Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in York

York, is a historic city known for its rich heritage and scenic beauty. While it may not boast a large number of international or bilingual schools like some of the world's major metropolises, it does offer a selection of reputable institutions catering to expat families. Among the most popular are the Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate and Bootham School, both of which are known for their high-quality education and international curricula. Here are some of the international or bilingual schools within a short drive from York that expat parents might consider for their children.

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

Grades: Age 3 through Grade 13
Location(s): Thorpe Underwood Estate, York
Website: www.qe.org

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate is a private day and boarding school that offers a broad international curriculum, including the BTEC, GCSE, and A-Level qualifications. The school prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities, including a Performing Arts Centre, extensive sports facilities, and modern classrooms. With a diverse student body, Queen Ethelburga's provides a global learning environment with a wide range of extracurricular activities to complement academic development.

Bootham School

Grades: Age 3 through Grade 13
Location(s): York
Website: www.boothamschool.com

Bootham School is an independent Quaker boarding school that offers a values-driven education. It provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme alongside A-Levels, emphasizing intellectual curiosity and social responsibility. The school boasts excellent arts and science facilities, a strong commitment to sustainability, and a wide array of clubs and societies for students to join.

St Peter's School

Grades: Age 2 through Grade 13
Location(s): York
Website: www.stpetersyork.org.uk

St Peter's School is one of the oldest schools in the UK and offers a blend of traditional and modern education. It provides a range of qualifications, including GCSEs and A-Levels, with a focus on nurturing individual talents. The school's facilities include a music school, sports centre, and extensive grounds. St Peter's also offers a rich program of extracurricular activities, from drama to outdoor education.

The Mount School York

Grades: Age 2 through Grade 13
Location(s): York
Website: www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

The Mount School York is an independent Quaker school for girls that welcomes day and boarding students. It offers GCSEs, A-Levels, and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), with a strong emphasis on pastoral care and personal development. The school has excellent facilities for the arts, sports, and sciences, and encourages students to engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities and community service.

Fulford School

Grades: Age 11 through Grade 13
Location(s): York
Website: www.fulford.york.sch.uk

Fulford School is a highly regarded state comprehensive school that has an inclusive approach to education. While not exclusively an international or bilingual school, it has a diverse student population and offers a broad curriculum with GCSE and A-Level programs. The school is known for its strong academic performance, supportive learning environment, and wide range of extracurricular activities.

York Steiner School

Grades: Age 3 through Grade 8
Location(s): York
Website: www.yorksteinerschool.org

York Steiner School offers an alternative education based on the principles of Rudolf Steiner. It provides a holistic curriculum that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and social skills. The school features a nurturing environment with a focus on outdoor learning and artistic expression. While it does not offer a bilingual program, it does provide language lessons and a culturally rich education.