Education and schools in Bangladesh

Expats should be able to access a good quality of education and schools in Bangladesh. This is largely because most expats can afford to bypass the public education sector and enrol their children in one of Bangladesh’s many international schools.

Although international school fees can be costly, these schools offer foreign and globally recognised curricula, such as that of the UK, US and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Teaching is in the language of the school’s sponsoring country, most often English.

Public schools in Bangladesh

Home to the world’s fifth-largest population, Bangladesh faces many challenges when it comes to education. The public schooling system in Bangladesh suffers from underfunding, particularly in rural areas. Overcrowding is also a major issue. As a result, the quality of schooling is inconsistent.

Although the national curriculum is available in both Bengali and English, public schools tend to teach in Bengali. Private schools are more likely to teach in English.

Useful links

• Board of Education, Bangladesh

Private and international schools in Bangladesh

Private schools in Bangladesh can vary in quality but are still usually in better condition than public schools. As most teach in English, they can be a good middle-ground option. Most standard private schools teach the national curriculum, which may not be ideal for expat children.

International schools offering foreign curricula are often the best choice for international families. Teaching globally recognised programmes, international schools ease the transition between schools, no matter where in the world you go next.

A number of international schools can be found in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka. The British curriculum, including the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels, is particularly popular. There are also a few schools teaching the IB, plus a handful that offer other options, such as the Australian or American curriculum.

If you’re moving to Bangladesh for work, it’s a good idea to propose that international school fees be included in your relocation package. Bear in mind that beyond tuition, there are usually additional costs for textbooks, school lunches and excursions.

Useful links

• InternationalSchoolSearch.com – International Schools in Bangladesh

Special educational needs in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, there are government policies relating to the education of children with special needs that aim for inclusivity. In practice, the already under-resourced schooling system struggles to provide the kind of environment promised by special-needs policies.

International schools, with their smaller class sizes and ample resources, are typically a better option for children with special needs. Some schools offer specialised support, although this may cost extra on top of school fees.

Tutors in Bangladesh

For globally mobile families, hiring a tutor is a fantastic way to give your child a boost, whether it’s to prepare for upcoming exams, assist with a problem subject, or help transition to a new curriculum.

There’s a wide range of both local and international tutoring companies available online and in person in Bangladesh. You can also try asking teachers or fellow parents at your child’s school for tutor recommendations.

Useful links

• TeacherOn
• Apprentus