Nepal’s National School

Budhanilkantha School (BNKS), situated in the breathtaking panorama of the Kathmandu Valley at the foothills of Shivapuri National Park, is the government-designated National School of Nepal. It is a fully residential, English-medium, co-educational public school that runs from Grade 5 to Grade 12, including the Advanced Level of Cambridge University, UK.

The school was established in December 1972 as a joint venture between the Government of Nepal and the Government of the United Kingdom. The Government of Nepal provided the required land — approximately 29 hectares (574 ropani) — while the British Government provided all the technical and financial assistance. Teaching started in 1973 with one building, 82 students (all boys) and about a dozen teachers.

Our Mission

To impart quality education for “rich and poor alike” in an environment that fosters unity and equality. The school selects students from diverse socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds from all 77 districts of Nepal, with approximately one-third on full government scholarship.

Key Milestones

  • 1972 — Established as a joint Nepal-UK venture
  • 1973 — Teaching begins with 82 boys
  • 1980 — First SLC batch; 11 of Nepal’s top 14 students from BNKS
  • 1983 — English becomes official medium of instruction
  • 1985 — Cambridge O-Level introduced
  • 1986 — Cambridge A-Level introduced (first in Nepal)
  • 1991 — Co-education introduced; first batch of 14 girls
  • 1992 — New girls’ hostels inaugurated by HRH Princess Diana
  • 1994 — Administration handed over to Nepalese management
  • 1997 — NEB 10+2 Science programme introduced
  • 2008 — Learning Resource Centre inaugurated
  • 2021 — BNKS Knowledge Park established
  • 2022 — Golden Jubilee: 50 years of excellence

Motto

“Centre of Excellence”

Governance

The school is managed under a Public Educational Trust. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is the main Trustee. The Board of Trustees (BOT) is chaired by the Education Secretary of Nepal. The School Management Committee (SMC) is chaired by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education. SEBS (Society of Ex-Budhanilkantha Students) and FOBS (Friends of Budhanilkantha School) also have permanent representation in governance bodies.

Leadership

Principal: Mr. Keshar Bahadur Khulal
Vice Principal (Secondary Level): Mr. Atiram K.C.
Vice Principal (Basic Level): Mrs. Purni Lama
Chief Administrative Officer: Mr. Kashiram Sharma
Guidance Counselors: ….

School Facts

  • Total Students: 1,078–1,136 (varies by year)
  • Girls: approximately 42% of enrolment
  • Faculty: 81 teaching staff
  • Support Staff: 171
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: approximately 14:1
  • Campus Area: 29 hectares (approx. 371 acres)
  • CEEB Code: 689070
  • Academic Year: June to March