It is a great honour to be the new International Academic Director for BISU and an even greater honour to be helping with the care and nurturing of your children, tomorrow leaders and shapers.
I am a father of 3 children and grandfather, an author, a pilot, a coach of football, swimming, volleyball and athletics.
My wife is an artist with international exposure and a teacher of young children and young adults in the same countries as listed below.
I have been a teacher these past 26 years in the following countries of Oman, New Zealand, China and Morocco. I have worked in the positions of Head of Mathematics, CPD director and Deputy Principal.
I can summarise myself with the word ‘empowerment’. I firmly strive to empower those around me so they can, in turn, empower others. Whether those around me are my children, my students or my academic team.
The concept of truly working and engaging as a team is most prevalent now in Ukraine as the majority of the world unites around the common theme of empowering this fine country to not just restore itself but to be stronger going forward into the future.
This is my view of teaching a class of students as much as it is of working with a team of the professional adults we have at BISU as they strive to make the environment for your children a better place and an engaging space in which your children learn how to learn.
Helping all our precious students to meet challenges with confidence and enthusiasm is the true goal of this school and one I feel most passionate about.
I look forward to meeting all of you and of working with your children, our precious students, during this time and place in history as we all answer the call to help create tomorrow’s leaders and shapers.
BISU alumni enter the world’s top universities
87% of our students get higher education abroad
The school offers the National Curriculum for England 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.
Director’s Welcome
David Van Zanten
International Academic Director
Mr. David holds a degree in both mathematics and physics and has an impressive 25 years of teaching experience. With 14 years of experience working within the Cambridge framework, he has also made significant contributions as a coach, being qualified in swimming, athletics, and football. In addition to his teaching and coaching credentials, Mr. David is a published author and a skilled public speaker. His career spans several international schools, where he has not only taught but also taken on leadership roles.
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
+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
+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
