Cambridge School of Bucharest: A British International School Where Students Thrive

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Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a relocating family will make, particularly when adapting to a new country and community. Cambridge School of Bucharest (CSB) provides a welcoming environment in which students can settle with confidence, pursue their academic potential and embrace a wide range of opportunities. At its heart is a genuine sense of belonging, ensuring that every student feels known, valued and encouraged to thrive.

Founded in 1994, CSB is an established British international school in Pipera, educating students from Early Years to Sixth Form, aged 3 to 18. The school follows the National Curriculum for England and offers internationally recognised IGCSE, AS Level, A Level and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme qualifications.

CSB is an accredited British School Overseas, inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, and a member of the Council of British International Schools and the Association of British Schools Overseas. It is also an authorised IB World School and is recognised by the Romanian Ministry of Education through ARACIP. Together, these accreditations demonstrate the school’s commitment to high standards in education, leadership, safeguarding and student wellbeing.

Why choose an international British school with endless opportunities

One school, every stage of the journey

CSB supports students throughout their education, from their first experiences of school to their preparation for leading universities around the world. New students are welcomed at different stages of their learning journey and supported as they adapt to a new school, curriculum and community. English as an Additional Language support is available until Year 4, helping younger learners develop the language skills and confidence to participate fully in school life.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children learn through purposeful play, exploration and carefully planned activities. Early Years specialists create a warm, nurturing environment in which children develop communication, early literacy and numeracy, independence and positive relationships. Outdoor learning, weekly visits to the local forest and other local experiences help children explore their surroundings and make connections with the wider world.

Primary students build strong foundations across the curriculum while developing curiosity, creativity and confidence. Specialist teaching in languages, music, art, drama, physical education and computing complements the core subjects. Educational visits bring classroom topics to life, while themed days, performances, residential experiences and community projects create memorable opportunities to learn together.

In Secondary, students follow a broad Key Stage 3 curriculum before beginning their IGCSE qualifications. In Sixth Form, they can choose the pathway most suited to their strengths and future ambitions: Cambridge International AS and A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Local and international trips are an important part of the Secondary experience. Connected to academic study, sport, culture, service and personal development, they help students become more independent, adaptable and globally aware.

Academic success guided by strong values

Academic ambition is central to life at CSB. Students are encouraged to achieve excellent results, think critically, communicate confidently and take increasing responsibility for their learning. Teachers bring strong academic backgrounds and subject specialisms to the classroom, providing expert guidance throughout each stage of education.

This commitment is reflected in consistently strong examination results across IGCSE, AS Level, A Level and the IB Diploma Programme. The school’s values of Confidence, Success and Belonging underpin this academic culture and shape the wider student experience.

Students develop the confidence to express their ideas, the determination to achieve ambitious goals and the sense of belonging that allows them to thrive. Together with strong academic outcomes, these qualities prepare them for leading universities and for the responsibilities and opportunities of adult life.

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An international community connected through language

CSB brings together students and staff from a wide range of nationalities and cultural backgrounds. English is the language of instruction, while the school’s language programme develops international communication skills and helps students maintain a connection to their linguistic heritage.

Romanian is taught from Nursery, with native-language provision in Romanian, Chinese, Arabic and Turkish across relevant year groups. Students can also study modern foreign languages, including French, German and Spanish, as they progress through the school.

This multilingual approach reflects the diversity of the CSB community while giving students the language skills and cultural understanding needed to participate confidently in an international environment.

A campus designed for learning and discovery

CSB’s approximately 50,000-square-metre campus provides dedicated spaces for each phase of the school, combining specialist academic facilities with generous areas for sport, recreation and outdoor learning.

The Early Years and Lower Primary building includes age-appropriate classrooms, a gymnasium and outdoor play areas. Upper Primary students learn in The Cloud, a modern building featuring a STEAM laboratory, gymnasium, spacious canteen and several outdoor learning and recreation spaces.

The Secondary campus includes science and computer science laboratories, specialist classrooms, study areas, a Student Union space and outdoor sports and recreation facilities. A new athletics track and football pitch provide further opportunities for physical education, training and competition.

The latest phase of the school’s development includes two new buildings and additional outdoor facilities, creating an extensive sports and creative arts complex. Facilities include swimming pools, a sports hall, climbing areas, a fitness gym, theatre, design and technology spaces, a large library and additional dining areas. This continued investment reflects CSB’s commitment to creating an environment in which students can learn, create, perform and compete.

Opportunities beyond the curriculum

An extensive supercurricular and extracurricular programme allows students to discover new interests, deepen existing ones and develop skills beyond the classroom.

Supercurricular activities extend academic learning through societies, workshops, competitions, debates, research and university-focused enrichment. Students can explore subjects in greater depth and demonstrate the intellectual curiosity, independence and sustained engagement valued by highly competitive universities.

The extracurricular programme encompasses team sports, performing and creative arts, student publications, clubs, leadership and community activities. CSB students compete nationally and internationally in sports including basketball and volleyball, as well as in academic disciplines such as economics. These experiences encourage teamwork, resilience and the confidence to represent both themselves and their school.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Romania is an important part of this wider development. Across its Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, students undertake physical activity, build practical skills, volunteer and complete adventurous journeys, developing responsibility, perseverance and teamwork while working towards an internationally recognised award.

CSB also has its own non-profit organisation, the Oak & Elm Foundation, which supports students in undertaking volunteering and charitable activities. Through the Foundation, students work with local non-governmental organisations and contribute to donation drives, educational partnerships and projects supporting the wider community. These experiences help students understand the value of empathy, service and sustained social responsibility.

Environmental action is another important part of school life. As a Green Flag school, CSB has a student Eco-Committee that leads sustainability projects and encourages the community to make responsible choices. Practical initiatives and awareness campaigns give students opportunities to take ownership of environmental issues and contribute to positive change.

Leadership, Houses and school spirit

Leadership opportunities are woven into school life through the Student Union, class representative roles, House leadership, sports captaincies and senior student positions. These responsibilities give students an authentic voice and allow them to contribute to the direction of their community.

The school’s four Houses bring students together across age groups through academic, sporting, creative and charitable activities. The system encourages friendly competition while strengthening collaboration, school spirit and a shared sense of identity.

Through leadership and service, students learn that achievement is accompanied by responsibility and that their ideas and actions can make a meaningful difference.

Wellbeing, belonging and community

Students are best placed to succeed when they feel safe, supported and valued. Wellbeing is therefore central to the CSB experience and closely connected to the school’s academic and pastoral provision.

Safeguarding, pastoral care, school counselling and learning support structures work together to respond to individual needs. Personal, Social, Citizenship, Health and Economic Education, assemblies, tutor time and dedicated initiatives help students build healthy relationships, develop emotional awareness and feel confident seeking support.

CSB’s Well-being Wave Index was recognised as the Student Mental Health Initiative of the Year at the international TES Awards. The initiative reflects the school’s commitment to listening to students and using their experiences to shape meaningful wellbeing support.

This culture of care extends to families. Strong relationships between home and school help new families settle into Bucharest, form connections and become part of the community. For internationally mobile students, this continuity and sense of belonging can make an important difference during a period of change.

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Preparing students for an international future

What distinguishes Cambridge School of Bucharest is the breadth of its educational experience. Strong academics are reinforced by recognised international qualifications and expert teaching, while opportunities in languages, leadership, sport, sustainability, service, travel and enrichment allow students to develop their individual strengths.

For relocating families, CSB offers the reassurance of an accredited British international education within a diverse and welcoming community. For students, it provides a place where they can belong, pursue ambitious goals and develop the knowledge, character and perspective to succeed wherever their future takes them.