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Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages Sinhala, Tamil, French, Mandarin
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
The British School in Colombo is a long-established, co-educational day school offering a British curriculum from early years to the Sixth Form. The Junior School follows the English National Curriculum, while the Senior School delivers Cambridge IGCSE and A Level courses. The school teaches in English and serves around 1,400 students aged 2 to 18, with a campus housing both sections and sports facilities, a swimming pool, canteens and an auditorium. Since its foundation in 1994, the school has developed purpose-built science laboratories, libraries, computer rooms and age-appropriate specialist spaces to support progression through the grades. Across both schools, students can access a broad programme of extracurricular activities, including over 70 Junior School clubs and ten sport disciplines. The campus features an auditorium, a dedicated outdoor play area for the youngest pupils, and a sports terrace. Fixtures and activities extend learning beyond the classroom and foster participation, teamwork and leadership.
The British School in Colombo has 1,400 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.
Location
The school is located at 63 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka. It is in the Colombo 08 area of Sri Lanka's capital city. The main contact details include the main office telephone numbers +94 (011) 760-3400/1.
Stages
Junior School and Senior School.
Type
Co-educational Day School.
Pupil Nationality Mix
The school's student population is made up of over 53 nationalities.
Additional learning support
Special Education Needs Coordinator; Learning Support; EAL/ESOL; Shadow Teachers.
Country affiliation
United Kingdom
School day structure
The Junior School day starts at 7:30am; finish times vary by year, with Playgroup leaving at 11:30am and Year 6 leaving at 1:45pm; there is a morning break and after-school activities. The Senior School day comprises six 50-minute lessons per day with two breaks; all students must be in school by 7:30am; lunch is part of the timetable and after-school activities run in the late afternoon.
Fees
Application / Registration / Admission fees - A registration fee is charged for all admissions. This registration fee is non-refundable in all cases, including when a place is not taken up or when a returning student is re-admitted. - A refundable admission deposit of LKR 25,000 is charged at admission for all students except those entering Playgroup, Nursery and Reception; this deposit becomes payable when those younger pupils are promoted to Year 1. The deposit is refundable when the student leaves after deductions for any outstanding amounts and returned school property; refund is processed after completion of all formalities and within ten working days. - A one-time Building Maintenance Contribution is payable at the time of admission for most year groups; this contribution is non-refundable (with limited waivers described in school policy).
Tuition fees (per term / per year groups) - The school issues invoices prior to each of the three academic terms for most year groups; Years 11 and 13 (the public-exam cohort years) have their annual tuition billed across the first and second terms of the academic year. Term-by-term invoicing and the special billing arrangement for Years 11 and 13 are applied as standard practice. A 5% discount on term fees is applied when term fees are paid on or before the invoice due date. - The school's published Fees Policy and admissions information set out the billing method and the presence of one-off and additional charges, but the school's full current fee schedule (detailed tuition amounts by year group and by term) is provided as a separate fee schedule document. The detailed per-year and per-term tuition amounts were not available in the public policy pages and require reference to the school's current fee schedule document.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are issued prior to each term (three terms per year) except where annual tuition is billed for Years 11 and 13 across Term 1 and Term 2. Term fees must be paid by the date given on each invoice. Fees not paid after reminders and 15 days into term may result in refusal of entry or removal from the register. One complete school term's written notice to the Principal is required when a student intends to leave; failing to give this notice results in the usual term billing. - Term fees paid on or before the due date receive a 5% discount on term fees. Fees may be revised annually and may be increased during an academic year to reflect rising operational costs.
Accepted currencies and payment methods - Fees may be paid in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR) or British Pounds (GBP). The school's Accounts team supplies the conversion rate into LKR on request. - Payments are accepted at the School Accounts Department in cash or by cheque (cheques payable to the school's company name). Parents may deposit cash and cheques at any branch of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC for convenience, and the school supports online payments for parents with online banking facilities. The school also operates an online payment portal (online payment / payment logos visible on the payments page) and notes a convenience fee component on the payment portal.
Boarding fees - The British School in Colombo is an independent, co-educational international day school; boarding facilities are not applicable. No boarding fees are charged.
Other costs and regularly billed extras - Examination fees (public exam entries), university application fees, courier charges and similar third-party charges are billed separately and must be paid before entries/applications are submitted. Additional charges may be applied for class trips, sports competitions, tours, certain extra activities, additional materials and some extra-curricular items for pupils who participate. Textbooks are issued on payment of term fees and will not be issued while previous books are unaccounted for. - Uniform items are stocked in a school uniform shop on site; parents should expect to purchase required uniform items from that shop. Specific uniform item prices are not published in the uniform guide page.
Refunds and deposit handling - The one-time admission deposit of LKR 25,000 is refundable only when the student leaves the school, after settlement of any outstanding fees and return of all school property (library books, locker key, ID passes). The deposit is refunded after ten working days from completion of all required formalities. The registration fee is non-refundable. The Building Maintenance Contribution is non-refundable except where a specific waiver applies.
Consequences of non-payment and collection - The school reserves the right to refuse entry to students whose fees are in arrears and to remove students from the register if fees remain unpaid after two reminders and 15 days into term. The school will not submit examination entries, university applications or academic transcripts for any student whose fees are in arrears.
Summary of what could not be located publicly - The school's Fees Policy and admissions pages describe the billing method, deposits, building-maintenance contribution, payment options and additional charge categories, but the detailed current fee schedule showing the specific tuition amounts by year group (per term and per year) for the 2026/27 academic year (or for 2025/26 where 2026/27 is not yet published) is distributed separately as the school's current fee schedule document. The detailed numeric fee table by year group / per term was not present on the public policy or uniform pages that are accessible; the site's admissions pages link to a separate “current fee structure” document. To obtain precise per-term and per-year tuition amounts, that current fee schedule document is required.
Academics
The British School in Colombo teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 2 to 18.
Curriculum
Junior School follows the English National Curriculum as its core; Senior School follows Cambridge International Examinations for IGCSE and A Level; the medium of instruction is English.
Some graduates gain entry to leading universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard. Sixth Form leads to Cambridge International Examinations A Level qualifications, with most students completing three or four A Levels.
Gifted and Talented
Pupils who are gifted are challenged with extension activities to enable them to reach their potential in their gifted academic areas.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school delivers social and emotional learning through a structured pastoral system. All staff participate in pastoral care, and a Tutor is the daily point of contact for a student's academic and personal well‑being. The Senior School Pastoral Team is overseen by the Deputy Head (Pastoral), with Heads of Year coordinating welfare within each year group. The Medical Centre is fully staffed with a doctor and three nurses to address health needs. PSHE/PSHRE is taught to develop personal, social and leadership skills, and the Buddy system helps new students settle in. The House system fosters community and inter‑year social learning through regular assemblies.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Junior School uses the National Curriculum for England as a starting point and involves the Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) for children needing additional support, including the use of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) where required. Pupils requiring extra help receive academic support from Learning Support or the English as an Additional Language (EAL) department, as appropriate. The SEN provision focuses on identifying needs and providing targeted support to help pupils meet expected progress.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) department. On entry, pupils lacking English language skills are assessed to determine the level of support, which may include extra small‑group work or individual sessions provided by Learning Support or EAL staff.
Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care provides personal attention and welfare support, with Tutors and Heads of Year overseeing student well‑being. A Buddy system supports new students during transition, and a Medical Centre offers health guidance to the school community. PSHE/PHSE programs and assemblies reinforce wellbeing, personal development and life skills.
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, with safe recruitment practices, measures to protect pupils from abuse, and procedures to investigate concerns. A designated safeguarding team and contact points are in place, along with visitor guidelines to ensure on‑site safety.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Application and Interview. Applicants submit a completed application form and attend an interview with the Head of School or Principal. Students transferring from another school must provide their most recent school report. The school reserves the right to seek confidential references from previous schools.
2. Assessment and Trial Day. Applicants from Year 1 to Year 6 attend a Trial Day in school. Applicants undertake age-appropriate assessments as part of the admissions process. These may include a Speech and Language Test for Year 1, CAT4 assessment from Year 2 onwards with a mean score of 100, and an English proficiency assessment for Years 7–10 with a minimum required score of 60% or an equivalent level, with consideration for those whose first language is not English.
3. Review. Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of the applicant's academic readiness, social and emotional development, behavioural and learning profile, and the school's capacity to meet identified needs.
4. School-to-School Transfers and Safeguarding. Students transferring from another school must provide an official School Leaving Certificate or Transfer Certificate prior to enrolment. The document must confirm the final date of attendance, that the student is leaving in good standing, and that there are no outstanding safeguarding, welfare, or disciplinary concerns. Enrolment is not confirmed until this documentation is received and reviewed. The school reserves the right to delay, refuse, or withdraw an offer if information is incomplete or safeguarding concerns are identified.
5. Confirmation. Admission is confirmed only upon written approval issued by the principal. Verbal assurances do not constitute an offer. The Registrar sends an official email confirmation and the official offer letter confirming placement in BSC.
Waitlist
9. Waiting List Priority. Where year groups are full, places will be offered according to the following order of priority: 1. Date of application 2. Siblings of current students 3. Former BSC students 4. Children of BSC alumni 5. Children of BSC employees
FAQs
What curriculum does The British School in Colombo offer?
The British School in Colombo offers IGCSE, Cambridge, British, A Level curriculums. Junior School follows the English National Curriculum as its core; Senior School follows Cambridge International Examinations for IGCSE and A Level; the medium of instruction is English.
What age range does The British School in Colombo cater for?
The British School in Colombo accepts students from age 2 to 18. Junior School and Senior School.
What are the fees at The British School in Colombo?
**Application / Registration / Admission fees** - A registration fee is charged for all admissions. This registration fee is non-refundable in all cases, including when a place is not taken up or when a returning student is re-admitted.
Where is The British School in Colombo located?
The British School in Colombo is located in Sri Lanka. The school is located at 63 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka. It is in the Colombo 08 area of Sri Lanka's capital city. The main contact details include the main office telephone numbers +94 (011) 760-3400/1.
Is The British School in Colombo co-educational?
The British School in Colombo is a co-educational school. Co-educational Day School.
How do I apply to The British School in Colombo?
The admissions process at The British School in Colombo: 1. Application and Interview. Applicants submit a completed application form and attend an interview with the Head of School or Principal. Students transferring from another school must provide their most recent school report.
Does The British School in Colombo offer boarding?
No boarding is offered; the British School in Colombo is an independent coeducational international day school.
What learning support does The British School in Colombo provide?
The British School in Colombo provides learning support services. The Junior School uses the National Curriculum for England as a starting point and involves the Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) for children needing additional support, including the use of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) where required.
Does The British School in Colombo offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
The school has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) department. On entry, pupils lacking English language skills are assessed to determine the level of support, which may include extra small‑group work or individual sessions provided by Learning Support or EAL staff.
What facilities does The British School in Colombo have?
Junior School facilities include a designated outdoor play area for Playgroup to Reception with age-appropriate spaces. Each class has a well-resourced Form Room, and specialist classrooms for Music, Dance, Drama, Art, Computer Science and Library. From Year 3, pupils bring a laptop to school daily, Sports facilities include: Senior School on-site sports facilities include a swimming pool, two basketball courts (one indoor, one outdoor), a gym, cricket nets and a sports terrace housing indoor badminton and tennis courts.
What extra-curricular activities are available at The British School in Colombo?
The British School in Colombo offers a range of extra-curricular activities. The school offers Creative and performing arts activities including Acoustic guitar ensemble, Choir, Drama, Arts and Crafts, Photography, Kandyan and contemporary dance, and Speech and Drama.
What languages are taught at The British School in Colombo?
English is the language of instruction throughout The British School in Colombo. The school uses the English National Curriculum as its core framework, with reading, writing and spelling regularly assessed and reported termly.
Who is the head of The British School in Colombo?
The head of school at The British School in Colombo is Hannah Wells.
How many students attend The British School in Colombo?
The British School in Colombo has approximately 1400 students. The school serves students from age 2 to 18.
When was The British School in Colombo founded?
The British School in Colombo was founded in 1994. Founded in 1994, The British School in Colombo is an independent, co-educational school for children aged 2 to 18. There are around 1,400 students on the school roll (750 in the Junior School and 650 in the Senior School, with a Sixth Form of 120).
Where do graduates of The British School in Colombo go to university?
Some graduates gain entry to leading universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard. Sixth Form leads to Cambridge International Examinations A Level qualifications, with most students completing three or four A Levels.
Does The British School in Colombo have a uniform policy?
Uniforms are required for all pupils. There is a school uniform shop on site, and all uniforms can be purchased there or from TUS, 15 Layards Road, Colombo 5.
What is the parent community like at The British School in Colombo?
Our community sits at the center of a wider Sri Lankan community, with a range of sports activities that connect the school to other schools and families.
