In August 1997, the earliest forms of the school were established in a villa on Nguyen Van Thu Street in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City starting with two classes, two teachers from overseas and 40 toddlers.

The original villa was extended in the year 2000 to accommodate an additional 10 primary classrooms, bringing the total number of students to 300 children.

Mr Shaun Williams was appointed as Principal, and the school population was extended to 1,350 children, with ages ranging from 2 to 18.

These extensions provided additional classrooms and specialist facilities allowing the school to grow towards its projected target of 2,000 students.

Inter-house sporting competitions and fixtures against other schools in Ho Chi Minh City occur on a regular basis as well as regional games.

BIS is also the host of the annual ABRSM High Scorers' Concerts in Ho Chi Minh City, which feature the top 25 scoring musicians.