Let’s go in search to finding the best international schools in Sri Lanka.
If you are thinking providing your child with an excellent education in Sri Lanka, you have come to the right place.
So, what’s all the talk about these international schools in Sri Lanka? Well, these schools offer a high-quality education that can provide numerous opportunities for your child.
They follow different curricula like International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and Edexcel International, providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success.
International Schools in Sri Lanka With Contact Details
| Name | Founded | Location | Contact Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo International School | 1982 | 28 R.G. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka & 175 Paranagantota Rd, Kandy, Sri Lanka | +94 112 697587 | cis.lk |
| Overseas School of Colombo | 1957 | 325, Box 9 Battaramulla – Pannipitiya Rd, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka | +94 112 784 920 | osc.lk |
| Elizabeth Moir School | 1996 | 4/20 Thalakotuwa Gardens, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka | +94 112 512 275 | elizabethmoirschool.com |
| Lyceum International School | 1993 | Nugegoda, Wattala, Panadura, Ratnapura, Gampaha, and Nuwara Eliya | +94 112 822 387 | lyceum.lk |
| Gateway College | 1997 | Colombo, Kandy, Negombo, Dehiwala & Ratmalana | +94 112 888288 | gatewaycollege.lk |
| The British School in Colombo | 1994 | 63 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka | +94 115 329 329 | britishschool.lk |
| Asian International School | – | 4/97 Thalakotuwa Gardens, Colombo, Sri Lanka | +94 11 2513181 | ais.lk |
| Ladies’ College International (Ladies’ College) | 1900 | 66 Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka | +94 112 574 303 | ladiescollege.lk |
| Alethea International School (Alethea School) | 1927 | 13, 15 & 17 Sri Mahabodhi Rd, Dehiwala. SriLanka | +94 112 714 849 | alethea.lk |
| Wycherley International School (Wycherley School) | 1985 | Colombo, Gampaha & Dehiwala | +94 112 588 743 | wycherley.lk |
List of Top International Schools
Colombo International School
- Location: Colombo
- Website: Colombo International School
Colombo International School (CIS) is a private co-educational school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It was founded in 1982 by Elizabeth Moir and employs an English-medium curriculum. The school was established in response to the growing demand for co-educational, English-medium, high-quality education in Colombo. From its inception, CIS has been located in Gregory’s Road, Colombo 7 (formally known as Cinnamon Gardens), which is one of the most desirable, safe, attractive and quiet residential locations in the city.
In 1998, the school was expanded by the new Chairman of the Board of Directors, Armyne Wirasinha, who created a new branch, Colombo International School Kandy, in Mawilmada. The ethos and curriculum of CIS Kandy are identical to the main Colombo branch and students are also prepared for Edexcel’s IGCSE and A Level examinations. A full range of subjects is offered in both branches and many students have gone on to attend prestigious universities in the UK, USA, Australia, Singapore, India and elsewhere.
The school provides a British curriculum-based education system which includes the IGCSE Examination for grades 10 and 11 and International Advanced Level for 6th form. Over the past few years, CIS has been progressively improving and enhancing its school facilities in order to provide a first-class teaching and learning environment for all its students.
Overseas School of Colombo
- Location: Colombo
- Website: Overseas School of Colombo
The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) is an independent, co-educational day school that offers a high-quality educational program from early years to grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The school was founded in 19571 and has been providing a world-class education that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world.
The school year comprises two semesters, from August to December, and from January to June. OSC offers a rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum that prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school provides a nurturing, supportive environment where students can grow and thrive.
OSC is unique in its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and intercultural understanding. This commitment helps students develop a global perspective that prepares them for success in a multicultural world. The school also offers a wide range of co-curricular activities such as sports, music, painting, acting, after-school activities, and service learning.
The school is proud to be the only International Baccalaureate (IB) School in Sri Lanka and boasts a diverse community with over 40+ nationalities represented. With a teacher to student ratio of 1:6, OSC ensures personalized attention and support for each student.
Elizabeth Moir School
- Location: Colombo
- Website: Elizabeth Moir School
Elizabeth Moir School is an independent, co-educational, English medium international school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The school is owned and run by qualified and experienced British educators. It admits children from both Sri Lankan and expatriate families resident in Sri Lanka. The school is unique in Sri Lanka in that it is owned and run by qualified and experienced British educators.
The school is committed to small class sizes, individual attention, and outstanding pastoral care within a warm, multicultural, family environment. Girls and boys, aged 2-19, flourish here because of this commitment. By stimulating independent enquiry, intellectual curiosity, and a love and respect for learning, the school obtains extraordinary academic results and university placements.
The school offers scholarships to both internal and external students for the IGCSE and A Level courses. The scholarships are highly prestigious: candidates are expected to have an exceptional academic record, and to have shown themselves to be leaders in the classroom in terms of effort and participation as well as achievement.
Elizabeth Moir School has achieved many accolades over the years. It was ranked 1st in the world for the best IGCSE results of any international school in 2016. It also had the best A Level results in 2015. In the last 12 years, 7 students from Elizabeth Moir School have been placed at Harvard University.
Lyceum International School
- Location: Multiple locations
- Website: Lyceum International School
Lyceum International School, popularly known as Lyceum and its students as Lyceumers, is the largest International School network in Sri Lanka providing all pre-primary, primary and secondary education1. The school was founded in 1993 by Mohan Lal Grero.
It has nine branches across Sri Lanka providing both primary and secondary education, and sixteen more branches providing pre-primary education commonly known as “leaf schools”. Lyceum International School also has four daycare centres for toddlers.
The school’s motto is derived from the Ancient Greek aphorism “Know thyself”. The school provides an English medium education up to Grade 12. Today, the Lyceum Group of Schools are under the care of Mrs. Kumari Grero who functions as the Coordinating Principal.
Gateway College
- Location: Colombo and Kandy
- Website: Gateway College
Gateway College is a premium educational institution in Sri Lanka that offers a program of learning that follows the English Curriculum in its entirety from Foundation to Advanced Level. The school has state-of-the-art campuses and provides high-quality personalized teaching, all benchmarked against a range of world-class internationally recognized UK qualifications.
Gateway opens its doors to children at 2 ½ years, providing an opportunity for them to develop from Play Group up to ALs and beyond in a purpose-built campus environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The children grow through a holistic all-round learning ethos supported by a team of qualified and well-experienced teachers and educators.
In academics, Gateway College continues to achieve unparalleled success with many students securing High Achiever Awards and World prizes every year at the Edexcel Awards ceremonies. Gateway has also excelled in sports, drama, co-curricular activities, and community service winning many accolades for outstanding achievements.
Every child has the opportunity to receive a truly world-class education in a disciplined, spiritual, and morally uplifting school environment upholding Sri Lankan values and the diversity of our culture. This makes Gateway College a unique learning experience.
The British School in Colombo
- Location: Colombo
- Website: The British School in Colombo
The British School in Colombo, also known as BSC, is an independent, co-educational, international day school located in Borella, a suburb of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The school was founded by British educator Elizabeth Moir in 1994. It prepares students for IGCSE and A-Level examinations2.
The school is the first choice for the discerning parent in the international school arena in Sri Lanka, offering students a broad and balanced education in an environment which compares favorably with the best international standards. It has approximately 1,400 students and 170 teaching staff, and recruits approximately 4 teachers from overseas every year.
Students in Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) prepare for the IGCSEs. Compulsory subjects are English Language, English Literature and Mathematics. Students in Sixth Form prepare for the GCE A Levels. Exams are validated by Cambridge International Examinations.
The school is located at 63 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The school moved to its current site in Borella in 2005.
Asian International School
- Location: Colombo
- Website: Asian International School
Asian International School is an international school in Sri Lanka that combines Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary School into one harmonious whole.
The school takes children from the playgroup age of 2 ½ and sees them right through their school life until they reach the University Entrance classes. The school’s motto is “Fundamental Values of the East. Liberal thinking of the West”
Ladies’ College International
- Location: Colombo
- Website: Ladies’ College International
Ladies’ College is a private girls’ school in Colombo, Sri Lanka, founded on behalf of the Church Missionary Society by Lilian Nixon in 1900.
The school is managed by the Anglican Church of Ceylon and falls under the Diocese of Colombo. The school is located at 66 Sir Ernest De Silva Mawatha (Flower Road), Colombo – 7, Sri Lanka.
Alethea International School
- Location: Colombo
- Website: Alethea International School
Alethea International School is a government-approved private school in Sri Lanka that was established in 1928. During its 95 years of existence, Alethea International School has taught more than 50,000 students. The school is home to nearly 500 students and 60 expert faculty and staff, representing various different cultures.
Alethea has been a government-recognized school for over 60 years and offers Local Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) examinations in the National English Medium Curriculum set by The Department of Education, Sri Lanka. Students of Alethea have the opportunity to sit as school candidates and not private candidates unlike many other private schools. Alethea International School also prepares its students for Cambridge Ordinary Level (O/L) and Edexcel Advanced Level (A/L) Examinations.
The school is located at 13, 15 & 17 Sri Mahabodhi Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka. The journey of Alethea began with its establishment in 1927 and its registration as a private company the following year. In 1954 it was registered with the Department of Examinations of Sri Lanka as a Secondary School.
Wycherley International School
- Location: Colombo
- Website: Wycherley International School
Wycherley International School is one of the oldest international schools in Sri Lanka, founded in 1985. It is located at 232, Baudhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. The school boasts over 35 years of academic excellence, providing quality education on par with global standards. Wycherley is also the first and only comprehensive school in Sri Lanka following the Cambridge Curriculum from UKG (Year 1) to Grade 12.
The school teaches English not as a foreign language but as a unifying agent that draws together students from a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious society. It has the right ambience that unites Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Malay, Burgher and even foreign students, using English as the medium of instruction from Elementary to Senior School, grooming students to sit for Cambridge Examinations.
Despite being an international school, Wycherley is firmly rooted in local soil and is very particular about discipline in school. The school’s Sri Lankan aspect is very important, which applies to both students and parents alike. Wycherley has been instrumental in moulding youth of potential over the last 35 years and has many success stories to its credit. Many of its past pupils are presently reading for their degrees in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Finance and other spheres in some of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Galle International College
- Location: Galle
- Website: Galle International College
Galle International College is an international school in Galle, Sri Lanka. It was founded in 1998 by a group of local and expatriate parents who wanted to provide their children with a high-quality education in the English medium. The school is located in the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The school offers an international curriculum from pre-school to A-Level, with students from over 20 different nationalities. The school is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where students can grow and thrive. The school also offers a wide range of co-curricular activities such as sports, music, drama, and community service.
Leeds International School
- Location: Panadura
- Website: Leeds International School
Leeds International School is a network of schools providing world-class education in Sri Lanka. It was founded in 2006 by Mr. D.M.D. Dissanayake. The school is committed to fostering an environment that encourages curiosity and learning.
The school offers a comprehensive curriculum from kindergarten to Advanced Level, following the local syllabus in English medium. Leeds International School has branches in Panadura, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Kotte, Negombo, and Wattala.
Leeds International School is known for its holistic approach to education. Apart from academics, the school places a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and sports. The school believes in nurturing students’ talents and skills in all areas, helping them to develop into well-rounded individuals.
Royal Institute International School
- Location: Multiple locations
- Website: Royal Institute International School
Royal Institute International School is a leading private international school in Sri Lanka, founded in 1971 by Mr. G.T. Bandara. The school has several branches across the country, including Colombo, Nugegoda, Havelock Town, Maharagama, and Gampaha. The school provides education from pre-school to Advanced Level, following the local and London Edexcel curricula.
Royal Institute International School is known for its academic excellence and has produced many high achievers over the years. The school provides a well-rounded education that includes not only academics but also sports, music, drama, and other co-curricular activities. The school’s mission is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where students can develop their full potential.
The school has modern facilities and a highly qualified teaching staff. The school’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core subjects while also allowing them to explore their interests and talents. Royal Institute International School is committed to providing its students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.
Stafford International School
- Locations: Colombo, Kandy, Negombo
- Phone: +94 70 398 8100
Stafford International School is a private international school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It was founded in 1986 by Felix R. de Zoysa, a leading educationist in Sri Lanka. The school is located at 39, Queens Road, Colombo 03.
The school offers an English medium curriculum from pre-school to Advanced Level. It follows the British curriculum and prepares students for the London Edexcel and Cambridge examinations. The school is known for its academic excellence and has produced many high achievers over the years.
Stafford International School provides a well-rounded education that includes not only academics but also sports, music, drama, and other co-curricular activities. The school’s mission is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where students can develop their full potential.
The Overseas School of Colombo
- Location: Colombo
- Website: The Overseas School of Colombo
The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) is an independent, co-educational day school that offers a high-quality educational program from early years to grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The school was founded in 1957 and has been providing a world-class education that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world.
The school year comprises two semesters, from August to December, and from January to June. OSC offers a rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum that prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school provides a nurturing, supportive environment where students can grow and thrive.
OSC is unique in its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and intercultural understanding. This commitment helps students develop a global perspective that prepares them for success in a multicultural world. The school also offers a wide range of co-curricular activities such as sports, music, painting, acting, after-school activities, and service learning.
The school is proud to be the only International Baccalaureate (IB) School in Sri Lanka and boasts a diverse community with over 40+ nationalities represented. With a teacher to student ratio of 1:6, OSC ensures personalized attention and support for each student.
Lexicon International School Kandy
- Location: Kandy
- Website: Lexicon International School Kandy
Lexicon International School is a well-known educational institution located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The school provides a comprehensive education from pre-school to Advanced Level, following the local curriculum in English medium. The school is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where students can grow and thrive.
The school boasts modern facilities and a highly qualified teaching staff. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core subjects while also allowing them to explore their interests and talents. Lexicon International School is committed to providing its students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.
Harcourts International School
- Location: Colombo 07
- Phone: +94 112 718 058
Harcourts International School is a private, co-educational school located in Negombo, Sri Lanka. The school provides education from pre-school to Advanced Level, following the local curriculum in English medium. The school is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where students can grow and thrive.
The school boasts modern facilities and a highly qualified teaching staff. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core subjects while also allowing them to explore their interests and talents.
Harcourts International School is committed to providing its students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.
Conclusion
We’ve just explored some of the top international schools in Sri Lanka. Each of these schools offers a unique mix of education, activities outside the classroom, and a supportive community.
When deciding which school is best for your child, keep in mind things like the subjects they teach, the quality of teaching, the facilities available, and the overall atmosphere of the school. It’s important to find a school that suits your child’s needs and goals.
Remember, investing in your child’s education is investing in their future. So, take your time, visit these schools, talk to the staff, and make a well-informed decision that will set your child on the path to success.
I hope this conversation has been helpful, and I wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect international school for your child in beautiful Sri Lanka!