International British School of Bucharest

Template:Cleanup school Template:Infobox school The International British School of Bucharest (IBSB) is the first British school established in Romania and a premium, co-educational international school located in the centre of Bucharest. Founded in 2000, IBSB offers education for students aged 3 to 18 (Nursery to Year 13), following the National Curriculum of England and offering the full English academic pathway, including IGCS E and A-Level qualifications.

IBSB is recognised for its academically strong programme, small class sizes, British teaching staff, and community-driven ethos.

History

Founded in 2000, the International British School of Bucharest became the first English curriculum school in Romania, pioneering the introduction of UK educational standards in the country. It has since developed into one of Bucharest’s leading international schools, known for high academic expectations, personal support, and global university placements.

The school graduated its first Year 13 cohort in 2006, and its alumni have since gone on to universities worldwide.

Academics

Curriculum

IBSB delivers the English National Curriculum, adapted for an international setting, providing a full academic pathway from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. The structure includes:

• EYFS (Early Years)
• Primary School (Key Stage 1–2)
• Secondary School (Key Stage 3–4)
• IGCSE examinations
• A-Level programme

This curriculum ensures students receive a rigorous, globally recognised education aligned with UK standards.

Faculty

IBSB employs some qualified British teachers but also many Romanian teachers and staff recruited from Australia, New Zealand and the USA as it increasingly finds recruiting teachers from the UK challenging.

Student Support and Wellbeing

The school emphasises holistic development and wellbeing, featuring:

• Student counselling services
• Pastoral care programmes
• University and academic counselling
• Learning support
• High Performance Learning (HPL) methodology
• Small class sizes for personalised attention

School Life and Extracurricular Activities

At IBSB, we are committed to the social, emotional, physical, creative, and intellectual growth of our students. As part of our holistic approach, we encourage students to participate in a wide range of after-school clubs designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills.

Academic Results

IBSB consistently achieves outstanding academic outcomes across IGCSE, AS, and A-Level examinations, placing the school among the top-performing British international schools worldwide. In the most recent exam sessions, IBSB students achieved:

• IGCSE: 100% pass rate (E–A*), with 57% at A–A*
• AS Level: 98% pass rate (E–A), with 41% at grade A
• A Level: 99% pass rate (E–A*), with 84% at C–A*

These results reflect the school’s commitment to academic excellence and personalised learning. Some IBSB graduates progress to universities in the UK and across Europe.

For detailed statistics and historical performance, please visit the IBSB Academic Results page.

International Affiliations and Teacher Training

As a leader in British international education, IBSB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of teaching and learning through continuous professional development. The school operates as a Teacher Training Centre, offering staff access to globally recognised programmes and resources, including:

• Educare and National College online courses
• Cambridge (CAIE) and Edexcel IGCSE & A-Level training
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via Assessment Only route
• Early Career Teacher (ECT) Induction
• DfE National Professional Qualifications (NPQs)
• High Performance Learning (HPL) accreditation
• International conferences, interschool visits, and PLC networks

IBSB collaborates with leading organisations such as COBIS, HPL World Class Schools, and UCL IOE to ensure its teachers remain at the forefront of educational best practice.

For full details on our training programmes and global partnerships, please visit the IBSB Teacher Training page.

Student Leadership and Global Initiatives

IBSB fosters leadership, social responsibility, and innovation through a range of programmes that complement its academic curriculum:

• IBSBMUN (Model United Nations) – An annual student-led conference that brings together participants from international schools to debate global issues, promoting diplomacy, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.
• Debate and Public Speaking Programme – IBSB students regularly compete in national and international debate tournaments, earning awards for persuasive communication and analytical reasoning.
• Community Action Service (CAS) – A cornerstone of the IBSB curriculum, involving students, teachers, and parents in charitable projects and sustainable development initiatives. Partnerships include Dăruiește Viață Association, Adoptă o Casă la Roșia Montană, Touched Romania, Help Autism Association, and Light Into Europe, among others. CAS develops teamwork, leadership, and empathy through hands-on community engagement.
• Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DoEIA) – IBSB is a registered centre for this globally recognised youth achievement programme. Students in Years 10–13 complete Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, gaining skills in service, physical recreation, and adventurous journeys. Gold Awards are presented by the Romanian Royal Family, and the programme is highly valued by universities worldwide.