Compare British Curriculum International Schools in Nepal

The school is English medium and uses English as the language of instruction.

BNKS provides guidance counseling for college-bound students. A Board of Counselors oversees the service.

Dhapakhel, Lalitpur, Bagmati Province, Nepal. Located in the Lalitpur (Patan) area of the Kathmandu Valley.

IPC is offered for Grades 1-5. IMYC is implemented from Grade 6 and Grades 6-12 are served by the BIA (Beginners, Intermediary and Advanced Programme). GEAP covers Grades 1-5, while BIA covers Grades 6-12.

Nepal

The school uses the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) as a framework to deliver the national curriculum for Grades 1–5, and is implementing the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) in Grade 6 from the academic session 2023 (2080).

The school takes admissions in Grades 1 and 4. Admissions into other grades will depend solely upon vacancies arising, if any, at the end of the current academic session, in any specified grade. However, register your interest with the relevant information and the school will get in touch with you if / when a vacancy arises, for starting the admission process.

The school is in Lalitpur, Nepal, about 7km south of Kathmandu. Postal address: P.O. Box 2714, Lalitpur, Nepal. The site offers views of the Himalayan mountains.

Primary and Secondary

Not-for-profit international Christian school

Approximately 220 students come from around 20 countries.

The Student Support Faculty supports all pupils across the Primary and Secondary Schools with Individualised Education Plans for students referred for learning differences. We cannot accommodate physical or severe learning disabilities at this site due to staffing and space limitations.

Christian

KISC runs one bus and two vans each school day morning and afternoon. The bus travels to the Kathmandu side of the city; one van travels to the Patan area and another to the Godavari area.

No school uniform; students follow the KISC dress code.

The pupils are offered a school lunch each day, cooked on site from fresh produce. There is no on-site snack service noted.

Houses are Dhaulagiri, Makalu, and Annapurna. Inter-house events include sports and music activities; house T-shirts are available for students.

KISC is owned by Human Development and Community Services (HDCS), a Nepali NGO. The School Management Committee (SMC) governs KISC and includes representatives of parents and staff, HDCS, and a Ministry of Education representative; the committee meets six times a year.

KISC delivers an international Cambridge curriculum. The Primary Curriculum covers Language Skills, Mathematics, Science, World Around Us, PSHE, and Bible, plus Related Arts (Library, Art, ICT, Music, PE). Language instruction emphasizes reading, writing, grammar and spelling, with a word‑study approach to spelling. In Secondary (Grades 9–12), Cambridge International Education (CIE) is taught, with IGCSE in Grades 9–10 and AS/AL in Grades 11–12, culminating in Cambridge external examinations. The school uses resources from around the world to support its international student body and maintains optima class sizes and a holistic approach to learning. The Duke of Edinburgh Award program and a Leadership Course complement academics, and graduates have been accepted into universities worldwide.

Examinations follow Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). IGCSE is studied in Grades 9–10 and AS/AL in Grades 11–12, with external Cambridge assessments. Grades are reported under Cambridge guidelines, and the school provides a GPA through an external provider to universities when required for admission; the school does not internally rank students. Detailed results data for recent cohorts are published in the school profile.

Graduates have been accepted into top universities worldwide, including Australia (Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, University of Wollongong), Canada (Memorial University of Newfoundland, Ontario Tech, University of Waterloo, York University), the United Kingdom (Cardiff University, Royal College of Art, University of Birmingham, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, University of London, University of Southampton, University of Westminster), and the United States (Amherst College, Baylor University, Biola University, Calvin University, among others). The School Profile lists additional institutions across the US, UK, Canada, Australia and beyond.

SEL is embedded in the KISC Primary Curriculum. Language Skills and PSHE are taught as part of everyday learning. The curriculum intentionally combines academics with social and emotional learning to help students collaborate, disagree respectfully and take responsibility for their own learning. Pastoral Care provides ongoing encouragement, support and guidance across the whole school community. The program aims to create a safe, trusting environment, promote positive student interactions, and help students develop personal, social, and emotional skills.

Student Support exists to assist all students across the Primary and Secondary Schools, focusing on different learning styles and requirements. An Individualised Education Plan (IEP) is developed for students referred to the Faculty. If a student has suspected Specific Learning Difficulties, a diagnostic assessment is offered to inform the IEP. There are current site and staffing limitations that prevent accommodating students with physical disabilities or severe learning disabilities.

Health & well-being include a school doctor on site every school day who provides health services and health education. Trained first aiders are available on site for immediate care. Covid protocols apply for positive cases or close contacts. Pastoral Care focuses on encouraging and supporting students, maintaining a safe and trusting environment, and fostering positive interaction among students.

HDCS Child Safeguarding Policy provides a framework to protect children from harm and create a child-friendly environment. KISC operates under the HDCS Policy with a supplementary KISC Appendix. KISC is a member of the Child Safety and Protection Network. Safeguarding concerns can be reported to the Child Safeguarding Focal Personnel or via the reporting mechanism. The Focal Personnel include Hannah Stewart (Primary), Genevieve Allen (Secondary), Lauri Lind (Secondary) and Krishna Bohara (EQUIP).

1. Contact Us: Request information about KISC with the Admissions Coordinator and check availability in the child's expected entry grade.

2. Schedule a tour: Experience the environment and atmosphere of the school by visiting with a guided tour arranged by the Admissions Coordinator.

3. Complete an application: The online application fee is USD 100; submit the required documentation; an application does not guarantee acceptance; you will receive an email from the Admissions Coordinator within two weeks with next steps. The age/placement check is by August 1; children entering Pre-K must be 4 by the start of the term; the teacher will assess readiness for progression.

4. Testing: Academic testing for Pre-K through Grade 12, scheduled by the Admissions Coordinator; information for students whose first language is not English is provided; a minimum English level is required to enroll; if not met, a retest is possible after six months; an English Language Learner (ELL) program is available for admitted students.

5. Parent Interview/Enrollment: Within two weeks of testing, acceptance for enrollment is communicated by email; if admitted, a meeting with the Head of the Primary School or the Head of the Secondary School is arranged to discuss enrollment.

Scholarships are offered through a formal application process. The Scholarship Application collects information including student name, year group in the coming academic year, whether a Nepali parent is present, and a Financial Questionnaire with questions on family income, assets, expenditures and other circumstances. Scholarships are limited and awarded based on need relative to other students in the KISC community; funds come from fees paid by other students; scholarships are awarded for one year only. The Scholarship Committee requires complete and accurate information; misrepresentation can result in loss of the scholarship. The Scholarship Application is accessible via Forms & Information; scholarship outcomes are communicated with signatures and dates.

The school is located at Sri Durbar Tole, Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur, Nepal.

The school has The Rato Bangala School Early Childhood Centre (Pre-Kindergarten) and Lower School (Grades I–III); Middle School (Grades IV–VI); Upper School (Grades VII–X); and A Level.

The school is a co-educational day school that also houses a teacher training institute.

Nepal.

The school operates as a day school.

A warm and healthy lunch is served daily to all students and staff; primary-grade students receive an additional snack at the dining hall.

The school operates as a day school with sister organizations including Rato Bangala Kitab and Rato Bangala Foundation; RBPOP is a UNESCO-awarded public-private outreach partnership; it has historical affiliation with Bank Street College of Education in New York.

Rato Bangala School offers Lower School (Grades I–III), Middle School (Grades IV–VI), Upper School (Grades VII–X), and A-Level (Grades XI–XII). Lower and Middle School curricula focus on holistic development with Language Arts in Nepali and English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and Digital Literacy, supported by specialist teachers in ICT, Nepali, Physical Education, Visual Arts, Music, Gymnastics, and Martial Arts. Chinese is taught as a foreign language in collaboration with Confucius Institute at Kathmandu University, and Newari is taught in Grade IV. Upper School continues hands‑on, project‑based learning with core subjects taught by class teachers and specialist support, while emphasizing social‑emotional growth through progress reports. For Grades XI–XII, Rato Bangala follows the Cambridge Assessment International Examinations GCE A‑Level curriculum; the school is a registered Cambridge Center NP704, and A‑Level results have been consistently strong with Cambridge awards for high marks in Nepal and around the world.

A‑Level results have been consistently strong, with Cambridge awards for the highest marks in the world and in Nepal. The school is a registered Cambridge International Examination Center (NP704). The SEE and A‑Level results have been excellent, with Rato Bangala students winning Cambridge awards for top marks.

Rato Bangala provides a strong college counseling program for A‑Level students, guiding college applications and admissions. College placements of RBS students are among the best in the region. Cambridge A‑Levels are internationally recognized for higher education entry, and Rato Bangala is registered as a Cambridge NP704 center. The school supports students with guidance to pursue higher education internationally.

The school centers on a progressive, child-centered approach and operates as a co-educational day school that also houses a teacher training institute, using the Rato Bangala Method to guide instruction.

The site does not specify SEN provisions on the pages provided.

The site does not specify EAL provisions on the pages provided.

The site does not specify mental wellbeing programs on the pages provided.

The site does not specify safeguarding policies on the pages provided.

Waiting list forms are available for Grades II, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII. The School Office will contact applicants should there be a vacancy. Applicants must complete the waiting list form and follow the standard admission procedure.

Located in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, Nepal. Jhamsikhel is a neighbourhood in Lalitpur within the Kathmandu Valley. The mailing address is PO Box 566 Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. The school can be contacted at +977-1-5421794.

Primary School (Foundation 1 to Year 6). Secondary School (Year 7 to A Levels).

The British School Kathmandu is a fee-paying, not-for-profit, independent, international school delivering the English National Curriculum.

Approximately 500 students from over 40 nationalities; the largest international group is British nationals.

A large proportion of students are multilingual and learn English as an Additional Language (EAL). A Supported Immersive Model (SIM) is used for EAL. The school provides Learning Support for a range of needs, including Speech and Language Therapy, school counselling, and a dedicated ALN team.

British affiliation; patronage by the British Embassy in Nepal.

Arrival is between 8:00 and 8:15 am. Foundation 1 to Year 1 go straight to their classroom, while Years 2–6 line up in front of the primary buildings. Secondary students go to their lockers and mentor rooms for mentor time. Children should not be left unsupervised anywhere on the school grounds before 8:00 am.

Yes. A transportation service covers most areas of Kathmandu and Patan. For routes and seat availability, contact the Finance department.

Uniform is not compulsory except for PE. A PE tracksuit is worn in winter and a house shirt is worn year-round. Polo shirts and PAWs polo shirts are available from the school shop.

School lunches are provided by two contracted caterers, Khaja Ghar and Yellow Bambou, offering vegetarian options with Western and Nepali choices. Packed lunches may be brought from home and heated on site; lunch drop-offs are not allowed. The school recognises special diets and allergies, with parents responsible for ensuring healthy packed lunches; it is not a nut-free school.

Houses are Dhaulagiri (Red), Kanchenjunga (Blue), Annapurna (Yellow), and Makalu (Green). A house shirt is worn year-round and inter-house events are part of school life.

The British School Kathmandu is a not-for-profit, non-selective school overseen by a Board of Governors elected from the parent body. The Board includes parents, staff and colleagues from partner organisations. The school is a member of COBIS, FOBISIA and Quality Kathmandu Schools (QKS).

English is the language of instruction and the school delivers the English National Curriculum. The International Primary Curriculum is followed in the Primary School from Foundation 1 to Year 6, alongside the English National Curriculum in Mathematics and English. Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel syllabi are followed for IGCSE and A Level examinations. The school accommodates students from Foundation 1 in Primary to A Levels in Secondary. The primary years combine the International Primary Curriculum with the English National Curriculum, while the secondary years follow UK qualifications through IGCSE and A Levels. [turn0search1]

Most primary classes are around 22–23 students; secondary classes are smaller. There is a learning support to student ratio of 1 academic professional to every 4 learners. [turn0search0]

North American destinations include the University of British Columbia (UBC), Brown University, New York University, Rhode Island School of Design, and the University of Michigan. United Kingdom destinations include University College London (UCL), Bristol, Kent, University of the Arts London, Leeds Art College, Chester and UWE Bristol. In Europe, destinations include ESMOD Paris and LCI Barcelona; in Australia, universities include the University of Sydney, UNSW, University of Melbourne and Monash University. [turn1search0]

The school has a pastoral care system focusing on the wellbeing of the whole student, including long-term academic, personal and social development. The mentor is the primary pastoral carer, supported by specialist teachers and the Pastoral Leadership Team. The PSHE curriculum provides opportunities to develop values and morals that help students thrive in an ever-changing world. The school promotes a growth mindset, encouraging students to recognise their strengths and areas for development, take risks and contribute kindly to the community. Attendance and punctuality are emphasised as important aspects of wellbeing and successful learning.

The school follows an inclusive model and welcomes applications from all. It offers a range of support based on the UK SEND framework, with a Learning Support department guiding provision. There are two levels of support: Class Action (up to 15 hours per week) with an IEP and access to Speech and Language Therapy, and School Action (more than 15 hours per week) with curriculum modifications and access arrangements for IGCSE. Progress is monitored by the Learning Support team, Heads of Key Stage, parents and teachers, and students may be added to the LD Register or Initial Concern Register as appropriate. English Language Learners receive targeted EAL support, assessed and tracked through NASSEA steps.

The majority of students at The British School Kathmandu are multilingual and come from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. New-to-English students spend the first two to six weeks in class to become familiar with routines, settings, teachers and peers. Students are assessed using the NASSEA steps across Listening and Understanding, Speaking, Reading and Writing to determine language progression. An EAL Pupil Profile is created and students enter one of three EAL programs as they progress through NASSEA steps. The aim of all EAL provision is full inclusion in the mainstream classroom while supporting social and emotional wellbeing.

Mental health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual recognises their potential, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively and contribute to their community. School-based counselling is part of a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing, offering on-going prevention and intervention strategies and one-to-one support for those who voluntarily seek it. The counselling service works with the pastoral team to provide guidance, crisis management and referrals, and supports transition programmes and parental education.

The school is committed to safeguarding and child protection. Staff and visitors comply with safeguarding procedures and policies, and all staff are vetted and receive training. Safeguarding is central to the school's role, including responding to concerns or disclosures, supporting students emotionally and practically, and maintaining a safe campus. The school draws guidance from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Keeping Children Safe in Education, NSPCC and the British Gurkhas Nepal, with a dedicated safeguarding governor and a designated safeguarding lead to oversee policies and practice.

1. Complete the Online Registration forms, Medical information forms and EAL Pupil Profile (only for those students whose first language is other than English), which can be downloaded from the Registration Form section.

2. Provide a copy of the child's birth certificate and passport.

3. If the child has been to school before, submit copies of the last two years' reports and the contact details of the previous school's Principal or relevant class teacher.

4. Pay the non-refundable registration fee of £200 per child.

5. This process places the child on the waiting list; the date of registration is used for awarding places as and when they become available. When a place becomes available, the TBS Admissions Manager will contact the parents.

7. Children of all ages will be invited to participate in an age-appropriate entry assessment to ensure a smooth and supported transition into TBS.

8. If there are English as an Additional Language (EAL) needs, a further assessment may be required by the Learning Support Coordinator to ensure the school can meet the child's needs.

The school offers scholarships for those joining us for A-levels. The application process for scholarships is advertised annually and further details can be found in the admissions materials. A Scholarship Financial Declaration is part of the Online Registration Forms. In addition, current families experiencing temporary financial hardship may contact the school to discuss bursary options.

All registered children are placed on a waiting list maintained by the Admissions Manager, and parents are informed once places become available. Where demand exceeds the number of places, priority is given as follows:

1) United Kingdom, British Overseas Territory and Crown Dependency passport holders;

2) Sibling of current TBS child(ren);

3) Child(ren) of serving British Gurkhas Nepal staff;

4) Commonwealth country passport holders;

5) Passport holders of countries with no national school provision in Kathmandu;

6) Passport holders of countries with a national school provision in Kathmandu;

7) Nepali passport holders (Nepali passport holders must obtain a No Objection Letter from the Ministry of Education and submit it at registration);

8) Children are accepted throughout the academic year (subject to availability).

9) Children need to be registered and assessed before a place is offered.

10) For those outside Nepal or Kathmandu, an interim assessment may be arranged to consider a provisional place subject to on-site testing when in Kathmandu.