Bordeaux International School vs Ermitage International School Bordeaux

	B Bordeaux International School Bordeaux, France	E Ermitage International School Bordeaux Bordeaux, France
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €8,290 - 12,170	Fees / year €7,875 - 11,340
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, French Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1987	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in the heart of Bordeaux, France. 252 Rue Judaïque, 33000 Bordeaux, France.	Location 142 Rue Jules Ferry, Bordeaux 33200, France. Just a few minutes from the city centre. The campus is in one of Bordeaux's most pleasant districts. Located in the heart of Bordeaux Caudéran.
Stages	Stages Early Learning (3-6 years); Primary (6-10 years); Middle School (10-14 years); Upper School: International GCSE (14-16 years); Upper School: International A Level (16-18 years)	Stages Kindergarten (ages 2–6). Primary (ages 6–11).
School type	School type Bilingual international school operated as a SCOP (Educational Cooperative) since 1999	School type International school offering bilingual French-English programmes.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 40 nationalities represented	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation France	Country affiliation Affiliated with the French national education system.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Two days per week are taught in French and two days per week in English.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Admissions & one‑off fees - Application / registration fee (one‑off, non‑refundable except if the school cannot guarantee a place): 1st child €680; 2nd child €580; 3rd child €480; 4th child free. - Capital fund (one‑off, per family, non‑refundable): €1,200. - Security deposit (one‑off, per child; refunded after audited accounts): - Early Learning: €2,600 - Primary: €2,700 - Lower Middle School: €3,500 - Upper Middle School: €4,000 - International IGCSE: €4,600 - International A Level: €5,200 The security deposit is refunded within 60 days of the student's departure after the accounts have been audited. Tuition fees — annual and per‑term by year group (tuition only) All figures are tuition fees (annual). Term amounts are shown on a 10‑month basis (school uses a 10‑month payment schedule: 1st term = 4 months; 2nd term = 3 months; 3rd term = 3 months): - Foundation / Reception / Year 1 (Early Learning) - Annual tuition: €7,890 - Term 1 (4 months): €3,156 - Term 2 (3 months): €2,367 - Term 3 (3 months): €2,367 - Years 2–5 (Primary) - Annual tuition: €8,240 - Term 1: €3,296 - Term 2: €2,472 - Term 3: €2,472 - Years 6–7 (Lower Middle) - Annual tuition: €10,050 - Term 1: €4,020 - Term 2: €3,015 - Term 3: €3,015 - Years 8–9 (Upper Middle) - Annual tuition: €12,170 - Term 1: €4,868 - Term 2: €3,651 - Term 3: €3,651 - Years 10–11 (International IGCSE) - Annual tuition: €14,290 - Term 1: €5,716 - Term 2: €4,287 - Term 3: €4,287 - Years 12–13 (International A Level) - Annual tuition: €16,290 - Term 1: €6,516 - Term 2: €4,887 - Term 3: €4,887 Reductions applicable to tuition fees only: - 4% discount for payment of the full year in advance by 1 June (date specified in the school's payment schedule). - 2% discount applicable for termly payments made on the set dates. - 3% discount for families with three or more children enrolled. Equipment, lunches and other recurring charges - Equipment fee (annual, per student): €680 (covers notebooks, textbooks, photocopies, materials for arts/music/theatre, specialised classroom resources and access to computers/software; excludes personal stationery, external exam fees, personal insurance and some school trips). - Lunch / canteen (annual) or packed‑lunch contribution (supervision/maintenance): - Early Learning: €1,254 (canteen) / €280 (packed‑lunch contribution) - Primary: €1,418 / €280 - Lower Middle: €1,418 / €280 - Upper Middle: €1,682 / €350 - IGCSE: €1,682 / €350 - A Level: €1,682 / €350 Meals are provided at school; special dietary/allergy arrangements require an official Individual Health Plan (PAI). - Miscellaneous academic costs: A‑Level online supplementary subjects, language support, special needs support and preparation for the Diplôme National du Brevet are charged separately (fees available on request). External examination fees, some school trips, extra tuition and personal items are not covered by the equipment fee. Boarding (host‑family) fees - Weekly host‑family stay (Monday–Friday, excluding school holiday periods): €7,495 per year. - Full‑time host‑family stay (including weekends, excluding school holiday periods): €11,445 per year. - Host‑family re‑arrangement fee (any changes during the school year): €200. Fees for host‑family stays include an annual local transport card (TBM); in the event of early departure a pro‑rata deduction is applied. Billing schedule and payment terms - Termly payment dates (reductions apply when payments are made on these dates): 1 June for Term 1 (4 months), 1 September for Term 2 (3 months), and 1 January for Term 3 (3 months). Monthly payments by standing order are available over 10 months (payments begin 1 June and end 1 March). - Late payments incur a 10% annual late fee plus a fixed administrative charge of €40. Bank charges (cheques, transfers, exchange costs, etc.) are payable by the payer. Refunds, early departure and related conditions - Registration fees are non‑refundable except where the school is unable to guarantee a place. The capital fund is non‑refundable. The security deposit is refunded within 60 days of departure after accounts have been audited. - Early departure notice requirements (registered letter with acknowledgement or hand delivery against signature): notice must be received by the school by the announced deadlines to take effect at the end of a term; if notice is not provided by those dates, tuition fees for the current term and the following term remain payable. In cases of definitive exclusion by the Disciplinary Committee, tuition fees will not be refunded. Fee payment options - Options explicitly described in the school's payment terms are: termly payments on set dates and monthly payment by standing order over 10 months. The school notes bank charges for methods such as cheques and bank transfers are to be borne by the payer (these payment types are referenced in the payment terms). Late payment penalties apply as above.	Fee details Application & Development Fees - Application Fee (New students): First child €580; second child €530; third child €450. - Development fund (one per family): €1,150 (non‑refundable). - First year billing requires payment of: application fee + development fund + administrative fees + annual tuition + any additional fees. Subsequent years require administrative fees + annual tuition + any additional fees. A 7‑day statutory withdrawal period applies. Tuition and Administrative Fees — Annual (by school year / programme) - Administrative fees and annual tuition — standard schedule: - Kindergarten: Administrative fee €375; Annual tuition €7,500. - Primary: Administrative fee €400; Annual tuition €8,500. - Middle school (MYP1 & MYP2 / 6e & 5e): Administrative fee €440; Annual tuition €10,900. - Middle school (MYP3 & MYP4 / 4e & 3e): Administrative fee €500; Annual tuition €12,100. - High school (MYP5 / 2nde): Administrative fee €550; Annual tuition €15,000. - High school (DP1 & DP2 / 1ère & Terminale): Administrative fee €700; Annual tuition €16,500. - Administrative fees and annual tuition — For families (alternative family schedule): - Kindergarten: Administrative fee €450; Annual tuition €10,000. - Primary: Administrative fee €500; Annual tuition €12,500. - Middle school (MYP1 & MYP2): Administrative fee €700; Annual tuition €15,400. - Middle school (MYP3 & MYP4): Administrative fee €800; Annual tuition €16,000. - High school (MYP5): Administrative fee €850; Annual tuition €18,500. - High school (DP1 & DP2): Administrative fee €950; Annual tuition €19,500. - Where monthly billing is used, the school requires payment by direct debit across 10 monthly instalments; the monthly instalment equals the annual tuition divided into 10 payments (administrative fees are charged in addition as indicated). All invoices must be paid by the due date shown on the invoice. Billing schedule, payment terms, discounts and penalties - Required payment method for school fees: direct debit in 10 monthly payments. Families are expected to ensure sufficient funds for these debits. - Sibling discount: 10% reduction on tuition for the second registered child; 15% reduction for the third registered child and any subsequent children. - In case of departure during the school year: written notice of 2 months to the secretary with acknowledgement of receipt is required. - Penalties: any payment incident triggers a 10% increase in school fees for the period concerned; payment delays of more than 30 days may lead to exclusion of the student. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are specified for the Ermitage International School Bordeaux tuition schedule; boarding is not listed among the fees for the Bordeaux campus. Additional costs and optional charges - Before‑ and after‑school care (daycare) — sample time slots and rates (per child): - Kindergarten: 8:00–8:30 €2; 16:15–17:00 €5; 16:15–17:30 €6.50; 16:15–18:00 €8; 16:15–18:30 €9.50. - Elementary: 8:00–8:20 €1.50; 16:00–17:00 €5.50; 16:00–17:30 €7; 16:00–18:00 €8.50; 16:00–18:30 €10. - Uniforms: charged separately (details to be provided by the school). - Meals: not included (lunch box or catered delivery billed separately). - Language options: 1 hour/week €500 per child per year; 2 hours/week €850 per child per year. - French as a second language (French B) where required: €2,200 per child per year (compulsory for students with no French knowledge in primary and middle school). - Extracurricular activities, extracurricular online DP/A‑level classes, external exam fees (HSK, Cervantes, Cambridge, IB, A Levels, etc.), study and cultural trips, and federation membership (e.g., judo) are charged in addition. Textbooks and teaching aids are provided; other supplies are not included. Refunds and non‑refundables - Application fees and the development fund are non‑refundable. A 7‑day statutory withdrawal period applies. Other refund rules (for example related to mid‑year departures) follow the school's financial regulations and require the stipulated written notice. Fee payment options - The school requires payment of tuition by direct debit on 10 monthly instalments; invoices must be paid by the invoice due date. No other specific payment methods (credit card or bank transfer) are listed in the fee schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Homestay with carefully selected French families living close to BIS. A school coordinator is available 24/7 and oversees the vetting process (interviews, home inspections and regular reviews) with parents consulted and families introduced prior to the move to ensure wellbeing.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement No uniform is required. Many students and staff choose to buy BIS merchandise through the PTA.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options There is an on-site canteen. Early Learning and Primary students receive hot meals; Middle School and Upper School students may order a hot meal or bring a packed lunch.	Food options —
House system	House system There are four Houses named after famous people from Bordeaux. Students and staff are allocated to Houses, participate in House Days and compete for House Points; a House Captain is elected from the Upper School.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership BIS is run by an educational cooperative (SCOP) since 1999, with a democratic 'one person, one vote' governance model and associates contributing to strategic decisions.	Governance and ownership Ermitage International School Bordeaux is part of the Ermitage Education Group, a network of world-class international schools welcoming over 2,200 students aged 3 to 18. Based in France and Belgium, the group brings together a diverse community of over 80 nationalities and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge IGCSE, and the French Baccalauréat with BFI option.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Cambridge International Education is the framework BIS uses. BIS is an official Cambridge Education centre and has been accredited since 1991. The bilingual English–French programme is delivered across Early Learning, Primary and Middle School. In Upper School, Cambridge International IGCSE (14–16) and International A Levels (16–18) are offered, with most subjects taught in English; students may take exams in their home language where possible. BIS administers SATs as an official College Board examination centre.	Curriculum details Bilingual curriculum from kindergarten through to high school. Students aged 2 to 11 learn in French, English, or a bilingual format in a bilingual and international learning environment. Small class sizes support language development, self-confidence, and personalized guidance. The program emphasizes critical thinking, independence, openness, and global awareness, and prepares students to transition to middle school with options for French or international curricula.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes: 10–12 per class in Early Learning; 16 per class in Primary and Secondary.	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes allow for tailored guidance, language development, and personal growth.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Baccalaureate pass rate close to 100% across the Ermitage Education Group. In 2025, graduates from Ermitage International School Paris achieved an average of 34.8 points on the baccalaureate, well above the global average.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Students go on to study all over the world, most frequently in France, the UK, the Netherlands, the USA and Canada.	Higher education progression From Year 6, three pathways provide dual recognition: the French Diplôme National du Brevet and an internationally oriented final assessment, opening doors to prestigious high schools and international programs in France and abroad. An International English Section supports non-French speakers; this route leads toward internationally recognized high school options and universities.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Student wellbeing and intercultural learning are central to BIS's approach. The school is a close-knit international community with more than 40 nationalities, where diversity is celebrated and students are encouraged to develop empathy and global understanding. The Personal, Social, Global Skills (PSGS) programme provides structured opportunities for social, emotional and intercultural development. Small class sizes support individual attention and positive relationships with staff (16 students per class). A tutor system and strong home–school communication underpin student wellbeing, with access to external bilingual professionals when needed.	Social & emotional learning The school focuses on the intellectual, emotional, and social development of every student. In a supportive environment, each child gains confidence, builds resilience, and becomes an independent learner. The mission aims to empower active, respectful, tolerant, and open-minded learners who contribute to a better world. Well-being is a core element of the educational model, with a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere. The bilingual, international setting supports personal growth and social development.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) BIS provides Learning Support across Early Learning and Primary, with small classes and individualized follow-up. A dedicated Special Needs Coordinator collaborates with teachers, students and parents to identify and address diverse learning needs, and to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for academic and social success. The Learning Support team also works with a Speech Therapist for targeted interventions, and may involve external consultants for more specialised needs. BIS maintains small class sizes (maximum 16 students per class) to enable personalised support.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has an Inclusion Policy that embeds inclusion in the curriculum, teaching, and school life. It explains that a Diverse Learning Needs Team develops and evaluates inclusive practices and policies. Inclusive Access Arrangements are provided to support diverse learners, including extra time, assistive technology, and other accommodations. Admissions may be offered to students with educational difficulties if Ermitage can provide the required level of support. The policy emphasizes confidentiality and collaboration among teachers, families, and leadership to implement inclusive practices.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language BIS welcomes pupils who do not speak English, French or either language at enrolment. Language differences are not a barrier to education because language support is provided in Early Learning & Primary. For pupils starting out in French or English as a second language, a third language (Spanish) is provided only if needed; otherwise additional support in the second language is provided. A bilingual teaching assistant can accompany pupils in class to support language development. There are Second Language and Additional Language programmes at the IGCSE level to cater to diverse needs.	English as an additional language The school offers bilingual French-English programmes from kindergarten to primary school. From kindergarten, students follow a curriculum taught in both English and French. Students develop strong academic skills, personal confidence, and global awareness in a nurturing, multicultural environment. The bilingual approach fosters open-mindedness, global curiosity, and prepares students for a smooth transition to middle school in either an international or French setting.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The wellbeing of students is central; BIS has a comprehensive tutor system to support students at different stages of their education and to provide a central point of contact for students, parents and teachers. The school supports well-being through small class sizes and an effective communication network between school and home, enabling prompt intervention when required. BIS also has strong links with external bilingual professionals who can offer students and their families additional support when necessary.	Mental wellbeing Well-being is central to Ermitage's educational model. The mission emphasizes cultivating intellectual, emotional, and social development in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Students gain confidence, build resilience, and become autonomous learners. The school promotes respect, kindness, and international-mindedness as core values. This well-being focus is integrated into daily teaching and school life.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school has safeguarding policies and procedures to keep the school safe, including child protection, anti-bullying measures and online safety. There are two designated safeguarding leaders: Richard JONES (Early Learning and Primary) and Anni BLACKMORE (Secondary). Staff undergo regular safeguarding training to stay informed about policies and procedures. Open lines of communication encourage reporting of concerns with care, confidentiality and sensitivity. Safeguarding policies include both an English Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and a French version (Politique de sauvegarde et de protection de l'enfant).	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Located in the heart of Bordeaux with easy tram and bus access. Four student sections—Early Learning, Primary, Middle School and Upper School—each has its own learning space, and a new floor was added atop the secondary building in 2017. A partially covered on-site playground provides space for a range of activities. The Arts are supported by a dedicated Dance and Drama studio, and in 2023 BIS opened a brand new Art studio. An on-site canteen serves hot meals for Early Learning and Primary students, with Middle and Upper School students able to choose hot meals or packed lunches. The nearby sports centre offers facilities including a gymnasium, swimming pool, athletics track, tennis courts and an indoor area for ball games.	Facilities overview Ermitage International School Bordeaux is located in Caudéran in a 19th‑century main building with a private 1,800 m² garden used as an outdoor learning space. The campus blends historic character with modern facilities and bright, airy classrooms that open onto the garden. Recently renovated, it features interactive screens, a 3D printer, and a science laboratory to support hands‑on learning. The on‑site spaces include a room for visual arts, a music area, a multi‑sports pitch, and a dojo for movement and motor skills. For sport and recreation, the school has privileged access to nearby venues: Villa Primrose tennis and field hockey club, and the Bel‑Air sports complex with a natural grass football field, a synthetic grass field, a natural grass hockey field, and a cross‑country/orienteering course. The campus is easily accessible by tram or bus from central Bordeaux.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The sports programme uses a nearby sports centre located a short walk from campus. Facilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an athletics track, tennis courts and a gymnasium, plus an indoor area for ball games. BIS runs dedicated weekly sports classes taught by a specialist teacher.	Sports facilities There is a multi‑sports pitch and a dojo on campus to support physical education and movement. Villa Primrose, Bordeaux's historic tennis and field hockey club, is accessible nearby. The Bel‑Air sports complex is within reach and includes a 100 m × 66 m natural grass football field with seating for 120 spectators, a synthetic grass field for year‑round training, a natural grass hockey field, and a cross‑country and orienteering course.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Four student sections—Early Learning, Primary, Middle School and Upper School—each has a designated space for learning, and a new floor on top of the secondary building was opened in 2017. BIS provides bilingual education across Early Learning, Primary and Middle School, with Cambridge International IGCSE, AS and A Levels in Upper School. Class sizes are small, with 10 to 12 pupils per class in Early Learning and 16 per class in Primary and Secondary. BIS draws on both the British and French curricular traditions to deliver bilingual education across the school.	Academic facilities Students aged 2 to 11 benefit from an education taught in French, English, or a bilingual format. The campus features spacious, naturally lit classrooms that open onto the garden to support collaborative learning. Recently renovated, it includes interactive screens, a 3D printer, and a science laboratory to enhance hands‑on exploration. A dedicated visual arts room and a music area, along with a multi‑sports pitch and a dojo, support a broad academic and creative program.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities There are many after-school clubs at BIS and the list continues to grow. Clubs in Early Learning and Primary include Arts & Crafts, Suzuki Violin, Chess and Chinese Club, as well as Robotics run with Magic Makers. In Secondary there are Model United Nations, Practical Science Skills, French Club and various dance and coding clubs, including Coding Club and Advanced Developers Club. BIS also runs the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, and students participate in house activities within Cousteau, Montesquieu, Alienor and Bonheur. Local and international trips are part of the programme, including destinations such as Spain, the UK, the USA and Italy.	Extra curricular facilities Music lessons (piano, guitar, violin) are offered by professional musicians. Weekly creative workshops cover drawing, painting, theatre, musical theatre, and hip‑hop. Sports are supported by a modern dojo for judo and outdoor garden activities, with space for group games, obstacle courses, and play. Intellectual activities include chess and robotics to stimulate thinking and problem‑solving. After‑school care is available; Wednesday English‑language workshops are led by native English‑speaking facilitators; school holidays feature excursions and workshops; educational outings and school trips are organized throughout the year.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 1987, Bordeaux International School has operated as an SCOP (Educational Cooperative) since 1999. The BIS SCOP was founded by Christine Cussac and is built on a collaborative, democratic model in which employees are associates and decisions are made according to the principle 'one person, one vote'. The school emphasizes bilingual education and intercultural learning, with small class sizes of 16 students per level to support individual growth. BIS aims to develop open‑minded global citizens through innovative teaching and a diverse, international environment.	History —
Community	Community BIS is a close-knit international community with more than 40 nationalities represented, celebrating differences and ensuring every student feels at home and valued. Diversity is celebrated and cultivated, encouraging dialogue and guiding us toward a harmonious global society. The school provides opportunities for intercultural exchanges and uses a Personal, Social, Global Skills (PSGS) programme alongside tailored learning approaches to suit different profiles. The community emphasizes equity and inclusion, ensuring fair opportunities for all students.	Community Ermitage International School Bordeaux is a bilingual and international school located in the heart of Bordeaux Caudéran, welcoming French-speaking and international students aged 2 to 10. From kindergarten, the curriculum is taught in English and French, fostering openness to the world. The team emphasizes collaboration between teachers, families, and students to create a nurturing, multicultural community focused on the future. Outings and activities are regularly organized to enrich learning, including visits to Lussy Park, Parc Bordelais, Mérignac Ice Rink, and museums and cultural venues, with access to nearby facilities such as Villa Primrose and Bel-Air sports complex.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The PTA brings together parents, teachers and management. The PTA board proposes initiatives and guides the Association's activities in collaboration with the school management. The PTA's mission is to foster community spirit and work together to provide the best possible educational environment for our pupils. PTA members welcome new families and organise family events outside the school, while also supporting fundraising. Regular events include the International Buffet, Halloween and Christmas parties, Sports Day and bake sales. Parents are invited to attend meetings, morning coffees and various events throughout the year.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual BIS provides bilingual French-English education across Early Learning, Primary and Middle School. In Upper Secondary, BIS offers Cambridge International IGCSE, AS and A Levels. The school draws inspiration from both the British National Curriculum and the French National Curriculum, delivering instruction in English and French in equal measure up to the completion of Upper Middle School. Small class sizes (10–12 per class in Early Learning and 16 per class in Primary and Secondary) support individual learning.	Academic & intellectual Chess and robotics stimulate thinking and intellectual curiosity. They develop logic, patience, and forward-thinking. They are offered to students from kindergarten to high school and led by qualified professionals.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Arts play a central role at BIS, with all students having opportunities to engage in dance, theatre, drawing, painting, modelling and music. This takes place within and beyond the curriculum, and students showcase their talents through shows and exhibitions. BIS views arts as essential to developing confidence and creativity.	Arts & creative Weekly workshops in drawing, painting, theatre, musical theatre, and hip-hop cultivate artistic expression. They are held in safe spaces to encourage imagination, self-esteem, and teamwork. Artworks and performances are showcased in school exhibitions.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language BIS runs a multilingual program with French, English and Spanish language learning. In Early Learning and Primary, each class has two native-speaking teachers (French and English) and Spanish lessons begin at age four. In Middle School about half of subjects are taught in French and English (roughly 45% each) with about 10% of time spent on Spanish, and in Upper School English is the main language of study with continued French and opportunities to study Spanish; students may take exams in their home language where possible. The curriculum promotes international-mindedness through Global Perspectives/Global Skills and cross-cultural understanding.	Cultural & language The school offers a bilingual, multicultural environment. Wednesdays feature English-language workshops led by native facilitators, with games, songs, projects, sports, cooking, and storytelling. Educational outings include museums, landmarks, shows, parks, science workshops, and company visits. Annual school trips expand cultural horizons, in France or overseas.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies There are many after-school clubs at BIS and the list of opportunities continues to grow. Clubs in Early Learning and Primary include Arts & Crafts, Suzuki Violin, Chess, Chinese Club, Robotics, Early Learning Wednesday Club, Singing Club, Classical Dance and Pianissimo. In Secondary, clubs include Model United Nations, Practical Science Skills, French Club, Contemporary Dance and Coding. All clubs are run subject to demand.	Social & hobbies After-School Care is available on school days, supervised in a warm, reassuring environment. Calm games, reading, crafts, and outdoor play help children unwind and socialise. The program includes sports, movement, and outdoor activities in a modern dojo and a tree-filled garden. Group games and activities foster teamwork and personal well-being.
Community & service	Community & service BIS promotes community engagement through events and volunteering opportunities. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is available to students aged 14 and above and is a global youth development programme that develops life skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication; it includes exploration, skills, community service and team activities. It helps participants build confidence, resilience and global awareness.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional BIS uses a four-House system named Cousteau, Montesquieu, Alienor and Rosa Bonheur, with students earning points for exemplary behaviour, outstanding work, initiative and participation. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award also develops leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving. These structures and programs cultivate leadership and professional skills across student life.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Safeguarding and wellbeing are priorities at BIS; the safety and wellbeing of students is paramount, with comprehensive safeguarding policies and a supportive environment. A tutor system supports students across stages, and small class sizes help tailor learning to individual needs. Designated safeguarding leaders oversee safeguarding, and BIS maintains links with external bilingual professionals for additional support when needed.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Creativity, teamwork, and personal well-being are fostered through activities. A modern dojo supports judo and motor skills in a safe setting. The tree-filled garden enables outdoor sports and free play. After-school care extends the school day in a calm and caring environment.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches in English and French, supporting bilingual proficiency from Early Learning through Upper School.	Language provision From ages 2 to 11, instruction is delivered in French and English, in either a bilingual format or single-language pathways. English as a Second Language is offered with Cambridge Young Learners preparation; French as a Foreign Language is offered with DELF preparation. Optional Chinese and Spanish classes are available during school hours, with exam preparation for HSK and Cervantes. All classes are taught by native teachers, and language instruction is tailored to each learner.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school provides bilingual education in English and French. Early Learning classes are taught by qualified native-speaking teachers. Class sizes are small, with 10–12 pupils per level in Early Learning and 16 pupils per class in Primary and Secondary.	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual French-English education from kindergarten through primary school. The program serves children aged 2 to 11, with instruction available in French, English, or a bilingual format. The bilingual approach fosters fluency in both languages and global awareness in a multicultural environment.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs In the international kindergarten, daily immersion in English and French is provided. Two days per week are taught in French and two days per week in English; each teacher speaks only in their mother tongue to maintain immersion. Chinese and Spanish can be chosen as an extra language course.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school has been recognised as a CIS School of Excellence since 2000.	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is accredited as a “School of Excellence” by the Council of International Schools (CIS) since 2000. The school is a Cambridge International Education centre since 1991. It has an associative contract with the French Ministry of Education since 2010 (simple contract since 1999). It is a member or affiliate of ECIS, ELSA, URSCOP, and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award; it is part of the National Federation of Private Education (FNEP). The school holds CIS accreditation and is aligned with international and French educational standards.	Accreditations null
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Submit an application for Early Learning or Primary (3–10 years). The Admissions Committee reviews all applications because demand exceeds places each year. BIS welcomes foreign, binational and French students and reserves places for international families on short- and long-term missions to balance bilingual classes. No test is required for BIS registration before the age of 14. 2. For Middle School & Upper School (10–18 years), BIS admits students from around the world who demonstrate a positive attitude to work and accept the school's attendance conditions and Mission and Objectives. An Open Day is organized in February or March to allow visitors to discover the programme and meet the teaching team. Applicants for IGCSE must have sufficient English to benefit from the programme (CEFR B1; extra English support may be arranged at cost). Applicants for International A Level must have CEFR B2 English to follow the full range of subjects; they may be accepted with fewer English requirements only in certain circumstances or with longer duration. Applicants should have five IGCSE passes (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics, with a B in chosen A Level subjects where possible; where the certificates cannot be produced, prior assessment may be required. 3. Admissions Policy and Admissions Pack: The Admissions Policy 2025–26 in ENGLISH and the Admissions Pack 2025–26 in ENGLISH are available, with French versions also offered. These documents outline the official criteria, required documentation, and timelines for Early Learning through Upper School admissions and reflect BIS's bilingual mission. 4. Fees: Fees are published in the School Fees 2026/2027 document, which lists the annual tuition by section. For current amounts and payment schedules, refer to the Fees document. 5. An Open Day is also offered to showcase the school's programmes and facilities, and staff are available to answer questions during organised visits.	Admissions Step 1: Interview. All families are asked to interview, either via an online meeting or during an in-person campus visit. Prospective students may attend but are not required. Families applying to primary school are encouraged to email recent school reports (up to two years) ahead of the interview to expedite the admissions process. Kindergarten applicants do not need to provide school reports. Step 2: Admission Outcome. Following the interview (and receipt of school reports where applicable), our admissions team will confirm the application via email. Step 3: Confirming Your Place. If the application is successful, the enrolment form will be shared for completion. Your student's place is secured upon return of the completed enrolment form and payment of the €400 non-refundable enrolment fee. Please note that advance payment of the registration fees is non-refundable. However, in accordance with applicable law, you have the right to cancel within 7 days (Article L.121-19 of the French Consumer Code) by sending a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. Step 4: Admissions Criteria. Applications are welcome regardless of a student's proficiency in French or English. Language development is observed during the first weeks of school. Admissions criteria include motivation, openness and alignment with our educational values and academic history.
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