The end of 2025 marks a defining moment for British education in Georgia. With renewed leadership, strengthened academic frameworks, and a sharpened commitment to global standards, the British International School of Tbilisi (BIST) is shaping a modern, human-centred educational landscape. BIST stands as Georgia’s most established fully British international school, delivering an education rooted firmly in British academic tradition.
BIST offers a fully British experience supported by the Cambridge International curriculum, enabling students to develop academic rigour, research skills and global citizenship from early years through graduation. Its approach emphasises not only academic excellence, but also character, independence and a strong sense of purpose.
BIST Director Robert Snowden highlights the school’s distinct identity within Georgia’s educational ecosystem: “BIST’s identity within the British school family in Tbilisi comes from being the most established, fully accredited by COBIS, English-medium institution delivering a truly British international education,” he notes. “We are defined by high-quality teaching from fully internationally qualified, first language English-speaking staff, who bring strong pedagogy, high expectations and a commitment to holistic development. British education here is more than a curriculum; it is an approach rooted in critical thinking, collaboration, character formation and a global mindset.”
With a student body representing more than 50 nationalities, BIST is proudly international, while remaining firmly British in its educational culture and values. At the same time, the school places strong emphasis on respecting and integrating the local context. Nearly 20% of students have Georgian heritage; Georgian language and culture are part of the curriculum, and local staff play a central role in school life. Cultural excursions and experiential learning deepen students’ understanding of Georgia’s history and landscape, reinforcing a balanced global–local identity.
Academically, BIST students are exceptionally well prepared for global pathways. The school’s British curriculum, anchored by iGCSEs and A Levels, widely regarded as the gold standard of pre-university qualifications, fosters deep subject knowledge, analytical thinking and academic discipline. Graduates are equipped to compete confidently for places at leading universities worldwide, supported by personalised guidance and a highly qualified university counsellor who oversees every stage of the application process.
“We stress that while grades open the door, they do not secure admission,” Robert explains. “Through TEDx talks, leadership roles, work experience placements and co-curricular activities, such as guest speaker seminars and global competitions , students build the holistic skills and character qualities sought by top universities in the UK, Europe, North America and beyond.”
BIST’s COBIS membership extends well beyond accreditation. Teachers benefit from high-level professional development, leadership programmes and international collaboration, ensuring that classroom practice remains dynamic, innovative and globally relevant. Students, in turn, gain authentic international exposure through workshops, university outreach, guest speakers and collaborative projects. From participating in global initiatives to travelling to international events such as the COBIS Primary Games, international engagement is embedded into everyday school life, building confidence, cultural understanding and ambition from an early age.
Innovation and future-ready learning are core pillars of the BIST educational model. The school invests heavily in technology, robotics, AI and project-based learning, with STEM integrated across the curriculum. Digital literacy is approached thoughtfully, emphasising responsible and informed use of emerging technologies. Students interested in advanced study can pursue iGCSE and A Level Computer Science, while creativity, debate, public speaking and leadership remain central to the learning experience.
“We invest in technology not for convenience, but to deepen understanding and build the skills British education is designed to develop: critical thinking, creativity and collaboration,” Robert notes. “While AI will increasingly shape our lives, the human skills it cannot replicate remain essential.”
As British education in Georgia continues to evolve, BIST stands as a clear benchmark for excellence, combining academic rigour, international perspective and respect for local identity. With its strong British foundations, global outlook and forward-thinking approach, the school is not only preparing students for university success, but shaping confident, compassionate and responsible citizens ready to make a meaningful impact in Georgia and beyond.
Contact Info for the online article: Admissions at BIST are open. To book a visit and experience life at BIST, please contact admissions@bist.ge | +995 322 280 1919 | bist.ge
By Ana Dumbadze
