
The British International School of Budapest
Part of Nord Anglia Education, Secular
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
The British International School Budapest (BISB) is a premium international school for students aged 3 to 18, offering a pathway from the English National Curriculum to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It is the only UK-accredited British School in Hungary, known for its vibrant community and high academic standards.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is committed to academic excellence, creativity, and wellbeing, fostering a vibrant, inclusive community of over 60 nationalities. It empowers students to become socially responsible global citizens who engage in community projects and international action to make a positive impact.
Programmes
The school offers a curriculum pathway starting with Early Years (ages 3-5), followed by Primary (ages 5-11), Lower Secondary (ages 11-16), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (ages 16-18). It features exclusive collaborations with The Juilliard School for performing arts, MIT for STEAM, and UNICEF for global citizenship.
Outcomes
In 2022, 100% of students passed the IB Diploma Programme with an average score of 35.8, and 27% achieved 40 points or more. IGCSE results show 58% of students achieving A* to A grades, and graduates have secured places at universities including Oxford, Cambridge, the London School of Economics, and ETH Zurich.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides tailored support for students with additional educational needs through a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) team and specialist learning assistants. The school maintains a secure safeguarding culture, with pastoral care provided by counsellors and safeguarding experts.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does The British International School of Budapest offer?
- The British International School of Budapest offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and IB Diploma.
- What ages does The British International School of Budapest teach?
- The British International School of Budapest enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is The British International School of Budapest a day or boarding school?
- The British International School of Budapest is a day school.
- What accreditations does The British International School of Budapest hold?
- The British International School of Budapest holds accreditations including British Schools Overseas and IB.
- Is The British International School of Budapest co-educational?
- The British International School of Budapest is a co-ed school.
- Where is The British International School of Budapest located?
- The British International School of Budapest is an international school in Budapest, Hungary.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The admissions process begins with an enquiry, followed by a visit—either in person or virtual—to meet the principal and teachers. Families then submit an application with academic records for evaluation, which may include an academic assessment. Once the evaluation is complete, the school confirms the place and coordinates the start of the student's journey.
Calendar
The 2026-27 academic year begins on 25 August 2026 and concludes on 24 June 2027. The calendar includes a half-term holiday in October (19–26 October 2026) and February (15–19 February 2027), with the first term ending on 16 December 2026 and the second term on 25 March 2027.
Facilities
About the campus
Located 20 minutes from Budapest city centre, the purpose-built campus features state-of-the-art science labs, a music technology suite, and a modern theatre. Sports facilities include two Astroturf pitches, two gymnasiums, and indoor and outdoor courts, complemented by an organic garden, a Forest School for younger students, and a library with over 25,000 books.
Co-curriculars
The school offers more than 100 co-curricular activities, ranging from sports, science, and social impact to journalism, debating, and the creative arts. Students also participate in overnight camps starting from Year 2, international expeditions to Tanzania and Switzerland, and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Andrew FitzmauriceChief Executive OfficerAndrew Fitzmaurice has served as CEO of Nord Anglia Education since 2003, overseeing a network of schools across more than 30 countries. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Wales Cardiff and a master’s degree in international education from King’s College. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of IMG Academy.
Dr. Elise EcoffChief Education OfficerDr. Elise Ecoff is the Chief Education Officer, leading the Education Team to ensure high standards in educational practice and curricula. She has over 34 years of experience in teaching and leadership, including serving as Principal at North Broward Preparatory School. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lynn University.
George GhantousChief Operating OfficerGeorge Ghantous is the Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Executive Committee. He has a background in engineering and investment banking, and previously served as Regional Managing Director for the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North America. He holds an Executive MA in International Education from King’s College London.
Philippe LaggerChief Corporate Development OfficerPhilippe Lagger is the Chief Corporate Development Officer, responsible for growing the school network through partnerships, acquisitions, and new campus construction. He joined the organization in 2009 and previously worked with Lydian Capital and the Tetra Laval Group. He holds an MSc from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and an MBA from IMD.
- Chris RussellPrincipal
Chris Russell is the Principal of The British International School Budapest. He leads the school's vibrant community, focusing on academic standards, student wellbeing, and the development of essential life skills.
- Lesley-Ann WallacePrincipal
Lesley-Ann Wallace was appointed Principal of The British International School Abu Dhabi in 2010. She has extensive experience in primary and secondary education, having previously led the primary school at The British International School Shanghai, Puxi. She is a graduate of the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) programme.
- Patrick HornePrincipal
Patrick Horne became Principal of The British International School Shanghai, Pudong in 2012. He previously served as Associate Headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School and Deputy Principal at Jerudong International School, Brunei. He holds a Bachelor’s of Education in Secondary Mathematics and the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers.
- Brian CooklinPrincipal
Brian Cooklin was appointed as the founding principal at the Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong in 2014. He previously led Edron Academy in Mexico and Stonelaw High School in the UK, and served as president of the Head Teachers’ Association of Scotland.
- Margaret PilkingtonDeputy Head
Margaret Pilkington is the Deputy Head of Compass International School, Doha’s Gharaffa Campus. She has been involved in fostering partnerships between the school and external organizations like University College London.
More international schools in Budapest
- International School of BudapestCambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE
- Britannica International School Budapest Budapest, HungaryNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- American International School of BudapestAISBIB Diploma
- SEK Budapest International SchoolIB Diploma
- REAL School BudapestNational Curriculum (England)
- BME International Secondary SchoolIB Diploma
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
IB Diploma
British Schools Overseas