The BIST way
A very strong community
based on learning
Introducing Key Stages 1 and 2
We would like to wish you a warm welcome to the British International School of Tunis.
Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfill their potential. At BIST Primary School, we have created a learning environment that is lively, fun and challenging, with a classroom atmosphere that generates a real enthusiasm for learning.
Our aim is to build a strong foundation, not just in the academic sense, but also to further the creative and moral development of children.
Growing through learning
Growth is part of life, emotionally, physically, and even academically. Regularly measuring our pupils’ growth and success in the classroom helps our teachers set learning objectives and plan accordingly to fit the needs of every pupil.
The curriculum of England and Wales
In terms of academics, we follow the English National Curriculum, and are the only school in Tunis to be accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).
This means your children will receive some of the best education Britain can offer. Each class has a dedicated teacher, educated up to the British standard, who teaches the core curriculum of English, Maths and Sciences, along with supplementary classes in Humanities (History and Geography), Sports (Physical Education) and PSHCEE (Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education).
Bilingual support
Our work involves ensuring access to the curriculum, raising self-esteem and valuing bilingual children and young people’s linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
We have Tunisian teaching assistants, all with English degrees, ready to offer additional support to the pupils.
Within the classroom, children are regularly and consistently assessed, to ensure we can offer the best personalised education that suits the pace of the pupils, and to set realistic and attainable goals for everyone, however high or low they may be.
Our Key Stage 1 & 2 Teachers
Katie Smith
EYFS Teacher
Sayda Brayek
Year 1 Teacher
I’m so proud to be in my tenth year here at the British International School of Tunis. I have a Master’s degree in English Civilisation from the University of Tunis and a PGCE from Sunderland University in the UK. I’m a qualified teacher with over ten years of experience and honestly, teaching has always been more than just a job for me — it’s something I truly love. I’ve always believed in making learning fun, meaningful and a space where every child feels valued and supported.
BIST has become like a second home to me and I feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful community.
Sabrine Chammakhi
Year 2 and EAL Teacher
Hi! I’m Miss Sabrine, the Year 2 teacher at BIST . I’m passionate about making learning fun, meaningful, and inclusive for every child. I hold a CELTA and am currently finishing my PGCE with Sunderland University.
With a special love for helping EAL learners and supporting pupils’ emotional well-being, I believe every child deserves to feel confident, curious, and celebrated in the classroom.
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, exploring creative projects, and thinking of new ways to make learning exciting.
Emefa Morris
Year 3 Teacher
My passion in working with children inspired me to pursue a degree in Childhood and Youth Studies at the University of Bedfordshire, followed by a PGCEi from Nottingham University. Throughout my career, I have been committed to nurturing the holistic development of children. As a teacher, I believe it is my role and responsibility to inspire and support children’s growth in all areas.
Rhiannon Thomas
Year 4 Teacher
I have been a qualified teacher for three years with previous international experience, including teaching in Malawi where I worked as a year 5 teacher.
I studied Primary education with a specialist in Humanities, in Birmingham City University. I believe in a positive and warm learning environment with ample opportunity for independent learning. I am PBL and STEAM lead and enjoy creating interactive, hands on and thoughtful learning.
Fiona Ward
Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Year 5 Teacher
I am an experienced and dedicated teacher. My academic background includes a Bachelors with Honours degree in the field of Arts and Humanities, with an English Language specialism. After completing my undergraduate degree, I pursued my PGCE with a Specialism in SEN at The University of Bolton.
My experience has allowed me to develop a keen understanding of the importance of creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Marwa Mejri
Year 6 Teacher
I have a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics in addition to my CELTA. I am currently pursuing my studies at Sunderland University and have been working at BIST for almost 6 years now and if I can name one thing that grew up with me during this time would be my passion for what I do. I am here to give it my all from the bottom of my heart to help my pupils break the language barrier which will enable them to open all sorts of doors in the future in a very non-traditional way to show them that it is alright to break the uniformity and you will shine.
Emna Zouaoui
French Teacher
I am a French Teacher, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Learning Resources Lead at the British International School of Tunis (BIST), where I have been working since the school’s foundation in 2012.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Literature, awarded in 2007, which included TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) training. I began my teaching career as a substitute teacher at Maakal Azzaim, a public secondary school in Tunis. I then taught English grammar to beginners at the Université Arabe Privée des Sciences (UAPS).
Before joining BIST, I worked as a Teaching Assistant and Arabic Teacher in an other school. Over the past 12 years at BIST, I have participated in various professional development training courses in Mathematics, Literacy, Music, Phonics and Modern Languages.
From 2013 to 2022, I taught French to pupils in EYFS, Year 1 and 2. Since 2024, I have been teaching French across all levels. I also hold a Cambridge TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) Certificate.
In February 2023, I completed an advanced Level 3 training course for Designated Safeguarding Leads in International Schools, awarded by the Safeguarding Alliance in partnership with COBIS.
Souheil Chammakhi
Arabic Teacher
I have 10 years experience in teaching Arabic in international contexts. I hold a certificate in teaching Arabic from the Ain Shams University. I have also been trained in teaching through the TPR method.
Maria Mattiace
Social and Emotional Counsellor
I have twenty-seven years experience as a Behaviour Specialist as well as a Educational Specialist for pupils with special needs. What I enjoy the most is seeing the positive changes in the pupils. I want them to feel secure and confident, while making them have a positive outlook. While achieving these goals, I know I have made a difference in their lives. When the children go home happy, I believe I have achieved one of my goals.
Ahmed Touihri
PE Teacher
I am an experienced Primary and Secondary Physical Education Teacher with 5 years of teaching experience, currently serving as the Head of Physical Education at the British International School of Tunis. I follow the British Curriculum and specialise in delivering the IGCSE Physical Education programme.
Passionate about promoting lifelong learning and personal growth through physical education, I strive to create a positive, inclusive and engaging environment where pupils are motivated to participate actively and reach their full potential. My teaching approach blends academic rigour with dynamic, hands-on activities that support the development of physical skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and healthy lifestyle habits.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education Teacher and drawing from my background as a football player for 8 years, I bring practical experience, leadership and a deep enthusiasm for inspiring pupils to lead active and healthy lives. I’m personally committed to a healthy lifestyle and I am a dedicated gym enthusiast. I truly enjoy being part of the BIST community and take great pride in teaching and contributing to the growth of our pupils every day.
An insight into Key Stage 1 & 2
Admissions for children ages 6+
The assessment procedure for older pupils joining the school will involve a more formal assessment in addition to the reception of the applicant’s full previous school reports (last two years) prior to the scheduled entry assessment date.
The test that we administer is the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4); a diagnostic assessment that helps our teaching staff to understand the pupil’s current level. Pupils sit a tailored assessment according to the age and the year group that they will be entering. Prior preparation is not required, and the assessment is in multiple choice format, requiring the use of a computer with internet access, and headphones or speakers in order to follow the audio instructions.
To further evaluate the level of each applicant, some additional assessments may be required in the intention of planning accordingly. The results help teachers decide what pace of learning is right for each pupil, whether a specific syllabus would be required, and whether additional support is needed.
At the British International school of Tunis, we recognise the importance of finding the right school for your child and offer as well the possibility to conduct our assessments from the confort of your home to able families abroad to conduct all necessary steps to secure their child’s enrolment at BIST.