Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
325, Pannipitiya Road, Battaramulla, Pelawatte, P.O. Box 9, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
Primary School (Early Years to Grade 5) and Secondary School (Grade 6 to Grade 12). The IB continuum is offered: Primary Years Programme (EY to Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grade 6 to 10), and Diploma Programme (Grade 11 to 12).
Non-profit, co-educational, English-medium day school; Pre-K to 12.
311 students; 40 nationalities represented.
Mild Special Education Needs are provided for from Pre-School to Grade 8; support for learners with disabilities in Grades 9-12 is limited. English Language Development (EAL) is available across Primary and Middle School with limited support thereafter.
School year starts in August; the year comprises two semesters: August–December and January–June. The schedule runs 40 weeks (180 days). The Secondary day includes four 75-minute blocks on a six-day cycle.
OSC does not have a school uniform. A dress code applies on campus and for activities, and students should dress modestly and respectfully of the diverse cultures represented. A PE uniform is required: house T-shirt in red, blue, green or yellow, black OSC shorts and appropriate shoes; swimming attire must be a one‑piece swimsuit for girls, shorts above knee length for boys, and swim caps.
There is a cafeteria on campus operated by a private catering company. Students can purchase drinks, fruit, sandwiches, snacks, and a main dish at lunch; they may bring a packed lunch or purchase lunch in the cafeteria; lunches are eaten in the canteen under staff supervision; a canteen app allows loading money onto a student's account.
OSC uses a house system. PE uses house T-shirts in red, blue, green or yellow, worn for related activities; house T-shirts and OSС clothing can be obtained from the school shop.
OSC is registered as a guarantee company and operates as a non‑profit independent school; revenues beyond expenses are reinvested to improve education. The board consists of nine directors elected from full‑fee‑paying parents, and the Head of School is a non‑voting member of the board.
OSC offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Years to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6 to 10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11 to 12. OSC administers all three IB programmes; the PYP emphasises inquiry, international-mindedness and the IB Learner Profile, with students taking ownership of their learning. The MYP uses eight subject groups and global contexts to connect learning across disciplines and develops Approaches to Learning (ATL). The DP requires Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay, and includes CAS; Diploma candidates undertake the Extended Essay. Self-taught mother-tongue language and online Pamoja courses are offered. OSC is English-medium and serves Pre-K to 12, with a diverse international student body, and is the only IB World School in Sri Lanka.
Teacher to student ratio is 1:6.
IB Diploma results 2020-2024 show OSC averages of 33 (2020), 35 (2021), 33 (2022), 35 (2023) and 33 (2024); highest points range from 41 to 45 across those years; OSC pass rates ranged from 92% to 100% in 2020-2024. In 2025, OSC Diploma results show an average of 30.4 points, a highest score of 41, and a pass rate of 81.5%.
Graduates have progressed to universities in the UK, USA, Canada and beyond, including University of Oxford, New York University London, University College London, McGill University, University of California Berkeley, University of Melbourne, University of Edinburgh and University of Toronto, among others.
OSC supports social and emotional development through a structured counseling program in both Primary and Secondary. In Primary School, prevention is the focus, ensuring all students are safe, happy, and supported, with counselors delivering individual and group programs and a comprehensive social and emotional curriculum. The Primary School counselor provides classroom guidance and consults with parents and teachers to support students. In Secondary School, counseling offers social-emotional support and guidance for college applications, with one-on-one and group sessions and classroom lessons on topics including mental health awareness and safeguarding. OSC is committed to the wellbeing of every student and views this support as essential to success inside and beyond the classroom.
OSC provides Learning Support for students with mild learning differences. Services are offered by specialist teachers within the Primary and Secondary schools, using an inclusion model. Some students may receive one-to-one instruction outside of regular classrooms depending on need. OSC does not undertake to provide for all specialized educational needs or for all types of learning differences. Admission requires disclosure of the child's educational needs, and failure to disclose may result in withdrawal. If, during the year, an educational or emotional assessment is needed to support the child's learning or wellbeing, parents are required to cooperate.
English is the language of instruction at OSC, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is maintained. In Primary School, EAL provides ongoing support as proficiency develops, with individualized instruction to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills; as proficiency increases, confidence and independence grow; a Student Learning Plan is developed in consultation with teachers, parents, and the student. For Early Years and Kindergarten, English immersion is recommended. In Secondary School, EAL aims to build language proficiency and provide equitable access to the MYP curriculum for English language learners; entry, exit, and level of support are determined by proficiency assessments, achievement testing, and teacher observation; proficiency is assessed using the WIDA MODEL and MAP reading data; exit occurs when proficiency allows the student to work in English medium classes.
OSC prioritizes student mental wellbeing through a counseling program available in both Primary and Secondary. Primary counseling focuses on prevention and ensuring students are safe, happy, and supported, with a social-emotional curriculum and classroom guidance, in addition to individual and group counseling and consultation with parents or teachers. Secondary counseling provides social-emotional support and the knowledge and skills students need for the college counseling process, with one-on-one sessions, group sessions, and classroom lessons covering topics from mental health awareness to safeguarding. OSC is committed to supporting the wellbeing of each student inside and beyond the classroom.
OSC aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Task Force on Child Protection (ITFCP) safeguarding standards and expects all individuals affiliated with the school to act with integrity and to keep students safe. Applicants must undergo thorough background checks, including police clearance every two years and reference checks. OSC strives to be a Child Safe Organisation, aware of signs and dangers of child abuse, and able to respond and report concerns regarding student safety and wellbeing. Reporting a concern is done by speaking with the Head of School, Principals, or Counselors, or by emailing the child protection officer.
1. The Overseas School of Colombo is the only fully authorised IB World School in Sri Lanka and offers the International Baccalaureate continuum from Early Years through the IB Diploma; the school hosts students from more than 40 nationalities. Learning here is aimed at preparing students for life, with an emphasis on global citizenship and an inquiry-based approach that challenges, supports, and values each student. 2. 3. Making an online application is the next step and is completed via osc.lk; all required documentation must be received before the school can process the application; submission of an application does not guarantee admission; eligibility is reviewed based on the documentation provided, and special education needs should be communicated early. 4. Submit the required documentation after completing the online application; documents are uploaded as PDFs and a checklist is available in the online account; typical documents include copies of the last two school reports (with English translation if not in English), a completed OSC medical form, a general or confidential recommendation depending on the grade, an official transcript for higher grades, records for any special services with relevant testing, a copy of the student's passport, and passport-sized photographs. 5. Submit the application and pay the US$250 non‑refundable application fee; once the fees are paid and enrolment papers are received, the school will consider the application active and may confirm a place or place the application on the waiting list. 6. The application is reviewed by the Sectional Principal and followed by an interview; parents will be notified of the decision by email within 48 hours of the decision. 7. The school maintains waiting lists; when there are more qualified applicants than available places, applicants are placed on the waiting list and contacted when a place becomes available. 8. The Admissions Office notes that the school follows rolling admissions for semester 1 (August) enrollment, beginning applications in February of the same year, and may admit qualified students on a rolling basis for mid-year (January) enrollment; processing for second semester or January enrollment begins in October.
The Financial Assistance Programme provides tuition support to families in need for a limited period due to changes in financial circumstances, while maintaining the diversity of the student population; the program is meant to be used as a last resort and is not a substitute for the family's responsibility to pay tuition. Eligibility, priorities, and the application journey are defined in the Financial Assistance Programme policy, which was approved on August 8, 2023; a brochure with an overview of eligibility, the process, and required documents is available.
Yes. The school maintains waiting lists; when there are more qualified applications than currently available places, applicants are placed on a waiting list and parents are contacted as soon as a place becomes available.
Colombo campus is located at 185, Koswatta Road, Rajagiriya (Via Parliament Road, Off Royal Gardens). The 4.5-acre campus hosts almost 2,000 students and features state-of-the-art facilities.
Foundation to Graduation. Primary and Secondary schools run from Play Group through Year 13. IGCSE is offered in Years 10–11 and AS/A2 in Years 12–13.
Private international school
Sri Lanka
Uniform includes a periwinkle blue shirt with the crest and 'Gateway to Learning' motto; a tie and school scarf; a midnight-blue blazer for A-levels; and a grey skirt for girls or grey trousers for boys.
There are four houses named after the first four Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka: Don Stephen Senanayake, Dudley Shelton Senanayake, Sir John Lionel Kotelawala, and Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike.
Gateway College Colombo is part of the Gateway Group, governed by a Directorate and a Board of Directors. The founder was Ralph Ignatius Thomas Alles; current leadership includes Dr Harsha Alles (Chairman) and Mrs Rohini Alles (Managing Director), with Mrs Dinali Alles, Mr Asoka B. Herath, Mr RAMANTHA ALLES, and Ms ANISHKA ALLES serving on the Board.
The school teaches a curriculum modeled on the English National Curriculum, with adjustments reflecting changes in education and the global context. It incorporates local history, culture and civil society to ground students in their world. The Gateway Curriculum Prism visually represents how academics, sports, co-curricular activities and character development are integrated to support holistic growth. The curriculum prepares students for university and life. It is presented through an interactive online guide for exploration.
Gateway students continue to secure admission to universities in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and Japan with many studying in top-200 universities according to Times Higher Education rankings. Some students receive scholarships, including up to 100% from reputed universities. Popular destinations include Stanford University, MIT, University of Cambridge, UC Berkeley, University of Chicago, Imperial College London, University of Pennsylvania, UCL, Columbia University, University of Toronto, NUS, NYU, University of Edinburgh, University of Melbourne, University of British Columbia, HKU, McGill and University of Manchester.
The co-curricular programme includes many clubs and societies across campuses, with more than thirty options. Gateway has dominated national and international Model United Nations competitions and encourages participation in events such as COMUN, Harvard MUN and MUN at The Hague. Co-curricular activities are recognized at the College Awards Day.
The Mindfulness programme in the Secondary school includes five minutes of mindfulness practice each morning to enhance attention and focus. Primary students from Year 3 upwards participate in three minutes of mindfulness each morning. The MindUp curriculum is introduced in HomeRoom sessions from 2022 and is an evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL) program grounded in neuroscience, with four pillars: Neuroscience, Positive Psychology, Mindful Awareness and SEL. Mindfulness and short religious observances after the interval support emotion regulation, better behaviour, greater empathy, improved social skills and reduced test anxiety.
The school teaches English and Tamil. English courses are delivered through traditional lessons, blended learning and e-learning, with courseware from UK publishers such as Cambridge, Pearson and Delta. All programmes in BigSpark are designed according to the CEFR to meet international standards, and courses are carried out in partnership with Cambridge and Pearson.
Wellbeing is a core aim, with the mission to promote wellbeing and happiness by enhancing spiritual, moral, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Mindfulness and daily religious observances support emotion regulation, empathy and social skills, contributing to emotional well-being and reduced anxiety. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to mental wellbeing as part of its curriculum and student experience.
Safeguarding ethos is central to Gateway College, fostering a calm, disciplined, respectful, caring and ethical environment for children. Every student engages in religious observances and mindfulness daily, and religion teaching has been restructured to include learning about other religions to promote safeguarding of values and inclusion.
1. Submit online application. Gateway College initiates the admissions process by online application. The Join Gateway College page provides a link labeled 'Click to submit your online application' for this purpose. Colombo contact details are available for inquiries.
2. Choose programme after OL/IGCSE. After OL/IGCSE Gateway offers multiple pathways: 4 Advanced Level subjects (50+ combinations); 3 Advanced Level subjects with a Level 4 Diploma in Computing; 3 Advanced Level subjects with a Level 4 Diploma in Business; 3 Advanced Level subjects with ATCL Diplomas in Performing; 2 Advanced Level subjects with a Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sport; Australian Secondary Certificate of Education (SACE) which is equivalent to AL; The International Foundation Programme as an alternative. Completion times: AL by June 2025; SACE by November 2024; Foundation by June 2024.
3. Registration for final stage of schooling. Gateway College Colombo opened registration for post OL/IGCSE students to complete their final stage of schooling. The programme commences on the 21st of June and offers a wide range of options to plan for Higher Education. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach; courses are designed to support timely completion for university entry. The completion times for AL (June 2025), SACE (November 2024) and Foundation (June 2024) are noted.
4. University admissions counselling. Gateway has partnered with a leading international higher education counselling organisation to give students maximum support in gaining admission to universities of their choice. Higher-grade students receive one-to-one guidance in selecting universities, preparing applications and writing personal statements.
5. Scholarships. A limited number of scholarships are available for students who have excelled in academics, sports and extra-curricular activities. Some scholarships have been awarded up to 100% of tuition.
Gateway College Colombo offers scholarships for its own programmes to students who excel in academics, sports and extra-curricular activities. A limited number of scholarships are available. Some scholarships provide up to 100% tuition coverage.
Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Colombo campus is located at No. 232 Baudhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7.
Cambridge Pathway from age 3 to 19: Cambridge Early Years (age 3+), Cambridge Primary (age 5+), Cambridge Lower Secondary (age 11+), Cambridge Upper Secondary (age 14+), Cambridge Advanced (age 16+). The school divisions are Elementary (Play Group – Grade 2), Primary (Grade 3 – Grade 5), Junior School (Grade 6 – Grade 8), Senior School (Grade 9 – Grade 12).
International Cambridge curriculum school; first and only comprehensive school following the Cambridge Curriculum from UKG (Year 1) – Grade 12 in Sri Lanka.
Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Korean, Turkish, Indonesian, Maldivian and Japanese students; multi-ethnic environment.
Sri Lanka
multi-religious environment
Board of Directors governs Wycherley International School; associated with the Ceylinco Education Group.
Cambridge Curriculum taught from UKG (Year 1) to Grade 12, including Cambridge Early Years, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary (Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level, Cambridge ICE), and Cambridge Advanced (Cambridge International AS & A Level).
100% pass rate in all Cambridge examinations.
Guaranteed university entrance for all qualifying students.
Cambridge Early Years includes Personal, social and emotional development. The Buddhist Society was formed to help students build their moral values and enhance their mental well-being, and to promote cultural and religious understanding.
The school uses English as the medium of instruction from Elementary to Senior School. The teachers at Wycherley Junior School are trilingual.
The Buddhist Society was formed to help students build their moral values and enhance their mental well-being. Personal, social and emotional development is included in Cambridge Early Years.
The school conducts admissions throughout the school year, welcoming new students at any time. The Senior School follows an academic year with Term 1 August–December and Term 2 January–June. The Junior School follows an academic year with Term 1 August–December, Term 2 January–April, and Term 3 April–June. The Colombo campus is at No. 232, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07; the Gampaha campus is at No. 05, Mudungoda, Miriswatta, Gampaha; the Dehiwala campus is at 13, 15, 17 Sri Maha Bodhi Road, Dehiwala.
A full scholarship is provided to cover the remainder of a student's schooling in the event of the breadwinner's death or total permanent disability. The Elephant Scholarship Fund supports the education of rural children affected by human-elephant conflict and has awarded scholarships worth over 1.2 million rupees.
