Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The Jakarta International School Landscape

   Why ISJ Stands Out as a British International School in Jakarta

3. What Parents Really Look For in an International School

4. ISJ’s Distinctive Offering

   1. British Curriculum & Continuity

   2. Small, Selective, Academically Focused Environment

   3. High-Teacher Quality

   4. Strong Culture & Pastoral Care

   5. Campus Designed for Younger Pupils

   6. Clear Progression Routes After Year 8

   7. Community Profile

   8. Location & Accessibility

   9. Reputation for Discipline with Warmth

   10. Transparent Communication & Responsive Leadership

5. Evidence of Excellence at ISJ

6. Voices from the Community

7. Case Scenarios

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. How to Explore ISJ Further

10. Conclusion & Next Steps

Choosing ISJ: Why Families Pick Jakarta’s Leading British School for Ages 2–13

1. Introduction

Choosing the right international school in Jakarta is one of the most important decisions families make, particularly those who are internationally mobile or who value educational continuity. Within Jakarta’s competitive landscape of British, IB, American, and national-plus schools, The Independent School of Jakarta (ISJ) stands out as a British international school designed specifically for children aged 2–13. ISJ combines strong academic standards, highly qualified teachers, transparent assessment, and a nurturing environment shaped around younger learners. Learn more about ISJ’s curriculum. This guide explains why families consistently choose ISJ and how the school differentiates itself within Jakarta’s education market.

Early Years pupils develop confidence and essential water skills through ISJ’s structured, child-centred swimming programme.

2. The Jakarta International School Landscape

Jakarta offers a wide range of international schools, each with different philosophies, curricula, and academic structures. Families often compare:

• Curriculum fit (British, IB, American)

• Teacher qualifications

• Academic outcomes

• Class sizes

• Pastoral provision

• Facilities

• Language support

• Community culture

• Location and commute

ISJ positions itself clearly within this landscape as a specialist British international school in Jakarta, offering the structure, academic depth, and clarity associated with leading British preparatory schools. Its use of internationally benchmarked assessments (GL Education) provides measurable, mobility-friendly progress data. For families seeking academic rigour, clarity, and a well-defined educational pathway, ISJ provides a distinct alternative.

Why ISJ Stands Out as a British International School in Jakarta

ISJ blends the academic strengths of a British preparatory school with the warmth and personalisation of a smaller, boutique environment. For parents choosing an international school in Jakarta, the combination of academic outcomes, teacher quality, and age-appropriate campus design sets ISJ apart from larger K–12 schools.

A general map showing the distribution of international schools across Jakarta and the surrounding area

Teacher–pupil relationships are central at ISJ. Our British-trained staff know each child well, guiding learning through warm, purposeful conversations.

3. What Parents Really Look For in an International School

When families evaluate schools, they typically look for the following attributes:

• Academic rigour and measured outcomes

• Quality of teaching staff, especially experience with international or UK curricula

• Class sizes and individual attention

• Pastoral care, character formation and wellbeing

• Curriculum fit and progression (to secondary, other countries)

• Language support and international mindset

• Facilities and environment (for younger children)

• Community and culture (sense of belonging, values)

• Location and accessibility

• Transparent communication with parents and leadership

A school that can articulate how it meets each of these with evidence will appeal strongly.

4. ISJ’s Distinctive Offering

4.1 British Curriculum & Continuity

ISJ follows the English National Curriculum, enriched with the breadth and depth typical of leading UK independent preparatory schools. Learning is structured, sequenced, and ambitious: children build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, engage in specialist-taught subjects from an early age, and develop independence in thinking through enquiry-led learning. Alongside the core curriculum, pupils benefit from specialist teaching in music, languages, sport, cookery and art - mirroring the model of traditional British prep schools.

“Personalised teaching and support. The detailed care provided helps the kids adapt and thrive.”

The school places strong emphasis on developing high-quality writing, fluent reading, secure mathematical understanding and scientific reasoning from an early stage. Progress is measured through internationally recognised GL Education assessments, allowing families to see how their children perform relative to both UK and global standards. This transparency is especially valuable for internationally mobile families who need continuity and comparability across countries. Explore the Pre-Prep and the Prep School.

4.2 Small, Selective, Academically Focused Environment

As a boutique, single-entry British international school, ISJ offers a personal, academically focused environment. Each year group consists of one class, allowing teachers to know every pupil well and tailor support to individual needs. This small-scale structure enables early intervention, deep pastoral knowledge and a calmer, more focused climate for learning. Academic outcomes reflect this model. Year 7 GL assessments show significantly above-average Standard Age Scores:

• English: 122 (vs 104.6 international mean)

• Maths: 118.7 (vs 101 international mean)

• Science: 119.7 (vs 103.1 international mean)

These results reflect a culture where strong relationships and close tracking allow pupils to progress beyond typical age expectations. A parent captured this benefit succinctly:

4.3 High Teacher Quality

ISJ recruits teachers from respected UK independent schools and well-established international schools, bringing with them strong subject knowledge, professional confidence and a clear understanding of British curriculum expectations. Parents consistently highlight teacher quality as a major strength:

“School staff and teachers are very competent – one of the reasons our children settled so well.”

This high recruitment standard is a defining feature of the school. Teachers benefit from continuous professional development through British curriculum networks, ensuring practice remains aligned with current pedagogy and research. As a result, lessons are purposeful, structured and rich in language. Teachers model British academic rigour while maintaining a warm, supportive presence in the classroom.

4.4 Strong Culture & Pastoral Care

ISJ’s culture balances academic ambition with pastoral care, character development and emotional wellbeing. From the Head’s welcome:

“Children are encouraged to use their imagination, think creatively, and explore the world around them. They develop strength of character, good manners, empathy.”

This ethos runs through daily routines. The school’s size allows adults to know each child personally, ensuring that support is responsive, relationships are secure and children feel confident and recognised. Behaviour expectations are clear, routines are predictable and respectful conduct is modelled by staff. Families frequently comment on the school’s ability to combine warmth with structure.

4.5 Campus Designed for Younger Pupils

Unlike large K–12 international schools, ISJ is purpose-built for children aged 2–13. This means the entire environment—classrooms, specialist rooms, library, outdoor spaces and shared areas—is designed specifically for younger learners rather than being adapted from facilities built for older teenagers. The campus includes outdoor learning spaces, early years play environments, music and art rooms, a covered multipurpose hall, and specialist areas for practical subjects such as cookery. The scale feels safe and manageable: children move independently yet remain within easy sight of staff. Parents often note the quality and suitability of the facilities, particularly the combination of calm indoor spaces and ample outdoor areas. See the campus.

4.6 Clear Progression Routes After Year 8

As a British preparatory-style school, ISJ prepares pupils to move confidently into Year 9 and beyond at academically ambitious senior schools - whether in the UK, Singapore, Indonesia or other global hubs. The curriculum is aligned with the expectations of selective British senior schools, and benchmarking through GL Education ensures progress data is understood internationally. Families relocating regularly value this clarity. The school provides guidance and support during transition, helping with school selection, application processes and communication with receiving schools. For many families, the assurance that their child can step smoothly into any British or international system is a significant advantage.

4.7 Community Profile

The ISJ community brings together internationally mobile families, long-term expatriates and Indonesian families seeking a high-quality British education. The school’s size creates a close-knit atmosphere where families know one another and where children mix easily across backgrounds and cultures. The community is described as warm, supportive and down-to-earth—a place where children feel secure and where parents have direct access to teachers and leaders. This sense of connection can be harder to achieve in very large international schools. Parents often describe ISJ’s community as one of its most distinctive characteristics, with strong friendships, approachable staff and a genuinely inclusive environment.

4.8 Location & Accessibility

ISJ is located in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta - an established residential area popular with both expatriate and Indonesian families. The location provides efficient access for families living in South and Central Jakarta, and the campus is set within a safe, leafy neighbourhood. Many parents appreciate the convenience of a high-quality British school within a short commute. For families with younger children, proximity and manageable travel time can make a significant difference to daily routines. See ISJ’s location.

4.9 Reputation for Discipline with Warmth

ISJ maintains a structured, respectful culture grounded in clear expectations and consistent routines. Classrooms are calm, behaviour is purposeful, and pupils are guided to take responsibility for their conduct. At the same time, the tone is caring and encouraging rather than rigid. Teachers lead with positive relationships, model kindness and guide pupils to develop good manners, resilience and respect. This balanced approach is frequently praised by families, who value a school that is orderly yet warm, ambitious yet nurturing.

4.10 Transparent Communication & Responsive Leadership

Communication at ISJ is direct, timely and approachable. Families have regular access to teachers, receive clear updates and are encouraged to engage in their child’s learning. Leadership maintains visible presence on campus, responds openly to questions and communicates with clarity about curriculum, expectations and future planning. This openness is a key reason many parents trust the school. Survey feedback emphasised that communication and leadership are central strengths. ISJ recognises that transparency strengthens the partnership between home and school - a hallmark of British preparatory education.

5. Evidence of Excellence at ISJ

What makes ISJ credible beyond claims?

• Benchmark results: In GL Education assessments, mean Standard Age Scores (SAS) for Year 7 pupils in English was 122 vs international mean 104.6; maths 118.7 vs 101; science 119.7 vs 103.1. 

• International norm-based testing allows comparison with UK and global standards, not just internal metrics.

• Leadership team with UK independent school experience, membership in reputable networks, and overseas partnerships (e.g., pupils spending time at a UK independent school). 

• Emphasis on holistic outcomes—character, independence, creativity—not exclusively test data.

These combine to strengthen the case: the school isn’t just promising; it is demonstrating.

6. Voices from the Community

At ISJ, our community speaks for our education. Parents, pupils and staff highlight common themes: personalised attention, academic ambition with care, and a warm environment where every child feels known and valued.

“Children are encouraged to use their imagination, think creatively, and explore the world around them.” — Eileen Fisher, Academic Director 

From our staff

“Children who feel valued are far more likely to try new things and push themselves. They see their teacher as a partner in their learning journey, not just an authority figure. This kind of feedback helps students connect effort with progress” — Lesley Brooks, Senior Teacher

“A child’s language is part of their identity. When we honour it, we honour the whole child.” — Erik Boswinkel, Early Years Teacher

“When children sing, they connect the emotional and the intellectual. It helps them understand, remember and enjoy what they’re learning.” — Grace Wang, Music Teacher

From our parents

“Communication between parents and school, and academic curriculum are two obvious strengths of ISJ.”

“Personalised teaching approach and support. The detailed care provided to support the kids to adapt and thrive.”

“A warm, family-like environment, lovely campus & facilities, great teachers … Ms Eileen runs the place with just the right balance of warmth, empathy and firm efficiency.”

These voices reflect what ISJ strives to provide: a school where academic excellence and individual care come together, and where both children and families feel part of a purposeful, nurturing community.

7. Case Studies: Families Who Found the Right Fit

The Suharto’s

The Suhartos have two children in the early years and lower prep. They wanted a school where their children would not be lost in a large environment, where behaviour and manners were prioritised, and where teachers took time to understand each child. They were drawn to ISJ’s single-entry model, smaller class sizes and strong focus on pastoral care. Their children quickly built positive relationships, gained confidence, and benefitted from the structured British curriculum. The family particularly value the balance of academic focus, creativity and play.

The Lee’s

The Lee’s anticipate relocating again within the next two to three years and needed a school that would support mobility and prepare their child for entry into a senior school abroad. ISJ’s internationally benchmarked assessments, British curriculum continuity and experience supporting transitions gave them reassurance. Their child has thrived academically and socially, and the family feel better prepared for their next move, knowing ISJ’s approach is recognised and respected by schools in major international hubs.

The Barnard’s

The Barnards relocated to Jakarta with two children who had been attending a British prep school in Oxford. They wanted continuity in curriculum, familiar assessment methods, and a clear route back into selective senior schools when their posting ends. At ISJ, they found the same structured British approach they were used to, supported by GL Education benchmarking that allows progress to be compared internationally. The children settled quickly, benefitting from small classes, specialist teaching and a warm school culture. The family now feel confident that future transitions will be smooth and academically secure.

9. How to Explore ISJ Further

Choosing a school is a significant decision, and ISJ encourages families to explore the campus, speak to staff, and experience the atmosphere first-hand. The steps below help parents gain a clear, informed understanding of whether ISJ is the right fit for their child.

Schedule a Personal Tour

A private visit allows families to see the school during the day, observe lessons, explore the facilities and understand how the British curriculum is brought to life. Tours also give you time to discuss your child’s needs with the admissions team and ask specific questions about placement and transition. Book a tour.

Meet with Senior Leadership

Families are encouraged to speak with ISJ’s leadership team to understand the school’s academic philosophy, assessment approach, pastoral care and standards for teaching and learning. These conversations provide clarity on curriculum structure, behaviour expectations and future pathways after Year 8.

Observe the Classroom Atmosphere

Where appropriate, families may observe lessons or learning environments during a tour. This gives a direct sense of classroom tone, teacher–pupil interaction, and the calm, structured routines that characterise ISJ.

Explore Curriculum and Assessment Information

Reviewing curriculum guides, timetables, GL Education benchmarking, and specialist subject provision helps families understand how learning progresses across ages 2–13. Curriculum guide:

Talk to Current Parents

Hearing from the parent community can offer valuable perspective. Many families comment on ISJ’s warm, supportive atmosphere, high teacher quality, and strong communication. Parent experiences often help new families understand day-to-day school life.

Consider Daily Logistics

Location, commute time, campus access, and after-school arrangements all matter in day-to-day routines. ISJ’s setting in Pondok Indah offers a practical solution for many families in South and Central Jakarta.

Review Co-Curricular and Enrichment Opportunities

Parents may wish to ask about music, sport, languages, clubs and wider enrichment. These areas contribute to a well-rounded education and form an important part of ISJ’s provision for ages 2–13.

Clarify Next Steps for Admissions

The admissions team can guide families through the application process, required documents, assessments and timelines for entry. This ensures clarity from the outset, especially for families relocating or planning future moves.

10. Conclusion & Next Steps

For families seeking a focused, high-quality British international school in Jakarta for children aged 2–13, ISJ provides a compelling blend of academic rigour, small-school attention and a warm, purposeful environment. The school’s structure reflects the best of the British preparatory tradition: strong foundations in core subjects, specialist teaching, internationally benchmarked outcomes and a culture that emphasises character, independence and good manners.

Parents consistently highlight what matters most—excellent teachers, clear communication, a safe and friendly campus, and a community where children feel known and supported. Combined with the advantages of a single-entry model and a curriculum aligned with UK independent schools, ISJ offers clarity and confidence for both long-term families and those who may relocate in future. The best way to understand whether ISJ is the right fit is to visit in person.

Seeing the campus, meeting the teachers and speaking with school leadership will provide the clearest insight into how ISJ approaches learning, wellbeing and character development. Families are warmly invited to experience the school first-hand and explore how ISJ can meet their child’s needs today - and support their progress in the years ahead.