At the British International School of Ljubljana (BISL), students experience an education that blends academic excellence with international perspectives, preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Rooted in the respected British curriculum, our approach offers a rigorous, structured foundation while encouraging creativity, independence, and curiosity.
A Curriculum That Opens Doors
The British curriculum is one of the most widely recognised education systems worldwide, valued by top universities for its clarity, high standards, and balanced development of skills. At BISL, students follow this pathway from Early Years through Sixth Form, ensuring continuity and progression at every stage. Whether preparing for IGCSEs
or A Levels, they develop not only subject knowledge but also transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication—assets that serve them for life.
Learning with Native-English-Speaking Teachers
One of BISL’s greatest strengths lies in its faculty. Our lessons are taught primarily by native-English-speaking teachers, bringing linguistic authenticity and cultural depth into the classroom. This environment fosters fluency, confidence, and precision in English, while also nurturing an appreciation for literature, history, and the arts. Students benefit from role models who inspire them to embrace lifelong learning.
Challenging Tradition, Inspiring Growth
When Jeremy P. Hibbins founded the British International School of Ljubljana in 2008, he brought with him a clear vision: to create a school that inspires curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Jeremy's goal was not to replicate traditional models of education but to challenge them, offering students a richer, more dynamic way to engage with the world around them.
Academic Success Beyond Border
Year after year, BISL students achieve results that exceed UK averages, reflecting both their dedication and the school’s supportive learning culture. These outcomes open doors to some of the world’s leading universities in Europe, North America, and beyond. BISL graduates embark on diverse academic and career journeys, equipped with the confidence to contribute meaningfully to whichever field they choose.
An International Community in Ljubljana
With students representing more than 30 nationalities, BISL is more than a school—it is a community. Diversity enriches daily life, offering learners the chance to collaborate, celebrate cultural traditions, and form friendships across borders. This multicultural environment prepares students to thrive in global workplaces and societies, while also cultivating respect and empathy.
Moving Beyond Classical Foundations
Classical education has often been built upon four rigid foundations: approved textbooks, closed questioning, a fixed body of knowledge, and the teacher as unquestioned authority. At BISL, Jeremy’s vision was to challenge each of these, replacing them with approaches that reflect the complexity of modern life and the skills students need for the future.
Intelligent exploration of resources
Instead of restricting students to a single, sanctioned source, BISL embraces the abundance of information now available. Students learn to navigate, evaluate, and collaborate across a wide range of resources—skills essential in a fast-changing world where knowledge is constantly evolving.
Open questions to spark dialogue
Rather than focusing on right or wrong answers, students are asked, “What do you think about that?” This fosters genuine dialogue, critical thinking, and the courage to take intellectual risks.
Facts in context
At BISL, facts are not endpoints but starting points. Students learn not just “how many bees are there in the world,” but “what’s the story behind the bees?” This approach deepens understanding by connecting data to broader narratives, encouraging learners to see meaning behind information.
Teacher as guides
Teachers at BISL are not distant authorities but facilitators of exploration. They model intellectual humility, admit when they don’t know, and encourage students to investigate together. By guiding rather than dictating, teachers inspire students to pursue their passions—whether in art, science, or trades—and to remain curious long after they leave school.
The classical model of education has often been compared to filling a bucket: students are given information, and their progress is measured by how much “leaks out.” Jeremy’s vision was entirely different. He saw education as fire: you light it, fuel it, shape it, and then watch it burn brightly on its own.
At BISL, this vision lives on—an education designed not to contain students, but to ignite them.
A Love of Learning for Life
Above all, BISL strives to instil a genuine love of learning. Beyond academics, students explore music, sport, drama, and community projects, discovering passions that stay with them long after graduation. Our goal is not only to prepare young people for examinations but also to inspire curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
Why Choose BISL?
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At the British International School of Ljubljana, we offer:
- A world-class British education in the heart of Slovenia
- A pathway to top universities worldwide
- A nurturing, diverse, and inspiring community
- Outstanding teachers and a track record of success
At BISL, education goes beyond textbooks—it is about preparing young people to become confident, compassionate, and capable global citizens.
