Playgroup to A Level · Bashundhara, Dhaka
A balanced education, from first steps to A Level.
Playpen has taught in Dhaka since 1977. We follow the Cambridge curriculum from the early years right through to Ordinary and Advanced Level — in small groups, on a purpose-built campus, with teachers who know every child by name.
Welcome to Playpen
“We assure you of the best possible care and education for your child.”
That sentence has been on the front of this school for years, and it still sets the standard we work to. Playpen was founded on a simple conviction: to realise their full potential, children need a well-balanced programme in a creative learning environment.
Everything that follows — the Cambridge curriculum, the small teaching groups, the labs and the library, the sports and the science fairs — exists to serve that conviction. We are not trying to be the loudest school in Dhaka. We are trying to be the one where your child is known, challenged and looked after.
The Playpen journey
Four stages, one continuous education.
A child can join Playpen at Playgroup and leave with A Levels — without ever changing school, curriculum or community. Each stage is designed around what children of that age actually need.
Why families choose Playpen
Six things this school is built around.
No superlatives — just what we actually do, and what you can come and see for yourself.
One curriculum, all the way through
The Cambridge curriculum runs from the Elementary Level right up to Advanced Level, so nothing has to be unlearned when a child moves up a stage.
Small groups and individual attention
Junior classes have both a Class Teacher and an Assistant Teacher so that every child gets attention. Senior classes work with Class and Subject Teachers.
A purpose-built campus
Ten storeys in Bashundhara, with air-conditioned classrooms, science and IT labs, a library, a multi-purpose hall, a basketball court and a large playground.
Learning without pressure
In the Junior School the curriculum is deliberately structured so that children are not put under pressure, and learn at their own pace.
Support that does not stop at academics
A designated Student Counsellor for day-to-day concerns, and career guidance from the Senior Vice-Principal and Teacher In-Charge for university applications.
Safety taken seriously
Child protection guidance from both local and Cambridge Board standards, CCTV, 24/7 security, fire safety equipment, a sick room and filtered drinking water on every floor.
Our campus
Built for this school, on our own land.
Playpen moved to its permanent campus at Bashundhara Residential Area on 19 July 2018 — a building designed for the school by architect Mr. Ehsan Khan, not an apartment block converted into classrooms.
Learning spaces
Air-conditioned classrooms, a students’ gallery and hall room, and collaborative areas across ten floors.
Science & IT
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science laboratories endorsed by Cambridge and the British Council.
Sport & recreation
A large playground, a basketball court, indoor games and ECA rooms for clubs and activities.
Care & safety
Sick room, cafeteria, CCTV monitoring, PABX, fire safety equipment, generator backup and 24/7 security.
Senior School · Class VIII–XII
From the classroom to O Level and A Level.
In the Senior School we prepare students for CAIE examinations at Ordinary, Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level — international qualifications recognised by the world’s best universities and employers.
Our aim in the senior segment is to balance knowledge, understanding and skills, so that students leave with an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning — not just a transcript.
O Level
Subjects chosen at the end of Class VIII, second semester. Minimum six subjects. English Language, Bengali and Mathematics (Syllabus D) are compulsory.
A Level
Minimum three subjects from nine offered, across sciences, commerce and computing. Introduced at Playpen in 2013.
Student life
Believing that academic excellence alone does not guarantee a sound education.
The school year at Playpen carries as much outside the timetable as inside it — sport, performance, competition and service.
Games & Athletics
Football, basketball, handball, athletics, table tennis, chess and carom, with inter-school and inter-class tournaments.
ExploreArts, Music & Drama
Art and craft, instrumental and vocal music, dance and drama, culminating in the Annual Cultural Programme.
Explore
Clubs & Olympiads
Debate, Spelling Bee, language, science and mathematics Olympiads, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme.
Explore
Community Service
Winter clothing drives, volunteering with social organisations, and building small homes for low-income families.
ExploreRecent achievements
What our students have been winning.
1st Space Exploration Olympiad
Quazi Jorjis Nivaan and Adyan Omair Islam both took 2nd runner-up at the Bangladesh Innovation Forum event held at AIUB.
13th Bangla Olympiad
Fahmiah Fahreen of Class VII took 1st position in Essay Writing; the group dance team also placed first.
Math and Tech Fest
Class VIII students took 1st position in Crypto Craft Chronicles. Mujtoba Siraj won the Rube Goldberg competition and the campus ambassador award.
National Abacus & Mental Arithmetic
Sameeha Binte Firoz secured third runner-up at the 16th national competition.
Inter-School Football
Best Player and Best Defender awards at the Scholastica Inter School tournament; runners-up at Hurdco Inter School.
Eco-Schools Programme
Three Class IX students earned 1st Runner Up for Best Presentation in the national Eco-Schools Programme.
Notices
Current announcements
First Semester Examination
Examinations run from 30 November to 11 December 2025. PG to KG–II continue regular classes until 8 December.
About Mobile Phones
Students are not to bring mobile phones to school. Bags are searched on entry. Urgent calls can be made from the Admin Office on Level 2.
A Level Admission Open
Playpen is offering admission for the academic year July 2026 – June 2027 for A Level. Forms are available at the admin office and on this website.
Upcoming
School calendar
Parents–Teachers Meeting 1
The first parent–teacher meeting of the academic year. Class-wise timings are issued through the portal.
Parent & Student Portal
Academic performance, class tests, homework, report cards, attendance, the academic calendar and online fee payment — all in one place.
Alumni
Once a Playpen student, always part of the community.
Playpen wishes to connect with students who have excelled in their respective fields — to build a platform where former students can find their classmates again, share what they remember, and tell us where their education took them.
Visit Playpen
Come and see us in Bashundhara.
The Admissions Office is open 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday. You are welcome to visit, collect a form, and look around the campus.
Admissions & general enquiries
House 545/A, Road 19, Block J
Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
Admissions
Come and see the school for yourself.
Speak to our Admissions Office, collect a form, or arrange a campus visit during office hours.