The British International School Istanbul

Zekeriyaköy Forest Campus, Kilyos Caddesi No: 227, Sarıyer, Istanbul

Pre-School (ages 2.5–4); Primary (ages 5–11); Secondary (ages 12–18)

Private school

Students from over 60 nations; a multinational school.

The Learning Support Department works with classroom teachers and parents to support children with special needs, beginning at enrollment with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and meetings. Services include formal monitoring and IEPs, with staff collaborating with teachers, parents, administrators, external Educational Psychologists, Speech Therapists and other professionals. The program offers pull-out and push-in support as well as Booster Classes and Learning Support across all areas of the curriculum.

British (division of The British School Istanbul)

Bus service is offered through AZ-AL. Buses are GPS-tracked, equipped with security cameras, and operated by qualified drivers and hostesses; a representative is based at both the City and Zekeriyaköy Campuses. Bus service registration forms are available for Etiler STEAM Campus and Zekeriyaköy Forest Campus.

The British International School Istanbul uses the Cambridge International Curriculum in Primary and Secondary up to IGCSE. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) students follow an adapted English National Curriculum; in Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) they study the Cambridge IGCSE; in Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13) they pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The Pre-School follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Across the Primary School, the Cambridge Curriculum is used for English, Mathematics and Science.

The staff to student ratio is better than 1 to 6; class sizes are small, with a maximum of 15 in iGCSE and IB Diploma classes.

IB Diploma Programme: 100% pass rate in 2025 with an average of 33 points and a top score of 40; 23 of the 30 subjects and levels scored above the global average. IGCSE results in 2025 show an 88% pass rate (A–C), the best pass rate in 10 years, with notable achievements such as a student earning 11 A grades.

Graduates go on to universities around the world, including University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, UC Berkeley, University of British Columbia, Seoul National University, New York University, London School of Economics and Political Science, Imperial College London, Brown University, University of Glasgow, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, Goldsmiths, University of London, King's College London, Lucerne University, The University of Nottingham, Royal Holloway University of London, University of Southampton, Suffolk University Boston, and The George Washington University.

The school notes that when a student is naturally gifted in a subject such as Mathematics, BIS aims to stretch and challenge them.

PSHCE is the backbone of BIS Istanbul's curriculum, prioritising character and personal well-being. PSHCE is delivered across the whole school using the National Curriculum and Guiding Statements, with a modified SEAL-GD program where applicable. In Early Years, Personal, Social and Emotional Development covers self-confidence and self-awareness, managing feelings, and making relationships. Weekly assemblies support PSHCE themes and Stars of the Week recognise positive behaviours. In Primary, SEAL-GD objectives are embedded across the curriculum and reinforced through assemblies led by curriculum coordinators and teachers; ESL support helps all students access the program.

The Learning Support Department works with classroom teachers and parents to support children with special needs. The process begins at enrollment and includes Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and meetings. As students progress, teachers liaise with parents and the SEN department about concerns. Services available include formal monitoring and IEPs, with Learning Support staff collaborating with external Educational Psychologists, Speech Therapists and other professionals. The school serves a diverse international student body and provides pull-out and push-in support as well as Booster Classes and Learning Support across the curriculum.

An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is provided to help non-native English speakers access the curriculum. German, Spanish, French and Turkish are also offered as foreign languages. EAL support helps students integrate and succeed academically.

Mental wellbeing is supported by BIS Istanbul's safeguarding and wellbeing framework, including a School Guidance Counselor. The Secondary Guidance Counselor is the point of contact, promoting a culture where students feel valued and can approach staff for support. The school has a dedicated school nurse at both the Zekeriyaköy and City Campuses to address health needs. Guidance & Counselling staff emphasise that students should feel confident and comfortable talking to staff. The PSHCE curriculum further supports emotional, social, and physical health.

BISI has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy designed to safeguard and promote welfare. The policy designates Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and uses CPOMS as a central record keeping system for safeguarding concerns. The policy states the school's core safeguarding principles: safeguarding and promoting welfare, ensuring safety, and that all staff and volunteers protect students from abuse and neglect. It requires staff training, safe recruitment, and clear reporting procedures; it also covers digital safeguarding, child protection case management, and working with external services. The policy emphasises creating a safe, welcoming environment where students are respected, valued and can thrive.

1. Aims and Eligibility. The British International School Istanbul has an inclusive admissions policy and welcomes students of all nationalities and those for whom English is an additional language. Turkish students are not admitted in accordance with Turkish Ministry of Education regulations. Students are accepted between ages 2½ and 18 and are placed in a class by age, subject to English access; in the first EYFS class, students stay half-day for at least the first term.

2. Initial Enquiry. The parent contacts the School and requests an appointment to visit. This can be done via the online contact form or by telephone. A member of the admissions team provides information about the school and the admissions process. An appointment for a visit is arranged.

3. Preliminary Visit. The prospective parent confirms the appointment and is given a contact name. During the visit the parent is given a tour of the school and meets the Director/Deputy Director.

4. Completion of the Application. The parent completes an application for each student when BIS is the chosen school.

5. Application Fee. Each new applicant pays 1,250 USD before the application is processed; this is a one-time, non-refundable fee. The fee must be paid for the application to be processed. The application will not proceed until the fee is received.

6. Registration Fee and Payment. The Registration Fee is 5,500 USD, a one-time payment for students from Year 1 to Year 13; Preschool and Reception pay the Registration Fee when they reach Year 1. The fee is non-refundable and funds campus development, sports facilities, technology and library improvements. Registration is not complete until the fee is paid in full. New Parents paying the Discounted Tuition Plan must pay the Registration Fee by February 1; if not, the discount does not apply and the student is placed on the instalment plan. New Parents on the Instalment Plan must pay the Registration Fee by May 1, with the first instalment not subjected to late charges; students may not start until all instalments are paid.

7. Documentation. The Director of Admissions must receive the following documents: four passport photographs of the child; two photographs of each parent; photocopy of the child's passport; parents' passport copies; BIS Medical Form; BIS Family Contract; Financial Policy + Invoice Information form. Parents should complete all sections of the application form with as much detail as possible and provide recent sealed original reports from the previous school where applicable.

8. Withdrawal. Ninety days' written notice is required to withdraw a student and obtain a refund of fees. The notice should be provided in writing to the admissions/finance team.

9. Registration Forms. Prospective parents download and complete BIS Medical Report Form, BIS Family Contract, Financial Policy, Head Teacher Recommendation Form, Invoice Information, Registration Form, and Swimming Lessons – Parent Disclaimer.

10. Policy Update – July 2025. For the Turkish Ministry of Education equivalence process: two years of school reports (including midterm reports) are required; reports not in English, Russian or Arabic must be translated and notarised; email scanned copies of reports in advance and submit originals on arrival. Residence Permit (Ikamet) is required to begin the process, after which access to e-Devlet is arranged via PTT. Copies of student and parent passports are required. The Edenklik portal provides further guidance; the equivalence process is mandatory for all families. For more information, contact via the Enquiry Form.