An inside look at Park Lane International School, preparing students for global futures

On a quiet street below Prague Castle, students move between classes set within a historic villa. Morning lessons unfold in light-filled rooms tucked behind ornate façades, while older students gather in dedicated study spaces preparing for the next stage of their education.

It’s just part of a typical day at Park Lane International School. Their network of academic facilities can be found across Malá Strana, Střešovice, and Smíchov, where students grow up in the heart of Prague, not apart from it. 

The school invites curious families to attend its Open Day on Mar. 11 to discover how its strong academic track record, international student body, and central campus locations make the school a compelling choice for globally minded families with children transitioning from primary to secondary.

Step into a Park Lane classroom, and you will discover a vibrant learning community in action. The school currently educates nearly 700 students representing over 50 nationalities, creating a diverse environment. For children who have recently moved, that shared experience of living abroad can help them easily adapt to a new country and education system.

Beyond lessons, students take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports, music, drama, and subject-based clubs. At IB level, participation in the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) program is a core requirement, encouraging students to pursue creative projects, physical challenges, and meaningful community engagement alongside their academic studies. 

Park Lane offers a continuous education pathway for students aged 1–18, combining the strengths of the British curriculum with the internationally recognized IB Diploma Programme. In the Early Years and Primary School, students follow the English National Curriculum, building strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and critical thinking. In Secondary School, they progress through IGCSE qualifications before completing the IB Diploma Programme in their final two years.

Each stage is delivered on dedicated campuses, including specialist science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and study areas designed for older students preparing for examinations.

“Park Lane has a strong reading culture and as a librarian, I value fostering that love for books tremendously,” explains Sandra Richards, the school’s Learning Centre Coordinator. “It's important to stay attuned to what our students need and are looking for, and as a result we are constantly creating fun book displays or curating projects."

The IB Diploma Programme includes compulsory elements such as the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge, preparing students for independent research and critical thinking at university-level. Both the English National Curriculum and the IB Diploma are widely recognized by universities in the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond, offering flexibility for students applying across multiple countries.

Since launching its IB Diploma Centre, Park Lane has built a strong record of achievement. To date, 23 percent of its IB Diploma graduates have earned 40 points or more and 28 percent have achieved 39 or higher—marks that attract attention from selective universities worldwide.

Alumni have gone on to study at Oxford and Cambridge, leading UK institutions such as Imperial College London and University College London, Ivy League universities including Yale and Cornell, and other respected schools such as the University of Toronto and Bocconi University in Milan. 

One of the strengths Park Lane parents routinely mention is the school’s personalized approach to learning. The average class size is 15-18 children, allowing teachers to really get to know their students and adapt lessons to accommodate different abilities and ambitions. 

Dedicated EAL support helps non-native English speakers gain confidence quickly, and targeted language support enables students to access the full curriculum while steadily building academic English proficiency.

Experienced university counselors guide older students through applications, interviews, and decision-making. One-on-one assistance is provided to help prepare applications to universities in multiple countries, including support with personal statements, entrance requirements, and admissions timelines. 

Structured preparation begins early, using the Unifrog platform to research courses, compare entry requirements, and map application timelines alongside parents and counselors. Guidance starts as early as Year 9 for US pathways and Year 11 for Oxbridge applicants, with targeted support for entrance tests and interviews. 

The school hosts university fairs, careers events across Years 7–12, and work placements in Year 11, while alumni return to share firsthand experiences. Annual IB scholarships further support high-achieving, motivated applicants through a competitive selection process that includes testing and interviews.

The best way to figure out whether a school might be a right fit is to see it in action. Park Lane regularly hosts Open Days, where families will hear presentations, can meet staff, tour the campus, and ask questions. 

“Parents can find out how we welcome and support new students, nurture them during their personal and academic growth, and how we are passionate about creating a vibrant school life full of clubs, trips, competitions, and events.”

For those with older children, the school will host a Secondary Open Day on Mar. 11 at its Valdštejnská Campus near the Malostranská metro station. As part of the program, families will also have the opportunity to visit the Úvoz Campus – IB DP Centre, where the IB Coordinator and the University & Careers team will be available for informal discussions about the IB Diploma pathway.

Private tours are also available throughout the year for those who prefer a more individual visit.