Bangladesh’s English-medium education sector includes schools with very different histories, curricula and academic models. Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel pathways remain widely represented, particularly among long-established English-medium schools. The International Baccalaureate is also increasingly available through selected international schools.
The schools featured in the main Top 10 list represent established names with distinct academic strengths. However, they are not the only schools offering recognized international education pathways in Bangladesh. Several other institutions deserve consideration because of their curriculum, history, examination pathway or distinctive educational approach.
A Closer Look at the Top 10 Schools
Bangladesh has a well-established English-medium school sector, particularly in Dhaka. These schools follow different international curricula, including IB, Cambridge and Pearson qualifications. The following 10 schools are established names in Bangladesh’s English-medium education landscape.
1. Scholastica
Established in 1977 by Mrs. Yasmeen Murshed, Scholastica has a long history in Bangladesh’s English-medium education sector. It was founded with an emphasis on English-language education while maintaining the importance of Bangla. Today, it is a multi-campus school serving students from the early years through A Level.
The school uses its own curriculum in the earlier years, drawing on elements of the national and British curricula. Its senior pathway leads to Cambridge International O Level and A Level examinations. Scholastica students have also received Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards, including Top in the World and Top in Country results.
Its long academic history, established Cambridge pathway and examination achievements have made Scholastica one of the most established English-medium school names in Dhaka.
Address: House 181, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212
Contact: 01819413141
E-mail: info@scholasticabd.com
Web: scholasticabd.com
2. International School Dhaka (ISD)
Established in 1999, International School Dhaka (ISD) is one of Bangladesh’s established international schools. It is an independent IB World School offering the complete International Baccalaureate continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Students also complete a US High School Diploma, with the option for eligible students to pursue the IB Diploma alongside it.
ISD’s learning model focuses on active learning, inquiry, new knowledge and skills, and real-world problem-solving. The school also uses internationally benchmarked standards, including AERO standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts at the primary level. Its academic structure is supported by policies covering academic integrity, assessment, inclusion and language.
The school is recognized by the Bangladesh Ministry of Education and is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). ISD is also authorized by the International Baccalaureate. In addition, it maintains international professional affiliations, including with International Schools Services (ISS) and the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS). These international connections, together with its full IB continuum and long-standing accreditation profile, form a central part of ISD’s academic identity.
Address: Plot 80, Block E, Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh
Contact: +8801 819231100
E-mail: info@isdbd.org
Web: https://www.isdbd.org
3. Aga Khan Academy Dhaka
Established in 2022, Aga Khan Academy Dhaka is part of the Aga Khan Academies network and is its fourth Academy. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, with the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma programmes. Its academic approach encourages students to think independently, ask questions, solve problems, and build confidence in their learning.
The Academy has a modern campus with well-equipped classrooms, science and technology facilities, a library, sports areas, and spaces for arts and other activities. Students also have opportunities to take part in community service and activities beyond the classroom. It also benefits from partnerships with international universities and organisations, supporting teacher development and wider learning opportunities. With its international outlook and diverse student community, the school aims to prepare students for higher education and a changing world.
Address: Ka-65/1, Kuratoli, Dhaka-1229,Bangladesh
Contact: +880 1709 997510
E-mail: admissions.dhaka@agakhanacademies.org
Web: https://www.agakhanacademies.org
4. S. F. X. Greenherald International School
SFX Greenherald International School is a Catholic English-medium school in Dhaka, run by the RNDM Sisters. Its history goes back to 1912, giving it a long tradition in education. The school follows the Cambridge curriculum and offers education from Kindergarten to A Level. It focuses on strong academics while also helping students build confidence, creativity, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility.
The school has a library, computer lab, science lab, and sports fields. Students can also join clubs focused on mathematics, science, computers, writing, theatre, music, community work, and more. The school also offers educational tours, project-based learning, science fairs, and cultural activities. Its strong debating tradition is another notable part of student life.
Address: 24 Asad Avenue, Mohammadpur, Dhaka – 1207, Bangladesh
Contact: +88-09642 602550
Email: info@sfxghis.school
Web: https://sfxghis.school
5. Mastermind School
Established in 1997, Mastermind is an English-medium school in Dhaka that offers education from Playgroup to Grade 12. The school follows the Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel curricula for its O Level and A Level programmes. It has built a strong academic reputation over the years, with students achieving Country Topper and World Topper results in international examinations in recent years.
The school also offers distinguished scholarship and award opportunities to recognize academic excellence and student achievement. Along with academics, Mastermind focuses on helping students grow in different areas. Students can take part in debate, Model United Nations, sports, music, performing arts, publications, and community service.
Mastermind has science and computer labs, sports facilities, and other learning spaces to support student development. The school also provides university guidance and academic support to help students plan for higher education. These opportunities give students a balanced learning experience and help them make informed choices about their future.
Address: House #5, Road #12 New (31 Old), Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka
Contact: +880 01712508981
Email: info@mastermind.edu.bd
Web: www.mastermind.edu.bd
6. Sunbeams School
Founded in 1974 by educationist Niloufer Manzur, Sunbeams School is one of Dhaka’s established English-medium, co-educational schools. The school follows the British curriculum and prepares students for O Level and International A-Level examinations. Alongside academics, it aims to develop confident, responsible, and well-rounded students through a balance of classroom learning and wider school activities.
Sunbeams place strong importance on extracurricular learning. Students have access to activities such as debate, Model United Nations, drama, music, science, arts, dance, and community service. The school also encourages participation in national and international competitions, including Olympiads, essay competitions, ICT contests, debating events, and spelling competitions. Sports are another important part of school life, with students participating in several team and individual sports.
The school operates campuses in Dhanmondi and Uttara, with facilities that support both academic and extracurricular learning. These include science and computer laboratories, a library, an auditorium, playgrounds, sports courts, and other activity spaces. With its long-standing presence, structured academic programme, and emphasis on activities beyond the classroom, Sunbeams School offers students a balanced environment for learning and personal development.
Address: House #51, Road #16, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205
Contact: 01841777737
E-mail: info@sunbeams.edu.bd
web: https://sunbeams.edu.bd
7. Sunnydale School
Established in 1985 by Zeenat Afroza, Tazeen Ahmed, and the late Abdul Mannan Khan, Sunnydale School is a well-established English-medium school in Dhaka. The school follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education curriculum and offers classes from Playgroup to Class XII. Students prepare for O Level and A Level examinations, with a strong focus on academic development and preparation for higher education in Bangladesh and abroad.
Sunnydale also encourages students to explore interests beyond their regular studies. The school organizes activities such as Model United Nations, art exhibitions, mock trials, sports, and community initiatives. Its University Placement Department also holds education fairs and provides guidance to students as they explore university options.
The school has campuses in Dhanmondi and Bashundhara Residential Area. Its Bashundhara campus includes separate spaces for Early Learning, Junior, Middle, and Senior School students, along with modern classrooms and a multipurpose hall. With its Cambridge curriculum, university guidance, extracurricular opportunities, and purpose-built learning spaces, Sunnydale provides a balanced environment for academic and personal development.
Address: Plot # 19A, Road # 13, Block G, Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh
Contact: + 8801324430197
E-mail: admission.bashundhara@sunnydale.edu.bd
Web: https://sunnydale.edu.bd
8. South Breeze School
Established in 1986, South Breeze School is a private, co-educational English-medium school in Dhaka. It prepares students for IGCSE examinations under Pearson Edexcel and also offers A Level classes. The school focuses on academic growth, independent learning, and personal attention through relatively small class sizes.
Language learning is an important part of the curriculum, with French taught alongside English and Bangla. The French classes are conducted on campus by Alliance Française, and students are prepared for the DELF examination. The school also requires every student to join at least one club. Its clubs cover areas such as debate, languages, quizzes, chess, music, sports, arts and crafts, and community service.
South Breeze has campuses in Dhanmondi, Lalmatia, and Uttara. The Uttara campus features interactive-board-equipped classrooms, a science laboratory, a well-stocked library, a resource room, a canteen, and indoor and outdoor play areas. The school is also a partner school of the British Council, Dhaka, and is registered with Pearson Edexcel, UK.
Address: House # 6/11, Block # F, Lalmatia,(on Satmasjid Road), Dhaka-1207
Contact: 01731882203
E-mail: info@southbreezeschoolbd.com
Web: https://southbreezeschoolbd.com
9. Glenrich International School
Glenrich International School is an initiative of STS Group, built around its “School of Life” approach to 21st-century education. The school follows the Cambridge curriculum and focuses on more than academic results. Its approach gives importance to knowledge, attitude, skills, and habits. Robotics is also integrated into the curriculum up to Grade 8, giving students hands-on exposure to technology and problem-solving.
The school offers several specialised programmes alongside its core curriculum. These include a Robotics Programme powered by STEMROBO, a French Language Programme in collaboration with Alliance Française de Dhaka, a Math Lab powered by Math Buddy, and an ABRSM-accredited music programme. Students also take part in debates, Model United Nations, quizzes, science and robotics competitions, sports tournaments, and educational trips.
Glenrich has campuses in Satarkul and Uttara. Its facilities include smart classrooms with interactive flat panels and Wi-Fi, science and robotics labs, Montessori labs, libraries, sports facilities, swimming pools, indoor gyms, and a skating rink. The school also provides counselling support, school transport with CCTV and vehicle tracking, a cafeteria, and a parent mobile app.
Address: Plot: E-2 & E-3 Sunvalley Sharoni, Block: A Sunvalley Abashan, Swadesh Properties Ltd. Satarkul, Badda, Dhaka-1212
Contact: +880 1313020361-5
E-mail: info@satarkul.glenrich.edu.bd
Web: https://glenrich.edu.bd
10. American International School Dhaka (AISD)
American International School Dhaka (AISD) has been providing education in Bangladesh since 1972. It is a pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 college-preparatory school that follows American educational principles. In Grades 11 and 12, students can pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and NEASC.
AISD offers a wide range of activities beyond academics, including athletics, performing arts, Model United Nations, clubs, and service learning. Students also participate in SAISA competitions and events, giving them opportunities to connect with students from other international schools across South Asia.
Its Baridhara campus includes libraries, science and learning spaces, gymnasiums, a fitness centre, performing arts facilities, music and art rooms, a swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a soccer and athletic field.
Address: 12 United Nations Road, Dhaka- 1212
Contact: +880-171-3396783
E-mail: info@aisdhaka.org
Web: https://www.aisdhaka.org
Other English Medium Schools Worth Knowing
Beyond the Top 10, Bangladesh has many established English-medium schools. They follow different international pathways, including Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel and IB.
Australian International School Dhaka is a notable IB-focused school. It has been an IB World School since 2017. It offers authorized IB programmes based on the IB framework.
Tiny Tots and Summerfield International School has a long history in the sector. Founded in 1974, it offers education from preschool to A Level. It is registered with both Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel.
Sir John Wilson School is another established name in Dhaka. It offers a long-running A Level pathway. Maple Leaf International School, founded in 1972, follows the British curriculum. Its pathway leads to IGCSE, GCE A-Level and International A-Level qualifications. It is registered with Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel.
Pledge Harbour International School adds another IB option. It offers an education based on the International Baccalaureate model. Playpen is also an established name in Dhaka. It follows a Cambridge International pathway and has a long presence in the English-medium sector.
Manarat Dhaka International School and College combine Cambridge International education with spiritual and moral education. It serves students from the early years through A Level. Its values-based approach gives it a distinctive position in the sector.
Academia, Oxford International School and International Bangladesh Hope School are also established names. Founded in 1987, Oxford International School follows a Cambridge International pathway. It has a long-standing presence in Dhaka.
HURDCO International School, Green Gems International School, Green Dale International School, European Standard School and Ebenezer International School further broaden the sector. Green Dale, founded in 2001, offers education from preschool to Advanced Level through the Cambridge pathway. Ebenezer provides Cambridge education from primary years through O and A Level, along with skills and extracurricular activities.
Cardiff International School Dhaka offers an international academic pathway through the senior years. Canadian International School Bangladesh provides another international-school option in Dhaka. British Columbia School also has an established senior academic presence and has been associated with the Pearson Edexcel pathway.
Bangladesh International Tutorial (BIT) is another long-standing name in the sector. Averroes International School reflects the continued growth of English-medium education in Dhaka. A. G. Church School Dhaka also remains part of the wider English-medium school network.
Affordable English Medium Schools
The cost of English-medium education in Bangladesh varies significantly depending on the school, campus, curriculum and grade level. International schools offering extensive facilities and IB programmes generally operate in a different fee category from many traditional Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel schools.
For families seeking comparatively more accessible English-medium options, established schools outside the premium international-school segment may provide a broader range of choices. Schools such as
- Maple Leaf International School
- Academia
- Oxford International School
- Manarat Dhaka International School and College,
- Averroes International School
- Bangladesh International Tutorial
and other Cambridge- or Pearson-oriented institutions are often considered alongside more premium schools when comparing the English-medium sector.
Affordability should also be viewed beyond monthly tuition. Admission charges, annual fees, examination registration, books, uniforms, transport and other school-related expenses can substantially affect the overall cost. As a result, the total annual cost can differ considerably between schools even where tuition fees appear similar.
Best English Medium Schools for the IB Diploma
The IB Diploma Programme is available at a limited number of schools in Bangladesh. Among the schools featured in this guide, International School Dhaka, Aga Khan Academy Dhaka and American International School Dhaka offer established IB pathways. ISD and Aga Khan Academy Dhaka provide the PYP, MYP and DP, while AISD offers the PYP and Diploma Programme.
Australian International School Dhaka and Pledge Harbour International School are also notable because they offer the full PYP, MYP and DP continuum. Canadian International School Bangladesh provides another IB Diploma option and becomes an IB World School in 2022.
The strongest choice depends on the student’s wider academic pathway, preferred learning environment and the type of international education they intend to pursue before university.
Final Words
Bangladesh offers diverse English-medium education options. Established schools continue to offer Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel pathways, while more schools are adopting the International Baccalaureate. The schools in this guide were selected for their academic history, curriculum, international pathways and established presence.
No single school suits every student. Curriculum, academic fit, school environment and future university plans can all influence the choice. For students planning to study abroad, choosing the right school and qualification pathway can also support their long-term university preparation.
