The British International School, Istanbul

The British International School Istanbul (BISI) provides the widest range of quality educational choices for international families in Istanbul. BISI is a private, coeducational school providing a British-style international education for 300 students of 50 nationalities between the ages of 2½ and 18.

There are safe, secure campuses in residential areas of the city and Belgrade Forest. These are low risk earthquake zones.

The highly qualified and experienced staff, mainly from Britain, Australia and New Zealand, create a challenging yet caring atmosphere where students are encouraged to explore their own unique potential. Within this environment, good manners, mutual respect and self-discipline are promoted. Class sizes are small with well-resourced rooms and libraries and the school has modern science and computer laboratories with Internet access.

The British International School, Istanbul follows internationally recognized curricula: The International Baccalaureate programme and the English National Curriculum allow easy movement into other school systems and university education. BISI has had outstanding academic success with above average Primary SATs and 100% entry rate into tertiary education by International Baccalaureate students. There is emphasis on languages including French, German, Spanish and Turkish as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) and Special Needs support programmes.

Outside the classroom The British International School, Istanbul offers coached sports programmes and a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Sports offered at The British International School, Istanbul include soccer, swimming, athletics, cross-country, orienteering, tennis, basketball, rugby, hockey, volleyball, netball and gymnastics. The British International School, Istanbul helps students to make the most of their potential and provides diverse extra-curricular activities to further offer opportunities for students to develop their talents and self-confidence to the full. There is an expanding Creative Arts programme with art, drama and music specialists. Clubs run at the school include chess, sculpture, art, calligraphy, horse riding and ballet. Turkey in general and Istanbul in particular are remarkable for the richness of their geographical and historical sites and the school takes full advantage of its unique location. Educational visits and exchanges are organized annually both within Turkey and abroad.

The British International School, Istanbul also encourages parents to play an integral part in the education of their children and places special emphasis on communication between the school and the home.