Gimnazija Banja Luka

"Gimnazija Banja Luka stands as one of the most historically significant secondary schools in the Western Balkans, combining more than a century of academic tradition with a forward-looking commitment to international education."

Located in the heart of Banja Luka, the largest city in the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the school occupies a central and accessible position in the urban fabric of the city — making it easy to reach for families settling in the area. The school's roots stretch back to October 4, 1895, when it was founded as the Velika Real, or Grand Royal school, under the Austro-Hungarian government. That founding date makes Gimnazija Banja Luka the oldest high school in Republika Srpska — a distinction that speaks to its enduring place in the educational and cultural life of the region. Over the decades, the institution has evolved considerably, and in 2006 it took a significant step toward international relevance by introducing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). For families relocating from abroad, the IB Diploma Programme is likely the most compelling aspect of what Gimnazija Banja Luka offers. The IBDP is delivered in English, giving expat students and the children of internationally mobile professionals a rigorous, globally recognized pathway to university admission worldwide. The programme admits a small cohort each year — typically between 18 and 22 students — which means IB students benefit from an intimate, focused learning environment within the larger school community. Alongside the international programme, the school also runs national curricula attracting around 300 students annually through those tracks. In total, Gimnazija Banja Luka serves approximately 1,100 students and employs more than 100 staff members. This combination of scale and specialization gives the school a distinctive character: large enough to offer breadth and institutional stability, yet structured in a way that allows the international cohort to receive close attention. The relatively small size of each IB intake fosters strong relationships between students and teachers, and creates a tight-knit community among international and locally enrolled students pursuing the diploma together. For expat families evaluating options in Banja Luka, the school represents a genuinely rare find — a public institution with deep historical prestige that has made a meaningful and sustained commitment to internationally recognized education. The fact that instruction in the IB programme is conducted in English removes one of the most common barriers families face when relocating to non-English-speaking countries. Banja Luka itself is a growing, livable city with improving infrastructure and a welcoming community, and having a school of this caliber at its center is a significant asset for families weighing a move to the region. Families interested in learning more or beginning the admissions process can visit the school's website at gimnazijabanjaluka. org or contact the school directly by phone. Given the small annual intake for the IB programme, early inquiry is advisable for families planning ahead.