If you are looking at international schools in Delhi NCR, The British School (TBS) is one you will keep hearing about. It has more than 62 years of history and combines an international outlook with Indian traditions. Here is what sets it apart, how admission works, and what to ask before you apply.
A Quick Look at TBS
The school has 1,270 students and teachers from 60 nationalities, so children grow up in a genuinely multicultural setting. The student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1, which means more individual attention in class.
Recent recognition:
- Top 3 in India and Top 5 private schools in South Asia, according to the 2024 Global Schools Index by Carfax Education.
- Platinum Shield Award for exceptional safety standards. TBS is the only school in India in Momentum India's network of 125+ institutions to receive it.
- UCL India Summer School: a partnership with University College London that brings university-level, research-led teaching to students, extended through 2029.
- A visit from HRH Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, who spoke with students about their community impact projects.
- Director Vanita Uppal OBE has been appointed Chair of FOBISIA, the Federation of British International Schools in Asia.
Academics: IB at the Centre
In 2025, TBS celebrates 20 years of the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). The core of the programme is Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Its alumni include a professional footballer in Portugal, an autonomous vehicle engineer at Boeing, and a sustainable finance leader at the UN.
Teachers are also trying new methods in class:
- AI in the classroom: one teacher uses it to help students see the difference between Classical and Keynesian economics.
- Gamification: game-based models turn hard academic problems into interactive challenges.
- Creative teaching: economics through rap music, and literature analysis through "worked examples".
For younger children, the school follows the EYFS and Key Stage 1 and 2 structure. It also has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) framework and personalised learning support.
How Admission Works: 4 Steps
TBS accepts applications from all education systems and backgrounds.
- Online registration. Register on the portal and upload your child's passport/visa copy, the parents' passports (if applicable), and a photograph. The non-refundable fee is INR 30,000.
- Documents. When a seat is available in the right year group, the school asks for a health form, school reports from the last 2-3 years, and a confidential recommendation from a previous teacher.
- One-on-one interaction. Students in Years 1-12 take an age-appropriate session covering basic English, Maths and non-verbal skills. No special preparation is needed. For older students it also helps decide IB subject choices.
- Offer of admission. Accept the terms and pay the fee within 3 working days for Indian residents or 10 working days for overseas residents.
Tip: Seats are offered only when a place opens in the right year group. Register early, and keep your child's last 2-3 years of school reports ready.
Beyond the Classroom
TBS also publishes a blog written by its staff and students. Topics include leadership, mindfulness for children, art therapy, safeguarding, choral singing and physical literacy. A piece by Hamir Thapar (Class of 2020) is titled "Marks Don't Matter, Just Work Hard". The articles show how the school thinks about wellbeing as well as results.
Questions to Ask on a Visit
- How do the EYFS, Primary and Secondary stages connect to the IBDP?
- How is learning support and EAL provision arranged for my child?
- What does the current fee structure and payment schedule look like?
- What sports, arts and leadership activities are offered, and how are transport and meals arranged?
- How does the school handle safeguarding and counselling?
Useful Links
- Homepage · The TBS Edge
- Admissions · Admission Process · Fee Structure · Enquiry Form
- IBDP at TBS · University Guidance · Results
- Inclusion & Learning Support · Student Safeguarding · Student Counselling
- Enrichment Activities · School Services
- TBS Blog · Contact Us
Admission steps, fees and deadlines can change, so confirm them on the school's official site before you apply.