Berlin British School vs SIS Swiss International School - Berlin
Berlin British School and SIS Swiss International School - Berlin are both in Berlin, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer IB and German programmes. Berlin British School also offers Cambridge IGCSE, and SIS Swiss International School - Berlin also offers Swiss. Published annual fees are close, at €13,100 - 19,400 for Berlin British School and €13,970 - 21,338 for SIS Swiss International School - Berlin. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
IB (PYP), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), German Curriculum
Curriculum
IB (DP), German Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
293
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, German
Instruction language
German, English
Opened
Opened
1994
Opened
2016
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Berlin British School operates across three campuses in Berlin. The Early Years/Kita site is in Grunewald at Havelchausee. The Primary School is on Dickensweg 17-19, Berlin 14055. The Secondary School is located in the Grunewald area.
Location
Located in the west of Berlin, Heerstraße 465, 13593 Berlin, Germany. The campus is surrounded by 60,000 m² of wooded parkland.
Stages
Stages
Early Years; Primary School; Secondary School
Stages
Kindergarten; Primary School; Secondary School (7–10); Secondary School (11–13); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Affiliated with SIS Swiss International School, part of a group with schools in Switzerland, Germany, Brazil and Italy.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Early Years runs 50 weeks per year with morning care from 7:30 and after-school activities until 5:00pm. Secondary School day starts at 8:30 and ends at 16:00, with after-school clubs until 16:30. Primary School uses shuttle services between sites, with Primary⇄Early Years buses leaving around 8:30 and returning at 15:00, and Primary⇄Secondary buses leaving around 8:00 and returning at 15:30.
School day structure
Day school supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; exact lesson and supervision times vary by school level.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school operates its own shuttle service between the sites. Primary⇄Early Years buses leave around 8:30 and return around 15:00. Primary⇄Secondary buses leave around 8:00 and return around 15:30. The service also transports students to events and activities.
Bus service details
A school shuttle is offered for transport.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Registration fee
- A one-off registration (Aufnahmeentgelt) is charged per child: EUR 2,750.00. Sibling reduction on the registration fee: EUR 550.00 for each additional sibling. The registration fee must be paid to secure a place and is stated as non‑refundable (exceptions for low‑income families are described under the income‑dependent rules).
Tuition fees by school year (annual amounts; stated per stream)
- Early Years (Kita / Early Years): - K1: EUR 13,100.00 per year. - K2: EUR 15,950.00 per year. - K3: EUR 15,950.00 per year.
- Monolingual / International School (Ergänzungsschule) — annual tuition by year group: - Primary Grade 1 to Grade 5: EUR 16,600.00 per year. - Grade 6: EUR 17,600.00 per year. - Secondary Grade 7–8: EUR 17,600.00 per year. - Secondary Grade 9–10: EUR 18,500.00 per year. - Grade 11–12: EUR 19,400.00 per year. Tuition is described as covering exercise books, basic consumables, text books, SEN provision (subject to stated exceptions) and transport between sites/sporting facilities where applicable.
- Bilingual / Ersatzschule (state‑recognized bilingual primary & state‑approved bilingual secondary) — annual tuition by year group: - Primary Grade 1 to Grade 5: EUR 16,300.00 per year. - Grade 6: EUR 17,250.00 per year. - Secondary Grade 7–8: EUR 17,250.00 per year. - Secondary Grade 9–10: EUR 18,100.00 per year. Tuition for this stream likewise includes specified basic materials and transport between sites/sporting facilities.
Income‑dependent (means‑tested) fee option for Ersatzschule (where applicable)
- For families opting for the income‑dependent Schulgeld (applicable to the Ersatzschule/bilingual stream), a separate schedule sets monthly Schulgeld amounts calculated by gross family income. The Schulgeld is described as an annual contribution charged in twelve monthly instalments, first falling due from the school‑year start on 1 August. The income bands and corresponding monthly amounts are set out in the Schulgeldordnung. Sibling discounts, reduced material charges and special arrangements for low‑income families are described in that schedule.
Per‑term / instalment detail and how discounts apply
- Annual tuition figures above are invoiced according to the invoice schedule; paying the entire annual tuition in one lump sum before the start of the academic year entitles the payer to a 2% deduction from the total annual tuition. For the income‑dependent Schulgeld the school specifies twelve monthly instalments with the first instalment from 1 August. Exact invoice due dates are shown on the invoice.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The registration fee is payable before the first official school day to confirm a place. School tuition is due on the dates shown on the invoice. If the full annual tuition is paid in advance before the school year begins, a 2% discount on the annual total is permitted. Late payment incurs interest and administrative charges; the stated late payment interest rate is 5% per annum plus an additional administrative fee, and parents are liable for bank charges arising from late payment. Notification of withdrawal must be submitted in writing by a parent or legal guardian at least two months before the last day of the student's final term. All fees are described as non‑refundable except where specific income‑based crediting of the registration fee is applied under the income‑support rules.
Examination and assessment fees
- IGCSE examination fees are not included in tuition and are invoiced separately: EUR 1,625.00 (per candidate fee indicated). - IB examination fees are not included in tuition and are invoiced separately: EUR 2,725.00 (per candidate fee indicated). - For the bilingual/Ersatzschule stream, the German MSA (Mittlerer Schulabschluss) exam fees are included in the tuition where stated; international exam fees (IGCSE/IB) remain additional.
Other costs and fees (typical additional charges)
- Annual consumables / materials charges (where applicable to the Ersatzschule): - Primary (Grades 1–6): EUR 740.00 per year (due with invoice, by 01.09 at the latest). - Sekundarstufe I (Grades 7–10): EUR 920.00 per year (due with invoice, by 01.09 at the latest). These are charged as a pauschale (flat charge) for workbooks, stationery and other consumables; families eligible for income‑based reductions see reduced amounts in the income‑dependent schedule.
- After School Care (Primary pupils): included in Early Years fees; for Primary pupils not in a paid club, supervised care is free until 16:00 Monday–Thursday; from 16:00–17:00 Monday–Thursday and on Fridays the current fee is EUR 7.50 per hour (or part thereof). After School Care is invoiced at the end of each term; late pick‑ups after 17:00 incur EUR 15.00 per 15 minutes. Charges for one‑to‑one learning support, excursions, music lessons, buses, lunches and many extracurricular programmes are billed separately by the providers.
- School uniform: uniform items are purchased separately through the school's suppliers (Uniform Collection and School Directwear for school uniform; Sandogroup for sport uniform). Second‑hand uniform is sold periodically by the PTA; uniform costs vary by item and are paid to the supplier.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable for the Berlin British School's stated provision; the published information and school life pages describe day‑school services (Early Years, Primary, Secondary), after‑school care and transport but do not list boarding or boarding fees.
Refund information and deposits
- The registration (Aufnahmeentgelt) is described as non‑refundable in the general terms. School tuition payments are stated as non‑refundable. Under the income‑dependent rules there are specific provisions whereby, for families below certain gross income thresholds, the registration fee may be handled differently (for example the registration fee may be set at the level of the monthly Schulgeld or may be credited against the first year's Schulgeld for the lowest income band). Withdrawal notice requirements (in writing, at least two months before the last day of the pupil's final term) apply to contract termination.
Fee payment options
- The school specifies bank transfer (bank account details given on invoices). The stated account is with Deutsche Bank; the published IBAN for fee payments is DE93 1207 0000 0020 0626 00 and BIC DEUTDEBB160. No credit‑card payment method is listed in the published fee schedules; further payment methods are not specified in the fee documents. All payments should include the pupil name, invoice and account number on the transfer reference.
Summary
- Registration fee: EUR 2,750.00 per child (EUR 550.00 per additional sibling), stated non‑refundable with specified income‑support exceptions. - Annual tuition: Early Years K1–K3 and year‑group fees for Monolingual and Bilingual/Ersatz streams are listed above under the relevant headings. - Income‑dependent fee option exists for the bilingual/Ersatzschule with monthly Schulgeld bands and special reductions for low incomes and siblings. - Exam fees (IGCSE, IB) and many ancillary services (lunch, bus, extracurricular activities, music lessons, one‑to‑one support, trips) are billed separately. - Payments are required by invoice due dates; a 2% discount applies for full annual prepayment; late payments incur 5% p.a. interest plus admin charges.
(End of fee overview.)
Fee details
Application / One‑time Entrance Fee - A one‑time entrance fee is charged upon signing the school contract. The standard entrance fee is €850. For families with gross annual income up to €29,420 the entrance fee is €100; that reduced amount is set off against the monthly fees during the first semester. The entrance fee is due at contract signing and is non‑refundable.
Tuition — Preschool (Kindergarten) (school year 2026/27) - Standard tuition for preschool (learning and play time, supervision 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) is €1,085 per month. - Per term (semester, calculated as 6 months): €6,510. - Per year (12 months): €13,020. - After School Care (optional): €32 per month, per weekday booked. - No sibling discount applies to preschool fees. - Shuttle bus: €175 per month per child; flat family rate €252 per month for two or more children. Costs for lunch, school uniform, and field trips are not included in the preschool fee.
Tuition — Primary and Secondary School (school year 2026/27) — Standard (regular) rates - Grades 1–6: €1,253 per month. - Per term (6 months): €7,518. - Per year (12 months): €15,036. - Grades 7–9: €1,399 per month. - Per term: €8,394. - Per year: €16,788. - Grades 10–11: €1,599 per month. - Per term: €9,594. - Per year: €19,188. - Grades 12–13: €1,699 per month. - Per term: €10,194. - Per year: €20,388. - The monthly figures cover instruction and supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (core teaching hours and attendance requirements vary by year group). Shuttle bus, lunch, and other optional services are charged separately.
Income‑based Tuition (Grades 1–13) — School year 2026/27 (monthly rates) - Gross family income up to €29,420: - Grades 1–6: €100 per month; Grades 7–9: €100 per month; Grades 10–11: €100 per month; Grades 12–13: €100 per month. - Gross family income €29,421–40,000: - Grades 1–6: €346; Grades 7–9: €368; Grades 10–11: €394; Grades 12–13: €394. - Gross family income €40,001–50,000: - Grades 1–6: €558; Grades 7–9: €592; Grades 10–11: €657; Grades 12–13: €657. - Gross family income €50,001–60,000: - Grades 1–6: €757; Grades 7–9: €830; Grades 10–11: €921; Grades 12–13: €921. - Gross family income €60,001–70,000: - Grades 1–6: €957; Grades 7–9: €1,053; Grades 10–11: €1,184; Grades 12–13: €1,184. - Gross family income €70,001–80,000: - Grades 1–6: €1,196; Grades 7–9: €1,329; Grades 10–11: €1,488; Grades 12–13: €1,488. - Gross family income more than €80,001: - Grades 1–6: €1,253; Grades 7–9: €1,399; Grades 10–11: €1,599; Grades 12–13: €1,699. - Income‑based tuition levels are calculated on the basis of worldwide gross family income for the previous calendar year and require submission of an evaluation form and supporting documents. Specific sibling reductions apply to income‑based fees (25% for second child, 50% for third child, 75% for additional children).
Sibling Discount (regular tuition) - For families paying the regular tuition rates who enroll two or more children in grades 1–13, a sibling discount of 20% applies to the tuition fees for the second child and any additional children. The sibling discount does not apply to the one‑time entrance fee, lunch, shuttle, or other additional services. Separate sibling discount rules apply to income‑based fees.
Other Mandatory / Optional Fees and Charges - Fee for books and lesson materials: €100 annually (per student). - After School Care (optional): €32 monthly (fee based on one weekday; bookings fixed for at least one semester; additional days possible subject to approval). - Shuttle bus: €175 per month per child; flat monthly charge of €252 for families with two or more children. - Lunch: Lunch can be purchased from an external provider; lunch costs are not included in tuition and are charged separately. - School uniform and field trips: Costs for uniform and field trips are not included in the listed fees. - IB Diploma assessment fees (grade 13) and other assessment/exam charges are not included and will be invoiced separately; such invoices include an administration fee of €50.
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - The published monthly fees are expressed as monthly average rates based on calculations for 12 months per year (or 6 months per semester). Fees are payable 12 months per year, including holidays. Payment of fees must be made one semester (6 months) in advance unless otherwise agreed. Parents who choose monthly payments will be charged a surcharge of 3% on each payment. Parents who make an advanced payment covering the whole school year are offered a 2% discount. Changes to the agreed payment mode incur an administration fee of €50 per invoice (or per invoice line item within collective invoices).
Refunds and Non‑Refundable Charges - The one‑time entrance fee is non‑refundable. Other specific refund rules and legally binding payment and booking modalities are defined in the school contract. Additional costs arising from optional services (transport, lunch, class trips, excursions, IB assessment fees, etc.) are charged separately and follow their own invoicing terms.
Fee Payment Options and Administrative Details - Parents are asked to indicate their preferred mode of payment; the school will record the chosen payment mode and any subsequent change triggers the stated administration fee. Payment timing, surcharges, discounts, and invoicing modalities are specified in the school contract. Specific payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, direct debit, credit card) are arranged with the school and appear in the invoicing and contract documentation.
Important Notes on Scope of These Fees - Listed tuition figures cover instruction, supervision during the stated core hours, and general school services as described in the fee schedule. They do not include costs for optional or externally provided services and activities (transport beyond the shuttle, lunch, uniforms, field trips, assessment fees, etc.). The school reserves the right to amend fees; the price lists are valid for the stated school year.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Berlin British School delivers an international, bilingual curriculum across its Early Years, Primary and Secondary programmes. In Early Years and Primary, the curriculum blends the Berliner Bildungsprogramm with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP); it is taught through bilingual English/German pathways or monolingual English, and is aligned to the Berliner Rahmenlehrplan, with full Ersatzschule and Ergänzungsschule status. In Primary, both bilingual and monolingual streams are offered. In Secondary, there is a monolingual English stream and a bilingual English/German stream; in Grade 10 bilingual students sit MSA and IGCSE while monolingual students sit IGCSE; from Grade 11 to 12, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is pursued.
Curriculum details
The school provides bilingual education from Kindergarten through to college. It offers Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School (7 to 10), Secondary School (11 to 13), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Students can attain the German Abitur or the IB Diploma, enabling them to pursue their chosen educational path.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The school's graduates have been accepted into top universities in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond.
Higher education progression
The German Abitur and the International Baccalaureate Diploma are offered, enabling progression to higher education.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Submit an Application. Complete the Application Form (PDF) and upload your child's school reports from the last two years. The form is detailed, so ensure information is accurate; there is no cost or commitment to apply. If this is your first contact, complete the Enquiry Form. If spaces are available we will discuss the next steps with you.
Arrange a Tour. Once the application(s) are received and a place is available, we offer individual tours of the appropriate site (Early Years, Primary and Secondary). Tours last about 30-45 minutes and provide insight into classroom life and the opportunity to talk with teachers, the Head of School and ask questions. Appointments must be made in advance to ensure availability.
Student Visit. We offer a free, three-day visit (shorter for Kindergarten—two mornings) to allow students and teachers to get to know each other. The visit includes an assessment to understand the student's current educational level and to observe social adaptability to the school ethos. It also allows the student to experience school life in a relaxed setting.
Admission Decisions. After the visit the teachers provide feedback focusing on academic ability and behaviour. A place in the school may be offered; admission decisions are made by the teachers, Head of School and School Principal and are final. A student may start once a contract has been signed and other required documentation, such as immunization records, have been submitted.
Admissions
Make the First Step. SIS Berlin provides information on the admission process. SIS Berlin accepts registrations all year round. Submitting the registration form begins the process; if space is available, the school will contact you; if not, your child's name can be added to the waiting list. A consultation with the school management follows, during which the educational offer is discussed and an admission form is sent to be completed and returned. If visiting in person is not possible, a video conference is available. Trial days allow the child to experience SIS for one or two days. After a positive assessment, the school contract is drawn up and signed. Admission is possible all year round. Most enrollments occur in spring (February to April) for a start in August or September. Enrollment age varies by location and is typically three to five years. There is no entrance examination. If a child does not speak both school languages German and English, enrollment is possible; German and English are learned by immersion, with additional language support offered outside of class or during class time.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The Berlin British School offers scholarship programmes for existing students as well as external applicants. Our programmes are designed to recognise exceptional academic ability and potential at different stages of a student's educational journey. In line with our commitment to inclusion, we particularly encourage applications from academically gifted students from low-income families.
Scholarships are available as follows: To outstanding students from Grade 9 onwards who are already enrolled at the BBS; IB Diploma Scholarships are open to both existing students and external applicants entering Grades 11 and 12. All scholarships are awarded through a competitive selection process and are based on academic merit. The award of a scholarship, and the percentage of tuition fees discounted for such an award will be entirely at the school's discretion. Scholarships for Gr. 9 onwards are worth between 20% and 50% of the tuition fee per year for students already enrolled in Grade 9 or above. A parent who would like to enter their child for a scholarship should complete an attached application form and submit it to the Admissions Secretary; earlier applications increase the likelihood of securing a scholarship. Each scholarship is subject to an internal review at the end of the first year and is awarded for a two-year period; continuation into Grade 12 depends on academic progress, engagement with the programme, conduct and contribution to school life.
IB Diploma Scholarships are open to both internal and external candidates and range from 20% to 100% of the annual tuition fee. Applications may be submitted from 1 January for Grade 10 entry in August, with a deadline of 30 April. IB Diploma Scholarships are awarded after a competitive process including assessment and interview, and the value is determined at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. The duration for IB Scholarships is two years (Grades 11 and 12) with a mid-cycle review to determine renewal for Grade 12 based on academic progress, engagement and conduct.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
If there is no place available in the corresponding grade, the child's name will be added to the waiting list.
