Cambridge School of Bucharest

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Cambridge School of Bucharest (CSB), a leading British-curriculum international school in Romania:

🎓 Overview & Accreditation

Founded in 1994, CSB has grown into a flagship British School Overseas (BSO), fully accredited by the UK Department for Education and recognised by COBIS (Council of British International Schools) and Romanian educational regulators (ARACIP)
In April 2024, it became an IB World School, one of the first in Romania to pass inspection under the revised BSO framework, demonstrating excellence across academic quality, safeguarding, leadership, wellbeing, and student development

📍 Campus & Community

In 2020, CSB moved to a €35 million purpose-built campus in the Băneasa/Pipera area, set in a forested environment and designed for up to 1,400 students
The student community includes around 970 pupils (ages 3–18), representing 42 nationalities, with approximately 72% Romanian and 28% from foreign backgrounds
Class sizes are typically 16–26 students, allowing for personalised attention; all primary teachers are native English speakers with broad international experience

📚 Academics & Curriculum

CSB offers the English National Curriculum from EYFS through to IGCSE, A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)—and is currently the only school in Romania offering both A Levels and IBDP to Years 12–13 students
A Level subjects include Economics, Sciences, English, Maths, Psychology, Art & Design, and Modern Languages; the IBDP combines six academic groups with core components like CAS, EE, and TOK for holistic development

🌟 Inspection Highlights & Student Development

In its latest inspection, CSB was praised for its inclusive, inquiry-based learning culture: students are encouraged to be curious, resilient, and responsible. Inspectors cited strong academic quality, excellent behaviour, social responsibility and well-developed safeguarding practices
IB recognition followed soon after, with inspectors commending CSB for its strong implementation of CAS/community engagement initiatives and its interdisciplinary, ethical pedagogy .

🛠️ Extracurricular & Community Engagement

CSB offers an engaging extra‑curricular programme—from sports and creative arts to debate, Model UN, student leadership, environmental sustainability, and charity initiatives like the Eco‑Committee and the Duke of Edinburgh award
Students undertake real-world learning through community service, sustainable projects (solar power generation, waste reduction campaigns), and leadership in student committee events

✔️ Parent & Student Experience

Feedback emphasizes CSB’s supportive environment and educational consistency. Parents appreciate the strong teacher‑parent partnership and the rise in quality following the move to the new campus
Student testimonials highlight the school’s role in personal growth and confidence—CSB is described as ‘a second home’ by many, with meaningful academic and social development

⚠️ What to Consider

Some reddit-based staff reviews report challenges with HR practices, leadership, and frequent teacher turnover, and suggest deeper research if you’re considering employment there .
While the school is highly rated, Romania’s broader cost-of-living and inflation environment may impact expatriate families—rent, transport, and school commute can require planning .

📋 Fees & Admissions (Indicative)

Annual tuition ranges from €10,900–14,450, depending on year group, with a non-refundable registration fee around €1,500
Admissions are ongoing throughout the academic year, with an inclusive ethos and outreach to new families at any stage .

✅ Strengths & Considerations

✅ Strengths	⚠️ Considerations
Dual British A-Level & IB Diploma paths	Staff turnover and some HR concerns reported
Strong international accreditations	Living and working in Bucharest may require careful budgeting
Immersive English instruction	Heavy competition for places post-2020 campus move
Emphasis on sustainability, service & global skills	Some operational transparency concerns from former staff

📝 Summary

The Cambridge School of Bucharest stands out as a forward-thinking, high-achieving British international school that offers both A Levels and the IB Diploma, in a modern forest-side campus backed by strong inspection results. Its inclusive community, rigorous academics, and broad enrichment programmes make it a compelling option for families seeking global-standard education in Romania. That said, it's worth investigating staff satisfaction and understanding living costs in Bucharest.