QSI International School of Bratislava vs The British International School Bratislava

	Q QSI International School of Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia	T The British International School Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,400 - 28,000	Fees / year €12,640 - 27,530
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, American Curriculum, IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 230	Pupils 810
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1994	Opened 1997
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Záhradnícka 1006/2, Šamorín 93101, Slovakia	Location The British International School Bratislava has two campuses in the Dúbravka district of Bratislava, Slovakia. Maples (Nursery to Year 1) is Pekníkova 4, 841 02 Bratislava; Oaks (Year 2 to Year 13) is Pekníkova 6, 841 02 Bratislava. The campuses are about 8 km (approximately 15 minutes by car) from Bratislava city centre.
Stages	Stages Preschool; Elementary; Middle School; Secondary I-IV (14-17-Year-Old)	Stages Early Years (ages 2-5) EYFS; Primary (ages 5-11) English National Curriculum; Lower Secondary (ages 11-16) English National Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSEs; Upper Secondary (ages 16-18) IB Diploma Programme.
School type	School type International school within the Quality Schools International (QSI) network	School type The British International School Bratislava is a British international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 221 students preschool through Secondary IV; 29 nationalities represented; Class of 2026: 25 students representing 10 nationalities	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Intensive English program for students needing English language support; Special Needs are considered on a case-by-case basis; QSI Bratislava does not have a dedicated school-based learning support department	Additional learning support The school has a Learning Support policy clarifying SEN inclusivity.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with the United States Department of State's Office of Overseas Schools	Country affiliation Slovakia
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure School day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:40 p.m.; Enrichment/activities run from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.	School day structure Primary (Maples) day starts at 08:15 (drop-off from 07:45) and ends at 15:00, with Rockets after-school club 15:00–16:30 (Mon–Thu) and 15:00–16:00 (Fri). Oaks (Year 2–6) day begins with supervision from 07:45 and lessons at 08:15, with a morning break at 10:05 and lunch 12:00–13:00, finishing at 15:00; Secondary day runs 08:00–15:00, with registration at 08:00 and first lesson at 08:15.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus service from 10+ locations in and around Bratislava; Return buses after dismissal and after activities; Optional door-to-door service; Public bus service available with 2–4 options per hour to Bratislava city center	Bus service details Public transport is encouraged; bus routes include No. 84 and 83 from Hodžovo námestie and No. 32 from Hlavná stanica, with a tram option on No. 4 and No. 5; no dedicated BISB bus service is advertised.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration Fees - Registration fee: EUR 300 (one-time, non-refundable). Capital Fund & Other mandatory enrolment charges - Capital Fund Fee (ages 5–18): EUR 1,500 one-time. This fee is presented as split across terms: EUR 600 (Term 1), EUR 450 (Term 2), EUR 450 (Term 3). - Capital Fund Fee (ages 2½–4): EUR 0 for these classes. - Late-enrolment fee (ages 2½–4): EUR 750. - Late-enrolment fee (ages 5–18): EUR 2,650. - Discount (where applicable, ages 5–18): EUR 760–950 (see tuition contract for eligibility and application). Tuition fees by year group (amounts shown per term and per academic year) - Preschool (ages 2½–4) — Half day: - Term 1: EUR 3,300. - Term 2: EUR 2,800. - Term 3: EUR 2,800. - Whole year: EUR 8,900. - Preschool (ages 2½–4) — Full day: - Term 1: EUR 4,300. - Term 2: EUR 3,300. - Term 3: EUR 3,300. - Whole year: EUR 10,900. - Elementary / Middle / Secondary (ages 5–18): - Tuition (term amounts): Term 1 tuition EUR 10,500; Term 2 tuition EUR 8,000; Term 3 tuition EUR 8,000. - Capital Fund Fee added (split): Term 1 EUR 600; Term 2 EUR 450; Term 3 EUR 450. - Total per term including capital fund: Term 1 EUR 11,100; Term 2 EUR 8,450; Term 3 EUR 8,450. - Whole-year total including capital fund: EUR 28,000 (tuition-only whole-year figure shown as EUR 26,500; capital fund total EUR 1,500 yields the EUR 28,000 total). Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is billed by three terms (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3); published term amounts are shown above and the whole-year totals are provided. A tuition contract is issued to finalise registration and payment arrangements at acceptance. The one-time registration fee is required to hold a place. - Late-enrolment fees apply as stated above when students enrol after standard registration dates. Capital Fund Fee may be collected over the term payments as shown (EUR 600 / 450 / 450). Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable. QSI Bratislava operates as a day school; no boarding program or boarding fees are listed. Other costs and optional fees - Items listed as optional and charged in addition to tuition: lunch; transportation / busing program; overnight trips (Week Without Walls, ski trips); summer camp; extended/after-school activities for elementary students (gymnastics, golf, ceramics, swimming); middle school & secondary athletic wear (optional). Additional optional field trips, exams, or program-specific charges may apply and are charged separately. Refund information and withdrawal - The registration fee is one-time and non-refundable. To effect a student withdrawal the school requires submission of its Withdrawal Form; tuition-contract terms (as issued by the Business Office at registration) set contractual obligations related to withdrawal and any applicable refunds or charges. Fee payment options and bank details - Payment option provided: bank transfer. Bank details for payments are: - Beneficiary: Súkromná spojená škola Quality Schools - Bank: Slovenská sporiteľňa, a. s. - Bank Address: Tomášikova 48, 832 37 Bratislava, Slovakia - Bank Code: 0900 - SWIFT / BIC: GIBASKBX - IBAN: SK4809000000005167515447 - Payment instruction: include the student's first and last name in the payment information. - No alternative payment methods (for example, a school-posted credit-card payment option) are listed on the Business Office page; parents should follow the payment instructions on the tuition contract and Business Office communications.	Fee details One-off fees - Registration fee: EUR 900 (non‑refundable, payable on enrolment). - Deposit: EUR 1,200 (refundable subject to the school's withdrawal notice and account settlement conditions). - Application fee: EUR 900 (charged in lieu of the registration fee for applicants placed on a waiting list; refundable if no place can be offered by a mutually agreed date). Tuition fees (2026/2027) — annual and per‑term amounts (all amounts in EUR) - Nursery — Annual: EUR 12,640; Term 1: EUR 5,056; Term 2: EUR 3,792; Term 3: EUR 3,792. - Reception — Annual: EUR 16,020; Term 1: EUR 6,408; Term 2: EUR 4,806; Term 3: EUR 4,806. - Year 1 — Annual: EUR 20,140; Term 1: EUR 8,056; Term 2: EUR 6,042; Term 3: EUR 6,042. - Year 2 — Annual: EUR 20,140; Term 1: EUR 8,056; Term 2: EUR 6,042; Term 3: EUR 6,042. - Year 3 — Annual: EUR 21,290; Term 1: EUR 8,516; Term 2: EUR 6,387; Term 3: EUR 6,387. - Year 4 — Annual: EUR 21,290; Term 1: EUR 8,516; Term 2: EUR 6,387; Term 3: EUR 6,387. - Year 5 — Annual: EUR 21,290; Term 1: EUR 8,516; Term 2: EUR 6,387; Term 3: EUR 6,387. - Year 6 — Annual: EUR 21,290; Term 1: EUR 8,516; Term 2: EUR 6,387; Term 3: EUR 6,387. - Year 7 — Annual: EUR 24,170; Term 1: EUR 9,668; Term 2: EUR 7,251; Term 3: EUR 7,251. - Year 8 — Annual: EUR 24,170; Term 1: EUR 9,668; Term 2: EUR 7,251; Term 3: EUR 7,251. - Year 9 — Annual: EUR 24,170; Term 1: EUR 9,668; Term 2: EUR 7,251; Term 3: EUR 7,251. - Year 10 — Annual: EUR 24,990; Term 1: EUR 9,996; Term 2: EUR 7,497; Term 3: EUR 7,497. - Year 11 — Annual: EUR 25,800; Term 1: EUR 10,320; Term 2: EUR 7,740; Term 3: EUR 7,740. - Year 12 — Annual: EUR 26,720; Term 1: EUR 10,688; Term 2: EUR 8,016; Term 3: EUR 8,016. - Year 13 — Annual: EUR 27,530; Term 1: EUR 11,012; Term 2: EUR 8,259; Term 3: EUR 8,259. What the tuition covers and what it does not cover - Included in tuition: tuition, textbooks and teaching materials, specialist English language teaching, learning support (except where bespoke 1:1 provision is agreed), IGCSE and IB exam fees, and most local trips. - Not included in tuition: school meals, school uniforms, optional school bus transportation, and certain optional after‑school activities or residential trips. Optional services and activities will be invoiced separately. Other costs and optional fees - Optional extracurricular activities, instrumental music lessons, residential trips, examination retakes/remarks and other optional services are charged in addition to tuition. - School bus service is provided by the external bus operator; bus service invoices are managed separately and payments for the bus service may be made by cash or bank transfer to the bus operator as stated in the bus service terms. - School lunches and uniforms are paid separately and are not covered by the tuition amounts above. Billing schedule and payment terms - Early Bird incentive: a 3.5% discount on the full‑year tuition is available when the full annual tuition is paid by the Early Bird deadline for the year (for the 2026/2027 school year this payment deadline is 30 June 2026). The 3.5% reduction is shown on the annual invoice when applied. - Standard termly due dates for 2026/2027 (if not taking the Early Bird option): Term 1 due date — 30 June 2026; Term 2 due date — 13 November 2026; Term 3 due date — 15 February 2027. - The deposit is refundable provided the required written withdrawal notice is given in accordance with the school's terms; the deposit may be forfeited if correct notice is not given. Final refund is conditional on all accounts being settled and school property returned in good order. Refunds and withdrawal notice - Withdrawal notice: one (1) full term's written notice is required before removing a student from the school. The notice period commences on the first day of the school term following the term in which the school received the withdrawal notice. Failure to give the correct notice will result in forfeiture of the deposit. Full refund of the deposit is subject to clearance by the finance office that all accounts are settled and all school property has been returned; lost or damaged property is charged at replacement cost. Boarding fees (if applicable) - Boarding: Not applicable. The school does not offer boarding facilities. Fee payment options - The fee schedule and invoices set out payment deadlines and invoice amounts; optional services (for example the school bus) specify available payment methods such as cash or bank transfer to the relevant service provider. - Referral award payments (where applicable) are paid as a credit on fees or, in the case of annual payers, by bank transfer as set out in the school's referral scheme conditions. Summary of key points for 2026/2027 - One‑off fees: Registration EUR 900, Deposit EUR 1,200, Application EUR 900. - Tuition: annual and per‑term amounts are listed above by year group (EUR). - Early Bird: 3.5% discount for full payment by 30 June 2026; otherwise termly payment dates apply (30 June 2026; 13 November 2026; 15 February 2027). - Boarding: not offered.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements No boarding; the school is an independent, coeducational day school. A paid shuttle bus service to/from the campus is available from different locations in and around Bratislava.	Boarding arrangements The school does not offer boarding facilities. Some older students live in a dormitory at a local high school near BISB campuses.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Reception to Year 6 wear BISB uniform; All uniform items (except trousers and shorts) should bear the official Nord Anglia Education logo. Secondary students wear a uniform and must order through TRUTEX; PE kit is required and guidance covers hair, makeup and jewellery.
Food options	Food options Lunch program and information are offered. Lunch plans have options for ECC/Elementary (3–10 years) and for Middle School/Secondary (11–18 years); participation is optional. Orders must be placed by 8:30 a.m. and paid in cash. There is a Korean lunch option with a separate sign-up form, and a Lunch Menu is available.	Food options Hot lunches are provided through the catering partner Little Chef; students can also bring packed lunches. Morning snacks are available, and lunches/snacks can be signed up for online via Little Chef.
House system	House system —	House system On entry, children are placed in a house team. Each House has a colour; house events are planned each term and house points determine the House Champions.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The School is governed by the Board of Directors and Bylaws of Quality Schools International, a consortium of over 37 schools in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. An Advisory Board, composed of 6 to 10 members who reside in Bratislava, assists the school in its operation. The school operates with the approval of the Slovak Ministry of Education.	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Nord Anglia Education family of premium international schools.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details The school teaches the English National Curriculum up to Year 9; Cambridge IGCSEs in Years 10–11; International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Years 12–13.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Average class size is 20, and the teacher-student ratio in Early Years is 1:8.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IB Diploma results for the 2024/25 academic year: average score 36.3; 22.7% of students scored 40+; pass rate 98%; one student scored 45.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates go on to top universities worldwide, including Cambridge, MIT, and the University of Hong Kong.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school has a dedicated pastoral care team that provides personalised care, support and guidance to students to help them thrive. The learning environment is safe and inclusive, and well-being is central to everyday school life. The school supports social and emotional development through a holistic approach that includes access to Nord Anglia Education's Global Campus learning platform for global projects and experiences. The school recognises the importance of well-being in academic success and fosters resilience and positive relationships with teachers and peers.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has a Learning Support policy and accepts students with highlighted learning needs, defined by the Learning Support Coordinator. Younger children displaying learning difficulties receive targeted support, and BISB will assist families in finding an alternative school if it cannot accommodate a child's needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) department that helps students become fluent English speakers and immerse in the British curricula. EAL support is personalised and differentiated, with six-week Language Intensive programmes at the start of terms, plus one-to-one, group, and after-school support. EAL teachers provide resources on Firefly and Language Nut and support Cambridge Young Learner exams. Some students may receive English as a modern foreign language support to access lessons in English.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The pastoral care team focuses on mental wellbeing and provides personalised care and guidance to support students' emotional health. BISB promotes a safe and inclusive environment where students can develop confidence and resilience. Wellbeing is integrated into school life through pastoral support, counselling services where available, and a range of activities that promote mental health. The school's wellbeing approach is designed to help students form positive relationships and manage stress and challenges.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school maintains safeguarding and child protection policies to promote the safety and wellbeing of students. BISB has an abridged Policy on Safeguarding, Child Protection and Promoting the Wellbeing, outlining procedures and responsibilities for staff, pupils, and families.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The British International School Bratislava sits in peaceful, green surroundings about 20 minutes from Bratislava city centre. The school operates across three campuses with bright classrooms, creative outdoor spaces, and spaces for sports and performing arts. Facilities include six science labs and an ICT room with the latest EdTech, dedicated primary and secondary libraries, and a 200-seat theatre with a large screen, air-conditioning and professional sound and lighting. The youngest learners have stimulating playgrounds, and there are modern indoor and outdoor sports facilities alongside a Creative Arts Centre with a design and technology room, dance studio, drama room, and art and music rooms. Located in the quiet suburb of Dubravka, the campuses combine creative spaces with up-to-date technology to support future-focused learning.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Sport and physical activity are a big part of BISB's school experience. The facilities include indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, including bubble gyms for winter, a 200-metre athletics track, a multi-purpose all-weather pitch, and 1.2 square kilometres of playing fields. Basketball courts and other modern indoor and outdoor spaces support a wide range of teams and activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities BISB provides six science labs and an ICT room with the latest EdTech, plus dedicated primary and secondary libraries. Technology-enabled classrooms, laboratories and libraries across the campuses support modern learning. The Creative Arts Centre includes a dedicated design and technology room, dance studio, drama room, and art and music rooms to foster creativity alongside STEM subjects.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities BISB offers more than 70 extra-curricular clubs. The STEAM programme with MIT enriches science and technology experiences, and the collaboration with The Juilliard School enhances performing arts education. Nord Anglia's Global Campus learning platform connects BISB students with peers worldwide for joint projects, and there are life-changing residential trips.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History The British International School Bratislava (BISB) was founded in Bratislava in 1997 by Nord Anglia Education. It opened with 42 students. Today BISB serves over 800 students from more than 40 countries. The school has offered Model United Nations and The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award for more than 15 years, and collaborated with The Juilliard School and MIT, including life-changing expeditions to Tanzania. The class of 2008 was the first BISB cohort to follow the IB Diploma Programme, and in 2025 BISB students achieved 36.3 IB points, the highest in Europe within the Nord Anglia network.
Community	Community —	Community The school is a diverse community with students and families from more than 40 countries. It fosters an inclusive, nurturing environment where students feel safe and supported, with opportunities inside and outside the classroom and pathways to universities around the world.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Your child will discover a world of opportunities at BISB. There are more than 70 extra-curricular activities, clubs and trips covering art, music, drama, sports, science and languages. Primary clubs include football academy and tennis; basketball, volleyball, athletics and fitness; specialist art, sculpture, crafts and cartoon creation; coding, robotics, stop-motion animation, STEAM and computer programming; chess, board games, Lego and construction; go green eco club, forest skills, nature club and cookery; street dance, drama and our young voices choir. Secondary activities are organised around six themes, including sports, performing arts, culture, wellbeing, STEAM and service.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Art, music and drama are central to BISB's extra-curricular offering. The peripatetic music programme provides one-to-one tuition in piano, violin, cello, flute, Slovak folk instrument (fujara), ukulele, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, saxophone, recorder, trombone, trumpet and voice, with more than 400 children currently taking part. Students also express themselves through exhibitions, musical performances, class assemblies and stage shows as part of the performing arts programme. BISB participates in Global Campus platform initiatives and competitions.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Languages are included among BISB's extra-curricular activities. Secondary trips to museums and galleries bring culture and history to life. BISB provides global experiences through Nord Anglia's opportunities, including the Tanzania expedition. Young leaders are encouraged to enrol on COBIS leadership training.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies The secondary extra-curricular programme is organised around six themes: sports, performing arts, culture, wellbeing, STEAM and service. Clubs take place during break time (10:15–10:45), lunchtime (12:45–13:45) and after school Monday–Wednesday (15:00–16:30) Thursday–Friday (15:00–16:00). Activities include street dance, drama and our young voices choir, film and art, coding, robotics, stop-motion animation, eco club, forest skills, nature club and cookery. Students can take part in high-profile events such as the International Award, the Tanzania expedition, the Young Enterprise Award and Maths and Science Challenges.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The programme includes service-oriented opportunities as part of the six themes, with events like the International Award and the Young Enterprise Award supporting community-minded and entrepreneurial experiences. Secondary activities also include Maths and Science Challenges and other global expeditions.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional All students reflect on and record their progress through the BISB Diploma, which gives students confidence and encourages responsibility, teamwork and leadership. The Diploma formalises leadership development through ongoing project work and collaborative activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The secondary programme emphasises wellbeing alongside sports, performing arts, culture, STEAM and service. Break time, lunch and after-school clubs support a balanced schedule, with Rockets providing safe, supervised after-school care for nursery to Year 1. The programme also includes physical activity, outdoor experiences and wellness-focused opportunities.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Primary, Secondary and the IB Diploma Programme teach six languages: English, Slovak, French, German, Spanish and Korean. Slovak lessons are offered to local Bratislava students to support the Slovak curriculum and the Slovak Maturita. Early Years is taught in English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions Make an enquiry. BISB offers places all year round for children aged from 2 to 18. Learn about entry requirements and discuss your child's needs by contacting the admissions team. They answer questions and guide you through each stage of the process. Enjoy a guided tour. The best way to discover BISB is to take a tour, either in person or online. You will meet BISB staff and see classrooms and facilities as part of the tour. A personalised tour can be arranged through the admissions team. Send us your application. Applications are accepted all year round. We promise to respond within 24 hours (excluding weekends) of receiving your child's form. Complete online application and submit supporting documents: a copy of your child's passport, a copy of recent school reports, and any SEN reports (if applicable). If your child is joining in Year 7 or above, you will be invited to sit a short, age-appropriate assessment. Assessment. Every child who starts in Year 7 or above will take a short assessment. Years 7-9 sit an online English language test, while Years 10-13 take English and maths tests and meet our Head of Secondary. The assessment is part of the admissions process. Placement. After you have completed the first four steps, and if BISB is the right fit for you and your child, BISB will offer a place. The admissions team will confirm the offer and discuss the start date. You will receive details about the place and enrolment paperwork. Starting school. With the place confirmed, BISB will provide information before the start date. You will be invited to a welcome day and a meeting with your child's teacher. BISB will ensure a warm welcome and smooth transition on the first days.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships The school offers financial support programmes.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist There is sometimes a waiting list. Contact the admissions team as early as possible to check availability and secure a place.
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