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.
Mill Hill International is a co-educational day and boarding school in North London for international pupils aged 13 to 18. Situated on the 120-acre site of the Mill Hill School Foundation, it occupies its own refurbished campus at The Mount. The school provides a transition into the British education system, offering GCSE and A Level programmes with dedicated English language support. Students benefit from small class sizes while accessing the Foundation's extensive facilities, which include an indoor swimming pool, a professional-standard theatre, and vast sports fields set within traditional parkland.
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.
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.
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.
Westminster School is a historic boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18, located within the Precincts of Westminster Abbey. Refounded by Elizabeth I in 1560, it is the only ancient school to remain on its original site in central London. The school is centred around Little Dean’s Yard and includes notable architecture such as the 14th-century College Hall. It provides a liberal education that encourages independent thought and academic rigour. Facilities include the 13-acre Vincent Square playing fields and a modern sports centre. Girls are currently admitted to the Sixth Form.
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.
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.
RGS Surrey Hills is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in Mickleham, near Dorking. Set within 40 acres of countryside, the school's centrepiece is Dalewood House, a Victorian Gothic revival mansion. Founded in 1959, it is a founding member of the Round Square movement, following the holistic educational philosophy of Kurt Hahn. The school offers a choice between A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Facilities include a modern sports hall and grounds that support a range of activities, including outdoor education and traditional team sports.
Aldro is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 7 to 13, located in Shackleford near Godalming. Founded in 1898 and relocated to its current Surrey site in 1940, the school operates with a Christian foundation. Set within extensive grounds, facilities include a rowing lake, an adventure island, and a swimming pool. The school focuses on the development of the whole child through a broad curriculum and co-curricular programme, preparing pupils for transition to leading senior schools via the Common Entrance pathway.
Tonbridge School is an independent boarding and day school for boys aged 13 to 18, set within 150 acres of grounds in Kent. Founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde, the school retains historical links with the Worshipful Company of Skinners. The campus features a blend of Victorian Gothic architecture and contemporary facilities, including the Barton Science Centre and the EM Forster Theatre. Academic life is complemented by a wide extracurricular programme and sporting provision; the Tonbridge School Centre was used as a training base for the 2012 Olympic Games.
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.