusive admissions policy and welcomes students of all nationalities and those for whom English is an additional language. Turkish students are not admitted in accordance with Turkish Ministry of Education regulations. Students are accepted between ages 2½ and 18 and are placed in a class by age, subject to English access; in the first EYFS class, students stay half-day for at least the first term.

2. Initial Enquiry. The parent contacts the School and requests an appointment to visit. This can be done via the online contact form or by telephone. A member of the admissions team provides information about the school and the admissions process. An appointment for a visit is arranged.

3. Preliminary Visit. The prospective parent confirms the appointment and is given a contact name. During the visit the parent is given a tour of the school and meets the Director/Deputy Director.

4. Completion of the Application. The parent completes an application for each student when BIS is the chosen school.

5. Application Fee. Each new applicant pays 1,250 USD before the application is processed; this is a one-time, non-refundable fee. The fee must be paid for the application to be processed. The application will not proceed until the fee is received.

6. Registration Fee and Payment. The Registration Fee is 5,500 USD, a one-time payment for students from Year 1 to Year 13; Preschool and Reception pay the Registration Fee when they reach Year 1. The fee is non-refundable and funds campus development, sports facilities, technology and library improvements. Registration is not complete until the fee is paid in full. New Parents paying the Discounted Tuition Plan must pay the Registration Fee by February 1; if not, the discount does not apply and the student is placed on the instalment plan. New Parents on the Instalment Plan must pay the Registration Fee by May 1, with the first instalment not subjected to late charges; students may not start until all instalments are paid.

7. Documentation. The Director of Admissions must receive the following documents: four passport photographs of the child; two photographs of each parent; photocopy of the child's passport; parents' passport copies; BIS Medical Form; BIS Family Contract; Financial Policy + Invoice Information form. Parents should complete all sections of the application form with as much detail as possible and provide recent sealed original reports from the previous school where applicable.

8. Withdrawal. Ninety days' written notice is required to withdraw a student and obtain a refund of fees. The notice should be provided in writing to the admissions/finance team.

9. Registration Forms. Prospective parents download and complete BIS Medical Report Form, BIS Family Contract, Financial Policy, Head Teacher Recommendation Form, Invoice Information, Registration Form, and Swimming Lessons – Parent Disclaimer.

10. Policy Update – July 2025. For the Turkish Ministry of Education equivalence process: two years of school reports (including midterm reports) are required; reports not in English, Russian or Arabic must be translated and notarised; email scanned copies of reports in advance and submit originals on arrival. Residence Permit (Ikamet) is required to begin the process, after which access to e-Devlet is arranged via PTT. Copies of student and parent passports are required. The Edenklik portal provides further guidance; the equivalence process is mandatory for all families. For more information, contact via the Enquiry Form.
School Events
The school has not added events
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