British International School - Barranquilla

Cra 30

2 – 906, Puerto Colombia, Colombia. The campus location is provided with a Maps and Directions link on the school page.

Preschool, Primary, and Secondary.

Private, co-educational bilingual school.

United Kingdom (Colombian-British bilingual education with IB and Cambridge programmes)

The British International School of Barranquilla provides a bilingual Colombian-British education for Preschool, Primary, and Secondary. Early Years combines the best practices of the United Kingdom and the Cambridge University curriculum with Colombian requirements. In Secondary the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB) is implemented from Year 7 to Year 11, preparing students for the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The DP offers six subjects: three at higher level and three at standard level, spanning languages, social sciences, sciences and mathematics, with the sixth subject from Arts or other options. The IB emphasises active learning and international-mindedness, and the school supports a trilingual approach with Spanish, English and French.

In 2025 IB exam results were exceptional.

Graduates have been accepted by universities in Colombia (Universidad del Norte, Universidad de los Andes, Universidad Javeriana, Universidad del Rosario, Universidad de la Sabana, CESA, Colegiatura de Medellín), the United States (Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, Northeastern University, Penn State, Purdue, SUNY Oswego, University of Colorado Boulder), Spain (IE University, Universidad de Navarra), and the United Kingdom (Nottingham Trent University).

The Social Behaviour programme is a core pillar of the school's educational approach. It focuses on developing social and emotional skills alongside academic learning. It fosters values such as respect, tolerance, empathy, honesty and responsibility. It aims to prepare students to become ethical leaders with strong human and social interaction skills for contemporary life. It includes activities inside and outside the classroom, such as community service, cultural events, debates, student leadership, and collaborative projects to promote intercultural understanding and openness to the world.

The school has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator. A dedicated wellbeing team includes a Year 8–10 psychologist, a Primary psychologist, an Early Years psychologist, an Early Years Speech Therapist, and additional psychologists, providing support across the school for students with emotional and academic needs.

The BIS is bilingual in English. English is taught with the same program of academic English as students whose native language is English, with immersion beginning from Reception. French is learned as a third language from Year 6.

There is a network of emotional support with interdisciplinary professionals who accompany students at different stages of academic and socio-emotional development. The Wellbeing Committee plans, executes, monitors, and evaluates activities to foster a positive environment and healthy coexistence. The school provides comprehensive student support, personal situations management, and transitions support to help students succeed and integrate.

Anonymous Bullying Reports are available as a confidential reporting channel. The Wellbeing team, psychologists, and related safeguarding resources are part of the school's safeguarding framework to support students' safety and wellbeing.

1. Information Meeting. The Admissions Coordinator conducts an information meeting, in person or virtually, to explain BIS and address concerns. The school is bilingual and combines the national curriculum with the Cambridge International program and the International Baccalaureate, with French taught as a third language. The learning environment includes ongoing socio-emotional support to help students develop into well-rounded individuals. BIS accepts Nursery (3 years old by July 31) and Reception (4 years old by July 31); placements in Early Years are primarily offered, while Primary and Secondary placements depend on space and the applicant's demonstrated readiness for the level.

2. Fill out forms. The forms and documents must be completed on the Open Apply platform using the link sent by email. The Open Apply process can be completed remotely, allowing parents to update information during the process.

3. Admission Interview. After documentation is approved, an interview is scheduled with the psychologist in the corresponding section. Written tests are administered in Primary and Secondary schools, and all parents have an in-person interview with the school psychologist.

4. Process Results. Parents are informed of the result. If accepted, an appointment is scheduled with the Administrative and Financial Department to determine the educational investment.

Nsouli Scholars Programme is a global initiative that enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired's prestigious schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education, BIS included. The programme aims to expand the BIS community and provide opportunities in academics, sports, the arts, and extracurricular activities for learners from diverse backgrounds. Nadim Nsouli founded Inspired in 2013, and several scholarships are awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin as part of the programme. Inspired schools deliver a holistic, world-class education with access to specialist programs and transformative learning technologies to support each student's growth.