
The British School Colombo
BSCSecular
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
Languages
The British School in Colombo is a co-educational day school that provides a broad and balanced education based on the English National Curriculum. It is the only British School Overseas accredited school in Sri Lanka, serving students from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to the Sixth Form.
Teaching approach
The school is committed to fostering unity, integrity, and the development of global citizens. Its core values include wellbeing, ambition, integrity, resilience, collaboration, and inclusivity. The school aims to nurture the holistic development of each student, encouraging them to be curious, reflective, and proactive in their educational journey.
Programmes
The school follows the English National Curriculum, adapted for its international context, from the Early Years Foundation Stage (Playgroup, Nursery, Reception) through to Key Stage 5. The Junior School covers Key Stages 1 and 2, while the Senior School encompasses Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, leading to A Level examinations. The curriculum includes core subjects such as English, Maths, and Science, alongside Languages, Humanities, and the Arts.
Outcomes
Graduates of the school are prepared for higher education, with the school providing university and career guidance, including support for the UCAS process. Students go on to attend various international universities, and the school maintains an active alumni network.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides learning support through a dedicated team, including a Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) and support teachers. Provision is differentiated based on formative and summative assessments, with individual education plans (IEPs) developed for students requiring significant additional support. Support is delivered primarily by class teachers, supplemented by support staff, and can take place both within and outside the classroom.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does The British School Colombo offer?
- The British School Colombo offers National Curriculum (England) and Cambridge A-Level.
- Is The British School Colombo a day or boarding school?
- The British School Colombo is a day school.
- What accreditations does The British School Colombo hold?
- The British School Colombo holds accreditations including British Schools Overseas.
- Is The British School Colombo co-educational?
- The British School Colombo is a co-ed school.
- Where is The British School Colombo located?
- The British School Colombo is an international school in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school follows a structured admissions process typically completed within four working days. This includes a review of application documents, an initial meeting with the relevant Head of School, and a trial day involving student assessments. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office to begin the enquiry process.
Calendar
The school operates on a term-based calendar, with specific term dates and open days available for viewing on the school's website. Families can subscribe to an iCal feed to stay updated on school events and key dates.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features well-resourced form rooms and specialist classrooms for music, dance, drama, art, and computer science. Sporting facilities include a covered swimming pool, a large enclosed sports terrace with tennis and badminton nets, basketball and netball courts, and an outdoor football pitch. The school also provides a fully equipped auditorium for performances and dedicated outdoor play areas for Early Years students.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a dynamic co-curricular programme designed to cultivate leadership and teamwork. Activities include the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Model United Nations (MUN), various sports teams such as basketball and swimming, and student-led clubs including the Art Society, Astrophysics Club, Debating, and the Environment Society. Students have opportunities to participate in charity work, cultural days, and residential trips.
- Mrs Hannah WellsPrincipal
Mrs Hannah Wells is the Principal of The British School in Colombo and holds a B.A. (Hons) degree.
- Mr Thomas GreenwoodHead of Senior School
Mr Thomas Greenwood is the Head of Senior School. He holds an MA (Oxon), PGCE, and NPQH.
- Mrs Emma CookHead of Junior School
Mrs Emma Cook is the Head of Junior School. She holds an MBA, B.S., PGCE in Primary Education, and a PGC in SEN Coordination.
- Mr Anthony DeanDeputy Head (Academic)
Mr Anthony Dean is the Deputy Head (Academic) for the Senior School. He holds an MChem (Oxon), MBA, PGCE (Chemistry), and NPQH.
- Ms Kathryn EdwardsDeputy Head (Academic)
Ms Kathryn Edwards is the Deputy Head (Academic) for the Junior School.
- Ms Sylvana MarjanDeputy Head (Pastoral)
Ms Sylvana Marjan is the Deputy Head (Pastoral) for the Senior School. She holds an MSc and BSc in Psychology.
- Ms Hannah EdgeworthDeputy Head (Pastoral)
Ms Hannah Edgeworth is the Deputy Head (Pastoral) for the Junior School.
- Mr Thisara FernandoAssistant Head & Head of Sixth Form
Mr Thisara Fernando is the Assistant Head and Head of Sixth Form. He holds an MSc, B.Eng (Hons), and Dip (HE).
- Ms Lakmali SiriwardenaAssistant Head - Upper School
Ms Lakmali Siriwardena is an Assistant Head for the Junior School (Upper School).
- Ms Carol FosterAssistant Head (Early Years)
Ms Carol Foster is the Assistant Head (Early Years) for the Junior School.
- Ms Fiona GibsonDirector of PE & Sports
Ms Fiona Gibson is the Director of PE & Sports. She holds a B.Ed (Hons) and an MA in International Education.
- Ms Nedra PerumalDirector of Learning Support
Ms Nedra Perumal is the Director of Learning Support. She holds an MSc, NILD, and CCET.
More international schools in Colombo
- Elizabeth Moir SchoolIGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- Colombo International SchoolIGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- Royal Institute International School, Havelock RoadCambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE
- All Nations International SchoolCambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE
- Ilma International Girl's SchoolCambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE
- Bishops CollegeIGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
National Curriculum (England)
Cambridge A-Level
British Schools Overseas