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Colombo Overseas School

OSC

Founded 1957

Updated July 2026

3–18Ages
DayType
5:1Student : teacher

Curriculum

IB PYPIB MYPIB Diploma

Accreditations

IB

The Overseas School of Colombo is an IB World School serving students from Early Years through Grade 12. It is the only fully authorized International Baccalaureate school in Sri Lanka, providing a comprehensive continuum of IB programmes.

Teaching approach

The school is committed to providing a rigorous, inquiry-based education that prepares students for an ever-changing world. It emphasizes the development of skills and values that transcend subject boundaries, aiming to shape individuals who are engaged, reflective, and globally minded. The school fosters an inclusive community where student voice, choice, and ownership are prioritized.

Programmes

The school offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the IB Diploma Programme. The academic journey begins in the First Steps programme for three-year-olds and continues through to Grade 12. The curriculum includes traditional subject areas alongside inquiry-based learning, the PYP Exhibition, and the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) component for older students.

Outcomes

The school reports a 100% pass rate and maintains a history of graduates attending top universities around the world. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for life beyond exams, fostering empathy, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school employs a Director of Student Support and an Educational Psychologist to bridge social-emotional learning with the academic setting. Support services are integrated into the school's approach to ensure students are challenged and supported throughout their education.

Frequently asked questions(5)
What curriculum does Colombo Overseas School offer?
Colombo Overseas School offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
What ages does Colombo Overseas School teach?
Colombo Overseas School enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
Is Colombo Overseas School a day or boarding school?
Colombo Overseas School is a day school.
What accreditations does Colombo Overseas School hold?
Colombo Overseas School holds accreditations including IB.
Where is Colombo Overseas School located?
Colombo Overseas School is an international school in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

The school welcomes families from local and international backgrounds, serving students from over 40 nationalities. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the admissions office to arrange a personal tour or to discuss the application process. The school maintains a 1:5 teacher-to-student ratio to ensure personalized attention.

Calendar

The school operates on an academic calendar with specific structures for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Detailed information regarding term dates and holidays is available through the school's official calendar resources.

Facilities

Swimming poolLibrary

About the campus

Located in Battaramulla, the campus provides inclusive spaces designed for learning and exploration. Facilities include dedicated areas for performing and visual arts, sports and athletics infrastructure, and a library system. The school also utilizes a Bring Your Own Laptop (BYOL) technology programme to support the academic environment.

Co-curriculars

The school offers a holistic co-curricular programme that includes sports, music, painting, and acting. Students engage in Service Learning to address local and global issues, and the After School Activities (ASA) programme provides opportunities to develop skills and global citizenship. The school also participates in competitive sports tournaments, including SAISA events, and offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

  • Ms. Nel CapadonaHead of School

    Nel grew up in Yorkshire, England, and earned her Bachelor of Education from Brighton University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Northern Arizona University. She joined OSC in July 2025, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience in international education across Southeast Asia, Europe, the US, and the UK. Her focus is on creating inclusive, thriving school communities.

  • Mr. Jason GrandboisPrincipal

    Mr. Grandbois has been at OSC since 2011. Originally from Canada, he began his teaching career there before moving into international education in Egypt, Peru, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka.

  • Ms. Jennifer KeslerPrimary Asst. Principal/PYP Coordinator

    Jennifer has 21 years of experience in education, including leadership roles in PYP schools in China, Albania, Indonesia, and South Korea. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. She has spent the past 15 years immersed in the PYP.

  • Mr. Jake EagleSecondary Asst. Principal/MYP Coordinator

    Jake joined OSC in August 2021. He has 18 years of experience in IB schools, having previously worked in Hong Kong and Germany as a curriculum coordinator, projects coordinator, and department leader.

  • Dr. Philip LeighDiploma Coordinator

    Dr. Philip Leigh joined OSC in 2018 as a Language and Literature teacher and became Diploma Coordinator in 2022. He began his teaching career in the US in 2001 and has been teaching internationally since 2011, including time in Taiwan.

  • Mr. Steve TurnerDirector of Athletics

    Mr. Turner is from the UK and has over 30 years of teaching experience. He joined OSC in 2012 and has taught in international schools in South East Asia and East Africa, covering British and IB curricula.

  • Ms. Heather LeeDirector of Student Support and Educational Psychologist

    Ms. Lee has been at OSC since 2021 and has 15 years of international experience in Educational Psychology, Counseling, Community Mental Health, and Psychotherapy across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

  • Ms. Vidya NiyangodaHead of Administrative Operations

    Ms. Niyangoda has been at OSC since 2013 and holds an MBA and is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. She has 26 years of experience in financial services, business analysis, and general management, previously working for companies like John Keells Group and Aviva Global Services.

  • Mr. Ajith NathanielsHead of Security & Transport

    Ajith Nathaniels has served at OSC since 2019. He served in the Sri Lankan Air force for 23 years and holds a Master’s Degree in Management. He previously worked as the Head of Security for the National Development Bank and as an Administration Manager for Janashakthi Insurance.

  • Ms. Kanchana de SilvaDirector of Admissions

    Kanchana joined OSC in 2021 and possesses 25 years of experience serving higher education institutions and foreign missions. She has lived in the USA, UK, Italy, and India.

  • Mr. Antony RappaiDirector of Technology

    Mr. Antony Rappai has been at OSC since 2019 and has 14 years of experience in educational technology. He previously worked in an international school in Qatar for 13 years.

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