Application Process

Application Process

BIS-NY Admissions in 3 Easy Steps

STEP ONE

Inquire

Start by completing our short inquiry form so we can learn a little about your family.

Once we receive your inquiry, a member of our admissions team will contact you to answer questions and schedule a video call or private campus tour.

This is the best way to get to know the school and determine if it’s the right fit for your child.

STEP TWO

Apply Online

After your initial conversation or tour, families who wish to continue the process will be invited to complete the full application form.

This form includes family contact information and additional details that help us better understand your child and their educational needs.

Please note there is a $125 application fee, payable when the application is submitted.

STEP THREE

Submit Supporting Documents

Once your application has been reviewed, our admissions team will guide you through the final step: submitting the required supporting documents based on your child’s age.

A checklist of required documents can be found in the dropdowns below.

Admissions & Application Info

On mobile devices, you can scroll horizontally to see the full table.

Year Group US Grade Age Birth Dates for 2025/26 Birth Dates for 2026/27
Nursery3s Program2.9 – 41 Sep 2021 – 31 Dec 20221 Sep 2022 – 31 Dec 2023
ReceptionPre-K4 – 51 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 20211 Sep 2021 – 31 Aug 2022
Year 1K5 – 61 Sep 2019 – 31 Aug 20201 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 2021
Year 2Grade 16 – 71 Sep 2018 – 31 Aug 20191 Sep 2019 – 31 Aug 2020
Year 3Grade 27 – 81 Sep 2017 – 31 Aug 20181 Sep 2018 – 31 Aug 2019
Year 4Grade 38 – 91 Sep 2016 – 31 Aug 20171 Sep 2017 – 31 Aug 2018
Year 5Grade 49 – 101 Sep 2015 – 31 Aug 20161 Sep 2016 – 31 Aug 2017
Year 6Grade 510 – 111 Sep 2014 – 31 Aug 20151 Sep 2015 – 31 Aug 2016
Year 7Grade 611 – 121 Sep 2013 – 31 Aug 20141 Sep 2014 – 31 Aug 2015
Year 8Grade 712 – 131 Sep 2012 – 31 Aug 20131 Sep 2013 – 31 Aug 2014
Year 9Grade 813 – 141 Sep 2011 – 31 Aug 20121 Sep 2012 – 31 Aug 2013
Year 10Grade 914 – 151 Sep 2010 – 31 Aug 20111 Sep 2011 – 31 Aug 2012
Year 11Grade 1015 – 161 Sep 2009 – 31 Aug 20101 Sep 2010 – 31 Aug 2011
Year 12Grade 1116 – 171 Sep 2008 – 31 Aug 20091 Sep 2009 – 31 Aug 2010
Year 13Grade 1217 – 181 Sep 2007 – 31 Aug 20081 Sep 2008 – 31 Aug 2009

At BIS-NY we follow the British “year group” system, split into school divisions, and use a September 1st cut off date to determine the correct year group for students. 

 

Our student’s social and emotional growth is equally as important as their academic development. With this in mind, our teachers are motivated to ensure that all children are both stretched and supported in class, differentiating the learning to enable them to reach their academic potential and make visible progress, as they develop physically, socially, and emotionally alongside their peers. 

 

We may occasionally admit rising 3’s (aged 3 by Dec 31st). Please speak to Admissions regarding progression and requirements.

In addition to your online application, please upload the following documents to your OpenApply account:

 

  • A copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport
  • For Pre-K (Reception) or K (Year 1) applicants: copies of your child’s past school reports and an Early Years Teacher Recommendation Form, to be completed and sent to us by your child’s current school

 

*Please note children do need to be independently potty trained to join the Nursery and Reception/Pre-K classes.*

In addition to your online application, please upload the following documents to your OpenApply account:

 

  • A copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of 2 years past school reports, including a current year report (if available)
  • A Lower School Teacher Recommendation Form, to be completed and sent to us by your child’s current school

In addition to your online application, please upload the following documents to your OpenApply account:

  • A copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of 2 years past school reports, including a current year report (if available)
  • A Middle School Teacher Recommendation Form, to be completed and sent to us by your child’s current school
  • A recent maths assignment and writing assignment


Once we receive your application, we will be in touch to schedule an informal student interview with our Head of Middle School, which may be done remotely.

In addition to your online application, please upload the following documents to your OpenApply account:

  • A copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport
  • A copy of 2 years past school reports, including a current year report (if available)
  • A recent essay in any subject
  • For U.S. based families or those who have taken it: All ISEE Test Scores or equivalent. These help us form a fuller picture and are not designed as a single determining factor in the admissions decision
 

We also require the following Teacher Recommendation Forms, to be completed and sent to us by your child’s current school:

  • Principal or Advisors Recommendation Form
  • Maths Teacher Recommendation Form
  • English Teacher Recommendation Form
  • For Year 12 (Grade 11) applicants: Subject Specific Teacher Recommendation Forms for your chosen A Level subjects.
 

Once we receive your application, we will be in touch to schedule a student interview with our Head of Upper School, which may be done remotely.

BIS-NY is delighted to be able to issue F1 Visas for students studying at the school in Year 1 (Kindergarten) through Year 13  (Grade 12). Please contact admissions@bis-ny.org for more information.

As The British International School of New York is truly an international school, we have many students who are learning in a language other than those they speak at home.

For students who need support in learning content in the English language, we offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) to ensure all students reach their full potential and can fully participate in both our curriculum and socially. In collaboration with class teachers, the EAL teacher supports students through small group pull-out lessons in place of French or Spanish, as well as through in-class support.

 

During pull-out EAL classes, students in Reception through Year 9 receive small group lessons tailored to accommodate each student’s individual language needs within the context of each class unit. We focus on developing vocabulary and grammar, as well as the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Student learning is scaffolded through the use of visual and practical aids, dramatization, graphic organizers, and hands-on demonstrations to provide a clear and concrete context for understanding.

FAQs

We understand that not all families are able to visit the school in person before relocating to New York. Our admissions process is designed to work smoothly for families applying from abroad.

The steps are exactly the same. Simply start by submitting the Inquiry Form, and our admissions team will contact you to guide you through the process.

Instead of an in-person campus tour, we can schedule a video call, virtual meeting, or continue the conversation via email; whatever works best for your family. From there, we’ll help you move through the application and document submission stages just like any other applicant.

If you are applying from abroad, simply mention it in your inquiry and we’ll be happy to manage the entire process remotely.

Yes. We understand that relocating to a new city can be complex and that plans often change. For this reason, we accept applications throughout the year to support families with flexible or uncertain relocation timelines.

Our admissions team will work closely with you throughout the process to ensure you have the information you need and feel confident about your child’s education in New York.

If you’re considering applying, simply complete the Inquiry Form and our team will get in touch to discuss availability and the best possible start date for your child.

Looking for midyear admissions for the 2025/2026 school year?

Spaces are still available in select year groups. To receive personalised guidance and the most accurate information for your child’s situation, please complete our inquiry form. This allows our admissions team to review your details in advance and provide tailored next steps to best support your family.

Our team is committed to offering flexibility and reassurance at every stage of the admissions process. Once we receive your inquiry, we will respond promptly with clear guidance on availability, requirements, and timelines.

If you would prefer to reach out directly, our admissions team is available from 8:00am daily, including during the summer. We look forward to supporting your family.

Relocating within the British Education System

If you are relocating from the UK or from a school that follows the English National Curriculum, BIS-NY offers the quality and consistency you value, plus peace of mind as you manage the logistics of your move to a new city.

 

At BIS-NY, we deliver the English National Curriculum through the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) for students from Nursery, 3’s Program, through Year 9, US Grade 8.

 

In our Upper School, students follow the IGCSE and A-Level programmes, qualifications that are respected worldwide and designed to provide flexibility and academic depth as they complete high school.

 

Our curriculum combines:

 
  • Internationally recognised qualifications
  • A learning approach that feels familiar
  • Clear academic progression
  • A supportive environment for settling into a new school
 

Alongside our established academic pathway, the IB’s cross-curricular, inquiry-based approach encourages students to:

 
  • Build connections between subjects
  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Stay motivated and engaged
  • Prepare confidently for the next stage of their education
 

When it is time to relocate back to the UK or move to another international setting, you can feel reassured that your children are academically and socially prepared to make a smooth transition and embrace their next challenge.

Why US Families choose BIS-NY?

Despite our name, BIS-NY is not just for Brits.

 

Originally founded to support British families in New York, BIS-NY has grown into a diverse international community. Today, many local New York families choose our school for the quality and portability of a British and international education.

 

We combine:

 
  • The academic rigor of the English National Curriculum
  • The global framework of the International Baccalaureate
  • The widely recognized IGCSE and A-Level qualifications
 

This pathway offers a global perspective in New York and qualifications that are respected by leading universities across the United States.

 

Nearly a third of our students are American, many from local New York families. They value:

 
  • A strong balance of academic challenge and pastoral care
  • A clear focus on wellbeing
  • An education that reflects the energy and opportunity of growing up in NYC
 

The portability of our program supports students at every transition point, wherever their next step may be.

 

Strong A-Level results, typically grades A or B, can often translate into up to a year of college credit at many US universities, reflecting the depth and quality of study achieved.

Why International Families choose BIS-NY?

Our warm welcome and experience supporting international families can make a meaningful difference as you explore schooling options during your move to New York. We understand that one of the most important considerations when relocating is helping your children settle quickly and happily, feel confident in a new environment, and continue an education that is fully portable.

 

Our challenging, globally recognised curriculum allows students to progress smoothly through their time with us and transition successfully to future schools at any stage of their education.

 

As you coordinate the many details of your move, we are here to provide additional support where needed, including:

 
  • Rolling admissions
  • F1 student visas
  • Learning support options
  • English as an Additional Language lessons
 

Our goal is to make the transition as seamless and reassuring as possible for your whole family.

Admissions & Application Info

To find out more about availability or the application process, we welcome you to get in touch so we can answer your questions about the school.