Navigating international school admissions in Warsaw is far easier when you understand how the city's schools actually process applications. Warsaw has become one of Central Europe's strongest expat destinations, and its international schools now manage year-round demand from relocating families in finance, tech, diplomacy and NATO-related roles. This 2026 guide explains the admissions timeline, the documents you will need, how entrance assessments work, and what language support to expect.
How the Warsaw Admissions Cycle Works
Most international schools in Warsaw run rolling admissions, but the main intake is late August or early September. Applications for the 2026-27 school year typically open a full year ahead, and popular year groups, especially early primary and the start of IB Diploma, can close by spring. Mid-year entry is common in Warsaw because corporate relocations rarely respect the school calendar; schools will place children mid-term when seats exist.
A typical process looks like this:
- Step 1: Online enquiry and registration fee (usually 500 to 1,500 PLN, non-refundable)
- Step 2: Submission of documents and previous school records
- Step 3: Entrance assessment or taster day
- Step 4: Offer, enrolment contract and deposit (often one term's fees)
Documents You Will Need
Prepare these before you land in Poland — gathering them from abroad is the single biggest cause of delay:
- School reports from the last two academic years (translated into English if needed)
- Passport copies for the child and both parents
- A confidential teacher reference, requested directly by the new school
- Immunisation records and any learning support documentation (IEPs, assessments)
- Proof of Warsaw address or employer relocation letter, requested by some schools
Key International Schools in Warsaw
The British School Warsaw
The British School Warsaw follows the English National Curriculum through to IGCSE and the IB Diploma. Admissions are non-selective in younger years, with assessments focused on readiness rather than attainment, and the school is experienced with mid-year corporate relocations.
Akademeia High School
Akademeia High School is a selective academic high school preparing students for A Levels and top UK and US universities. Expect a more competitive process: entrance exams in English and mathematics plus an interview, with scholarship places adding to demand.
International Trilingual School of Warsaw
International Trilingual School of Warsaw teaches in English, French and Polish from nursery upwards. Admissions prioritise language balance in each class, so apply early if you want a specific language stream.
British Primary School of Wilanów
Families in the popular Wilanów district choose British Primary School of Wilanów for its EYFS and primary provision. Places in Reception and Year 1 are the first to fill, often two terms before the school year starts.
Polish-British Academy of Warsaw
Polish-British Academy of Warsaw offers a bilingual Polish-English pathway that suits families settling long term who want children fluent in both languages. Admissions include an informal language screening to place children in the right support group.
English Language Support for Non-Native Speakers
Warsaw's international schools are used to admitting children with limited English. Most run EAL (English as an Additional Language) programmes with in-class support in primary and timetabled lessons in secondary. Be transparent about your child's level during admissions: schools rarely reject for language alone below age 14, but they will plan support before day one if they know what is needed. For students entering IGCSE or IB years, stronger English is usually required, and some schools set a minimum threshold for entry into exam courses.
Fees and Deposits to Budget For
Annual tuition in Warsaw's international sector ranges roughly from 40,000 to 120,000 PLN depending on school and age, with selective high schools at the top. On admission, budget for the registration fee, a one-off entrance or capital fee at some schools, and a refundable or advance deposit of up to one term's tuition.
Compare Warsaw Schools Side by Side
Shortlist with real data rather than brochures. Browse profiles, reviews and fee information for international schools on International School Advisor before you book your admissions visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for a 2026-27 place in Warsaw?
Apply 6 to 12 months before entry. Early primary and IB Diploma entry years fill fastest, while mid-year placement is possible whenever seats exist.
Do Warsaw international schools require entrance exams?
Most primary admissions use informal readiness assessments. Selective high schools such as Akademeia set written exams in English and mathematics plus an interview.
Can my child join without speaking English?
Yes, in most year groups below age 14. Schools provide EAL support, though entry into IGCSE and IB years usually requires a working level of academic English.