Founded in 1997, BAISIS is dedicated to championing the academic and pastoral support of international students within UK independent schools. It defines and shares best practices in areas such as English as an Additional Language (EAL), visa compliance, and cultural integration. The association provides specialized training, conferences, and networking opportunities to help staff navigate the unique challenges of educating a global student body. Since 2020, BAISIS has operated as part of the BSA Group (Boarding Schools’ Association), strengthening its ability to support schools in delivering high-quality care to overseas pupils.
BAISIS Member Schools (29)
Mill Hill School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18, set within 120 acres of parkland in North London. Established in 1807 by Nonconformist ministers and merchants, the school occupies grounds that formerly belonged to the botanist Peter Collinson. The campus features notable architecture, including the Greco-Roman School House by Sir William Tite and a chapel designed by Basil Champneys. The school provides a broad education that balances academic study with a diverse co-curricular programme, supported by facilities such as an indoor swimming pool and a dedicated theatre.
Bishop’s Stortford College is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated on a 130-acre campus in Hertfordshire. Established in 1868 by Nonconformists, the school provides an all-through education that emphasises the values of scholarship and character. Architectural features include the 1922 Memorial Hall and the FS Young Library, which sit alongside modern facilities such as a 150-seat theatre and an indoor swimming pool. The college focuses on academic development alongside a broad programme in sport and the performing arts.
Situated in Eastbourne on the East Sussex coast, Eastbourne College is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18. Established in 1867, the school is located between the beach and the South Downs, describing itself as a ‘blue health school’ that promotes well-being through its maritime environment. The campus features the Birley Centre and the Winn Building, offering a mix of modern and traditional facilities. The school claims to focus on a holistic education underpinned by its core values of excellence, integrity, participation, and kindness.
DLD College London is a co-educational independent college situated on London’s South Bank, overlooking the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament. Founded in 1931 as Davies, Laing and Dick, the college caters for students aged 13 to 19, offering GCSEs, A Levels, BTECs, and International Foundation Programmes. Housed in a landmark purpose-built campus, it provides on-site urban boarding alongside specialised facilities for the creative arts, music technology, and sciences. The college maintains an ethos of independence and maturity, using its central London location to prepare students for university and professional life.
Berkhamsted Prep is a co-educational day school in Hertfordshire for pupils aged 7 to 11. As part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group, which was founded in 1541 by John Incent, the school operates within a "diamond" structure. It is situated at the Doctors Commons Road campus and offers a progressive curriculum rooted in traditional standards. Facilities include specialist classrooms for science and art, alongside access to senior school resources such as a 25-metre swimming pool and a 500-seat theatre. The school focuses on developing well-rounded individuals through diverse academic and sporting opportunities.
Caterham School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated in the Harestone Valley in Surrey. Set within a 200-acre campus, the school was founded in 1811 and moved to its current location in 1884. It provides a broad curriculum with a strong emphasis on digital innovation, being recognised as an Apple Distinguished School. Facilities include a performing arts centre, a large sports complex, and extensive woodland used for outdoor education. The school fosters an environment focused on both academic achievement and personal development.
Kensington Park School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in the heart of London. Established in 2017, the school operates across two sites on either side of Kensington Gardens: the Senior School in Bayswater and the Sixth Form, housed in a white stuccoed townhouse overlooking the Natural History Museum. KPS prioritises a personalised education with small class sizes and a modern curriculum. The school utilises prestigious local facilities, including Imperial College’s Ethos Sports Centre and Hyde Park, for its extensive sporting and co-curricular activities.
Kent College Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated on an 80-acre site overlooking the historic city of Canterbury. Founded in 1885 as a Methodist school, it comprises a junior school, senior school, and sixth form. The school is notable for its working farm, which allows students to engage in agricultural activities. Facilities include the Great Hall for performing arts and extensive sports grounds. The curriculum offers both A-levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, alongside a broad range of extracurricular activities.
Frensham Heights is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated on a 120-acre estate near Farnham, Surrey. Founded in 1925, the school maintains a progressive ethos where students do not wear a uniform and staff are addressed by their first names. The campus is centred around a Grade II listed Edwardian mansion and features a dedicated performing arts centre. The school emphasises individual development and creative expression, offering a broad curriculum that includes a strong focus on outdoor education and the arts.
Queenswood is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18, set within 120 acres of Hertfordshire countryside near Hatfield. Founded in 1894 with a Methodist affiliation, the school focuses on developing well-rounded, independent individuals through a progressive curriculum. The campus features notable facilities, including a 280-seat theatre and 27 tennis courts, supporting a strong reputation for sport and the performing arts. The main building, Sheepwell House, was rebuilt in its original style after a fire in 1936, maintaining the school's distinctive architectural character.
Sutton Valence School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18, set within 100 acres of Kent countryside overlooking the Weald. Founded in 1576 by William Lambe, the school balances its rich history with modern facilities, including a 200-seat theatre and the Sydney Wooderson Sports Centre. Its ethos centres on a "Total Curriculum" designed to develop well-rounded individuals through academic, sporting, and artistic achievement. The school provides a supportive community environment, maintaining strong traditions while offering extensive extracurricular opportunities in rugby, hockey, and cricket.
Benenden School is an independent boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated within the 250-acre Hemsted Park estate near Cranbrook, Kent. Founded in 1923, the school is centred on Hemsted House, a Victorian mansion built in the 1860s. Its educational approach follows a 'Complete Education' model, which integrates academic study with professional skills and personal development. Facilities include a dedicated science centre, a professional-standard theatre, and a music school with a concert hall. The expansive grounds accommodate a variety of activities, including lacrosse, hockey, and equestrian sports.