Brent International School Manila vs German European School Manila

	B Brent International School Manila Manila, Philippines	G German European School Manila Manila, Philippines
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₱442,877 - 1,046,920	Fees / year ₱415,533 - 1,138,283
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), German Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 435	Pupils 360
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 13
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened 1984	Opened 1980
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Brent International School Manila Main Campus is located in Brentville Subdivision, Barangay Mamplasan, Biñan, Laguna 4024, Philippines. The campus sits about 20 kilometers south of Metro Manila and is accessible via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) with the Mamplasan exit. The Brent network also includes an IRRI-associated campus in Los Baños that serves younger students (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4), located on the IRRI compound south of the main campus. The primary Brent Manila site is the main location for the Early Learning Center through Upper School.	Location GESM is on the Eurocampus at 75 Swaziland Street, Better Living Subdivision, Parañaque City, 1711, Metro Manila, Philippines. The two-hectare campus is shared with the Lycée Français de Manille and is part of the European International School complex on Eurocampus. The location places the school in southern Metro Manila with campus facilities that serve both schools on the same site.
Stages	Stages Brent Manila is structured into four divisions: the Early Learning Center (Nursery–Grade 2), the Lower School (Grades 3–5), the Middle School (Grades 6–8), and the Upper School (Grades 9–12). The Upper School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the final two years.	Stages GESM offers Kindergarten through Grade 12. From Kindergarten to Grade 10, students are enrolled in either the German Section or the English International Section; Grades 11–12 offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), taught in English and German.
School type	School type Brent International School Manila is a co-educational, day school. It operates two campuses in the Brent network, with no boarding facilities for the Manila campus; the IBO listing specifies the boarding option as DAY.	School type GESM is a co-educational, secular, non-profit international day school. It operates on a two-section model (German and International) and does not provide boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Brent provides Student Services including learning support and counseling. English language support (ELL/ESL) is offered for non-native English speakers, with inclusion-based approaches to integrate students into the regular curriculum.	Additional learning support GESM runs an Additional Needs Programme (ANP) to support students who require extra help beyond regular classroom instruction. Identification is through assessments, teacher observations, and family consultations. Support includes in-class or small-group/individual sessions and modified goals, with placement decided case-by-case; some support may incur additional fees.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Brent Manila is part of a Philippine school system historically associated with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.	Country affiliation GESM is a German government-recognized school abroad and is part of the network of German Schools Abroad; it is also a UNESCO Associated School. This reflects its official German government oversight and international accreditation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The Brent schools operate within a Christian ecumenical environment and have an Episcopal church affiliation in the Philippines.	Religious affiliation GESM operates as a secular institution with no religious denomination affiliation. Ethics is mandatory, and students or parents may opt for Religion as an alternative.
School day structure	School day structure Typical school days begin around 8:00 a.m. and finish in the mid-afternoon (approximately 2:35 p.m. for Grades 1–12). Nursey/Pre-Kindergarten and early years have shorter or different end times, with after-school clubs and activities available.	School day structure All classes start at 7:30am. Kindergarten through Primary finish at 2:00pm each day; Secondary typically finishes at 2:00pm on most days and 3:30pm on some days. Afternoon clubs run 2:00pm–3:30pm, and supervised after‑care is available for Primary students until 3:30pm; a school bus service is available.
Bus service details	Bus service details A Brent bus service is provided for enrolled students, with routes and schedules arranged through the admissions process. Details on routes, pickup times, and fees are provided during enrollment.	Bus service details GESM outsources accredited bus providers for door‑to‑door transport with a bus attendant on each vehicle. Billing is arranged directly between families and the bus companies. Routes cover numerous areas around Makati, Parañaque, Alabang, and beyond, with published quarterly rates by area; current rates can be confirmed by the school. The transportation page lists area coverage and corresponding providers.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Brent International School Manila — Detailed school fees overview Application and enrolment fees - Application fee: reported as a non-refundable USD 200 per applicant. - One-time matriculation / acceptance/reservation fee: reported historically as a one-time matriculation/admission charge (example: US$1,500 in earlier published Brent fee documents). This fee is charged when an offered place is accepted and is not refundable in most cases. Tuition fees by year group (annual figures and per-term estimates) - Brent uses a dual-currency structure in published summaries (a USD component plus a PHP component). The following are the commonly reported ranges for total tuition per academic year by school division; per-term figures below are calculated estimates assuming a three-term billing structure and are shown as per-term (estimated). - Lower School / Primary (typical reported annual total range): USD component approximately $8,204–$8,784 plus a PHP component in the range reported around PHP 376,812–PHP 403,512, giving an estimated total annual tuition in the range of about PHP 845,000–PHP 906,000. Per-term (estimated): one-third of the annual total. - Middle School / Junior levels (reported totals vary by grade; expect totals similar to or slightly higher than Lower School ranges depending on grade and program choice). Per-term (estimated): one-third of the annual total. - Upper School / Senior (IB / Grades 9–12): reported annual totals fall in a similar overall band (examples of published summaries place upper-school annual totals within the same general range cited above, with variations by grade and programme). Per-term (estimated): one-third of the annual total. - Note on per-term presentation above: the per-term numbers shown are derived by dividing the published annual totals by three to give an estimated termly amount (that division is an inference for presenting per-term values; it reflects a common three-term billing approach used by many international schools but may not exactly match Brent's invoicing periods). Billing schedule and payment terms - Parents are typically invoiced at acceptance and before the student starts; an initial deposit/reservation (matriculation/acceptance fee) is required to secure the place. Reported practice includes a requirement that certain fees (such as the initial deposit and/or first term's tuition) be paid before the student's first day. - Installment options: public summaries indicate Brent has historically allowed installment or staged payment options (examples in older published fee documents show semester/term instalment options). When instalment plans are selected, service charges or policies governing instalment schedules may apply. The school also applies standard policies for overdue accounts and may withhold services or attendance privileges if fees are not paid by stated due dates. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Brent has published boarding fees in earlier fee materials (example historical figure: boarding fees reported in older schedules around US$11,584 for a full-year boarding charge). Specific boarding options and boarding fee amounts (weekly vs full‑board, inclusions such as weekend activities, medical contingency account requirements, etc.) have been shown in past fee documents; the exact current boarding tariff and what it covers should be treated as a separate billed item. Other costs and mandatory fees - Capital Development / Facilities (annual) fee: reported historically as a separate recurring capital development or facilities fee charged to all students (example amounts and currency components have appeared in Brent materials). - English as a Second Language (ESL) / Learning Support fees: reported as additional, non-refundable fees where applicable; older fee schedules list ESL fees by level (example: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced levels with distinct semester charges). - IB examination fees and external examination costs: charged separately to Upper School students who sit for external IB / international exams; these are billed as incurred. - Textbooks, uniforms, school supplies and field trips: reported as separate charges or one-off purchases. Uniform purchase is typically mandatory and is an additional cost. Extra-curricular activities, music tuition, special subject fees and optional trips are billed separately when applicable. - Security deposit / refundable deposit: historical fee schedules included a refundable security deposit requirement, refunded on completion of the enrolment contract subject to school conditions (return of books/equipment, no outstanding charges). Refund information - Application fee and matriculation/registration fees are generally non-refundable once paid. - Tuition refund rules in earlier published materials: partial refunds for withdrawal within an early period and no refund after certain dates have been used historically (for example, policies in older fee documents specify reduced refunds for withdrawal after term start or specific percentages depending on timing). Tuition and boarding refunds have historically required written one‑term advance notice for full refund eligibility of certain deposits; shorter notice or withdrawal after specified cutoffs reduced or eliminated refunds. These examples reflect earlier published refund scheduling and illustrate the type of policy applied. Payment methods and fee payment options - Reported accepted payment methods in referenced fee summaries include bank transfer / wire, bank deposit, cashier's cheque or bank draft, and credit card in some contexts. Invoice instructions and the school's designated bank account details are used for wire transfers; international USD wire transfers are commonly accepted for the USD component of fees. Payment in local currency for the PHP component has also been described in public summaries and earlier fee documents. Expect a requirement to include reference details (student name / family code) on bank transfers. If you require the school's official, fully itemised and current term-by-term numbers exactly as invoiced for the current academic year, the school's Admissions / Finance office can provide the official fee schedule and final invoice wording for the year and grade in question (the contact address reported for admissions is admissions@brent.edu.ph).	Fee details Membership and one‑time charges - Membership fee (German School Association Manila): €150, charged annually only for families who elect membership. - Entrance fee (new enrollee, all grade levels): PHP 130,000, one‑time and non‑refundable. - Refundable deposit (new enrollee, all grade levels): PHP 130,000; no interest is paid on the deposit. The deposit is refunded in full upon withdrawal provided there are no outstanding dues and the school clearance process is completed. Tuition fees (annual and per‑term / quarterly): - Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual Php 415,533. Quarterly (annual ÷ 4): Php 103,883.25. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual Php 415,533. Quarterly: Php 103,883.25. - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual Php 583,573. Quarterly: Php 145,893.25. - Grade 1: Annual Php 807,512. Quarterly: Php 201,878.00. - Grade 2: Annual Php 807,512. Quarterly: Php 201,878.00. - Grade 3: Annual Php 807,512. Quarterly: Php 201,878.00. - Grade 4: Annual Php 807,512. Quarterly: Php 201,878.00. - Grade 5: Annual Php 898,447. Quarterly: Php 224,611.75. - Grade 6: Annual Php 898,447. Quarterly: Php 224,611.75. - Grade 7: Annual Php 898,447. Quarterly: Php 224,611.75. - Grade 8: Annual Php 898,447. Quarterly: Php 224,611.75. - Grade 9: Annual Php 945,138. Quarterly: Php 236,284.50. - Grade 10: Annual Php 945,138. Quarterly: Php 236,284.50. - Grade 11: Annual Php 1,138,283. Quarterly: Php 284,570.75. - Grade 12: Annual Php 1,138,283. Quarterly: Php 284,570.75. First‑year total (example for new enrolment) - For every new enrollee the one‑time entrance fee (PHP 130,000) and the refundable deposit (PHP 130,000) apply in the first year in addition to the annual tuition and any association/membership contributions. For example, the published first‑year total for Kindergarten 1 (including the one‑time entrance and deposit and the published euro/ peso components) is Php 675,533. This example and the tuition components are taken from the school's published 2025–2026 fee schedule. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school offers a quarterly payment option. Typical due dates for quarterly payments are: August 1, November 1, February 1, and May 1. Non‑payment resulting in outstanding tuition arrears at the end of the school year prevents a student from qualifying for enrollment in the following school year until outstanding obligations are settled. - The accounting office issues an invoice upon confirmation of admission that indicates amounts due and payment deadlines. Payment currencies and payment methods - Tuition and contributions are published in Euro and Philippine Peso; invoicing requires payment in both currencies (Euro and Peso). Families without access to Euro may pay the Euro portion in Peso using the school's set exchange rate shown on the billing. - Accepted methods for settling invoices (as stated for admissions invoices) are cash, cheque, or bank transfer; the invoice contains the payment details. Credit‑card payment is not listed in the admissions payment information. Boarding / overnight accommodation - German European School Manila is a non‑profit day school; there are no boarding fees because boarding is not provided. Other costs and additional fees - The Peso tuition component includes a class fund contribution of PHP 1,000 per student. Additional costs not covered in the published tuition commonly include transportation, canteen service, school clothing/uniforms, most field trips, and certain extracurricular activities. Additional examination fees may apply: IGCSE examination fees for English‑section students and IB examination/registration fees depending on courses taken. Refunds and forfeiture - The entrance fee (PHP 130,000) is explicitly non‑refundable. The refundable deposit (PHP 130,000) is refunded in full upon permanent withdrawal provided all dues have been paid, borrowed school property has been returned undamaged, and the student clearance process is completed. Outstanding tuition or other unpaid fees will prevent refund until accounts are fully settled.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Brent International School Manila operates as a day school with no boarding facilities on campus. The IBO listing for the Brent Manila campus notes “Boarding facilities: DAY,” confirming that boarding is not offered there. Boarding is available at Brent's Baguio campus, which runs a dedicated boarding program with accommodations, meals, supervision, and dorm staff support.	Boarding arrangements GESM is a day school with no boarding facilities. A school bus service is available on request, capable of picking up and dropping off at the doorstep to suit family needs. Families should confirm routes and availability with Admissions.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are Brent-tailored and are the only acceptable attire. The uniform policy specifies that items must be purchased from the Brent Tailoring Shop, with a typical girls' uniform of a white blouse and a checkered skirt/skort and a boys' uniform of a maroon collared shirt with gray shorts or pants; a white or maroon palette is used for common items, and white or maroon shoes are required (no platforms). The P.E. uniform is maroon shorts and a white T‑shirt. The on-site Spirit Shop also carries uniform items.	Uniform requirement There is no formal uniform requirement. Students may wear regular everyday clothing, with GESM sweaters and shirts available for purchase and to be worn on field trips or as directed by staff.
Food options	Food options Brent maintains on‑campus food service through a cafeteria for students and staff. A 2015 ELC cafeteria menu shows daily lunch sets with five components (vegetable, starch, protein, fruit or dessert, and a drink), with a pre-paid or debit-style purchasing system linked to student IDs. The Brent Subic campus also describes a cafeteria serving hot meals, snacks, and a variety of beverages.	Food options The canteen is operated by Kitchen City and offers a varied menu that includes proteins, salads, snacks and vegetarian meals. Parents can pre‑order meals via the Kitchen City app, and students pay on site with a Meal Card that can be reloaded by parents online.
House system	House system —	House system GESM uses a House System. In English Primary there are four houses: Bremen, Berlin, Münster and Frankfurt. The Grundschule will have two houses. Secondary houses are named after Philippine islands and animals: Bohol Sharks, Boracay Scorpions, Cebu Cobras and Palawan Eagles. House activities include sports, quizzes and charity drives, with House Leaders organizing activities and a year-end House Cup.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Brent International School Manila is governed by Brent Schools Incorporated, a private, non-profit, non-stock corporation. The school is Episcopal Church–related, with a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees that oversees Brent's Manila campus as part of the Brent Schools group. Presidential Decree 2022 recognizes Brent's status in the Philippines, and the organization operates as the umbrella for the network of Brent schools in the country.	Governance and ownership GESM is a non‑profit organisation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the German School Association Manila (GSA). The Board oversees strategic priorities, budget and major projects, while day‑to‑day management is led by the Head of School. GESM forms the European International School, Inc. (EIS) together with Lycée Français de Manille, with the GSA acting as liaison with authorities.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Brent International School Manila provides an English‑language, Western‑based curriculum for students from early years through Grade 12, with the Biñan campus serving ages 3–18. The school is an IB World School since 1986 and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, alongside the Brent Diploma pathway. Lower School (roughly Pre‑K to Grade 5) follows a North American developmental, inquiry‑based approach with integrated subjects and ESL support delivered through Homeroom and specialist teaching. Middle School (Grades 6–8) provides eight subjects per semester and builds IB readiness with a curriculum including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, PE, Religious Studies, ICT, Art, and Music. Upper School (Grades 9–12) offers IB Diploma courses at HL/SL and the Brent Diploma, with core IB requirements Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity and Service, and Extended Essay.	Curriculum details From early years (Kindergarten and Vorschule) through Grade 10, German European School Manila runs two parallel sections defined largely by medium of instruction: German and English. The German section follows a German curriculum, while the English section uses English-language instruction with English Early Years and English Primary following the IB Primary Years Programme, and a Cambridge IGCSE pathway in secondary. In Grades 5–10, the German stream leads to Realschulabschluss or Hauptschulabschluss after Grade 9 or 10, while the English secondary stream concludes with IGCSE in Grade 10 and DSD I in Grade 9. In Grades 11–12, both streams converge on the International Baccalaureate Senior Years, offering the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP) with instruction in English and German. The IB Diploma Programme comprises six subjects (one from groups 1–5 and a sixth from group 6 or another from 1–5), with a mix of Higher Level and Standard Level courses and core requirements of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Action, Service. GESM positions itself as multilingual and European/international in scope, part of the EuroCampus network, and aligned with IB and German-European standards.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Class sizes are designed to be small, with typical ranges reported across Brent campuses as roughly 16–24 students per class depending on level, and ESL support is available as needed.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Brent graduates have gained admission to top universities worldwide, including Yale, UCLA, Cambridge, Oxford, Princeton, and Harvard, as well as Philippine universities such as UP Diliman, De La Salle, and Ateneo. The IB/Brent pathways are designed to prepare students for university selection across global destinations.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Advanced course options exist within the IB/Brent pathways, with guidance on pursuing Higher Level (HL) courses and multiple diploma options; admissions materials indicate support for students taking heavier course loads (e.g., multiple HLs) for those aiming at prolonged academic challenge.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Brent International School Manila's Lower School Student Services Department provides social-emotional learning and wellbeing support through a team that includes a school counselor, a speech therapist, Skills Enrichment Teachers, and classroom assistants. The department aims to identify and help students experiencing difficulties in language and mathematics, and to support their academic and emotional progress. It emphasizes that all children have the right to progress intellectually, emotionally and socially. The team collaborates with classroom teachers, parents and other specialists to develop Individual Education Plans that support identified learning needs. Guidelines for accommodations and modifications are described to tailor support for students with diverse needs.	Social & emotional learning GESM supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through a dedicated guidance counsellor and a strong focus on students' social-emotional development across both German and English sections, including anti-bullying initiatives and empathy-focused programming.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) SEN support at Brent International School Manila is provided through the Lower School's Student Services Department for Pre-K through Grade 5 and focuses on helping students with difficulties in language and mathematics. The Student Services team includes Skills Enrichment Teachers, a school counselor, a speech therapist, and several classroom assistants. The department collaborates to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Education Plans to support students with identified learning needs. Accommodations and modifications guidelines are described to support these students. The materials describe SEN support as school-based rather than a separate SEN specialist institution.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school runs an Additional Needs Programme (ANP) with a multidisciplinary Student Support Team and Learning Support Plans, and can accommodate mild to moderate intellectual or cognitive impairment, behavioural or emotional difficulties, Specific Learning Disability, Executive Functioning deficits, high-functioning ASD, and Social-Communication Disorder.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language ESL specialists are listed for Brent Manila; ESL (ELC) and ESL (LS) are described in the Specialists section of the Lower School. The ELC and LS have ESL staff to support non-English-speaking students and ESL is part of the school's specialist services. An ESL program is indicated in the Specialist section, with ESL (ELC) and ESL (LS) listed as dedicated roles. A Summer School ESL program is offered to support students enrolled in ESL, particularly those needing language development. The school also notes formal psycho-educational assessments for students with learning needs to determine appropriate language support.	English as an additional language The school states that mother tongue and foreign language programmes are available from pre-school, and the English Section Access and Inclusion Policy confirms inclusive support for learners, though a dedicated, stand-alone EAL program is not publicly disclosed.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing A guidance counselor is listed for Brent Manila's Lower School, with LS Guidance Counselor and ELC Guidance Counselor noted in the staff roster. A school nurse is on site with a main clinic, and a doctor is available for consultations as needed. The Student Services Department emphasizes emotional and social development and collaborates with families and teachers to support students' wellbeing. Parent-teacher conferences and counseling referrals are described as ways to keep families informed and involved. The overall framework supports mental wellbeing alongside academic progress.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by the on-site School Clinic, which has two full-time nurses and offers health counseling and wellbeing-focused services, and guidance-led SEL activities such as anti-bullying and empathy programs.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding-related provisions are described through health and safety measures, including emergency procedures, accident and illness management, and on-site security (security guards) and transport safety (school buses). A stand-alone safeguarding or child-protection policy is not publicly disclosed for the Manila campus in the available materials. For comparison, a Child Protection Policy exists for another Brent campus (Brent Baguio), illustrating that safeguarding policies are published elsewhere within the Brent network. If concerns arise, reporting and next steps would follow the school's standard procedures outlined in the handbook.	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are addressed with a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, plus 24/7 campus security monitoring and a school clinic, with clear procedures in place for safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is located in Brentville Subdivision, Barangay Mamplasan, Biñan, Laguna, 4024 Philippines. The campus covers 10.6 hectares / 26 acres. Brent International School Manila was established in 1984 in Pasig, Metro Manila. Tours are given in English. The Brent Family has over 100 years of proud educational tradition in the Philippines and an Episcopal, prep-school heritage focused on personal growth: academic, interpersonal, physical and spiritual.	Facilities overview GESM shares the Eurocampus with the Lycée Français de Manille on a two-hectare campus in Parañaque. The GESM library is part of the Eurocampus Library Manila, offering over 30,000 items and an eight-computer Library Extension with an interactive screen. The science program is supported by two modern laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics, installed with German equipment two years ago and expanded as needed. The campus includes a garden with hydroponics and aquaponics and a grass-turfed play area added in 2024, plus an on-site auditorium used for exhibitions and performances. The canteen is operated by Kitchen City, the clinic has two full-time nurses with Lifeline support, and a swimming pool on the Eurocampus is used for school activities and events.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities On the Eurocampus, shared sports facilities include two swimming pools, a football field, a gymnasium, a running track, and additional outdoor play spaces, all part of the European International School campus. These facilities are available for GESM and LFM activities and events.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The GESM Library is part of the Eurocampus Library Manila, with over 30,000 articles and a Library Extension featuring eight computers and an interactive screen; the library is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The science program is supported by two modern laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics, installed with German equipment two years ago and expanded annually. An auditorium on the Eurocampus serves as a venue for exhibitions and performances, and the on-site canteen is operated by Kitchen City with pre-order and meal-card options. The clinic provides two full-time nurses and Lifeline support for emergencies.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The campus supports a range of extracurricular activities, including cross-grade science events such as the Eurocampus Science Fair hosted by GESM Grade 11. Visual arts exhibitions are held in the Eurocampus Auditorium, such as the Meraki exhibition. The school garden supports science and sustainability projects, including hydroponics and aquaponics, and there are parent engagement events around the garden. The Eurocampus pool hosts events like the annual 24-hour Swim Marathon.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Brent International School Manila began in 1984 when the Brent School Board opened Brent International School Manila in Pasig, Metro Manila, adopting the traditions, style, and educational system of Brent School Baguio. It graduated its first twelve students in 1986, establishing its early international character. In 1997 Brent Manila began construction of a new campus in Mamplasan, Biñan, south of Manila, and the Mamplasan campus opened for the 1999–2000 school year with a capacity of about 1,500 students. The Pasig campus was closed at the end of the 2007–2008 school year, and Brent International School Manila now operates from the Mamplasan campus, with a satellite elementary school at the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños. Brent Manila is governed by a Board of Trustees as part of Brent Schools Inc.; in 1997 the three Brent schools were incorporated separately, each with its own Board of Trustees, and the school is affiliated with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.	History GESM began as José Rizal School, opening on August 5, 1980. It was officially recognised as a German School abroad by German authorities in 1984. In 1992, the German School Manila joined with the Lycée Français de Manille to form Eurocampus on a shared two-hectare campus in Parañaque. In 2002, the European International School, Inc. was created to govern both DSM and LFM, and in 2005 the International Section opened and the school adopted the name German European School Manila. A master-plan modernization began in 2013, with new facilities completed by 2014 and further expansions through the late 2010s; IGCSE examinations began in 2014, DSD I exams followed in 2014, DSD II in 2018, UNESCO recognition in 2019, and the IB Career-Related Programme was introduced in 2021.
Community	Community Brent Manila serves an international and locally diverse student body, with the main campus in Brentville Mamplasan, Biñan, Laguna, and a satellite elementary program at the IRRI campus in Los Baños. The Brent community includes families from many countries and backgrounds, reflecting a multicultural and international atmosphere. The school hosts regional interschool events that bring Brent students together for cross‑campus collaboration and intercultural exchange. Brent Manila has hosted and participates in APAC events such as APAC Dance 2024 and ISAC competitions like basketball and football, contributing to a vibrant regional activity calendar. These activities strengthen community ties across campuses and with partner schools.	Community GESM is a non-profit, international and multilingual day school in Manila serving Kindergarten to Grade 12, with two parallel sections defined mainly by medium of instruction: German or English. The school offers the GIB, the IB Diploma Programme (DP), and the IB Career-related Programme (CP) in Grades 11–12. Its community comprises students and staff from about fifty countries, with English, German, French and Filipino omnipresent on campus. Recent student activities include projects such as the Cinematics Club film and a Model United Nations (MUN) simulation that foster international collaboration and debate.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Brent School Parents Teachers Association is a civic, non-sectarian, non-political support organization whose objective is to promote cooperation between the home and the school and to assist the administration in achieving the school's goals. Membership is open to all Brent teachers and parents of Brent students, and PTA officers are elected at the end of each school year. The PTA cooperation is invaluable for communication, the support of extra‑curricular activities, and fundraising projects, and it works closely with the Headmaster and Principals to coordinate parent involvement. The PTA is organized with a Board and Grade Level Representatives for Early Learning Center and Lower School, with leadership roles such as President, Executive Vice President, Secretaries, Treasurer, and grade‑level representatives rotating annually. Historical handbooks list the PTA leadership for specific years and detail ongoing functions, events, and collaboration across the school year.	Parent teacher association GESM's governance framework includes the German School Association (GSA) and the Gesamtelternbeirat, the Parent Council (GEB). Families may join the GSA during enrollment by paying an annual membership fee and submitting an application, and GSA members elect the Board of Directors and vote on major school matters at the AGM. The Board of Directors consists of parent volunteers elected for two-year terms and oversees budget, staffing decisions and major projects, while day-to-day operations are managed by school leadership. The GEB is formed by parent representatives elected at the start of each school year; it meets monthly with school management to discuss pedagogy, safety, transport, and related issues, and it provides a channel for parent feedback to the school management and the German School Board. The GEB publishes a Parent Council Handbook, and parent involvement is supported by additional parent networks and a Parents' Advisory Council at Eurocampus, reflecting structured opportunities for parental participation in campus life.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Brent International School Manila offers several academically oriented clubs and programs. Model United Nations provides a diplomacy-based forum where students research current issues, argue positions, and develop public-speaking and leadership skills; Brent MUN hosts an annual conference and selects delegates to APAC conferences in Beijing. The Speech and Debate Club develops various forms of public expression and prepares participants for APAC Forensics, with categories such as debate, original oratory, original interpretation, and acting. A dedicated Math Competition Club exists to tackle challenging problems and prepare for math contests, and Learning Lab expands traditional Math Lab offerings to foster math-related collaboration and project-based work across grades.	Academic & intellectual Model United Nations (MUN) is an ongoing academic simulation at GESM. The program started in 2016 and typically involves about 10–12 students who prepare for conferences hosted with partner international schools. Students participate in simulations to develop debate, research, and public-speaking skills, with student leaders such as Chairs guiding sessions. In addition, the Chess Club competes in inter-school tournaments—GESM's U11 team won silver and the U14 team placed in the top five in 2025—and the Cinematics Club produces films as part of the IB CAS program.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts and performing arts are supported by a broad set of clubs. Lower and middle schoolers can join Art Attack and Drawing Club to explore drawing, painting, and other visual arts, while Preparatory Ballet and Dance - Modern Jazz (and later upper-level Jazz Band programs) provide structured dance experiences. The Brent String Orchestra and Jazz Bands (A and B) offer instrumental ensembles with performance opportunities during school concerts. These offerings are complemented by stage-oriented and creative activities such as Creative Li'l Hands and various choir, theatre, and production-related opportunities within the Visual and Performing Arts framework.	Arts & creative The Cinematics Club produces short films as part of IB CAS, with student projects crossing grade levels. A representative project is the short film 'Where Time Slows,' which was released and screened for the school community. Campus-wide arts initiatives include ongoing collaborations such as the Berliner Bär art project featured on campus.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Cultural and language-oriented activities include Model United Nations, which engages students in diplomacy and international relations, and SENIA Youth Club, focused on inclusion and awareness for students with diverse needs. Liturgical Bible Study provides a faith-based language and study environment, while Building Bridges with Biñan is a community outreach effort that connects Brent students with local schools to support language and literacy development. The Middle and Upper School MUN programs also include exposure to global issues and international collaboration through Brent's MUN activities.	Cultural & language GESM hosts German cultural activities and language experiences beyond the classroom, including Lantern Fest and Martinstag celebrations on campus. The school's international focus is reinforced through programs like MUN, which fosters cross-cultural understanding and global awareness. Family-oriented cultural events such as Eat, Meet & Greet provide opportunities to engage with German campus culture.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A wide range of after-school clubs supports social learning and hobbies. Middle and upper school students can participate in Strategy Games Club and Speech and Debate, which emphasize collaboration, strategic thinking, and communication. The Lower and Middle School programs include Chess Club, Homework Club, and various recreational and creative clubs such as Dance, Golf Basics, and Art-related activities that promote peer interaction and informal interests. These clubs operate alongside sport and service activities to foster well-rounded student life.	Social & hobbies Social and hobby-based clubs at GESM include the Chess Club and the Football Club. The Chess Club participated in inter-school tournaments in 2025, earning U11 silver and a top-five finish in U14. The Football Club launched a partnership with Arayat Athletics Academy in 2025, with about 30 players and coaches guiding training and tournament preparations.
Community & service	Community & service Community service is a core part of Brent's program. Good Samaritan Club focuses on service learning for local community needs, and Green Earth Ambassadors promotes environmental sustainability through projects like tree planting and beach cleanups. Project Compassion is a middle school-focused service club that engages students in cultural awareness and helping those in need, while Building Bridges with Biñan coordinates outreach to local elementary students to support English-language skills. These activities provide ongoing opportunities for Brent students to contribute to the community and develop social responsibility.	Community & service Community engagement includes visits from local organizations, such as Kyle Javier, founder of the Tiny Blessings Foundation, which were arranged for Grade 3 students. The school also runs outreach initiatives such as the Shoebox Project, along with other charity activities coordinated through student groups.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership and professional development are cultivated through Model United Nations, which emphasizes research, public speaking, and leadership in a simulated diplomatic setting, and through Speech and Debate which prepares students for formal competition and persuasive communication. SENIA Youth Club, Students for Students, and other service and global-minded clubs offer leadership roles and project-management experiences. The school also supports student-led initiatives and conferences, enabling students to practice teamwork, planning, and responsibility in real-world contexts.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is embedded in student activities; in MUN, students assume roles such as Chairs and Deputy Secretaries General to lead sessions and guide debates. Clubs also have formal leadership structures and coordinators, for example, a Club Coordinator is listed for the Football Club (Ms. Kathleen Juliano) with a designated contact for club enrollment. IB CAS-related activities, like the Cinematics Club, foster mentoring, collaboration, and professional skill-building.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Brent offers a broad spectrum of physical activity and wellness-oriented clubs and programs. Taekwondo, Tennis, and Golf Basics provide structured movement and skill-building, while ELC Soccer, Basketball, and other sports are offered across seasons to promote fitness and teamwork. Dance programs (Preparatory Ballet and Modern Jazz) and Orchestra ensembles (String Orchestra) contribute to wellbeing through music and movement, and after-school activities often include opportunities for rest and social connection through performances and rehearsals.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and physical activity are supported through clubs such as the Football Club, which emphasizes discipline and teamwork and participates in tournaments. The campus environment includes sustainability and wellness activity, evidenced by events like hydroponics workshops and the school's garden, which support science learning and well-being. Cultural celebrations and family events, including Lantern Fest activities, contribute to community well-being and a balanced school life.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction for Brent International School Manila's International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The DP offers several modern language options including Filipino Literature, Mandarin (Ab Initio and Mandarin B), Korean Literature (Korean A), French (Ab Initio and French B), Spanish (Ab Initio and Spanish B), and Chinese B. These language courses reflect a multilingual dimension within the curriculum.	Language provision German and English are the languages taught across the school. The German Section uses German as the medium of instruction, while the English Section uses English. In the English Section, German is taught as a foreign language from Kindergarten/Grade 1 with beginner placement for new learners; EAL support is available when needed, and all students are prepared for DSD I (Grade 10) and DSD II (Grade 12). Non-native German learners in the German Section receive language support through push-in and pull-out programs.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching From Kindergarten to Grade 10, GESM runs two parallel sections defined by the medium of instruction: German or English. The German Section uses German as the medium of instruction, while the English Section uses English. In Grades 11-12, the school offers the IB Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Programme with English and German as the mediums of instruction, including the Gemischtsprachiges IB option. New students without prior German knowledge may be placed into beginner-level DaF classes, and EAL support is available when needed.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Brent Subic boys' volleyball team were the 2023 ISAC Champions. InterBrent Schools Sports Fest championship (Brent Subic staff) won at the InterBrent event held in Manila in 2025. InterCampus Sports Fest championship (Brent Subic staff) won at the InterBrent-hosted event in Manila in 2025. Moving Up Day 2025 included the House Champion Award, recognizing Brent Subic's top house at the Moving Up ceremony.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — Accreditation by ACS WASC confirms Brent's adherence to US-style standards for pre-K–12 education and legitimacy of its diploma programs. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme — Brent Manila is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme. East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS) — Brent participates in a regional network of East Asia international schools. National Honor Society (NHS) — Brent is affiliated with NHS, reflecting its participation in this national honor society framework. Department of Education (DepEd), Philippines — Brent is recognized by the Philippine Department of Education. Episcopal Church in the Philippines — Brent maintains an affiliation with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.	Accreditations The German European School Manila (GESM) operates as part of the European International School, Inc. (EIS), which is the legal entity accredited by the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd). This provides formal recognition of the school by the Philippine government. GESM is an IB World School and offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the IB Diploma Programme (DP), and the IB Career-related Programme (CP) in the senior years, indicating official authorization to run these IB programs. GESM is a member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), aligning with UNESCO's aims on sustainability and global citizenship. GESM is recognized by UNESCO as a UNESCO school, confirming its status within UNESCO's network of schools dedicated to sustainable development and global citizenship. GESM follows a German curriculum in the German section and also offers curricula from Cambridge Assessment International Education, reflecting a dual European/International standards framework. GESM is part of the German-speaking network of German Schools Abroad, under the Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA), and is described as being within a globally recognized German schools abroad system. GESM's curricula include Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge) as part of the international section, alongside the German curriculum and the IB framework.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Admissions Process: 1. Submit a complete application with all required documents. These include a completed application form and health form, certified copies of academic records from the last two years, two confidential evaluation forms from a former teacher and a principal or guidance counselor, three passport-sized photos, a birth certificate or Family Registry, a copy of the applicant's passport, and immunization records. If an employer will pay the school fees, include a letter on the employer's letterhead. For foreign applicants, also provide the visa page and a copy of the Alien/Immigrant Certificate of Residence (ACR/ICR). Filipino applicants are welcome, but the Board of Directors limits Filipino enrollment to no more than one-third of the student body. 2. The Admissions Office schedules the testing and interviews once the complete packet is received; testing is standard across candidates and may include language-skills assessments for non-native English speakers. Arrive on time for the testing session, and be prepared for a follow-up interview with the applicant and at least one parent or guardian. 3. After testing, the Admissions Committee reviews results and conducts the interview, with final admission decisions communicated to families. If accepted, families proceed to the next step to secure a space. 4. Upon notification of acceptance, submit the Slot Reservation Deposit (US$500) and sign the Admissions and Enrollment Agreements within the allotted five working days to secure a place in the class. The Admissions Office will provide the enrollment documents and answer any questions about next steps. 5. If a space is not immediately available, the family may be placed in a wait pool. A wait pool deposit (US$600) may be paid to be placed in the pool, but Brent does not guarantee a space will open. The applicant remains in the wait pool for the current academic year unless the family withdraws. 6. If admitted, complete the enrollment process; for those reapplying after a prior application, a mandatory six-month waiting period applies before a new application can be submitted. In all cases, foreign applicants should arrange the required visa-related documents and maintain compliance with Philippine immigration rules. Sources outlining these steps include the documented admissions sequence and the visa/foreign-applicant notes used across Brent campuses.	Admissions 1. First contact. Interested families should reach out to the school and/or arrange a campus visit. The school welcomes inquiries and invites families to take a look at the campus and programs before deciding. 2. Submission of primary requirements. Start the process by submitting the online application form, the last two report cards or development reports, and the Confidential Student Evaluation Form completed by the child's previous homeroom teacher. For Kindergarten and Pre-Primary (ages 3–5), download the appropriate form; for Grade 1–12, use the form intended for older students. These documents help the school assess the child's prior learning and readiness. 3. Assessment and interview. After the primary documents are received, the child is scheduled for an assessment interview with the head teacher of the relevant department, which may be online or on campus. Students entering Grades 6–9 may also take an admissions test in Mathematics and/or English before the interview. Special arrangements are possible for Grades 10 and up. 4. Submission of the application form and other requirements. Complete the rest of the enrollment requirements, including Form I-C Physical Examination Form, Form I-DEx (optional), Form I-F Confidential Student Evaluation Form, copies of last two reports, birth certificate, passport, Philippine visa stamp (if applicable), immunization record, parents' passports, and a digital ID photo. All documents must be submitted in German or English; translations should be verified by the issuing body or an embassy-accredited translator. 5. Approval and enrollment. Once the forms are submitted and the student is assessed by the Head Teacher, the family receives an official admission confirmation from GESM. The letter will note any pending forms or requirements that still need to be completed. 6. Payment of fees. Following admission confirmation, an invoice is issued by the accounting office with the amount due and payment deadline. The school accepts cash, cheque, or bank transfer, and payment details are on the invoice. 7. First day of school. After fees are paid, the teachers or the secretariat contact the family with information about the first day of school, required materials, and other logistics. 8. Age requirements. Kindergarten can begin at age three if the child is toilet-trained, weaned, and can eat independently. Children progress from Kindergarten to Vorschule/Pre-Primary and then to Grade 1, with promotions based on age cut-offs (five turning five before August 31 advances to Vorschule, six turning six before August 31 enters Grade 1). Exceptions to the age rules can be made after discussion with the teachers.
Scholarships	Scholarships 3) Scholarships: Brent does not publish a formal scholarship program on its official materials. There is, however, a note in external sources that limited financial aid or discounts may be available to families with proven financial need, awarded at the Headmaster's discretion. Prospective families should inquire directly with admissions about any available financial aid or discount options and the application process for financial assistance.	Scholarships Scholarships: No scholarship program is documented on the school's published admissions or fees materials. The School Fees page lists the membership, entrance, and refundable deposit, plus tuition in Euro and PHP, with notes on currency options and payment timing, but it does not describe any scholarship awards or eligibility.
Waitlist	Waitlist 2) Waitlist/Pool: Brent uses a wait pool when a seat in the requested grade level is not immediately available. Families may choose to pay a refundable wait-pool deposit to be placed in the pool; there is no guarantee that a space will open. The name of the applicant may remain in the wait pool for the current academic year. If a space becomes available, the school will notify the family, after which the standard acceptance and enrollment steps apply. If a space does not become available, the family may reapply in a future year, subject to Brent's admissions policies. This wait-pool mechanism and its terms are described in Brent's admissions resources.	Waitlist Waitlist/Pool: There is no published waitlist or enrollment-pool procedure described in the admissions materials. The process published for enrollment moves from initial contact to required documents, assessment/interview, approval, and then enrollment, subject to available spaces.
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