British International School of Washington

Since 2024, Oona Carlin. A Brit with a BA from Imperial College London and PGCE from University of Cambridge, she recently moved from the Middle East (five years in Oman and Qatar) and is no stranger to working in an international environment. Prior

With substantial links with the embassies, IMF and World Bank, there is flexibility in terms of entry options, and it is not unheard of for students to join mid-year or even mid-term. Unusually, one pupil joined in year 13 and school went the extra

As many families are on fixed term contracts, it can feel quite transient, but it’s managed well with small year groups and primary classes mixed up each year.

School is seen as accommodating, supporting students with their applications to

In 2025, 42 students graduated with an average IB score of 32. The highest score was 43 points.

In 2024, 28 students graduated with an average IB score of 32 (world average 30), with one gaining a bilingual diploma. The highest score was 40

A happy balance exists between long term teachers and new recruits, who often transfer from other Nord Anglia schools. The vast majority are British. A parent commented, 'Teachers are enthusiastic, committed to making learning fun, and dedicated to

There are approachable counsellors school-wide but if more structured support is required, this is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Given that 60 per cent of the school population comes from 70 different countries, there are surprisingly few students arriving with little to no English. The ESL department works with students to help them integrate into the classroom and the

Like most Nord Anglia schools, it enjoys collaborations with The Juilliard School in New York and New York and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts through a specially devised online platform delivered within the

Big efforts are being made to incorporate more opportunities into the daily schedule. It is refreshing to hear that some typically British sports, like cricket and hockey, have been introduced, though unfortunately there are no external matches as no

During our tour, we saw several counsellors throughout, even bumping into one in the dining room. Clutching board games, she was on her way to run a lunchtime club; a selective group for students who face challenges with making friends and practising

Whilst the large proportion of British students is no surprise, there is a healthy mix of nationalities, helped by its popularity with the many embassies here. Students from other parts of the world feel safe in the knowledge of an easily

Fees are considerably lower than at many other private and international schools in the area.

Families transferring from other Nord Anglia schools or from small schools in England will find it a ‘home from home’. The consensus is it is especially suited to students who are adaptable, academically driven, and who want to learn to think