British School JakartaUnverified
Bintaro Campus- 1 campus in South Jakarta
Phil Edwards
In post since 2026
Phil Edwards is currently serving as Interim Principal at British School Jakarta (2026). The school holds BSO inspection (Outstanding) and CIS accreditation.
The Intelligence
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If you want a British school feel with IB credentials and your budget stretches to the upper tier, BSJ is the natural first choice. Families in Pondok Indah or BSD find it easy. From central Jakarta, factor in the commute before you commit.
The word among expat families is that BSJ is where British and European families end up. It's the longest-established British school in Jakarta, founded in 1974, with a 45-acre campus in Bintaro that feels closer to a UK independent school than anything else in the city. English National Curriculum through primary, IB MYP in secondary, IB Diploma in Sixth Form. That combination gives students a structured British grounding with the IB's broader approach at the exit point.
Families who've been here a few years say the community feel is the real draw. At 1,400 students it's big enough to offer 260+ activities, FOBISIA competitions across Asia, and a Manchester City FC football partnership, but staff still know their children by name. The Bintaro location suits families in Pondok Indah and BSD. From Menteng or Kuningan, you're looking at 40 minutes on a good day.
The facilities have had serious investment. A new all-weather Arena opened in 2025, sitting alongside the 750-seat theatre, Olympic pool, and five football fields. Joint CIS/WASC reaccreditation came through in 2023 for five years. The school is currently led by an Interim Principal, and many parents are waiting to see who gets the permanent role before judging the strategic direction.
+What parents value
- The house system and pastoral care create a sense of belonging that the bigger schools struggle to match. Staff know children by name, and the school culture takes wellbeing seriously.
- The 45-acre Bintaro campus is the largest of any international school in Jakarta. Facilities include a 750-seat theatre, Olympic pool, five football fields, 12 badminton courts, five tennis courts, and the new all-weather Arena (2025).
- 260+ extracurricular activities running before school, lunchtime, after school, and Saturdays. The Manchester City FC partnership provides professional football coaching.
- Joint CIS/WASC reaccreditation (2023-2028) plus IB authorisation for all three programmes. Founding member of FOBISIA with a strong regional competition schedule.
- BSJ feels like a village. Children socialise at weekends, the PTA is active, and the campus doubles as a community hub. That matters when you're new to Jakarta.
−Points of consideration
- Bintaro is 25-40 minutes south of central Jakarta depending on traffic. If you're in Menteng, Kuningan, or Kemang, the commute is real. School bus services exist but add cost.
- BSJ doesn't publish A-Level or IGCSE results publicly. That makes it harder to benchmark against competitors. You'll need to ask admissions directly for data.
- The school is in a leadership transition. Day-to-day operations seem unaffected, but there's uncertainty about strategic direction until a permanent Principal is appointed.
- Fees are second only to JIS in Jakarta. Early Years starts around IDR 224M in the first year including one-time fees. The early payment discount dropped from 5% to 3%, which parents have noticed.
- Despite the British brand, students take IB MYP and DP rather than IGCSEs or A-Levels. If you specifically want British qualifications rather than British culture, clarify this during admissions.
Fees
2025–2026 fees shown in USD equivalent. Exchange rate updated 19 Feb 2026
| Year Group | Tuition | Capital Fee | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten (Ages 2–4)(2–4 years) | US$11,905 | US$0 | US$11,905 |
| Primary (Years 1–6)(5–11 years) | US$16,667 | US$0 | US$16,667 |
| Secondary (Years 7–11)(11–16 years) | US$20,833 | US$0 | US$20,833 |
| Sixth Form IB DP (Years 12–13)(16–18 years) | US$20,833 | US$0 | US$20,833 |
Fee ranges are approximate - BSJ invoices termly and specific amounts vary by year group. A 3% discount is available for annual payment in full. Fees do not include examination fees (IB/IGCSE), extracurricular activities, overseas trips, sports events, or technology hire. Contact admissions for the detailed 2025–2026 fee schedule.
Academic Results
BSJ follows the English National Curriculum in Primary with an inquiry-based approach, transitioning to the IB Middle Years Programme in secondary (Years 7–11) and the IB Diploma Programme in Sixth Form (Years 12–13). This hybrid model combines the structured British primary experience with the IB's interdisciplinary approach at secondary level.
The school does not publicly release detailed exam results. Anecdotal reports from parents suggest strong university placements, particularly to UK Russell Group universities, Australian Group of Eight, and a growing number to US institutions. The college counselling team is described as supportive and well-connected.
Class sizes average 20–22 students. EAL support and learning enrichment programmes are available. The primary curriculum includes specialist teaching in music, PE, languages, and ICT from Reception onwards.
Student Body & Academics
BSJ draws primarily from British, European, and Australian expat families, though the community has diversified significantly in recent years. The school serves 50+ nationalities, with British families representing the largest single group. A growing number of Indonesian families choose BSJ for its British ethos and IB pathway.
The school culture is notably British - uniforms are worn, assemblies follow British traditions, and there's a strong emphasis on manners, community service, and character development. The house system runs through all year groups and drives much of the school's social and competitive activity.
Inspection
CIS/WASC accreditation reaffirmed July 2023 (visit June 2023); accreditation extended to 2028. The school is also authorised for all three IB programmes. BSJ is a COBIS member; no separate BSO inspection report is published on the school website.
School Life
Facilities
Dance studio and rock climbing wall, Medical centre
BSJ runs 260+ extracurricular activities spanning sports, arts, music, and academic clubs. Activities run before school, at lunchtime, after school, and on Saturdays. The Manchester City FC football partnership provides professional football coaching.
The school competes regionally through FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia), of which BSJ is a founding member. Sports include swimming, football, badminton, basketball, tennis, rugby, volleyball, and cross-country. The annual musical production uses the 750-seat theatre with professional lighting and sound.
Indonesian cultural activities include Gamelan, Angklung, Sumatran Drumming, and Talempeg ensembles - a genuine effort to connect students with local culture. The 45-acre campus includes extensive green space, and the new Arena provides an all-weather venue for sports, performances, and community events.
Location
Bintaro Campus
Early Years – Year 13
Bintaro Sektor 9, Jl. Raya Jombang, Pondok Aren, Tangerang Selatan 15427