International British School of Bucharest vs Maarif International School of Bucharest
International British School of Bucharest and Maarif International School of Bucharest are both in Bucharest, about 10 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. International British School of Bucharest also offers British and EYFS, and Maarif International School of Bucharest also offers Bespoke, Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary). Published annual fees are RON 5,650 - 22,350 at International British School of Bucharest and RON 7,800 - 8,850 at Maarif International School of Bucharest, which puts International British School of Bucharest roughly 68% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. International British School of Bucharest is the larger school, with around 430 pupils to Maarif International School of Bucharest's 341.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
430
Pupils
341
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Romanian
Opened
Opened
2000
Opened
2020
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
21-25 Agricultori Street, District 2, Bucharest, Romania. IBSB is located in District 2 of Bucharest.
Location
The International Maarif School of Bucharest is located on a three-hectare site in Voluntari, northeast of Bucharest. The campus address is Bulevardul Pipera, Nr. 206 Bis, Voluntari, Ilfov. It is in the Pipera area with access from central Bucharest.
Stages
Stages
EYFS; Primary School; Secondary School.
Stages
The school offers Kindergarten, Primary, Middle School/Lower Secondary, and High School/Upper Secondary. The International Section follows the International Maarif Programme in Kindergarten and the Cambridge curriculum from Primary to Upper Secondary; the National Section follows the Romanian Curriculum. The International Section uses English as the language of instruction.
School type
School type
Day school.
School type
The school is a private school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
32 nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
English Support is provided.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Affiliated with Türkiye Maarif Foundation (Turkey).
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
EYFS: Gates open 8:15 am; 9:00 am registration; 9:00–3:00 learning; 3:00–5:00 pm After School Club (termly fee). Primary: Day starts at 8:30 am with morning line-up; 8:30–3:00 pm lessons; 3:00–3:50 pm clubs (Monday–Thursday). Secondary: Day starts at 8:30 am with morning registration; 8:40–3:50 pm lessons; 4:00–5:30 pm Afterschool Clubs (Monday–Thursday).
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
IMSB uses 10 buses to transport more than 100 students. Bus routes cover Pantelimon, Dudesti, Piata Unirii, Ferentari, Corbeanca, Dorobanti, Colentina, Voluntari, Cosmopolis and the Herastrau area. Buses are equipped with webcams for safety; pricing is per route.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Enrollment & application fees - Enrolment Deposit: EUR 3,500. This payment secures a place and is deducted from the total tuition fee; it is non-refundable in case of withdrawal. - Registration Fee (non‑refundable, first time only for new students): EUR 1,800 for the 1st child or each sibling; EUR 1,200 for the 3rd child; EUR 0 for the 4th child.
Tuition fees by year group (2026–2027) — annual and instalments - Nursery (Half‑day): Annual tuition EUR 7,350. 1st instalment EUR 4,410 (Aug 31 – Feb 28); 2nd instalment EUR 2,940 (Mar 1 – Jun 25). - Nursery & Reception (Full day): Annual tuition EUR 12,850. 1st instalment EUR 7,710 (Aug 31 – Feb 28); 2nd instalment EUR 5,140 (Mar 1 – Jun 25). - Primary School (Years 1–6): Annual tuition EUR 18,150. 1st instalment EUR 10,890 (Aug 31 – Feb 28); 2nd instalment EUR 7,260 (Mar 1 – Jun 25). - Middle School (Years 7–9): Annual tuition EUR 20,670. 1st instalment EUR 12,400 (Aug 31 – Feb 28); 2nd instalment EUR 8,270 (Mar 1 – Jun 25). - High School (Years 10–13): Annual tuition EUR 22,350. 1st instalment EUR 13,410 (Aug 31 – Feb 28); 2nd instalment EUR 8,940 (Mar 1 – Jun 25).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed on a two‑semester basis (two instalments per academic year). For 2026–2027 the fiscal semesters are: 1st instalment period Aug 31, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027; 2nd instalment period Mar 1, 2027 – Jun 25, 2027. Payment due dates specified are: 1st instalment due by August 05, 2026; 2nd instalment due by February 01, 2027. The school may adjust fees with 90 days' prior notice.
Sibling discount - A 10% sibling discount is offered where two or more siblings are registered; the discount is applied only to the youngest sibling.
Additional costs invoiced separately - Certain club and after‑school activities - Residential trips - Transportation - School lunch - School uniform - Events Fund - Re‑takes, remarks and external examination checks These items are invoiced in addition to the annual tuition.
What tuition covers - Certain clubs and school activities - Local educational trips - Class textbooks and software access - Stationery - IGCSE & AS/A‑level examinations (as listed in the fee details) Certain items are included within the tuition and others are charged separately as listed above.
Refund information - The Enrolment Deposit (EUR 3,500) is non‑refundable in case of withdrawal. The Registration Fee is non‑refundable. Annual tuition adjustments may be made with 90 days' notice.
Boarding - No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed; there are no boarding fees applicable.
Fee payment options - The published fee schedule specifies payment via "IBSB Direct Payments" in two instalments with the instalment periods and due‑by dates shown above. Specific payment channels (for example, explicit mention of credit card or bank transfer details) are not provided within the published fee schedule. For the 2026–2027 fee structure the school specifies the two‑instalment payment arrangement.
Fee details
Fees — 2026–2027 academic year
Application / Registration & Evaluation fees (non‑refundable) - Preschool (Mp1, Mp2, Mp3): N/A (no separate registration/evaluation fee). - International Section (Primary, Secondary, High School): EUR 250 per student (non‑refundable). - National Section: - Grădiniță: N/A (no separate registration/evaluation fee). - Ciclu Primar: EUR 250 (non‑refundable). - Ciclu Gimnazial: EUR 250 (non‑refundable). - Ciclu Liceal: EUR 250 (non‑refundable).
Tuition fees — annual (per year group) - Maarif Preschool Programme (per year): - Mp1 (3–4 years): EUR 7,500 per year. - Mp2 (4–5 years): EUR 7,500 per year. - Mp3 (5–6 years): EUR 7,500 per year. - International Section (Cambridge / International Maarif Programme): - Primary: EUR 8,000 per year. - Secondary: EUR 8,500 per year. - High School: EUR 9,000 per year. - National Section (Romanian curriculum): - Grădiniță: EUR 6,000 per year. - Ciclu Primar: EUR 6,500 per year. - Ciclu Gimnazial: EUR 7,000 per year. - Ciclu Liceal: EUR 7,500 per year.
Uniform fees (one‑off / per year as shown) - International Section: - Primary: EUR 250. - Secondary: EUR 300. - High School: EUR 350. - National Section: - Grădiniță: N/A. - Ciclu Primar: EUR 250. - Ciclu Gimnazial: EUR 300. - Ciclu Liceal: EUR 350. - Preschool uniform: N/A.
Books, educational & digital materials fees (one‑off / per year as shown) - Preschool (Mp1–Mp3): EUR 300 per year. - International Section: - Primary: EUR 350. - Secondary: EUR 400. - High School: EUR 800. - National Section (all listed cycles): EUR 250 per year (Grădiniță and Ciclu Primar/Gimnazial/Liceal as shown). - Note: Some subjects may require additional materials that are not included in the Educational Materials fee.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Registration is completed only after the first installment is paid. - A 5% discount applies for full (single‑payment) settlement of the tuition. - A 5% sibling discount applies where eligible. - The published fee list is identified for the 2026–2027 academic year and is noted as valid until May, when fees are updated. - Some subjects may require additional educational materials which are not included in the Educational Materials fee.
Boarding fees - No boarding fees appear in the publicly published fee schedule and no boarding provision is listed among the school services; the school operates as a day school (no boarding fees indicated).
Other costs and fees - The schedule above explicitly lists: registration/evaluation (non‑refundable) fees, uniform fees, and Books + Educational & Digital Materials fees. - The school lists additional services (for example catering and bus service) on its services menu, but specific charges for catering, bus transport or other optional services are not shown on the published fee page.
Refund information - The Registration & Evaluation charge shown on the fee schedule is labelled non‑refundable. - No further general tuition refund policy is published on the displayed fee sheet.
Fee payment options - The published fee image and the public admissions/registration pages do not specify accepted payment channels (for example, bank transfer, credit card or online payment) on the fee sheet itself.
(End of fee summary.)
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 school follows the National Curriculum of England for ages 3–18, with the Early Years Foundation Stage for Nursery and Reception; Primary (Years 1–6) and Secondary (Years 7–11) follow the National Curriculum, and Cambridge IGCSE is taken in Years 10–11; Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers Cambridge AS and A-Level courses.
Curriculum details
The school offers three curriculum streams across the year groups: the Romanian National Curriculum in the National Sections; the Cambridge Curriculum in the International Sections; and the International Maarif Programme for preschool. In Kindergarten, parents may choose the Romanian Curriculum (Romanian language of instruction) or the International Maarif Programme Curriculum (in English). The Romanian National Curriculum is taught in the National Sections for Primary, Middle School (grades 5–8), and High School (grades 9–12). The Cambridge Curriculum is taught in the International Sections for Primary and Secondary, with Cambridge IGCSE examinations in grades 9–10 and Cambridge A Levels in grades 11–12. The International Maarif Programme Curriculum is used for preschool (authorized and accredited by the Romanian Ministry of Education and ARACIP). After graduation, diplomas earned under the Cambridge or International Maarif curricula are equivalated by the Romanian Ministry of Education via CNRED.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
GCSE A-A* average for the Summer 2025 exam session was 57%. IGCSE and Cambridge AS/A-Level exams are scheduled twice a year.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
95% of IBSB graduates continue their studies at top universities worldwide. University destinations include Cambridge, Yale, University College London, London School of Economics, Bocconi University, University of Amsterdam, and others.
Higher education progression
Graduates may pursue higher education in Romanian and international universities, with Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels providing recognized qualifications for university admission in Romania and abroad.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
More Able and Talented is a whole-school approach with differentiated teaching and enrichment opportunities; IBSB is a member of the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE).
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
Enrolment starts at Nursery for children aged 3 or older on September 1. IBSB uses an open enrolment policy and does not exclude students based on academic ability; all students are assessed before they start and a programme is in place to support progress, including Extra English Support for those needing language assistance. New enrolments are considered from March; those submitted before February are placed on the waiting list, which is processed for the new academic year on March 1. You can visit the school by appointment to meet the Head of School or Executive Director and receive an official tour, and a day at the school can be arranged for prospective pupils. Enrolment during the year is possible if a place is available. The school uses Cambridge assessments: Cambridge Pupil Progress Tests in Primary, Checkpoint in Year 9, IGCSE in Years 10–11, and A Levels in Years 12–13; reports and communications with parents are online via the Schoolbase system. An initial Registration Fee of 1,000 and a deposit of 1,500€ are payable at enrolment, with termly payments due before the start of each term.
Admissions
1. Certificate of Studies for Previous School Years (Academic Grades, Conduct Grade, Disciplinary Records) is required for pre-enrolment. It records the student's academic history, conduct grade, and any disciplinary records. It should accompany the other pre-enrolment documents. It is part of the materials reviewed during the admissions process.
2. Copy: Birth certificate, Parents ID's, and Marriage/divorce certificate are required copies for pre-enrolment. They establish identity and family information. Ensure copies are legible and up-to-date. They accompany the pre-enrolment documents.
3. Original: Student School Transcript, Medical history form filled by a family doctor (school format), Immunization records / the student vaccination, and 4 recent passport-size photos are required originals. These originals verify academic history and health information. Ensure the photos are recent and clear. They accompany the pre-enrolment submission.
4. Medical History Form: Download the Medical History Form and bring it to the school once it has been completed by the family doctor. The form should be completed by the family doctor before submission. It should be presented as part of the pre-enrolment documents.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The IBSB Scholarship Programme is available annually for students entering Years 7–10 and Year 12, with up to three senior scholarships for 2026–2027. Scholarships cover approximately €15,000 per year, about 70% of the annual tuition and include a waiver of IBSB enrolment fees; recipients may also access mentoring and internship opportunities at Allianz-Țiriac. Applications open February 9 and close March 28; CAT4 and EPT assessments, plus special talent and subject assessments, occur in April; interviews are held on May 2; announcements follow on May 6 (with acceptance by May 8) or May 11 for unsuccessful results; if awarded, external candidates must register by May 30. Types of scholarships include Academic, Sporting, and Excellence in Creative Arts, each requiring a portfolio of evidence, CAT4 and EPT results, and other supporting materials.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
There is a waiting list for new enrolments; if you submit your new enrolment application before February you will be placed on the waiting list, which is processed for the new academic year on March 1. Enrolment during the year is possible if a place becomes available.