REAL School Budapest is an independent, not-for-profit international learning environment that educates for sustainability, primarily through real-life, entrepreneurial learning. Our mission is to raise a new generation who can dream and build a more beautiful, equitable and sustainable world for themselves and for all living beings.
The school is currently accepting international students ages 5 to 14.
Accreditation & AWARDS
First things first: REAL School has been awarded Patron's Accredited Member status with the premier global association for British schools overseas, the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). This means we have been quality assured against a strict set of standards and recognised as offering a high-quality British education. REAL School is one of only 22 schools globally that have received this level of accreditation, and the only one in Hungary.
As a special show of recognition, COBIS has awarded REAL School with two Blue Circle ("beacon school") Awards: one for its commitment to sustainability, and the second one for its exemplary approach to wellbeing in the school community and its learning programme.
Read more about these high-quality recognitions on our blog.
REAL School International Primary School is also fully licensed by the Hungarian Ministry of Human Capacities.
We choose to build a better world
through education
As with all good ideas, this project comes out of the personal frustration of our founding family. Having tried a number of private, public, international and national schools in Hungary, the founders, Barna Baráth and Viktória Szemerédy wanted to have their children in a community and environment that recognizes what a great deal of international research shows: 21st-century children need a completely different kind of education - one that focuses on skills, mindset and adaptability, rather than content.
So they packed up and moved to Bali, Indonesia to attend Green School, and expected lots of good influence for their children. What they didn’t expect was that it would completely change their lives. They became part of a community that was obsessed with creating a better world through education. They couldn't escape this calling ever since.
They also got professionally involved in Green School, with Barna leading a multi-year strategic-planning project that uncovered and developed the school’s blueprint, including its purpose, learning goals, school model and governance. This set the Green School on a path to becoming sustainable and shareable. Barna served on the School’s Board of Management and then as a Trustee.
After four years, they decided to bring their learnings and experience to the European cultural setting of Budapest, Hungary and created an "urbanized" version of Green School. Welcome to the REAL School.
The difference
REAL School challenges some of the fundamental premises of mainstream education.
in the media
Re-BUSINESS podcast -
REAL School story
Six of the most innovative schools - Featuring REAL School
XpatLoop - Interview with our Founder
We Love Budapest - Our Ukrainian support initiaves
Our magical creatures
aka the team
Ultimately it's all about the people. REAL School children are inspired and guided by a dynamic, diverse and progressive educator team from around the globe, who simply really care. The School is supported by a young admin crew, a wonderful architect, brand, communication, finance, legal and accreditation experts. We are still looking for amazing people who want to help create a better future, especially more great educators and a fundraiser.
Check out our YouTube channel to see videos with our educators. Better yet, meet us!
We asked our faculty...
What do you bring to REAL School?
Catriona Anne Woodward
Principal
I bring my passion for education and commitment to creativity, innovation and learning through the world around us.
.jpg)
Enerel Bat-Ochir
Educator
I bring a mindful and quality-focused approach to appreciating the importance of every moment.
Gareth Andrew Manning
Co-designer
I bring an open heart and insatiable curiosity.
Anita Nagy
Educator
I bring a scientific approach to complement instinctive knowledge, and support in finding your own way of learning for life.
Carmelo Zamora
Educator
I bring my hopes and passion for a world where we can all work together towards sustainability, love and care for nature and the planet.
Catriona Anne Woodward
Principal
I bring my passion for education and commitment to creativity, innovation and learning through the world around us.
Gareth Andrew Manning
Co-designer
I bring an open heart and insatiable curiosity.
Anita Nagy
Educator
I bring a scientific approach to complement instinctive knowledge, and support in finding your own way of learning for life.
Carmelo Zamora
Educator
I bring my hopes and passion for a world where we can all work together towards sustainability, love and care for nature and the planet.
.jpg)
Enerel Bat-Ochir
Educator
I bring a mindful and quality-focused approach to appreciating the importance of every moment.
.jpg)
Handenur Karatas
Educator
I bring care, big smiles, and adventure to grow as an authentic community with a passion for the rights of all living things on our beautiful planet.
.jpg)
Hanna Bognar
Educator
I bring a diverse tapestry of experiences and a genuine commitment to holistic well-being, fostering cultural exchange, and impactful teaching to our school and students.
.jpg)
Ibrahim Abu Atiya
Educator
I bring a passion for fostering hands-on exploration through project-based learning, equipping students with the tools to excel in their educational journey while nurturing their curiosity and critical thinking.
Sierra DeLew
Educator
I bring a positive learning environment through clear expectations, kind affirmations, and rigorous and engaging instructions.
Anna Zombori
Maths Educator
I bring passion for helping my students to explore the beautiful world of mathematics,
Julianna Pusztai
Music/EAL Educator
I bring a wealth of multicultural teaching experience, a passion for languages, and the transformative power of music and yoga to inspire students.
Mateja Szamosi
PE, Sports Educator
I bring a burning passion for guiding today's young minds, using the medium of physical activities to unearth their potential and embolden them with the myriad of thrilling opportunities that await.
Anna Kalmár
In-house social entrepreneur
I bring extensive experience as an award-winning social entrepreneur, along with a passion for social inclusion and trauma-informed wellbeing.
Marta Barancsikova
UA Support Projects Catalyst and Education Assistant
I bring initiatives and projects that create room for creativity, entrepreneurship, diversity and bringing together the community.
LEGAL
Principal
Catriona Woodward
Záhony utca 7
U2 building
1031 Budapest, Hungary
Chair of the Board
of Governors
Barna Baráth
Záhony utca 7
U2 bulding
1031 Budapest, Hungary
We are
recruiting!
Are you an experienced and inspiring primary or middle school teacher who has the full toolbox of teaching and learning at their fingerprint, wanting to break out of the box? Do you care for social or environmental issues? Have you always trusted kids to have a say in their own learning? Then join us!