Ullens School

"Ullens School is a private international school located in Lalitpur, Nepal, offering a rigorous academic program grounded in the values of the International Baccalaureate."

Situated just across the river from Kathmandu in the historic city of Lalitpur — also known as Patan — the school occupies a setting that blends the cultural richness of the Kathmandu Valley with the aspirations of a globally minded education. For expatriate families and relocating professionals seeking a high-quality, internationally recognized education for their children in Nepal, Ullens School represents one of the country's notable options. Founded in 2009, Ullens School was established with a commitment to providing Nepal's young learners with an education that prepares them not only for university entrance but for thoughtful, engaged citizenship in an interconnected world. The school takes its name from the Ullens family, whose philanthropic vision helped bring this institution to life, and from its earliest days it has pursued a mission of academic excellence alongside a broader sense of social responsibility and community connection. The school's academic program is anchored by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, one of the most widely respected pre-university qualifications in the world. The IB Diploma Programme, typically offered to students in the final two years of secondary school, challenges students through a broad and balanced curriculum that spans the sciences, humanities, arts, mathematics, and language. Its emphasis on critical thinking, independent research through the Extended Essay, and the Theory of Knowledge course makes it particularly well suited to students who may go on to apply to universities across multiple countries — a consideration that is often front of mind for internationally mobile families. Instruction at Ullens School is delivered in English, providing continuity for students arriving from other English-medium international schools and ensuring that graduates are well prepared for higher education in English-speaking institutions around the world. This English-language environment, set within the vibrant multilingual and multicultural context of Nepal, offers students a distinctive blend of international academic preparation and genuine local immersion. What distinguishes Ullens School within the landscape of international education in Nepal is the combination of its IB credentials, its founding ethos of purposeful education, and its location in Lalitpur — a city celebrated for its Newari architecture, artistic heritage, and relatively manageable pace compared to the bustle of central Kathmandu. Families relocating to the Kathmandu Valley often find that Lalitpur offers a compelling quality of life, and having a school of Ullens's caliber within that environment adds meaningfully to its appeal. For families considering a move to Nepal, whether for diplomatic postings, development work, business, or other professional reasons, Ullens School warrants careful consideration. Its IB Diploma Programme provides an academically credible and internationally portable qualification, while its setting in one of South Asia's most historically and culturally layered cities offers students an education that extends well beyond the classroom walls.