Top 10 International schools in Sri Lanka [2023-2024]

 Top 10 International schools in Sri Lanka 

There are many international schools in Sri Lanka, find out what makes them special.

It's estimated that there are about 200+ different international schools in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has a very quality system of education and it's estimated that about 93% of its adult population are literate as compared to other developed nations such as Malaysia, India etc.

A brief look at the Sri Lanka educational system shows that Sinhala or Tamil is used as a primary language of education while English is used as a secondary language of instruction.

Top 10 International schools in Sri Lanka

We have compiled a list of the top 10 international schools in Sri Lanka.

1). The British School in Colombo

The school uses the International Baccalaureate program as its curriculum. The IB program focuses on developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation. The program also encourages students to develop their interests and passions.

The school is affiliated with Cambridge University Press. This affiliation means that the school can use the CUP for textbooks and other materials. The CUP is one of the largest publishers of books in the world.

The school is home to the British School Museum. The museum houses artefacts from the history of the school. The museum is open to visitors during school holidays and special occasions.

The school is home to several historic buildings. These include the original building built in 1848, the Old Blockhouse, the Old Gymnasium, and the Old Chapel. All of these structures were designed by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles himself. 

The school is home to several statues and monuments. These include the statue of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the statue of Queen Victoria, and the statue of King George.

The school is home to numerous awards and honours. These include the Royal Charter, the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award, the National Award for Education, the National Award for Arts, the National Award for Science, the National Award for Community Service, and the National Award for Environmental Management.

The school has approximately 350 students enrolled in each grade. Most of these students are local Sri Lankans. However, there are also international students attending the school. 

These students come from countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and Europe.

2). Wycherley International School

Wycherley International School is another top international school in Sri Lanka.

For more than three decades, Wycherley International School has provided primary and secondary education in Colombo.

It has committed to establishing an internationally acclaimed centre in the Gampaha District that will offer the well-known Cambridge Education program.

The school is conveniently accessible from important Gampaha district locations and is situated in the city's centre.

The Gampaha District's First and Only Comprehensive Center offering the Cambridge Curriculum from UKG (Year 1) to A/levels will be Wycherley International School.

Located on a three-acre lush campus with purpose-built infrastructure, the school features modern libraries, science and computer labs, a 25-meter swimming pool, basketball and netball courts, and cricket pitches, ensuring a combination of world-class education and a wide range of extra-curricular activities for a well-rounded education.

Address: No:05 Miriswatta Gampaha, Mudungoda, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 77 003 7037

3). Stafford International School (SISL)

Stafford International School Sri Lanka (SISL) was established in 1998 as a private school catering to the educational needs of children between the ages of 2-18 years old. SISL offers a full range of English language programs including Pre-School, Primary, Secondary and Post-Secondary levels.

SISL is licensed by the Department of Education, Sri Lanka to offer the Cambridge IGCSE Programmes and authorized by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka to award the Cambridge International Examinations Diploma Programme.

The school teaches in three locations: Colombo, Kandy, and Negambo and has an average student enrollment of 1200.

Stafford International School offers English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Computer Applications, Art, Music, Drama, Dance, and Religion.

Address: 37 Premasiri Khemadasa Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 70 398 8100

4). Asian International School (AIS)

Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary Education are all integrated into one seamless system at Asian International School.

From the time a child turns two and a half, it follows them through all of their academic years until they reach the university entrance classes. 

They are academically ready to enrol in the university of their choosing, wherever that may be, right away.

A significant place in the curriculum of the school is devoted to the sport. Swimming, basketball, netball, tennis, and rowing are all encouraged at the school. Up until eighth grade, music and dance are taught as part of the curriculum. Further specialization is encouraged through clubs and societies.

The concepts of respect, equality, and fair play are instilled in the supportive pastoral atmosphere where students learn and develop, and diversity is embraced and cherished.

Address: 4, 97 Thalakotuwa Gardens, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 112 513 181

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5). Elizabeth Moir School (EMS)

EMS is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. It is home to over 1,000 students from kindergarten to grade 12. There are approximately 2,500 full-time teachers and staff members at the school.

Being owned and operated by British nationals makes it the sole international school in Sri Lanka.

EMS offers a wide variety of programs including academic, athletic, arts, community service, and leadership opportunities. Students have access to several sports teams including basketball, soccer, volleyball, rugby, track & field, cross country, badminton, tennis, swimming, and hockey.

EMS has a long history of success. Over 90% of its graduates go on to post-secondary education. Many of these graduates attend universities across Canada and around the world.

Address: 4/20 Thalakotuwa Gardens, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 112 512 275

6). The Overseas School of Colombo

The Overseas School follows the British National Curriculum. The school year runs from August to June. There are three terms per year. Each term lasts 14 weeks. Classes begin on Monday and end on Friday.

The Overseas School has two campuses: the primary campus and the international campus. The primary campus is located in the heart of Colombo. The international campus is located in Kandy, a town in the centre of Sri Lanka.

The school has three schools: The International School, the International Preschool, and the International Kindergarten. 

The International School is for students in grades 1 through 12. The International Preschool is for students of preschool age. The International Kindergarten is for students of kindergarten age.

The Overseas School uses the ICT system called Blackboard Learn. Teachers use the software to create lessons and assignments. Students access the course materials online using computers.

The Overseas School prides itself on being a diverse community. Students come from all over the world, representing 80 different nationalities. The school has a student body that consists of people from all races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Overseas School believes that students should be able to freely express themselves and share ideas without fear of reprisal. 

The school does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

The Overseas School strives to make sure that everyone feels welcome and included. The school welcomes students of all faiths and beliefs. The school also promotes cultural diversity.

Tuition fees here varies with PS: $10,900; K: $16,450; grades 1-5: $19,550; grades 6-8: $20,550; grade 9-12: $23,750.

Address: 325, Pannipitiya Road, Battaramulla

P.O. Box address: Pelawatte, P.O. Box 9, Battaramulla 10120, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 112 784920-2

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7). Leeds International School (LIS)

Leeds International School (LIS) was established in 1989 and is located in Panadura, Sri Lanka. LIS offers education from pre-school to grade 12. The school provides education in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages.

Leeds International School is affiliated with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), IGCSE, IBDP, IBOA and A Levels.

There are two campuses of LIS - Panadura Campus and Katunayake Campus. Both campuses have their hostels.

Leeds International School has been awarded the 'Best Secondary School' award by the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka. 

The school has produced many distinguished alumni. Notable alumni include Sirimavo Bandaranaike, former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; Nandasiri Gunawardena, former Chief Justice of Sri Lanka; Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, former Governor of Central Bank of Sri Lanka; and Dr Sarath Amunugama, former Director General of Health Services.

Students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities. These include debating, music, drama, dance, chess club, art club, photography club, and others. Students have access to computers, the internet, and photocopiers.

There are two libraries in the school. One is the general library and the other is the science library. Both libraries offer students access to computers and the internet.

The school offers its students a computer lab where they can use computers and the internet. There are also laboratories for physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

Address: No 7, 25 Station Road, Panadura, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 382 245 321

8). Lexicon International School Kandy

Lexicon International School (LIS) is a private international school in Sri Lanka located in Kandy.

LIS was established in 1998. We offer education from pre-school to grade 12. Lexicon International School Kandy's curriculum is based on the British Curriculum Framework.

In addition to our core subjects, we offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities including sports, music, drama, art, dance, computer studies, etc.

The school offers education from nursery level to grade 12. The nursery and kindergarten classes are conducted in the morning session while the primary and lower secondary classes are held in the afternoon session.

The upper secondary classes are taught in the evening session. In addition to the academic subjects, students are offered various co-curricular activities including sports, drama, dance, art, music, and chess. Students are encouraged to participate in inter-school competitions and festivals.

The school has a strong emphasis on character formation. The school promotes good values and ethical conduct among its students. 

The school emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, respect for others, responsibility, honesty, integrity, and fair play.

The school has adopted a student-centred teaching methodology. The teachers work closely with each student to ensure that he/she achieves his/her full potential. The school's motto is “Learning Through Action”.

Lexicon International School Kandy has a fully equipped computer lab where students can access the internet and use computers for educational purposes.

The school has a spacious auditorium where students can watch movies, listen to lectures, and perform skits.

Lexicon International School Kandy has a state-of-the-art science laboratory where students can experiment with different chemicals and materials.

Address: 8J4Q+4CF, Sri Dhamma Dassi Mawatha, Kandy, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 812 214 097

9). Jennings International College

Children from Kindergarten through Advanced Level are educated at the Jennings International College.

It is divided into three sections: Preschool, Primary, and Senior.

Exams for the London O/L and London A/L are offered to students.

Additionally, separate courses are held for the students enrolled in Science and Commerce streams who are pursuing Local A/L subjects in the English medium.

In the Primary and Senior divisions, students can also study foreign languages including German and French.

Athletics, swimming, basketball, netball, badminton, music, scouts, band, and art activities are accessible to the students. 

The instructors, trainers, and teachers that oversee all of the extracurricular activities are highly qualified professionals.

Address: 8R8W+RWX, A3, Nainamadama, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 312 254 187

10). Harcourts International School

Harcourts International School (HIS) is located on the 1st Floor, No. 4, Kollupitiya Mawatha, Colombo 07. It's one of the top 10 international schools in Sri Lanka.

The school offers education from Nursery to Grade 12.

The school provides a co-curricular programme comprising sports, music, dance, drama, art, creative writing, computer science, yoga, etc., besides academic programmes.

The school has a library, laboratories, a well-equipped auditorium, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, a playground, a cafeteria, a canteen, a bus stand, a bank, a post office, a police station, a fire station, a hospital, a clinic, a dispensary, a nursery, a kindergarten, a pre-primary section, a primary section, a junior high school, a senior high school, a vocational training centre etc.

The application procedure for Harcourts International School is simple. You need to fill out the online application form and submit the same along with the relevant documents mentioned below.

Address: 142/70 Anderson Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka

Phone: +94 112 718 058

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Final Remarks

As earlier mentioned, Sri Lanka has one of the best educational systems in the region and it’s a nation with multiple international schools. We encourage you to go through the various listed schools to know their history, curriculum and culture. What makes each international school in Sri Lanka different from others lies in the school accreditations and tuition. 

Which of these International Schools in Sri Lanka have you been to? Share your experiences with us in the comment section below.