Putting the focus where it belongs, on the whole child
At the British International School of Boston (BISB), we believe admissions should be the start of a positive and supportive journey for your family, not a stressful testing experience for your child. That is why applicants to Grades 5 through 12 (Year 6 to Year 13) now have the option to submit standardized test results rather than sit an entry exam.
This change reflects our values as a school and our deep understanding of how children learn best. Here are five reasons why BISB decided to make entry exams optional.
1. Children are more than a single test score
One exam taken on one day can never fully represent a child’s abilities or potential. Academic success depends on far more than performance under timed conditions.
At BISB, we look at the whole child, including their academic record, teacher recommendations, interests, language development, and personal strengths. Making exams optional allows us to build a fuller, fairer picture of each student as a learner and as an individual.
2. A more inclusive and equitable admissions process
Families applying to BISB come from many countries and educational contexts. Access to standardized testing and preparation varies widely.
Making entry exams optional supports fairness and inclusion by ensuring that capable students are not disadvantaged by unfamiliar testing formats or unequal access to resources. It allows us to welcome a diverse community of motivated learners who are well suited to our school.
3. Supporting wellbeing during school transitions
Joining a new school is a significant transition, particularly for internationally mobile families or students entering a new education system. Adding a high-stakes entry exam can heighten anxiety at an already challenging time.
Student wellbeing is central to life at BISB. By making entry exams optional, we reduce unnecessary pressure and help students approach the admissions process with confidence and calm, setting the tone for a positive learning experience from the outset.
4. Alignment with our international and IB approach
As an international school offering the International Baccalaureate programmes, BISB prioritises critical thinking, inquiry, communication, and long-term academic growth.
The IB philosophy values deep understanding over rote performance. An optional exam policy aligns with this approach and recognises that students arrive from a wide range of curricula and assessment systems around the world.
5. Students demonstrate learning in different ways
Some students perform confidently in formal exams. Others show their strengths through sustained coursework, projects, classroom engagement, or creative problem solving.
As a school that values diverse learning styles, BISB believes families should be able to choose the admissions pathway that best reflects their child. For some, standardized test results provide useful insight. For others, alternative evidence offers a more accurate reflection of progress and readiness.
What this means for your family
Applicants to Grades 5 to 12 may choose to submit standardized test results, with scores sent directly to BISB by January 15, or apply without them. Our admissions team will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate pathway for your child.
Begin your BISB journey
Choosing a school is about more than academic results. It is about finding a community where your child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
Contact our admissions team to learn more about applying to the British International School of Boston or to book a personalized school tour.
