Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
325, Pannipitiya Road, Battaramulla, Pelawatte, P.O. Box 9, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
Primary School (Early Years to Grade 5) and Secondary School (Grade 6 to Grade 12). The IB continuum is offered: Primary Years Programme (EY to Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grade 6 to 10), and Diploma Programme (Grade 11 to 12).
Non-profit, co-educational, English-medium day school; Pre-K to 12.
311 students; 40 nationalities represented.
Mild Special Education Needs are provided for from Pre-School to Grade 8; support for learners with disabilities in Grades 9-12 is limited. English Language Development (EAL) is available across Primary and Middle School with limited support thereafter.
School year starts in August; the year comprises two semesters: August–December and January–June. The schedule runs 40 weeks (180 days). The Secondary day includes four 75-minute blocks on a six-day cycle.
OSC does not have a school uniform. A dress code applies on campus and for activities, and students should dress modestly and respectfully of the diverse cultures represented. A PE uniform is required: house T-shirt in red, blue, green or yellow, black OSC shorts and appropriate shoes; swimming attire must be a one‑piece swimsuit for girls, shorts above knee length for boys, and swim caps.
There is a cafeteria on campus operated by a private catering company. Students can purchase drinks, fruit, sandwiches, snacks, and a main dish at lunch; they may bring a packed lunch or purchase lunch in the cafeteria; lunches are eaten in the canteen under staff supervision; a canteen app allows loading money onto a student's account.
OSC uses a house system. PE uses house T-shirts in red, blue, green or yellow, worn for related activities; house T-shirts and OSС clothing can be obtained from the school shop.
OSC is registered as a guarantee company and operates as a non‑profit independent school; revenues beyond expenses are reinvested to improve education. The board consists of nine directors elected from full‑fee‑paying parents, and the Head of School is a non‑voting member of the board.
OSC offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Years to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6 to 10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11 to 12. OSC administers all three IB programmes; the PYP emphasises inquiry, international-mindedness and the IB Learner Profile, with students taking ownership of their learning. The MYP uses eight subject groups and global contexts to connect learning across disciplines and develops Approaches to Learning (ATL). The DP requires Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay, and includes CAS; Diploma candidates undertake the Extended Essay. Self-taught mother-tongue language and online Pamoja courses are offered. OSC is English-medium and serves Pre-K to 12, with a diverse international student body, and is the only IB World School in Sri Lanka.
Teacher to student ratio is 1:6.
IB Diploma results 2020-2024 show OSC averages of 33 (2020), 35 (2021), 33 (2022), 35 (2023) and 33 (2024); highest points range from 41 to 45 across those years; OSC pass rates ranged from 92% to 100% in 2020-2024. In 2025, OSC Diploma results show an average of 30.4 points, a highest score of 41, and a pass rate of 81.5%.
Graduates have progressed to universities in the UK, USA, Canada and beyond, including University of Oxford, New York University London, University College London, McGill University, University of California Berkeley, University of Melbourne, University of Edinburgh and University of Toronto, among others.
OSC supports social and emotional development through a structured counseling program in both Primary and Secondary. In Primary School, prevention is the focus, ensuring all students are safe, happy, and supported, with counselors delivering individual and group programs and a comprehensive social and emotional curriculum. The Primary School counselor provides classroom guidance and consults with parents and teachers to support students. In Secondary School, counseling offers social-emotional support and guidance for college applications, with one-on-one and group sessions and classroom lessons on topics including mental health awareness and safeguarding. OSC is committed to the wellbeing of every student and views this support as essential to success inside and beyond the classroom.
OSC provides Learning Support for students with mild learning differences. Services are offered by specialist teachers within the Primary and Secondary schools, using an inclusion model. Some students may receive one-to-one instruction outside of regular classrooms depending on need. OSC does not undertake to provide for all specialized educational needs or for all types of learning differences. Admission requires disclosure of the child's educational needs, and failure to disclose may result in withdrawal. If, during the year, an educational or emotional assessment is needed to support the child's learning or wellbeing, parents are required to cooperate.
English is the language of instruction at OSC, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is maintained. In Primary School, EAL provides ongoing support as proficiency develops, with individualized instruction to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills; as proficiency increases, confidence and independence grow; a Student Learning Plan is developed in consultation with teachers, parents, and the student. For Early Years and Kindergarten, English immersion is recommended. In Secondary School, EAL aims to build language proficiency and provide equitable access to the MYP curriculum for English language learners; entry, exit, and level of support are determined by proficiency assessments, achievement testing, and teacher observation; proficiency is assessed using the WIDA MODEL and MAP reading data; exit occurs when proficiency allows the student to work in English medium classes.
OSC prioritizes student mental wellbeing through a counseling program available in both Primary and Secondary. Primary counseling focuses on prevention and ensuring students are safe, happy, and supported, with a social-emotional curriculum and classroom guidance, in addition to individual and group counseling and consultation with parents or teachers. Secondary counseling provides social-emotional support and the knowledge and skills students need for the college counseling process, with one-on-one sessions, group sessions, and classroom lessons covering topics from mental health awareness to safeguarding. OSC is committed to supporting the wellbeing of each student inside and beyond the classroom.
OSC aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Task Force on Child Protection (ITFCP) safeguarding standards and expects all individuals affiliated with the school to act with integrity and to keep students safe. Applicants must undergo thorough background checks, including police clearance every two years and reference checks. OSC strives to be a Child Safe Organisation, aware of signs and dangers of child abuse, and able to respond and report concerns regarding student safety and wellbeing. Reporting a concern is done by speaking with the Head of School, Principals, or Counselors, or by emailing the child protection officer.
1. The Overseas School of Colombo is the only fully authorised IB World School in Sri Lanka and offers the International Baccalaureate continuum from Early Years through the IB Diploma; the school hosts students from more than 40 nationalities. Learning here is aimed at preparing students for life, with an emphasis on global citizenship and an inquiry-based approach that challenges, supports, and values each student.
2. Making an online application is the next step and is completed via osc.lk; all required documentation must be received before the school can process the application; submission of an application does not guarantee admission; eligibility is reviewed based on the documentation provided, and special education needs should be communicated early.
3. Submit the required documentation after completing the online application; documents are uploaded as PDFs and a checklist is available in the online account; typical documents include copies of the last two school reports (with English translation if not in English), a completed OSC medical form, a general or confidential recommendation depending on the grade, an official transcript for higher grades, records for any special services with relevant testing, a copy of the student's passport, and passport-sized photographs.
4. Submit the application and pay the US$250 non‑refundable application fee; once the fees are paid and enrolment papers are received, the school will consider the application active and may confirm a place or place the application on the waiting list.
5. The application is reviewed by the Sectional Principal and followed by an interview; parents will be notified of the decision by email within 48 hours of the decision.
6. The school maintains waiting lists; when there are more qualified applicants than available places, applicants are placed on the waiting list and contacted when a place becomes available.
7. The Admissions Office notes that the school follows rolling admissions for semester 1 (August) enrollment, beginning applications in February of the same year, and may admit qualified students on a rolling basis for mid-year (January) enrollment; processing for second semester or January enrollment begins in October.
The Financial Assistance Programme provides tuition support to families in need for a limited period due to changes in financial circumstances, while maintaining the diversity of the student population; the program is meant to be used as a last resort and is not a substitute for the family's responsibility to pay tuition. Eligibility, priorities, and the application journey are defined in the Financial Assistance Programme policy, which was approved on August 8, 2023; a brochure with an overview of eligibility, the process, and required documents is available.
The school maintains waiting lists; when there are more qualified applications than currently available places, applicants are placed on a waiting list and parents are contacted as soon as a place becomes available.
37, Guildford Crescent, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka.
Early Years; Years 1 - 4; Years 5 & 6; Middle School; Ordinary Level; Upper School.
Day School
Sri Lanka
All students must wear the school uniform during school hours. Girls wear a white shirt with a blue knee-length skirt (trousers with written permission are allowed) and a vest from Year 5 onwards; boys wear a white shirt with blue trousers. Hair must be neat, jewellery limited to simple ear studs, and black shoes with white socks; PE kit is worn on PE days.
The school has a House System with four houses: Felix, Kalan, Noreen and Ruby. Pupils belong to a house for their time at Stafford and participate in regular inter-house competitions and in leadership roles; houses are overseen by a housemaster and a team of tutors.
Edexcel and Cambridge Curricula; Cambridge IGCSE and Edexcel IAL examinations; Cambridge International Examinations center since 2015; British Curriculum Education introduced in Sri Lanka in 1986.
Teacher to student ratio 1:10; average class size 22.
In 2022, 63% of A-Level grades were A/A; in IGCSE, 50% were A/A.
Recent university destinations include Oxford, Cambridge, Yale and Harvard; in 2022 a Head Boy received a full scholarship to Harvard; other students have offers from NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai.
The Sixth Form Scholarship program recognises excellence across Academic Scholarships, Sports Scholarships, and Speech & Drama Scholarships; scholarships can cover up to 100% of day fees; candidates may apply for up to two scholarships; awards are based on performance and potential.
Wellbeing is central to Stafford International School; every student is supported to feel safe, valued, and respected. The school actively manages mental health and wellbeing to help students engage in academic and social activities and develop resilience. A Positive Education Programme blends academic learning with character and wellbeing development. The programme equips students with life skills to cope with everyday pressures and pursue their goals. Wellbeing education focuses on six elements: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health. Pastoral care and the house system support ongoing personal development and provide a channel of communication with staff and families.
Stafford International School prioritizes mental health and wellbeing for all students. The Positive Education Programme blends academics with character and wellbeing development. The six elements of wellbeing are Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health. A strong pastoral care system provides tutor support and a student wellbeing team to monitor progress and wellbeing. The student support team includes a Whole of School Counsellor who collaborates with tutors to support students academically, professionally, and personally. The House system provides structure for mindful reflection and resilience.
All teaching staff have regular safeguarding training to spot signs and respond to concerns. A team of Child Protection Officers guides staff and serves as a first point of contact for pupils seeking help. Stafford maintains a Child Protection Policy to govern safeguarding practices. The Child Protection Team includes Mr Northcott, Ms De Silva, Ms Avanthi, Ms Herft, Ms De Mel, and Ms Ramanayake. The safeguarding framework ensures all children feel safe and secure at school.
Stage 01: An admissions form must be completed by the parents, and documents required include a copy of the student's most recent school report and a passport copy (which will be photocopied and returned) or a birth certificate.
Stage 02: All students from Form 1 upwards sit entrance tests in English and Mathematics; Reception and KG have an interview with the Head of Primary. Admission is based on performance in tests, prior reports, and interviews with the Head of School, with holistic consideration of character and extra‑curricular achievements.
Stage 03: A one‑on‑one meeting with the principal during the school visit, where the principal will discuss the student's interests and answer questions.
The Sixth Form Scholarship recognises excellence and may provide up to 100% remission of school day fees. Honorary scholarships recognise achievement in the same way but carry no financial benefit. Candidates may apply for up to two scholarships, and the total combined value cannot exceed 100% of the school day fees. Scholarships are awarded for the two years of the Sixth Form (Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth) and are reviewed annually; they may be withdrawn if the pupil ceases to demonstrate continued commitment. Academic Scholarships (16+) require a recent school report and candidates are expected to be predicted high grades in IGCSEs; an Academic Scholar is described as intelligent, interested and interesting and should contribute to the intellectual life of the school. The 16+ Scholarship involves examination in three upper‑school subjects and may lead to interviews; past papers may be used. Sport Scholarships (16+) require a pre‑assessment and a confidential report from the Head of the candidate's current school; external candidates must meet the academic entry requirements and sit the normal entrance examinations; assessment is tailored to the sport. Speech and Drama Scholarships (16+) require a letter of application with a resume, a recording of the presentation, and may include an audition; external candidates must meet academic entry requirements and sit entrance examinations; a confidential report from the Head of the current school is required. Timetable details and deadlines are provided on the scholarship pages, and applications can be downloaded from the school site.
Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Colombo campus is located at No. 232 Baudhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7.
Cambridge Pathway from age 3 to 19: Cambridge Early Years (age 3+), Cambridge Primary (age 5+), Cambridge Lower Secondary (age 11+), Cambridge Upper Secondary (age 14+), Cambridge Advanced (age 16+). The school divisions are Elementary (Play Group – Grade 2), Primary (Grade 3 – Grade 5), Junior School (Grade 6 – Grade 8), Senior School (Grade 9 – Grade 12).
International Cambridge curriculum school; first and only comprehensive school following the Cambridge Curriculum from UKG (Year 1) – Grade 12 in Sri Lanka.
Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Korean, Turkish, Indonesian, Maldivian and Japanese students; multi-ethnic environment.
Sri Lanka
multi-religious environment
Board of Directors governs Wycherley International School; associated with the Ceylinco Education Group.
Cambridge Curriculum taught from UKG (Year 1) to Grade 12, including Cambridge Early Years, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary (Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level, Cambridge ICE), and Cambridge Advanced (Cambridge International AS & A Level).
100% pass rate in all Cambridge examinations.
Guaranteed university entrance for all qualifying students.
Cambridge Early Years includes Personal, social and emotional development. The Buddhist Society was formed to help students build their moral values and enhance their mental well-being, and to promote cultural and religious understanding.
The school uses English as the medium of instruction from Elementary to Senior School. The teachers at Wycherley Junior School are trilingual.
The Buddhist Society was formed to help students build their moral values and enhance their mental well-being. Personal, social and emotional development is included in Cambridge Early Years.
A full scholarship is provided to cover the remainder of a student's schooling in the event of the breadwinner's death or total permanent disability. The Elephant Scholarship Fund supports the education of rural children affected by human-elephant conflict and has awarded scholarships worth over 1.2 million rupees.
Located in Colombo 5, Sri Lanka. Address: 7 Kirimandala Mawatha, Colombo 5.
Junior School and Senior School; ages 2-19.
Independent private English-medium international day school; co-educational.
All nationalities and backgrounds are welcome; it admits children from Sri Lankan and expatriate families.
Limited resources for Special Educational Needs; not normally able to admit students with Special Needs.
Sri Lanka
Junior School starts at 8:10 am and Senior School starts at 8:20 am.
Senior School students have access to a canteen operated by Tasty Caterers with an attractive covered outdoor seating area. The Junior School has a Cookery Room enabling students to prepare a range of meals and treats.
Students are placed in one of four houses: Armstrong, Columbus, Fleming and Hillary. Houses compete in events across age groups, and house points are accumulated; Founders' Day announces the overall House Champions from both the Junior and Senior Schools.
The school is an independent private school owned and run by British nationals.
The school has a progressive international curriculum that blends modern approaches with a traditional focus on basic skills such as grammar and arithmetic. The Junior School uses British textbooks for Mathematics and English; literacy and numeracy are the main focus, with Art, Music & Movement, Drama and PE as formal parts of the curriculum, and Swimming begins in KG1. The Senior School follows British syllabuses adapted to the Sri Lankan context, with IGCSE in Forms 4 & 5 and Edexcel A Levels in the 6th Form; language options include French, Sinhala and Tamil. The curriculum supports cross-curricular study and independent enquiry, with updates to incorporate current developments such as AI in ICT and Climate Change in Geography.
6:1
1st in the World-Best IGCSE Results of any international school, 2016; Best A Level Results, 2015; 7 students placed at Harvard in the last 12 years.
Past students have attended universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and other Ivy League colleges; a full-time Universities Co-ordinator provides University Guidance and targeted application support.
Class Teachers are responsible for the welfare of all students and are always available to help students with any issue, whether academic, personal or social. In the Junior School, the What Shall I Do? programme addresses personal, social, moral and health issues and helps children understand the difference between right and wrong. In the Senior School, there is a full Personal and Social Education programme in which a wide range of issues that might affect students is discussed by different teachers. Annual age-appropriate sex education sessions led by a doctor begin in Junior 5 and continue throughout the Senior School. An in-house school counselor is available for consultation for any issues that students may wish to discuss.
Elizabeth Moir School is committed to providing learning support to help all students cope with academic classes and to tailor the curriculum for each student so that everyone can move at their own pace. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes are provided for students whose English is not proficient when they enter school, and students normally become fluent quickly and join mainstream classes. There are Curriculum Support classes in both the Junior and Senior Schools for students who are struggling in a particular subject or who joined the school mid-year, with modified work; the Junior School unit is run by two teachers and led by the head of the unit. In the Senior School, classes are arranged in students' free periods with a team of specialist subject teachers to help students in any area they are struggling with.
Elizabeth Moir School is an independent English medium international school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes are provided for students whose English is not proficient when they enter school. Students normally become fluent in English very quickly and are soon able to join mainstream classes. The English medium instruction supports non-native English speakers across the curriculum.
Class Teachers are responsible for the welfare of all students and remain available for wellbeing concerns. In the Junior School, the What Shall I Do? programme addresses personal, social, moral and health issues and supports wellbeing. The Senior School offers a Personal and Social Education programme that covers a wide range of wellbeing topics. Annual age-appropriate sex education sessions led by a doctor begin in Junior 5 and continue through the Senior School. An in-house school counselor is available for consultation on wellbeing issues.
Dinushiya Gunawansa is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Head of Middle School. An in-house counselor is available to support safeguarding-related concerns. The school provides ongoing pastoral care, including What Shall I Do? and Personal and Social Education programmes that address safety, health and wellbeing.
Stage 01: For each prospective student, an admissions form must be completed by the parents. The school requires a current photograph of the student, a copy of the student's most recent school report, and the student's passport (photocopy returned immediately). The admissions form should be submitted for consideration of the application.
Stage 02: To help ascertain the standard and suitability of each applicant, all prospective students are required to sit an entrance test. All KG1 upwards sit entrance tests in English and Mathematics; Early Learners and Pre KG have an interview with the class teachers.
Stage 03: In addition to meeting all parents, the Head of School personally interviews all applicants to discuss their interests and answer questions about the school. Parents are informed of the school's decision within two working days.
The school offers scholarships to internal and external students for the IGCSE and A Level courses. The scholarships are awarded to students with an exceptional academic record and demonstrated leadership in the classroom in terms of effort, participation, and achievement. Candidates are expected to possess a natural aptitude for their subjects and to display genuine interest in learning. The scholarship papers are designed to challenge high-calibre students and assess future potential by testing independent and creative thinking in response to new ideas.
