International School No. 81 “Astana English School”

"International School No."

81, known as Astana English School, is a public international school located in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. Founded in 2021, the school represents a relatively young but ambitious addition to Astana's educational landscape, reflecting Kazakhstan's broader commitment to expanding access to world-class education within its public school system. The school offers the full continuum of International Baccalaureate programmes, encompassing the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme, and the Diploma Programme. This comprehensive IB pathway means that students can progress from their earliest years of primary education through to the internationally recognized IB Diploma, providing a consistent and coherent academic framework across all stages of schooling. The IB's inquiry-based, student-centered philosophy underpins learning throughout the school, encouraging critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a genuine love of learning — values that resonate strongly with internationally mobile families seeking an education that travels well across borders. As a public school, Astana English School offers something relatively uncommon in the international education landscape: an IB education within a state-funded institution. This makes it a noteworthy option for families who value the rigor and global recognition of the IB curriculum while navigating the practical realities of school selection in Kazakhstan's capital. The school's multilingual environment is one of its defining characteristics. Instruction is delivered in English, which serves as the primary medium of academic learning, alongside Kazakh and Russian — the two dominant languages of Kazakhstani society. Additional language offerings further enrich the linguistic environment, making the school well suited to both local families seeking an internationally oriented education and expatriate families who wish their children to develop meaningful connections to the local culture and language. For expat and relocating families in particular, this balance of English-medium instruction with strong local language integration can ease the transition into life in Kazakhstan while keeping future academic pathways open. Situated in Astana, students are located in one of Central Asia's most dynamic and rapidly developing cities. As Kazakhstan's capital, Astana is home to a growing international community of diplomats, business professionals, and families from around the world, giving the school a naturally diverse and internationally minded population. The city's modern infrastructure and continued investment in education make it an increasingly attractive posting for internationally mobile professionals. Founded in 2021, the school is still in its early years of development, and families considering enrollment will be joining a community that is actively growing and taking shape. For those who value being part of a school at a formative and energetic stage, Astana English School offers that opportunity within a structured and globally recognized academic framework. For families relocating to Astana who are seeking an IB school that bridges English-language instruction with genuine local cultural and linguistic integration — and who are open to the distinctive character of a publicly funded international institution — International School No. 81 Astana English School merits serious consideration. Further information is available through the school's website at 81aes. edu. kz or by contacting the school directly.