The International School Bangalore (TISB): Admissions, Curriculum, Boarding and Fees
The International School Bangalore (TISB), Bengaluru, is a co-ed international day and boarding school located in the Whitefield area of Bengaluru, Karnataka. It was founded in 2000 by Dr. K. P. Gopalkrishna. The school provides education through an international curriculum, with academic programmes specially made to encourage children to build independent thinking, intellectual curiosity, and overall development.
The Campus is spread across 140 acres of area. TISB offers education from Pre-KG to Grade 12. Its academic structure includes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for the Primary Years, Cambridge IGCSE for Grades 6–10, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grades 11–12. English is the medium of instruction across the school.
The school provides both day schooling and residential education. Its boarding programme begins from Grade 5 and includes separate residential houses for junior boys, International House (JBIH), Boys International House (BIH), and Girls International House(GIH). Along with classroom learning, students can participate in sports, creative arts, student-led clubs, leadership programmes, Model United Nations conferences, and community service initiatives. The school is managed by the National Academy for Learning Trust (NAFL Trust)
TISB's educational approach focuses on academic achievement, respect, acceptance, equality, collaboration, and honesty. Through its academic programmes, pastoral care arrangements and extracurricular opportunities, the school aims to prepare students for higher education and participation in an increasingly interconnected world.
Why Consider The International School Bangalore?
The International School Bangalore offers an educational environment that combines international academic programmes with residential facilities, sports and opportunities for personal development.
International curriculum: The school follows the IB Primary Years Programme, Cambridge IGCSE, and IB Diploma Programme across different stages of education.
Large campus: Its 140-acre campus includes academic blocks, boarding houses, sports facilities, a swimming pool, an auditorium, a cafeteria and a medical centre.
Day and boarding options: Families can choose day schooling, while residential facilities are available from Grade 5 onwards.
Inquiry-based primary education: The IB PYP encourages students to explore concepts, ask questions, develop ideas, and participate actively in their learning.
International exposure: TISBMUN and other student activities provide opportunities to explore international affairs, public speaking, debate and leadership.
College counselling: The school provides structured guidance from Grade 8 onwards to help students explore higher education options and prepare university applications.
Sports and physical activities: Students can participate in football, cricket, swimming, basketball, badminton, tennis, athletics and other activities.
Creative opportunities: Art, music, drama and other creative programmes allow students to develop interests outside academic subjects.
Student well-being: The school has a pastoral care structure, school counsellors and an on-campus medical centre operating around the clock.
Community involvement: Student-led charity events, including VIVUM, encourage participation in fundraising and community initiatives.
Mission and Vision of The International School Bangalore
Vision
TISB aims to become a globally leading and innovative international school that promotes aspiration, empowerment and strong community values.
Mission
The school's mission is to inspire and challenge every student to flourish and achieve their full potential, both in the present and in the future. It also aims to develop a passion for lifelong learning.
Core Values
TISB identifies four core values through its ARCH framework:
Acceptance and Equality: The school values diversity and aims to provide fair treatment so that students do not feel excluded or less important because of their backgrounds or abilities.
Respect: It encourages relationships based on friendship, mutual respect, and consideration for members of the school community.
Collaboration: Students are encouraged to work together and participate in student-led activities that build a supportive community.
Honesty: The school emphasises integrity, honesty and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Curriculum and Academic Programmes at The International School Bangalore
The International School Bangalore offers different international academic programmes through its Primary and Senior School divisions. The school follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the Primary Years, Cambridge IGCSE framework in Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12, and English is the medium of instruction throughout all the grades.
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
The Primary Years Programme is an inquiry-based educational framework designed to encourage conceptual understanding, student participation and independent thinking.
At TISB, the PYP covers six broad subject areas:
Students explore these subjects through different themes that connect classroom learning with wider real-life problems and related experiences. The programme also includes specialist subjects such as Art, Music, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Physical Education.
Early Years: Pre-KG and KG1
For Pre-KG and KG1, the school combines the IB PYP framework with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Learning during these years is primarily play-based, with opportunities for structured activities, independent exploration, and interaction with teachers.
The EYFS framework covers the following areas:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Physical Development
Communication and Language
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
Lower Grade 1 to Grade 5
Students in Lower Grade 1 to Grade 5 continue with the IB PYP framework. Learning focuses on the development of knowledge, conceptual understanding and transdisciplinary skills.
The programme encourages students to ask questions, investigate topics, share ideas and collaborate with their classmates. Students also participate in activities involving arts, languages, physical education and other specialist subjects.
Middle School: Grades 6–8
The Middle School curriculum is designed to help students transition from primary education to a more structured academic environment.
Grade 6 focuses on developing independence, organisation, resourcefulness and a willingness to take calculated risks. Students moving from Grade 5 to Grade 6 can participate in a Transition Week, which introduces them to the Senior School environment and allows them to interact with existing Grade 6 students.
Subjects listed for Grade 6 include:
English
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Computer Science
Geography
History
Art
Drama
Music
French
German
Mandarin Chinese
Hindi (previous knowledge required)
Physical Education
Personal, Social, Health and Moral Education (PSHME)
The school also provides opportunities to participate in sports such as football, basketball, athletics, cricket, throwball, tennis, badminton, volleyball, swimming and hockey.
Cambridge IGCSE: Grades 9–10
Students in Grades 9 and 10 follow the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. The programme provides a combination of theoretical learning and practical experience. Grade 9 students study nine or ten Cambridge IGCSE subjects. The programme aims to develop subject knowledge, problem-solving abilities, teamwork and the ability to apply learning in different contexts.
During Grade 10, students receive support with coursework, homework, revision schedules and mock examinations in preparation for their external examinations. The school also encourages students to maintain a balance between academics, sports, extracurricular activities and personal time.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP): Grades 11–12
The IBDP is a two-year pre-university programme followed by students in Grades 11 and 12. The programme emphasises independent learning, academic responsibility and a broad educational experience. Students are expected to build on the independent study skills developed during their earlier years.
Students transferring from Indian curricula such as CBSE and ICSE can receive support during the initial stages of their transition into Grade 11. The school also provides opportunities for students to take on leadership responsibilities through prefect roles and student-led initiatives. Grade 12 students organise VIVUM, an annual two-day charity festival that involves participation from external schools.
College Counselling and Higher Education Guidance
TISB provides a structured College Counselling and Future Pathways Programme to help students explore higher education options. It is very significant for students studying the International Curriculum and looking to get into a foreign university. Through this counselling, students can get a better idea about how to apply, where to apply, and what the exact process is.
The programme begins in Grade 8 and develops as students progress through the Senior School.
Grade 8: Students explore their interests, strengths and possible future pathways. They also receive guidance when considering IGCSE subject choices.
Grade 9: Students explore career clusters and receive guidance on extracurricular engagement, external examinations and online courses.
Grade 10: Guidance focuses on IB subject selection, university admission requirements across countries, and future career interests.
Grade 11: Students begin working on university applications, exploring universities and courses, and planning standardised tests and extracurricular engagement.
Grade 12: Students receive support with application presentation, essays, interview preparation, and final university selection.
The programme also includes workshops, parent engagement sessions, alumni interactions, and application guidance.
Admission Process at The International School Bangalore
The International School Bangalore accepts applications throughout the year, subject to seat availability in the relevant grade. Admission is selective and depends on the applicant's assessment performance, previous academic records, interview, and the school's ability to meet the student's educational needs.
Admission Eligibility and Age Criteria
TISB follows a specific age-to-grade placement policy. According to its official Naming of Grade Levels document, students are placed in grades based on their age as of 31 August of the year of entry.
The published age ranges are:
Grade | Age Range |
Pre-KG | 3–4 years |
KG1 | 4–5 years |
Lower Grade 1 | 5–6 years |
Upper Grade 1 | 6–7 years |
Grade 2 | 7–8 years |
Grade 3 | 8–9 years |
Grade 4 | 9–10 years |
Grade 5 | 10–11 years |
Grade 6 | 11–12 years |
Grade 7 | 12–13 years |
Grade 8 | 13–14 years |
Grade 9 | 14–15 years |
Grade 10 | 15–16 years |
Grade 11 | 16–17 years |
Grade 12 | 17–18 years |
Entrance Assessment and Selection Criteria
The entrance assessment requirements vary according to the grade for which admission is sought.
KG1: Applicants attend a stay-and-play session.
Lower Grade 1 to Grade 2: Applicants attend a short classroom session followed by an informal interaction with the Deputy Principal of Primary Years. No formal entrance assessment is conducted.
Grades 3–5: Applicants take an assessment in English and Mathematics, followed by an interview.
Grades 6–8: Applicants take assessments in English, Mathematics and Non-verbal Reasoning. Successful applicants are invited for an interview.
Grade 9: The assessment covers English, Mathematics, Science and Non-verbal Reasoning, followed by an interview for successful applicants.
Grade 11: Applicants take assessments in English, Mathematics, one of the Sciences and Non-verbal Reasoning, followed by an interview.
Steps to Apply for Admission
Parents interested in admission can follow the school's prescribed application process:
Submit an enquiry: Complete the online enquiry form to express interest in admission.
Attend an Open Morning: Register for an Open Morning to learn about the school, meet members of staff, and understand its academic and residential environment.
Submit the application: Complete the application form and submit the required documents.
Pay the registration fee: Pay the applicable registration fee as instructed by the Admissions Department.
Appear for the entrance assessment: Applicants in the relevant grades must complete the prescribed online entrance assessment.
Attend the interview: Candidates who meet the assessment requirements are invited for an interview.
Receive the admission decision: The school communicates the outcome of the application following the selection process.
Confirm the admission: Parents must accept the offer within the specified period and complete the fee payment and admission formalities.
Documents Required for Admission
Here are the document requirements for getting admission:
Completed application form.
Previous two years' school reports, including the current academic year.
Copy of the applicant's passport.
Payment of the registration fee.
Additional documents may be required during the admission and acceptance process, including medical and parent agreement forms and a school leaving or transfer certificate, wherever applicable.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
TISB's offers Chairman's Scholarship, which recognises IB students who achieve a perfect score of 45 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This is an academic recognition for exceptional IB performance
Withdrawal Policy at TISB
TISB's published Admissions Policy outlines certain conditions relating to withdrawals and refunds.
Admission Fee: The admission fee is non-refundable, irrespective of the reason for withdrawal.
Year-End Withdrawal: Parents intending to withdraw a student at the end of an academic year are required to inform the school in writing by 30 April.
Account Settlement: The Bursary Department assists with settling accounts according to the school's policy.
Transfer Certificate: The school issues a Transfer Certificate following the withdrawal process.
Boarding Facilities and Campus Infrastructure at The International School Bangalore
TISB operates a residential programme on its 140-acre campus in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Boarding is available from Grade 5 onwards and forms part of the school's wider academic and extracurricular environment.
Boarding Houses and Residential Accommodation
The school has three boarding houses:
Junior Boys International House (JBIH): Provides residential accommodation for junior boys, with an emphasis on helping students develop independence, maturity and confidence.
Boys International House (BIH): Provides accommodation for senior boys, with communal spaces for relaxation, social interaction and academic enrichment.
Girls International House (GIH): Provides residential accommodation for girls and opportunities to participate in academic, sporting and extracurricular activities.
Each boarding house is supervised by experienced residential staff. House staff support students with their daily routines, academic responsibilities and personal concerns.
Campus Infrastructure
The school's campus includes dedicated facilities for academic learning, recreation, residential life and student support and the following facilities:
Senior School academic block.
Primary Years building.
Main auditorium and reception auditorium.
Cafeteria.
Music rooms and amphitheatre.
Football and hockey fields.
Cricket pitch and athletics track.
Swimming pool.
Tennis, volleyball and basketball courts.
Soccer turf.
Medical centre.
Separate boarding houses.
The availability of these facilities provides students with access to academic, sporting and recreational spaces within the school campus.
Pastoral Care and Student Well-Being at TISB
The International School Bangalore has a pastoral care structure designed to support students' emotional, social, physical and mental well-being.
Academic and Personal Support
In the Senior School, Form Tutors meet students regularly and serve as an initial point of contact for academic and personal concerns. They monitor attendance, academic progress and student well-being.
Grade Coordinators oversee individual grade levels and act as contact points for students and parents who need academic or pastoral guidance. The school also has a Deputy Principal Pastoral who oversees the pastoral care arrangements.
Boarding Pastoral Care
The boarding pastoral team supports students as they adjust to residential life and manage their academic and personal responsibilities.
House Parents provide day-to-day support within the boarding houses, while the pastoral team and school counsellors help students address personal concerns.
The school also conducts awareness sessions on topics such as:
Counselling Support
TISB provides access to full-time school counsellors who offer confidential guidance and emotional support. The counselling arrangements aim to help students develop resilience, manage challenges and maintain positive mental well-being.
It also has a PSHME programme for students in Grades 6–9, covering social and emotional development.
Food and Dining Facilities at The International School Bangalore
TISB identifies a cafeteria as one of the facilities on its campus and includes community meals and food-related activities in its boarding programme.
Its boarding activities page also mentions themed dinners, barbecue nights, and festival gatherings with live food counters.
Medical Facilities at The International School Bangalore
TISB operates an on-campus medical centre to provide healthcare support to students and other members of the campus community.
The school has a 24-hour, 10-bedded Primary Care Centre.
Its medical arrangements include:
Round-the-clock medical centre operations.
Experienced nurses residing on campus.
A consultant doctor who conducts clinics every Wednesday.
On-campus primary medical care and health support.
The medical centre forms part of the school's student welfare arrangements, particularly for children living in the boarding houses.
Sports and Physical Activities at The International School Bangalore
TISB provides sports opportunities through its physical education programme, sports facilities and inter-house competitions. The sports available are-
Football.
Cricket.
Basketball.
Badminton.
Tennis.
Swimming.
Athletics.
Hockey.
Volleyball.
Throwball.
Table tennis.
The campus includes a swimming pool, cricket pitch, athletics track, football and hockey fields, soccer turf and courts for tennis, volleyball and basketball.
The school also organises inter-house sports competitions through its House system. These activities provide students with opportunities to participate in team sports, develop physical fitness and learn about teamwork and sportsmanship.
Co-Curricular Activities and Creative Learning
TISB offers creative and extracurricular opportunities alongside its academic programmes.
Creative Arts
The school's creative arts programme includes visual arts, music and drama. Art activities provide opportunities to experiment with different materials and techniques, including:
Ceramics.
Painting.
Drawing.
Printing.
Students can develop their creative ideas and learn to communicate them through different forms of artistic expression.
The Senior School also offers Cambridge IGCSE Arts and IB Visual Arts courses.
Model United Nations and Leadership
TISB organises TISBMUN, an annual Model United Nations conference that brings together students from different schools.
The conference provides opportunities to develop:
Students from Grades 6–12 participate in TISBMUN, while senior students can also take up organisational responsibilities.
Student-Led Events and Community Service
The school organises initiatives that encourage students to participate in community activities and fundraising.
VIVUM is the school's flagship interschool cultural and sporting festival. It is organised by Grade 12 students and brings together participants from approximately 25 external schools.
Its activities include sports tournaments, poetry, music, dance, photography exhibitions and fashion shows. The festival also supports charitable causes through its fundraising initiatives.
XAVAGE is an annual business and economics festival organised by students. Its activities include business challenges, mock stock exchange events, crisis management simulations and entrepreneurial competitions.
These events provide opportunities to practise teamwork, planning, negotiation, budgeting and event management.
Educational Trips and Experiential Learning
The school organises educational trips for students in the Primary Years.
Pre-KG to Grade 5: Students participate in curriculum-related day trips and educational visits.
Grade 3: Students have opportunities to participate in an overnight school camp.
Grades 4–5: Students participate in residential trips that encourage independence, teamwork and outdoor learning.
The school has done many trips to places such as Skandagiri, Ramanagara, and Yercaud among its residential trip activities.
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