REAL School Budapest is an independent, not-for-profit international learning environment that educates for sustainability, primarily through real-life, entrepreneurial learning. Our mission is to raise a new generation who can dream and build a more beautiful, equitable and sustainable world for themselves and for all living beings.
The school is currently accepting international students aged 6 to 14.
Accreditation & AWARDS
First things first: REAL School has been awarded Patron's Accredited Member status with the premier global association for British schools overseas, the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). This means we have been quality assured against a strict set of standards and recognised as offering a high-quality British education. REAL School is one of only 22 schools globally that have received this level of accreditation, and the only one in Hungary.
As a special show of recognition, COBIS has awarded REAL School with two Blue Circle ("beacon school") Awards: one for its commitment to sustainability, and the second one for its exemplary approach to wellbeing in the school community and its learning programme.
Read more about these high-quality recognitions on our blog.
REAL School International Primary School is also fully licensed by the Hungarian Ministry of Human Capacities.
We choose to build a better world
through education
As with all good ideas, this project comes out of the personal frustration of our founding family. Having tried a number of private, public, international and national schools in Hungary, the founders, Barna Baráth and Viktória Szemerédy wanted to have their children in a community and environment that recognizes what a great deal of international research shows: 21st-century children need a completely different kind of education - one that focuses on skills, mindset and adaptability, rather than content.
So they packed up and moved to Bali, Indonesia to attend Green School, and expected lots of good influence for their children. What they didn’t expect was that it would completely change their lives. They became part of a community that was obsessed with creating a better world through education. They couldn't escape this calling ever since.
They also got professionally involved in Green School, with Barna leading a multi-year strategic-planning project that uncovered and developed the school’s blueprint, including its purpose, learning goals, school model and governance. This set the Green School on a path to becoming sustainable and shareable. Barna served on the School’s Board of Management and then as a Trustee.
After four years, they decided to bring their learnings and experience to the European cultural setting of Budapest, Hungary and created an "urbanized" version of Green School. Welcome to the REAL School.
The difference
REAL School challenges some of the fundamental premises of mainstream education.
in the media
Re-BUSINESS podcast -
REAL School story
Six of the most innovative schools - Featuring REAL School
XpatLoop - Interview with our Founder
We Love Budapest - Our Ukrainian support initiaves
Our magical creatures
aka the team
Ultimately it's all about the people. REAL School children are inspired and guided by a dynamic, diverse and progressive educator team from around the globe, who simply really care. The School is supported by a young admin crew, a wonderful architect, brand, communication, finance, legal and accreditation experts. We are still looking for amazing people who want to help create a better future, especially more great educators and a fundraiser.
Check out our YouTube channel to see videos with our educators. Better yet, meet us!
We asked our faculty...
What do you bring to REAL School?
Catriona Anne Woodward
Co-Designer
Designated Safeguarding Lead
"I bring my passion for education and commitment to creativity, innovation and learning through the world around us."
Yuliia Savenko
L1 Education Assistant
“I bring my experience as a successful entrepreneur, 17-year experience as an English teacher, and my expertise in developing 21st-century skills for my learners.”
Kinga Kovács
L1 Educator
"I bring my positive energy, my joy of collaborating with kids, guiding them, and meeting their curiosity in play, dance and art."
L2 Educator
Borbála Tamás
“I bring care, respect and support
for children to become the best version of themselves, global citizens who can and do strive to
make a difference in the world in which they live."
Sierra DeLew
L2 Lead Educator
“I bring a positive learning environment through clear expectations, kind affirmations, and rigorous and engaging instructions.”
Andrew Carpenter
L3 Homeroom Educator Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
"I bring endless enthusiasm and energy with a wealth of experience working in developing innovative teaching and learning practices, especially in project-based learning."
L2 Education Assistant
Olga Grecsesnyuk
“I I bring my wealth of creative ideas and excellent command of creative processes, which are crafted and honed over 30 years in applied art and design.”
L4 Homeroom Educator
Gareth Manning
“I bring an open heart and insatiable curiosity.”
L3 Homeroom Educator
Anita Nagy
“I bring a scientific approach to complement instinctive knowledge, and support in finding your own way of learning for life.”
Panni Fehér
Arts & Projects Educator
"To feel like a sponge: Exploring and inhaling the world around us to have the creativity and the freedom of expressing ourselves through the language of arts."
Felipe Naim
Music Educator
"My motivation is to teach the new generation to refine their musical taste through passion and discipline."
Education Assistant
Carmelo Zamora
"I bring my hopes and passion for a world where we can all work together towards sustainability, love and care for nature and the planet."
We are
recruiting!
Are you an experienced and inspiring primary or middle school teacher who has the full toolbox of teaching and learning at their fingerprint, wanting to break out of the box? Do you care for social or environmental issues? Have you always trusted kids to have a say in their own learning? Then join us!
LEGAL
Principal
Catriona Woodward
Záhony utca 7
U2 building
1031 Budapest, Hungary
Chair of the Board
of Governors
Barna Baráth
Záhony utca 7
U2 bulding
1031 Budapest, Hungary