British schools in Turkey: Istanbul and Ankara
British and international schools in Turkey: options in Istanbul and Ankara, the rules on who can attend foreign schools, and practical advice for expatriate families.
Turkey’s international schools serve the expatriate communities of Istanbul and the capital, Ankara, with smaller options in Izmir. A distinctive rule shapes the whole sector: international schools are, in general, for foreign nationals.
Who can attend
Under Turkish rules, international (foreign) schools are mainly open to children who are not Turkish citizens. Turkish nationals can usually attend only in specific cases, such as dual nationality. This means:
- International schools have a genuinely international student body.
- Turkish families who want an English-language education usually choose private Turkish schools with strong English programmes, or schools offering the IB alongside the Turkish curriculum.
The British school scene
The COBISEC-era directory listed The British International School of Istanbul. Istanbul today offers British-curriculum schools alongside IB, American, German, French and other national schools. British schools typically teach the English National Curriculum to IGCSE, then A-Levels or the IB Diploma.
Where the schools are
- Istanbul (European side): Etiler, Ulus, Bebek, Sarıyer and Zekeriyaköy, popular residential areas for international families.
- Istanbul (Asian side): fewer options, but closer to some business districts.
- Ankara: schools serving the diplomatic community and government-related employers.
Istanbul’s traffic and the Bosphorus crossings make location crucial. Choose the school first, then housing.
Practical points
- The school year runs from September to June.
- Check that the school is licensed by the Ministry of National Education and how it is accredited.
- Expect a strong emphasis on security and transport arrangements at many schools.
See also: how to choose a British international school and Greece.
Directory: British schools in Turkey
| School | City | Ages | Curricula |
|---|---|---|---|
| The British International School İstanbul | Zekeriyaköy, Sarıyer (Istanbul) | 2.5–18 | English curriculum (modified), IGCSE, IB Diploma |
Frequently asked questions
Can Turkish nationals attend international schools in Turkey?
Generally not. International (foreign) schools in Turkey are mainly for foreign nationals. Turkish citizens can usually attend only in specific circumstances, for example if they also hold another nationality. Check eligibility with each school, as the rules are applied strictly.
Where are international schools in Istanbul?
On both sides of the Bosphorus. Many are on the European side, in areas such as Etiler, Ulus, Bebek and Sarıyer, with others on the Asian side and in suburbs such as Büyükçekmece.