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 catalyst crew, an interior designer, communications, 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. More details on our Careers page. And 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.
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.
Gareth Andrew Manning
Co-Principal
Gareth is dedicated to helping young people thrive. He worked at THINK Global School - an experiential, project-based high school that travels to four countries per year. Most recently, he taught global geography, politics, history, and economics aboard Class Afloat sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. He aims to prepare future leaders with the skills, mindsets and understandings essential for building a compassionate and just world.
Derya Şahin İpek
Maths Educator
Derya is an experienced mathematics educator with a BA in teaching maths for primary schools and an MSc in Educational Science. With international experience in Denmark, Poland, and Finland, she focuses on critical mathematics education and social justice in teaching. Before joining REAL School, she worked as an educational researcher in Turkey and as a teaching associate at Milestone Institute in Budapest.
Işılay Başkahya
Maths Educator
Işılay, with bachelor's and master's degrees in maths, specialises in game-based learning. She taught at Darüşşafaka, providing quality education to underprivileged students, and began her PhD in Educational Sciences at ELTE in 2023, focusing on creativity in maths education. Işılay integrates game-based methods, STEM, and system thinking in her teaching, aiming to break down prejudices against maths and promote critical thinking. She is also deeply committed to educational equality, actively participating in NGOs.
Kinga Kovács
Educator
Kinga’s boundless curiosity led her to pursue a Primary School Teacher course at ELTE University. She believes education is life itself, not just preparation for it. She is excited to bring her positive energy and joy of collaborating with kids, guiding them, and meeting their curiosity in play, dance, and art.
Olesia Kuzo
Maths Educator
Olesia Kuzo, originally from Ukraine, has lived in Hungary for the past decade. With a master’s degree in preschool education, she has experience teaching in both Ukrainian and Hungarian education systems. Since May 2024, Olesia has been teaching mathematics at REAL School and coordinating Saturday programs and summer camps. Fluent in Ukrainian and English, she is also advancing her Hungarian language skills.
Mary-Ann Ridgway
Co-Principal
With over 20 years of experience in developing a rural community school, Mary-Ann is dedicated to creating collaborative, nature-focused learning environments. She emphasises nurturing reflective, inquisitive minds and fostering meaningful relationships. Passionate about societal change, she is also the author of In Other Woods, a nature enthusiast, and an advocate for non-divisive education.
Enerel Bat-Ochir
Science Educator and
Head of Student Conduct
Hailing from Mongolia, Enerel Bat-Ochir has over a decade of international teaching experience, committed to fostering equitable learning environments. She holds degrees in Education Management and Biotechnology, impacting students and teachers in Mongolia and Hungary. Her work with Teach for Mongolia reflects her dedication to bringing quality education to underprivileged areas and empowering students as future problem-solvers and changemakers.
Jacqueline Alexandra Paszyn
Educator
Jackie has extensive experience in teaching both primary and secondary students. She holds an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from York University, a Montessori diploma, and numerous additional qualifications (EAL, Junior Maths, Career Counselling, Special Ed, and Family Studies). This diverse background equips her with a comprehensive skill set to address the varied needs of her students.
Lívia Suvada
Educator
Lívia is an experienced educator with a Master’s degree in Teaching English and Literature, as well as certifications in Dance and Movement Therapy. Her teaching philosophy emphasises the deep connection between children and nature. She integrates her background in movement therapy to support students' emotional and intellectual growth. Outside the classroom, Lívia enjoys hiking, dancing, yoga, and reading.
Orsolya Merkl
EAL Educator
Born and raised in Budapest, Orsi graduated as a Hungarian Language and Literature Teacher from ELTE. After a 10-month internship in Ireland turned into 13 years, she gained diverse experience in primary education, Montessori, and special needs assistance. With a PGCE from the UK, she has a strong interest in EAL, special education, and drama. Orsi is also a certified ski instructor. Now back in Budapest, she’s excited to join REAL School and be closer to family.
Bernadett Batka
Educator
Berni is an experienced Montessori teacher with 14 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. Holding a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature, she also specializes in children’s yoga and movement therapy. Passionate about nurturing independence and kindness, she volunteers for the Hungarian Jane Goodall Institute and enjoys nature, photography, and cooking.
Enikő Johnston-Szűcs
School Counsellor
Enikő holds degrees in sociology and psychology from the University of Central England and a professional qualification in Integrative Counselling from Newman University. Since 2010, she has worked in various settings, including hospitals and schools. Specialising in grief and loss, Enikő has supported children and families through difficult times, bringing a compassionate approach to her role at REAL School.
J. Daniel Beluska
Educator
Daniel is a lifelong educator with a diverse background in martial arts, business, and architecture. After founding a successful martial arts academy and franchise in the U.S., he moved to Hungary to simplify his life. He has since taught English and entrepreneurship at Harrer Pál Általános Iskola and is now bringing his passion for project-based learning to REAL School.
Loic Lopez
Earth Stewardship Educator
Loic has over two decades of expertise in sustainability and ecological stewardship. Holding a Master’s in Architecture with a focus on Advanced Environment & Energy Studies, his diverse career includes managing a 38-acre bird sanctuary in France, co-founding Inwoods Small School, and advising businesses on sustainability. He integrates holistic practices into his teaching, making him a dedicated advocate for sustainable and innovative education.
Shahira Ghars el din
Educator
Originally from the Netherlands, Shahira has spent more than 10 years working at different international schools in Egypt and Hungary. Holding a PGCEi from Nottingham University, she has expertise in multiple curriculums, including IB PYP, Dutch, Cambridge, and American systems. She believes that educators are there to guide children throughout their learning journey, and tries to make learning an active and memorable everyday lifestyle for all children.
Carmelo Zamora
Educator
Carmelo holds a Master's student in Outdoor and Sustainability Education. He combines his degrees in primary and early childhood education with a passion for integrating traditional curricula with outdoor learning. He aims to foster sustainability and true learning. Carmelo is dedicated to envisioning a healthy, sustainable future. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, and yoga,
Handenur Karatas
Educator
Handenur is a dedicated educator specialising in early childhood education with a focus on inquiry-based learning. A graduate of Middle East Technical University, she incorporates Reggio Emilia and IB PYP principles into her teaching. Passionate about holistic development, she blends her interests in yoga, scuba diving, and sports with embodied learning to create an authentic and engaging classroom environment.
Karri Marie Thurston
Educator
Karri, originally from Canada, brings 17 years of international teaching experience from South Korea, Japan, Kuwait, and China. She is committed to nurturing young minds to become future changemakers, emphasising inclusive, globally-minded classrooms. Karri fosters critical thinking and cultural awareness through innovative strategies. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, cycling, and exploring new places with her camera.
Mateja Szamosi
PE Educator
Mateja is a Croatian watersports and fitness expert. She has an extensive background in instructing sailing, windsurfing, and SUP in Croatia, the Maldives, and Italy. She also managed multisport programs and excursions. With a Master’s in Kinesiology, Mateja is skilled in student support, swimming coaching, and sports coordination. She is fluent in Croatian, English with basic German and Spanish.
Sierra DeLew
Educator
Sierra is a dedicated primary school educator with a background in Human Development and a Master’s in Education from UC Davis. She has taught in Montessori settings, focusing on whole-child teaching, hands-on learning, and the integration of Positive Discipline, Growth Mindset, and Mindfulness. Sierra recharges through outdoor activities like running, biking, rowing, and hiking.
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!
LEGAL
Co-Principals
Gareth Andrew Manning
Mary-Ann Ridgway
Záhony utca 7
U2 building
1031 Budapest, Hungary
Chair of the Board
of Governors
Barna Baráth
Záhony utca 7
U2 bulding
1031 Budapest, Hungary