Step 1 – Initial Visit
We encourage all interested families to visit BBIS. Prior to your visit to BBIS you will need to book an appointment with our admissions officer. During your school visit you will be given a school tour, have the opportunity to meet with the Principal, Dr. David Porritt, and to discuss any questions you may have.
We recognise that your first visit to the Budapest British International School, may well be just one step in your introduction to a new life in Budapest. It is often the case that parents have only a few days to find a school for their children, to choose a home and to begin the induction process in an unfamiliar place of work. With this in mind, we aim to make the choice and the transition as smooth as possible.
It is helpful if your child is able to accompany you on your initial visit, but we recognise that this is not always possible. However, it is certainly the case that the more information we have, the easier it is for us to prepare for your child’s first day at school. For this reason, we request that you bring with you on your initial visit, a copy of your child’s latest school reports, preferably translated into English where possible, and any other relevant details such as examination results.
We understand that it may not be possible for you to visit the school at this stage, for this reason we are happy to provide information by phone or email.
During your visit, we will explain to you:
- the formal admissions procedure
- the details of our curriculum and British education/values
- all payments due, stating refund and notice requirements
- whether or not there is a waiting list at your child’s level (we generally place children in the correct chronological year group according to the British system).
We will happily answer any more detailed questions you may have. You will be introduced to the Principal. It may also be helpful for you to meet other senior or specialist teachers, though this may not always be possible on your initial visit.
Admissions will be able to guide you through the application process and advise you on class placement. However, it must be clearly understood that such advice does not constitute part of the formal offer.
Step 2 – Application
Once you have decided to begin the admissions process, we kindly request the following documents:
- A Transfer Form (completed by your child’s current school or kindergarten if transferring within Hungary)
- the payment of the Application Contribution
- a copy of you and your child’s passport or ID, and visa if applicable
- a copy of address card (parents’ and child’s)
- a copy of health insurance or TAJ card
- a copy of child’s birth certificate
- 2 copies of a recent passport size photograph of each applicant
- the last two school reports and/or a letter from the Principal – if the reports are not in English then they need to be officially translated by a notary
- vaccination records
If at this stage you have a need to discuss your application further, we will be pleased to make an appointment for you. We will acknowledge your application as soon as we receive it, and, if there is a waiting list, will then contact you when a place becomes available. If you would like more information during the waiting period, please contact our Admissions Officer.
Step 3 – Assessment / Trial Day
In keeping with our small, family friendly ethos all children wishing to join BBIS must participate in a trial day. Students from Years 3 and up will spend a whole school day among pupils of her/his age, while students from Years 1 and 2 will spend half a day. This day helps the teachers to assess your child’s level of English and other knowledge and abilities as well as a chance to see how they fit socially into the school.
Children will be provided with lunch and snacks during the day. If your child has any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance.
In addition, for students from Years 3 and up we ask the students to complete a CAT4 assessment. The Cognitive Abilities Test: Fourth Edition (CAT4) provides a robust, standardised measure of cognitive reasoning ability, without reference to curriculum-based material and regardless of previous achievements or first language. The test is essential for us to understand the learning profile of your child. What are their strengths? What areas need development? What’s their natural way of learning?
Upon completion of the CAT4 test and the trial day, the Principal and the class teachers will review the assessment and make a decision whether a place will be offered. At this point it may be requested to fill out a questionnaire that would provide us with more information on your child’s social and emotional interactions. A formal offer of a place will be made in writing for your child/children immediately should a place be available, or alternatively, when a place becomes available if there is a waiting list at your child’s year level.
Step 4 – Once Place is Offered
When steps 1-4 have been completed, we are glad to offer you a place and confirm the date of starting at BBIS. This is the time to pay the Deposit (refundable), the Sponsorship contribution and to sign all the agreements that are required. Should you have any further questions, please contact our Admissions Officer on the following email address: admissions@bbis.hu. Prior to starting school, all contributions need to be paid and paperwork must be completed.
Step 5 – Starting at BBIS
Upon entry, we will continue to assess all students in order to ascertain their level of English and then ascertain their level of achievement relative to our current students.
Although we are an inclusive school and do not impose academic entry criteria, the level of attainment at the Budapest British International School is high and we need to be sure that your child will cope and settle happily with us. We have support staff who offer additional help where there are gaps to fill, or for younger children, where additional reading or maths support is required. We look forward to seeing you at the Budapest British International School, and to welcoming you and your family to our special community.
Your Contributions
A non-refundable Application contribution is required to be paid in full at the same time as you send or hand in your application. You will receive a letter after booking a trial day with details of our accepted methods of payment.
A non-refundable registration contribution is required for all new starters once the admission is confirmed, and is payable within 3 working days of the acceptance of the offered place.
A refundable deposit of is required for all new starters together with their school tuition contribution. If the student is joining at the start of the next academic year, the tuition contribution should be paid in accordance with the contribution schedule. For students starting mid-year, this should be paid before the first day of school.
The deposit is fully refundable when the student leaves the school without any interest on demand if all accounts have been settled in full, all school property has been returned without damage and the required written notice has been submitted, as outlined in the application.
A non-refundable, annual seat reservation is required to secure placement at BBIS, and must be paid within 5 working days after receipt of the Deposit and the Registration contribution. The seat reservation will be redeemed against the tuition contribution for term three of the current or following academic year, depending on date of joining.
You can find details of our Tuition Contributions in the Visitor Pack.
All contributions can be paid by bank transfer and credit card (which has a 1% surcharge). Cash is also acceptable for contributions with the exception of the Application contribution.
