Who We Are?​

British International School of Cracow

The British International School of Cracow (BISC Kraków) has been delivering outstanding international education since 1995. For nearly 30 years, the school has provided the highest academic standards within the British curriculum, primarily serving the expatriate and internationally minded community.

The school was founded by Wendy Murphy, Andy Harris, Paweł Zalewski, and Wiesław Ogiński. In 2024, Ms Monika Wnęk joined the group of co-owners and assumed the role of President of the School’s Management Board, strengthening the school’s leadership and long-term vision.

BISC Kraków offers a complete educational pathway from Preschool (age 3) to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (age 19). In the current academic year, the school educates 220 students from over 35 countries, representing all continents, cultures, and religions. Tolerance and openness to different cultures and customs are a hallmark of our school community.

We celebrate cultural and religious traditions, including Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Día de los Muertos, fostering global awareness and mutual respect among our students.

We are proud to offer small class sizes, allowing every student to receive individual attention and support. English is the language of instruction, and our passionate teaching staff come from around the world.

We take an educational approach that develops creative, independent learners. Since 2006, BISC Kraków has offered the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and holds the status of a Cambridge International School.
The school operates under the supervision of the Polish Ministry of Education and the Małopolska Board of Education (Kuratorium Oświaty), ensuring compliance with national educational regulations.

As a result, our students receive British and international qualifications and may participate in international, national, and local academic competitions. In addition, students receive detailed internal school reports as well as the official Polish school certificate (świadectwo).

We prepare confident, independent students who are ready to pursue higher education both in Poland and abroad.

Why BISC?

  • Nearly 30 years of excellence

    Delivering outstanding international education in Kraków since 1995.

  • A complete educational pathway

    From Preschool (age 3) to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (age 19).

  • Small class sizes

    Ensuring individual attention and a supportive learning environment.

  • International community

    Students from over 35 countries in a school that values tolerance, openness, and global citizenship.

  • High academic standards

    British curriculum, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and Cambridge International School status.

  • Experienced, international teaching staff

    Passionate educators from around the world, teaching in English.

  • Creativity and independence

    An educational approach that develops confident, independent learners.

  • Recognised qualifications

    British and international qualifications, internal school reports, and the official Polish school certificate (świadectwo).

  • Future-focused education

    preparing students for higher education in Poland and abroad.

Why BISC?

  • Nearly 30 years of excellence

    Delivering outstanding international education in Kraków since 1995.

  • A complete educational pathway

    From Preschool (age 3) to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (age 19).

  • Small class sizes

    Ensuring individual attention and a supportive learning environment.

  • International community

    Students from over 35 countries in a school that values tolerance, openness, and global citizenship.

  • High academic standards

    British curriculum, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and Cambridge International School status.

  • Experienced, international teaching staff

    Passionate educators from around the world, teaching in English.

  • Creativity and independence

    An educational approach that develops confident, independent learners.

  • Recognised qualifications

    British and international qualifications, internal school reports, and the official Polish school certificate (świadectwo).

  • Future-focused education

    preparing students for higher education in Poland and abroad.

Head of the School

Dr Stanisław Kwieciński

Welcome to our school website – I hope you enjoy finding out more about our school. This is a great school! It is a pleasure to work here with a team of dedicated teachers and administrators and all their efforts are reflected in dynamic classrooms where excited and interested learners are encouraged to achieve the best they can. Our small class sizes mean all pupils are supported and challenged in their learning and our student body is active, high achieving and, also, a pleasure to work with!
If you are interested in applying for your children to attend our school please use the application form you will find elsewhere on this site and make an appointment to call in and see us sometime – you will always be welcome. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email me at head@bisc.krakow.pl .

All best wishes,
Stanislaw Kwieciński

Founders

The British International School of Cracow (BISC Kraków) is an independent school which was founded in order to provide a top quality education for the growing international community, based upon the English National Curriculum.

BISC Kraków opened on the 1st of September 1995, and now educates approximately 200 pupils from over thirty different countries. BISC Kraków is a member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS) and is fully accredited to offer external examinations from Cambridge International (CIE) and the Assessments & Qualifications Alliance (AQA).

Meet our Team!

dr Stanisław Kwieciński

Head of the school

I graduated from Vienna International School, receiving my IB Diploma in July 1984. I studied Physics at the Jagiellonian University, finishing with an MSc degree in 1989 along with full teaching qualifications.

I have worked in the Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, for more than 20 years, conducting research in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. I received my PhD in Medical Physics in 2000 and I completed a Post-doctorate fellowship at the University Hospital of Zurich in 2002-2004.

I supervised five Master Theses of University students and I also lectured at the European School of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology from 2004-2012. Parallel to scientific research, I have also worked in educational areas due to my passion for the teaching profession and the popularisation of science.

I was employed as a full-time Physics and Mathematics Secondary teacher at Danube International School in Vienna from 1993-1994 and 1998-2000. I started working at BISC in 2000 as a part-time Physics and Science teacher.

After a few years I managed to convince the BISC owners to move away from AS and A level and change to the International Baccalaureate Programme. We received our accreditation on 7th April 2006, and my position as IB coordinator broadened my perspective of International education. However, I still enjoyed teaching physics, conducting experiments, and being a ski instructor on BISC Ski Camps.

In 2011 I was offered the post of Head of School. Thanks to the BISC Owners, I enrolled all four of my children (Ania, Ewa, Stas and Zosia) at BISC and naturally it became a strong binding factor for me. BISC – a place where they can learn respect for others, discover new cultures, and study in English in a safe and friendly environment!

In free time I enjoy taking photographs, listen to jazz music and playing guitar. In winter you can find me on the ski slopes and every summer I try to keep up my passion for windsurfing and sailing.

Sylwia Marszalska

Deputy Head

I am the Deputy Head and Chemistry Teacher at British International School of Cracow, where I combine my passion for science with a strong commitment to leadership, school development, and student success. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemical and Process Engineering from Politechnika Krakowska, and I am dedicated to making chemistry engaging, relevant, and accessible.

I believe that building trust, encouraging curiosity, and maintaining high expectations are key to helping students reach their full potential. In my leadership role, I focus on supporting staff, strengthening academic standards, and contributing to the strategic development of the school. I value collaboration, clear communication, and creating an environment where both students and teachers feel motivated, supported, and empowered.

Alongside my work in education, I am also an entrepreneur and run a real ale brewery which I founded in 2014. Establishing and managing my own business has developed my skills in strategic planning, decision-making, and team leadership, which I bring into my role at school.

I am also actively involved in charitable work as the leader of HCPT Polska, where young volunteers support children with disabilities, helping to create meaningful and life-changing experiences. This work reflects my belief that leadership and education should be grounded in empathy, service, and a genuine commitment to helping young people grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.

Michael Sandall

Head of Primary

Before becoming a classroom teacher, I studied Psychology at Canterbury University in the UK. This led to me becoming a Senior Therapist delivering intense specialised educational therapy to young children who could not attend mainstream schooling. I also worked as a classroom assistant from Foundation to Year 6 at a school for refugee children from around the world, leading to an interest in international teaching.

After this, I undertook my Post-Graduate Certificate in Education at Warwick University in the UK and spent most of my teaching time specialising in Key Stage 1. 2025 will be my 5th year teaching Key Stage 1 at BISC, having taught both Year 1 and Year 2 during this time.

In addition to teaching my class, I am also the Head of Primary. In this role, I have overseen many positive changes and developments in our curriculum and school life, and I greatly enjoy engaging with children and families across all age phases.

dr Marcos Nunes de Vilhena

Head of Secondary

Experienced educator with nearly 25 years of teaching in the field of Human Sciences, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. Holds a PhD in Modern and Contemporary History, with research focused on the perception of Russia and the Soviet Union in the West, and has published in Linguistics, History, and Politics.

In his free time, enjoys being with his family and friends, playing and listening to music, reading, and sailing.

dr David Twigg

Head Of IB

I studied mathematics at Trinity College Cambridge where I got a first before completing a PhD in theoretical physics, also at Cambridge. Whilst there, I developed a love for teaching and also helped to organize entrance tests for incoming students.

I initially moved to Krakow to start a craft brewery and pub, which later closed due to the pandemic. The silver lining was the opportunity to return to teaching. This is my third year teaching at BISC, and I am greatly looking forward to the challenge of fulfilling my role as Head of IB in addition to conducting physics experiments and proving mathematical theorems.

In my spare time, I enjoy athletics, hiking, and cooking.
Anila Das Teacher of IB Environmental Systems and Societies, TOK & Chemistry at BISC Cracow

Anila Das

Teacher of IB Environmental Systems and Societies, TOK & Chemistry

I’ve spent close to two decades teaching science on two continents — from India to Jakarta to Dubai to Kraków — which means I’ve explained photosynthesis in several time zones and survived classroom experiments in several climates. With a postgraduate background in Biotechnology, I’m the person who genuinely gets excited about enzymes, ecosystems, and the occasional dramatic (but safe) chemical reaction.

My favourite moment in any lesson is when a student stops memorising and starts thinking — that look of “wait… why does that happen?” is the reason I do this job.

Outside work, I’m powered by curiosity: new cultures, good food, travel, music, and as much time in nature as I can get. Honestly, a classroom full of different perspectives feels a lot like my idea of a perfect day out — just with more homework.
Justyna Tomala jest nauczycielką akademicką, trenerką siatkówki oraz trenerką personalną. Zdobyła tytuł mistrzyni Polski w siatkówce plażowej. Pasjonuje się sportem i motoryzacją.

Justyna Tomala

Physical Education Teacher

Justyna Tomala is an academic teacher, volleyball coach, and personal trainer. She is a Polish Champion in beach volleyball. She is passionate about sport and motoring.
Grzegorz Dudzik jest nauczycielem akademickim i trenerem koszykówki. Przez całe życie jest związany ze sportem. Poza sportem interesuje się motoryzacją, podróżowaniem oraz polskim kinem.

Grzegorz Dudzik

Physical Education Teacher

Grzegorz Dudzik is an academic teacher and basketball coach. He has been involved in sport throughout his life. Apart from sport, his interests include motoring, travelling, and Polish cinema.
Saff BISC

Leah Gyunesh

School Counselor

Hello! I am from the United States, where I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology and my Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in School Counseling. I am deeply passionate about education and believe in a holistic approach that nurtures the whole child.

I strive to recognize and build upon students’ unique strengths, interests, and individual learning needs. My goal is to show that learning is curiosity, and curiosity is how we explore the world!
Joanna Martins Year 6 Teacher at BISC

Joanna da Silva Martins

Year 6 Teacher

I am an international educator with over 16 years of experience working in diverse, multicultural classrooms. I am passionate about creating a space where every student feels safe, respected, and genuinely excited to learn—where their ideas matter and their unique strengths are celebrated.

Over the years, I have taught students from Kindergarten through Year 6, which has given me a clear sense of how kids grow and learn at different stages. I am especially happy to be teaching Year 6 now, supporting students as they build confidence, independence, and get ready for the next stage of their learning.

I believe learning should be personal, engaging, and enjoyable. That is why I focus on differentiated, individualized approaches that keep everyone involved and motivated. My training in Responsive Classroom and Mindfulness has also helped me create an inclusive, caring environment where students feel they truly belong.

My international journey includes 11 years in Sweden teaching the IB Primary Years Program. Now that I am settling into life in Krakow together with my family, I am excited to bring fresh ideas and a global perspective to our classroom—where learning is meaningful, fun, and full of curiosity about the world.
Saff BISC

Magdalena Mikrut

Primary School Teacher

My passion for education and lifelong learning has shaped both my personal and professional journey. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching and supporting pupils in a variety of educational settings across different countries. These experiences have strengthened my belief that every child can thrive when provided with a nurturing, inspiring, and supportive environment.

My teaching career began in Poland, where I taught at a primary school for four years. I then relocated to England, where I worked as a teaching assistant and SEN learning mentor in state schools in Ashford, Kent. Eager to further develop my teaching career, I moved to London, where I taught English as a Second Language at a primary school, which was a very enriching and rewarding experience.

Two years later, I joined the teaching staff at Rome International School, where I worked within the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). This experience deepened my appreciation of inquiry-based learning and reinforced my belief that the PYP provides children with a rich and meaningful educational experience.

After three years in Rome, I returned to Poland and worked as a primary teacher at an international school in Kraków. I later joined BISC, where I currently teach and continue to develop my professional practice while supporting students academic, social, and emotional growth.

In my spare time, I enjoy learning foreign languages, travelling, and playing tennis.
Seda Su Günbay – Early Years Teacher at BISC

Seda Su Günbay

Early Years Teacher

Hello! My name is Seda, and I am an Early Years teacher with a passion for supporting young children’s learning and development.

I graduated from İnönü University with a degree in English Language. In addition to my university education, I hold TESOL, TEFL, and TEYL qualifications, which have strengthened my knowledge of teaching English to young learners.

I have been living in Kraków for the past five years and have been teaching in international schools throughout that time. Working with children from diverse cultural backgrounds has enriched my teaching practice and strengthened my belief in the importance of inclusive, child-centred education.

I believe that every child is unique and learns best in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. My goal is to inspire curiosity, encourage independence, and support children’s social, emotional, and language development through meaningful, play-based learning experiences.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy travelling and discovering different cultures. These experiences continue to inspire both my personal and professional growth and help me build positive relationships with children and their families. I feel grateful to be part of our wonderful school community and enjoy supporting our children as they grow into confident, curious, and caring learners.
Krzysztof Kotuła – French Teacher at BISC

Krzysztof Kotuła

French Teacher

I have been a French as a Foreign Language teacher for almost twenty years. I have taught in many institutions, including the Polish-French Friendship Association and the August Witkowski 5th High School in Kraków.

At the same time, I have been developing my academic career. I first completed postgraduate studies at Aix-Marseille University, before earning a PhD in French Medieval Literature from the Jagiellonian University.

I also worked as an archivist at the Institut de recherche et d’histoire des textes in Orléans, part of the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), where I specialised in medieval manuscripts.

Since 2011, I have been an Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. I teach a range of French language courses, as well as an undergraduate module on technology in second language teaching.

My research interests focus on ICT in education and Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). I am particularly interested in the impact of new technologies on developing language skills, especially speaking. My publications explore computer-enhanced game-based learning techniques, as well as the teacher competences needed to implement them effectively in the classroom (https://umcs-pl.academia.edu/KKotula).

I recently published a book on the use of video games in the foreign language classroom.
Julia Król – Primary School Teacher at BISC

Julia Król 

Primary School Teacher

I am a passionate and dedicated educator with a strong background in English language teaching, primary education, and international school practice. I studied English Philology with a TEFL specialisation at the Pedagogical University of Kraków, where I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I have also continued my professional development through studies in international education at York St John University, and I am currently completing an International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE) at the University of Derby.

I have over six years of experience teaching English to children, teenagers, and adults. I have worked across Key Stage 2 and the Early Years, gaining experience as a Teaching Assistant, Year 6 Homeroom Teacher, and Foundation Stage 2 Homeroom Teacher.

My teaching approach focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where children feel valued, confident, and motivated to grow. I am particularly passionate about KS1 and KS2 education, inclusive teaching, and helping students develop both academically and emotionally. My goal is to inspire curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning in every child.

Most of all, I hope my classroom is a place where children feel happy to come in each morning, excited to learn, and proud to be themselves.

Partnership with Parents

As a small and close-knit school community, BISC Kraków places great importance on strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and school leadership. Open communication and collaboration are at the heart of our approach, ensuring that parents feel informed, involved, and supported throughout their child’s educational journey.

We hold regular parent–teacher meetings, and parents are always welcome to arrange additional meetings to discuss their child’s learning, progress, or well-being. The school leadership and management team maintain an open-door policy, encouraging dialogue and constructive feedback from families.

Parents are also actively involved in school life through the Parent–Teacher Association (PTA) and the Advisory Board, which includes representatives of parents, teachers, and school owners. These bodies are consulted on key school matters, and their suggestions help guide the school’s ongoing development.

To ensure clear and consistent communication, parents receive four detailed school reports each year, providing regular insight into academic progress, personal development, and next steps in learning. Through this close partnership, we work together to support every student’s success and well-being.

About

Position

Description

British International School Kraków building exterior