The British curriculum

By the Editorial team · Checked October 2026

British international schools teach the English National Curriculum, adapted for an international setting. They are among the most common international schools in Asia and the Middle East.

The stages

Children start in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which covers Nursery and Reception. Primary school runs from Year 1 to Year 6, through Key Stages 1 and 2. Secondary runs from Year 7 to Year 13. Students sit GCSE or IGCSE exams at the end of Year 11 and A levels at the end of Year 13, the last two years being called the sixth form.

IGCSE and A level

Most international schools use the IGCSE, set by exam boards such as Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel, because it is designed for students outside England. Students usually take eight to ten subjects. At A level they narrow down to three or four subjects, studied in depth.

Inspection and membership

British schools abroad can be inspected under the British Schools Overseas framework, using inspectorates approved by the UK Department for Education. Many belong to COBIS or, in Asia, to FOBISIA. Ask to see the latest inspection report.

British curriculum or IB

A levels let students specialise early, which suits a student who knows they want medicine or engineering. The IB Diploma keeps six subjects to the end. Universities accept both. Some British schools teach both and let students choose in Year 12.

Moving between systems

Children are placed by age, and the British year groups start a year earlier than many systems: a child in Grade 5 in an American school is usually in Year 6 in a British one. Check the school's placement rules.