Overview

The British School, New Delhi (TBS), was founded in 1963 and is an established co-educational, English-medium day school located in the heart of Delhi’s diplomatic enclave Chanakyapuri. TBS is a non-profit institution run by the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) Foundation. TBS serves more than 1,200 students from over 66 nationalities, creating a rich, multicultural community while providing a safe and stimulating environment.

TBS’s curriculum progression adheres to the British curricular, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the National Curriculum of England until Year 9, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Years 10-11, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Years 12-13. TBS has a global reputation as a school of exceptional calibre and received recognition as the Best British School in the World in 2018 by the International Schools Database and continues to receive recognition for excellence in learning and achievement, innovative practices in learning, and holistic learning technologies and pedagogies.

Students work with an intentional teacher-student ratio to enable personalised and experiential learning through inquiry, as well as personalised academic and pastoral care. The curriculum prepares students for some of the best universities in the world, with a strong emphasis on global citizenship and sustainability, while fostering every conceivable human, positive difference, perspective and ability across 60+ languages represented throughout our community.

About British School

At The British School, we share a fundamental belief in student-centred education that produces confident, compassionate and resilient leaders for a global society. Established to cater to the needs of expatriates in post-independence India, TBS is an institution that prides itself on its internationalism. Drawing on aspects of the British traditions of education, while celebrating Indian culture, TBS is committed to its mission of providing an environment in which every child is able to achieve academically, emotionally and socially, in a happy and inclusive environment.

The school values, respect, integrity and excellence, all drive us in the fulfilment of our vision, ”to be the school of choice for an international education in India.” By delivering a curriculum which is balanced in its approach and promotes wellbeing, creativity, and service alongside academic excellence, we bring our vision to life. The diverse and qualified international faculty lead students towards reflection and develop a love of lifelong learning.

As an IB World School and a Cambridge International school, TBS prepares young people to become critical thinkers and articulate activists in increasingly connected communities. TBS is proud of our 100% pass rate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and our students continue to be accepted and to excel in many of the world’s leading universities, such as Oxford, Harvard, Stanford and the IITs.

TBS never forget our duty to develop a sense of responsibility in students as engaged and active members of our society and community. TBS is very much a home away from home for our international family.

British School Infrastructure

The British School, designed by renowned architects Morphogenesis between 2013 and 2018, demonstrates sustainable climate responsive architecture in a tropical climate context (as found in Delhi). The campus is made up of two phases, which incorporate energy-efficient components: perforated jaali screens for natural ventilation/shading; underground classrooms with thermal mass to mitigate heat; and green roofs to reduce the urban heat island effect; among others. 

In addition, classrooms include interactive smart-boards, robust high-speed Wi-Fi, and flexible furniture to facilitate interactive, collaborative, and technology-enhanced learning. The facilities also include cutting-edge science and computer labs, access to a rich library and additional online resources, as well as designated arts and performing arts spaces. The design maintains the existing building footprint, while increasing the student capacity of the school from 650 students (in the pre-existing building) to 1,300 students.

The project also incorporated rainwater harvesting, solar shading, and low-VOC materials for sustainable design. The thoughtful and aggressive infrastructural design of the British School will facilitate academic delivery and environmental stewardship in support of the TBS sustainability agenda, in addition to attracting architectural interest in the technical evolution of a modern space equipped with cultural progressions.

British School Campus

The TBS campus occupies a small but verdant 5.5-acre site in the safe Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave. Although located within the urban sprawl of Delhi, the campus is very accessible from a major arterial road while providing a peaceful gated environment. The site is surrounded by trees and leafy embassies, whilst maximising open space with manicured lawns, shaded pathways, and native planting which offers a clean and comfortable retreat from pollution.

To facilitate the student flow through learning spaces, academic blocks are located centrally, while sports fields and play-based areas are on the periphery to encourage outdoor play and activity. Notable elements of the campus include an amphitheater for assemblies and staff events, Playgrounds designed specifically for Early Years and Lower Primary with sensory elements and age-appropriate equipment, and controlled secure entry points which monitored by CCTV and biometric access points.

Subterranean aspects and a combination of elevated structures and walls maintain safety and airflow, and the campus operates from solar power from rooftop panels. The whole campus is intentionally and sensitively designed to promote community and a sense of a child’s wonder, allowing for a smooth transition from rigorous lessons into happy play for students; all programs strongly incorporate a balance of courage and growth which reflects the ethos of TBS.

British School Facilities

At TBS, we pride ourselves on facilities designed to achieve a high standard of educational practice and student development via a combination of technology and wellness space. The academic zone is comprised of air-conditioned and technology-enhanced classrooms, STEM laboratories geared towards experimentation, and a library rich in media resources to enable students to engage in research and literacy. The performing arts center is a dynamic environment of drama, music and dance, and the visual arts studios support ceramics, painting, and digital design.

The sports zone delivers a stellar indoor sports hall that is air-conditioned, a half-Olympic-sized and heated swimming pool to support swim training, floodlit tennis and basketball courts, as well as fields for athletics and team sports. Student wellbeing is part of the facilities, as we have a counselling suite, a medical room with a school nurse, and a cafeteria that promotes nutrition and world food for lunch.

Finally, the innovation lab supports robotic and coding activities, and there is also a school bus service with GPS tracking in operation as part of our daily operations. Our facilities are designed to be inclusive with ramps and sensory aids, and they create a range of possibilities for students to engage with their passions in a safe and sustainable way.

British School Admission

The TBS entrance process is an open, child-centred, and competitive one, the objective of which is to determine students that fit the school’s values of inclusion.

British School Admission Process

•  Step 1: Enquiry: Submit an online enquiry through the website to express interest in registration; you will receive guidance from our admissions team.

•  Step 2: Registration: After paying the non–refundable registration fee of INR 30,000, your application will be added to per–year cohort waitlists. 

•  Step 3: Paperwork and Assessment: If a spot becomes available, you will be asked to submit the necessary documents; eligible applicants (Years 1 – 13) may then undergo assessments through one-on-one sessions or assessments to gauge their ability and needs.

•  Step 4: Offer and Enrolment: A successful candidate will receive an offer; if buoyed, parents will need to pay one term’s tuition and the required deposits within 3 working days (if living in India).

British School Eligibility

•  Nursery/Reception: Child must be 3 years by September 1; play-based observation is used.

•  Years 1-6: Child is to be age-appropriate for their year group (for example; Year 1, 5 years old), prior reports will be reviewed.

•  Years 7-9: Child must have a strong academic underpinning and may undergo entrance assessments.

•  Years 10-11 (IGCSE): Child will have equivalent qualifications to IGCSEs and will be assessed based on subjects.

•  Years 12-13 (IBDP): Child must have minimum of 5 IGCSEs at Grade C/4, or equivalent; may be required an interview and provide predicted grades. Accepted year-round, siblings will receive priority as well as children’s of the embassy; diverse community is valued.

British School Required Documentation

•  Health form (completed with medical history and vaccinations).

•  Copies of school reports from the last 2-3 years (must be translated to English if not already).

•  Confidential recommendation form from previous teacher (Years 1-13, submitted directly to admissions).

•  Birth certificate and passport/ID proofs of child and parents.

•  Proof of residence and recent photographs.

British School Fees

TBS fees represent the cost of premium international standards, and the Board of Governors reviews them on an annual basis. Fees are payable each term, and there are penalties for late fees at the rate of INR 1,000 per week.

British School Fee Structure

*75% subsidy for Years 12-13. Optional: Bus (TBC per term), Lunch (INR 260/day), EAL Support (INR 20,000/term).

British School Scholarships

TBS has two merit-based scholarships for the two-year IBDP. These scholarships are for gifted, high-performing students from regional schools who are aware of, and potentially want, an international education. Scholarships can cover 50-100% of tuition (depending on need), and a full waiver for the development fee.

 Recipients of the scholarship must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, skills and leadership potential. The scholarship process requires students to apply through admissions, as part of the application process includes submitting essays, and tests among other things.

British School Sports Activities

Sports are an essential part of student life at TBS. TBS provides a balanced Physical Education (PE) curriculum which gives students an opportunity to develop a range of physical skills, and to build competence, confidence and cooperation.

TBS has facilities, such as a heated half-Olympic sized pool for swimming galas, an air-conditioned sports hall currently set for basketball and gymnastics, lights for tennis and netball courts plus fields for athletics, cricket, and football. The PE curriculum covers athletics, gymnastics, outdoor adventurous activities (OAA) and team sports, while students participate in inter-house competitions to develop our collective TBS spirit of house.

In athletics, students also compete in regional leagues such as the Delhi International School Sports Association (DISSA). TBS inter-house athletics and swimming competitions have had students received various awards in swimming and track.

Students can opt into after-school sports clubs through school, such as golf, F1 in Schools, and e-sports. TBS believes students are learning sports values, sportsmanship, relationship and humanity, fair play in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

British School Extracurricular

TBS’s enrichment program is designed for all year groups to promote creativity and leadership through a variety of after-school clubs and activities. Offerings include Chess, Community Service, Dance (including Indian Classical), Drummer’s Club, E-Sports, F1 in Schools, Golf, Model United Nations, Martial Arts, Robotics, and Theatre.

Secondary students also have the option of taking part in Film Club, Word Problems, and Fashion Club, while younger students have the option of dancing in Movement School and Painting. Weekly sessions are designed to promote skills enhancement and global awareness while providing opportunities for students to participate in events like our annual cultural festivals, service trips and other events.

Students and teachers can organise clubs for their enjoyment and facilitators ensure the culture of participating outside of an academic environment is balanced with each student’s daily course of study. The teacher-facilitated clubs are designed for the growth of the students outside of the academic curriculum to contribute to a joyful and collaborative learning environment.

British School Alumni

TBS has an active alumni network with a pool of over 6000 members from 154 different nationalities (60% living overseas). The Alumni Association was launched in 2021 to help facilitate networking and events amongst graduates, known as “Pioneers.” TBS alumni are successful in any field of study or occupation from diplomacy and tech entrepreneurism to arts and sciences.

There is 100% placement into university programs for our graduates, including placements into Cambridge University, Stanford University, and the London School of Economics (LSE). The association has a number of events, including a summer reunion, golf tournament, and a Pickle ball Palooza events, all alongside our ongoing mentorship program and career webinars.

There is a committee of alumni advisors that help guide association initiatives, including the building of archives and regional chapters. Alumni support the association by volunteering as a guest lecturer and by fundraising in support of TBS, preserving its culture of excellence and lifelong connections.

Final Thoughts

The British School, New Delhi is a significant institution in the international education market, combining British academic rigour and international inclusivity on its familiar Chanakyapuri campus. From sustainable buildings and stimulating facilities to lively sports, clubs, and an extensive alumni network, The British School educates not only learners, but compassionate world changers.

As the school continues to evolve, celebrating its 60-year past and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges, it remains the offspring of aspirational families wanting to raise culturally fluent, resilient leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)