When we opened the doors of The British International School, Ukraine in 1997, we embarked on a pioneering journey – becoming the first institution in the country to bring world-class British education to Ukrainian families. Twenty-eight years later, we continue to fulfill this mission with unwavering dedication.
Throughout the challenges Ukraine has faced since 2022, we made a defining choice: we stayed. While other international schools departed, even temporarily, we remained steadfastly committed to our students, our families, and our nation. This was a pledge rooted in the values that have always defined BISU: firm commitment to our children and excellence in teaching and learning, responsible attitude to life, mutual respect and support, and faith in Ukraine's future.
Our teachers – qualified international educators who are not just voices on a screen but real people working in our classrooms – chose to stand with us, shoulder-to-shoulder with their Ukrainian colleagues. They teach, inspire, and nurture your children in person, creating that irreplaceable human connection that transforms education from a service into a calling.
Our 24-hour security, video surveillance, and fully equipped shelter ensure that while we maintain the highest academic standards, the safety and wellbeing of our children remains our paramount concern.
Being the only international school that never left Ukraine during these times fills me with profound pride and responsibility. This distinction represents more than geography – it embodies our belief that genuine community is built not in moments of convenience, but through seasons of adversity. Together, we have proven that excellence in education need not be sacrificed, that dreams of Oxford, Cambridge, and the world's top 200 universities remain within reach, and that Ukrainian children deserve nothing less than the very best, especially now.
Our students continue to achieve Cambridge IGCSE and A Level qualifications, enabling them to attend top universities worldwide. These aren't just statistics – they're testaments to resilience, dedication, and the power of a community that refuses to compromise on its children's futures.
As Founder, my door remains open to every family. Your trust in us during these extraordinary times honours the vision we established in 1997 and strengthens our resolve to continue providing world-class education, right here, right now, in Ukraine.
With gratitude and determination,
Olga Zastavna
BISU Founder and Board Chair
BISU alumni enter the world’s top universities
87% of our students get higher education abroad
The school offers the Cambridge Pathway complemented by Cambridge IGCSE and A Level, as well as the IB Diploma (IBDP). Local students may also choose to take advantage of the opportunity to study for national qualifications.
Admission
87% of our students get higher education abroad
BISU is a member of the Council of British International Schools
We offer a comprehensive Cambridge Pathway for all age groups, starting from Early Years and advancing through Cambridge IGCSE, A Level, and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Additionally, local students have the option to follow the Ukrainian Curriculum.
schools
2 schools in Kyiv and 1 in Dnipro
years
BISU has been present in Ukraine
year-old-students
We welcome students of different ages
The Council of British International Schools (COBIS) is a membership association that represents more 450 schools and organisation, globally
- Working according to the COBIS standards means that our students receive the same quality education as those studying in private schools in Great Britain
Each student receives an independent assessment of the level of knowledge
- Students pass Cambridge Checkpoint exams, Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma Programme and A Level exams (varies at campuses)
- Such assessment allows comparing oneself with other international graduates preparing for higher education
- BISU is able to offer a Dual Curriculum programme for parents who wish their children to study for the Ukrainian Atestat
Our Core Values
Mission
We are transforming our family of British international schools in Ukraine to develop a new model of an outstanding school of the future.
Vision
We are building a dynamic student-centred environment that fosters generations of happy, intelligent and multi-skilled lifelong learners able to create a better future for humanity.
Mission
We are transforming our family of British international schools in Ukraine to develop a new model of an outstanding school of the future.
Vision
We are building a dynamic student-centred environment that fosters generations of happy, intelligent and multi-skilled lifelong learners able to create a better future for humanity.
Happiness
- BISU is a happy place for happy people
- We are child-centred
- Our students’ aspirations must always come first
- Our students enjoy school and are proud of it
- Our expert teachers inspire and support children in every aspect of their learning
- Students feel confident and are able to make individual choices
- Every student’s voice is heard
- Our school is part of the rebuilding process in Ukraine that will allow this fabulous country to create a better future and a happier environment that is European in nature and international and intercultural in outlook
British values
- Internationalism and interculturalism
- Clear moral compass
- Democracy and rule of law
- Mutual respect and individual liberty
- Tolerance for different faiths, beliefs, cultures and backgrounds
- Leadership and service
- Environmental stewardship
- Resilience and courage. Our British educational ethos is enhanced by the Ukrainian indomitable spirit
- Being a British International School, BISU was made in Ukraine and BISU continues to stand with Ukraine
- Despite today’s extraordinary challenges, we never stopped working hard to ensure uninterrupted support and quality education to our students
Curiosity and adventure
- We help children experience the awe and wonder of the world in which they live
- We promote learning through research and inquiry
- Our classrooms can be curiosity centre
- Students are encouraged to ask questions, conduct experiments, seek the truth
- They share the thrill and joy of discovery
- Children cultivate their unique skills, interest, attitudes and appreciations
Continuous learning
- We may ‘finish school’, but we continue learning throughout our lives
- We never stop learning ourselves
- We inspire teachers and students maintain a positive attitude to continuous learning both for their personal and professional growth
- We recognise and celebrate character, responsibility, integrity, conduct, maturity, self-discipline, optimism and enthusiasm
Strong community
- We work together with parents, students and teachers to build a caring, strong, open-minded, principled, united community
- We support each other to create the conditions our students need to thrive
- Parents are welcome to take on an active role in their child’s education and teachers feel appreciated
- The BISU community showcases its incredible spirit of togetherness, mutual trust and cooperation.
Founder’s Welcome
Olga Zastavna
Founder and Board Chair
Ms Olga Zastavna is the visionary founder of The British International School, Ukraine (BISU) — a Cambridge Assessment–accredited institution. A seasoned and certified educator, she brings extensive experience in international teaching and learning. Throughout her lifelong career in education, Ms Zastavna has lectured at university level and created her own language school in addition to BISU. As a speaker, she has participated in leading international and national conferences, seminars, and workshops, including those organised by COBIS (the Council of British International Schools). Her outstanding contributions to education have been recognised through numerous prestigious awards.
Vitaliy Korsunov
Director of Pechersk School
In his leadership role, Mr. Vitaliy brings over 11 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools. An accomplished educator and co-author of secondary school workbooks, he is recognised for his expertise in fostering students' critical thinking, logical reasoning, interpersonal skills, and enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Mr. Vitaliy has successfully guided students to remarkable achievements, with some earning the esteemed title of champions in the Ukrainian External Independent Testing (ZNO) with an impressive score of 200 points.
Vitaliy Korsunov
Director of Pechersk School
Inna Reshta
Director of Dnipro School
Natalia Kravchenko
Deputy Director of Primary School and Early Years
Elevating Education for Ukraine's Future
BISU Advisory Board
Committed to educational excellence, BISU established the Advisory Board in December 2023. This esteemed group of international experts brings a wealth of knowledge in education, educational environment design, digital technologies, and strategic leadership to our schools. Their global perspective and proven track record are invaluable assets as we strive to create exceptional learning experiences for BISU students. The Advisory Board will be instrumental in not only preserving but surpassing BISU’s high standards of teaching and learning. Through collaboration with our international partners, BISU is committed to empowering our schools to deliver world-class education to Ukraine’s youth, even amidst current challenges. By fostering a brighter future for the nation, BISU aspires to make a profound and enduring impact on the lives of all children in Ukraine and beyond.
We are honoured to introduce the distinguished members of the BISU Advisory Board:
Colin Bell
CEO at COBIS. Education Strategic Advisor for the Department for International Trade; Member of International Advisory Group, UCAS; Board Member for The British School in Tokyo; one of ISC Research’s Top 30 Eduruptors.
Colin Bell
Prof Dr Ger Graus
Pam Mundy
Jonathan Harper
James Clarke
Dr Nick Jackson
David Boddy
Huw Price
Contacts
Online Education
1 Verkhohliada Andriia (former Drahomyrova) Str., Kyiv
+38 (044) 596 18 28
+38 (050) 412 48 84
info@britishschool.ua
Pechersk Kindergarten
1 Verkhohliada Andriia (former Drahomyrova) Street, Kyiv
+38 (044) 596 18 28
+38 (050) 412 48 84
info.pe@britishschool.ua
Pechersk Primary and Secondary School
1 Verkhohliada Andriia (former Drahomyrova) Street, Kyiv
+38 (044) 596 18 28
+38 (050) 412 48 84
info.pe@britishschool.ua
Nyvky Kindergarten
45 Danylevycha Vasylia Street (former Tolbukhina), Kyiv. Temporarily closed. Planning to reopen soon. Please stay in touch for more updates.
+38 (044) 239 21 21
+38 (066) 303 75 78
info.np@britishschool.ua
Nyvky Primary and Secondary School
45 Danylevycha Vasylia (former Tolbukhina) Street, Kyiv. Temporarily closed. Planning to reopen soon. Please stay in touch for more updates.
+38 (044) 502 39 09
+38 (050) 410 46 44
info.ns@britishschool.ua
Dnipro Kindergarten
39a Antonovychа Str., Dnipro
+38 (056) 767 18 28
+38 (050) 458 80 22
info.dn@britishschool.ua
Dnipro Primary and Secondary School
39a Antonovychа Str., Dnipro
+38 (056) 767 18 28
+38 (050) 458 80 22
info.dn@britishschool.ua
External Education
1 Verkhohliada Andriia (former Drahomyrova) Street, Kyiv
+38 (044) 596 18 28
+38 (050) 412 48 84
info@britishschool.ua
