Haileybury Astana vs International Steppe School of Astana
Haileybury Astana and International Steppe School of Astana are both in Astana, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Haileybury Astana also offers British and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are KZT 6,936,000 - 18,496,000 at Haileybury Astana and KZT 3,200,000 - 7,400,000 at International Steppe School of Astana, which puts Haileybury Astana roughly 140% higher. Haileybury Astana takes pupils from 2 to 18, and International Steppe School of Astana from 4 to 18. International Steppe School of Astana is the larger school, with around 1,426 pupils to Haileybury Astana's 800. Typical class sizes are 17 at Haileybury Astana and 22 at International Steppe School of Astana.
Haileybury Astana, Ivan Panfilov Building 4, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan.
Location
Turkistan Street, 32/1, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan. Located in Astana, Kazakhstan. The school operates as a private day IB World School.
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten; Junior School (ages 5-11); Senior School (ages 11-18).
Stages
Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP)
School type
School type
British education; offers IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
School type
IB World School; private day school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Kazakhstan
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
School Bus Service provided by IE Makhambetov; vehicles include Toyota Coaster and Hyundai County (21-28 seats) with safety belts; BatOnRoute real-time tracking and notifications; Transportation contact Yernar Nuryshev, +7 (7172) 55 98 55, y.nuryshev@haileyburyastana.kz.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Admission Fees Haileybury Astana charges a non-refundable registration fee of KZT 50,000 for entrance assessments and admissions processing. A refundable guarantee deposit of KZT 750,000 is also required after signing the Educational Services Agreement.
Tuition Fees (2026/2027 Academic Year) The school sets fees in GBP with a base exchange rate of KZT 680 per GBP for the 2026/2027 academic year. The approximate tuition fees in KZT are:
Crèche (Age 2+): KZT 6,936,000 per year, approximately KZT 2,312,000 per term Nursery – Reception (Age 3–4): KZT 8,670,000 per year, approximately KZT 2,890,000 per term Key Stage 1 / Year 1–2 (Age 5–6): KZT 12,369,200 per year, approximately KZT 4,123,067 per term Key Stage 2 / Year 3–6 (Age 7–10): KZT 14,681,200 per year, approximately KZT 4,893,733 per term Key Stage 3 / Year 7–9 (Age 11–13): KZT 16,762,000 per year, approximately KZT 5,587,333 per term Key Stage 4 / Year 10–11 (Age 14–16): KZT 18,496,000 per year, approximately KZT 6,165,333 per term Key Stage 5 / Year 12–13 (Age 16–18): KZT 18,496,000 per year, approximately KZT 6,165,333 per term
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Fees are paid in three instalments during the academic year:
First payment due by 05 June 2026 Second payment due by 20 November 2026 Final payment due by 05 March 2027
The first payment secures the student’s place for the academic year.
Boarding Fees Haileybury Astana is a day school and does not provide boarding facilities.
Other Costs and Fees School fees include meals and snacks, co-curricular activities, stationery, English language support, medical centre services, and on-site security. Additional charges may apply for uniforms, school transport, individual music lessons, and activities provided by external organisations.
Refund Information The guarantee deposit is refundable subject to the school’s withdrawal conditions and settlement of any outstanding balances.
Fee Payment Options Payments can be made online by Visa or Mastercard through the school website, by bank transfer, or through Forte Bank and selected Kazakhstan banking applications. Kazakhstan citizens pay in KZT using the National Bank exchange rate on the payment date.
Fee details
Application / registration fee
- A one-time entry (application/registration) fee of KZT 320,000 is charged at enrolment.
Tuition fees (annual amounts by year group)
- Grade 1–4: KZT 4,200,000 per year (Grade 1–4 listed as KZT 4,200,000 for grades 1–4 in the published fee schedule for the 2025/26 year). - Grade 5–9: KZT 4,900,000 per year (grades shown as KZT 4,900,000 for grades 5–9 in the published fee schedule for the 2025/26 year). - Grade 10–12: KZT 6,200,000 per year (grades shown as KZT 6,200,000 for grades 10–12 in the published fee schedule for the 2025/26 year).
First-year total (example for new enrolment)
- For a child entering Grade 1 in their first year, the total first-year cost (tuition plus the one-time entry fee) is KZT 4,520,000 (KZT 4,200,000 tuition + KZT 320,000 entry fee).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Published fees are expressed as annual amounts. The school's published fee listings present annual tuition by grade; the entry fee is a one‑time charge at enrolment. No publicly posted detailed per-term instalment schedule, instalment penalties, or discount scheme was provided in the published fee information accessed.
Boarding fees
- No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed in the school's published fee information. The school is presented as a day school with no separate boarding charges published.
Other costs and typical additional charges
- The school's published fee schedules list tuition and the one-time entry fee but do not publish detailed separate charges for items such as uniforms, school lunches, transport (bus), extracurricular clubs, learning resources, internal exam fees, or external examination fees. These categories are commonly charged separately by many schools but no public line-item amounts for them were available in the published fee materials accessed.
Refund information
- No publicly posted, itemised refund schedule for tuition or the entry fee (for example, pro-rata refunds for withdrawal dates) was available in the published fee materials that accompany the school's fee listings.
Fee payment options
- The school's published fee listings present annual amounts but do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, local currency or foreign‑currency payment rules) or the precise billing deadlines in the publicly available fee information accessed.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Haileybury Astana has an online School Uniform Shop. Uniform items are available for Kindergarten, Junior School and Senior School. The Uniform Catalogue Guide documents the Uniform Policy, and uniforms can be ordered online with courier delivery or on-site pickup.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Dining in the Dining Hall offers a daily range of nutritious meals, including freshly prepared soups, breads, fish, and a wide array of vegan and vegetarian options, plus fruits and salads. Menus cater to Kindergarten, Junior School and Senior School; there are themed days and nutrition education initiatives.
Food options
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House system
House system
Every pupil is assigned to one of four Houses: Edmonstone, Attlee, Kipling, Bartle Frere. House Masters oversee pastoral care with a team of House Staff, and House teams compete in sports, performing arts and academic competitions.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Haileybury Astana is a non-profit organisation. The School is managed by the Board of Governors, comprising representatives from Haileybury UK and the Kazakhstan Founders. The school is part of the Haileybury Schools Group.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Full British curriculum for children aged 2 to 18 with English as the language of instruction, including IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
IB Diploma Programme results 2025: average score 34; 45% of subject grades were 6 or 7; 79% of students achieved top grades in Theory of Knowledge; 24% were awarded the bilingual Diploma; all leavers progressed to universities of their first or second choice.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Destinations for the IB DP 2025 cohort include the University of Warwick (UK), University of St Andrews (UK), UC Berkeley (USA), University of Toronto (Canada), Maastricht University (Netherlands), HKUST (Hong Kong), University of Nottingham (UK), and other leading universities.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Haileybury Astana integrates social and emotional learning through the Haileybury Habits and the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile. A four-House system provides pastoral care with House Masters and House Staff who meet with pupils daily. Healthy competition is fostered through school sports, performing arts and academic activities. The school supports resilient, creative, independent, courageous, inquisitive and reflective learners in a safe, caring environment.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support helps pupils access the mainstream curriculum. EAL lessons operate in place of other language classes, with entry assessments and ongoing placement decisions. Pupils remain in EAL until their English enables access to the main curriculum, at which point exit is determined by teacher recommendation and a language assessment. Kazakh language is taught as the host language from Key Stage 1, with Kazakh classes offered in all years and IGCSE/IB contexts providing relevant opportunities.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English is the primary language of instruction for all classes. Language courses are offered in English, French, Kazakh, Russian and Spanish, with mother tongue provision. The EAL program provides English language support for pupils needing extra help, with formal assessment on entry and ongoing support. About 80% of pupils speak English as an additional language, and most staff are fluent in English and at least one other language.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Well-being is integrated into school life through the House System and dedicated pastoral care. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered to pupils as part of personal development. The University Counselling service provides guidance for university applications and life skills, including interviews, essay support and career planning. The Tootoot safeguarding app enables confidential reporting of concerns, contributing to a safe, supportive environment.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and the welfare of pupils are paramount. All staff have a role in protecting pupils, and safeguarding is supported by a dedicated platform (Tootoot) for reporting concerns. A designated safeguarding lead coordinates safeguarding across the school, with ongoing training and a commitment to early intervention and the best outcomes for pupils.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Haileybury Astana sits in a beautiful natural park along the Ishim river. The campus provides a wide range of modern facilities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a sports hall, and a dance and performing arts studio. Outdoor facilities include an astroturf football pitch and tennis courts. On-site amenities include a music recording studio, learning zones, and a technology-rich environment.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The school has a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a sports hall, an astroturf football pitch, and tennis courts. A dance and performing arts studio supports movement-based activities and performances. The on-site facilities support a wide range of physical education and competitive sports. Competitive seasons include football, basketball and volleyball as part of COASH and CAFA programmes.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The school provides a technology-rich learning environment with spaces designed for modern teaching. The STEAM+ facilities integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths to support interdisciplinary learning. The Haileybury Astana Sci-Tech Hub opened in 2025 to include robotics arenas, 3D printers and advanced science laboratories. On-site learning zones and dedicated spaces support inquiry-based, hands-on education.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme includes basketball, volleyball, football, swimming, gymnastics and fitness. Haileybury Astana Camp offers holiday programs that combine learning with leisure. The campus also houses a dance and performing arts studio and a music recording studio to support performing arts and music activities.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Haileybury Astana was founded in 2011 as a non-profit educational project and opened in September 2012 in Astana. It is governed by a Board of Governors with representatives from Haileybury UK and Kazakh founders and forms part of the Haileybury Schools Group, with a partner school in Almaty. In 2011 the International Accreditation and Rating Agency of Kazakhstan granted full institutional accreditation. The school provides a British education and prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and world-class universities.
History
Founded in 2013 as the International School of Astana in the capital city of Kazakhstan. In 2025 the school was renamed International Steppe School of Astana as part of a Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools rebranding. It is listed as a branch of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools.
Community
Community
Haileybury Astana operates within a global, inclusive community shaped by its mission to provide an educational experience that develops pupils academically, physically, culturally and socially within a global context. The school aims to develop resilient, creative, independent, courageous, inquisitive and reflective learners through a broad curriculum, visits and events, and to promote Haileybury Habits and the IBO Learner Profile, with emphasis on intercultural and international learning and the traditions and culture of Kazakhstan and Haileybury. The Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme offers specialised sports coaching and clubs, alongside opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award to broaden experiences beyond the classroom.
Community
ISA maintains an active school community with a calendar of events emphasizing scientific inquiry, cultural exchange, and student leadership. Examples from 2025 include 'Tugan Elge Tagzym – 2025' (scientific exploration, nature study, and historical research); 'Exhibition of joint social and mentoring projects of grades 8 and 11'; and the '4th Experiential Learning Conference' with related activities. Other 2025 events include 'Festival of Hope – A Dialogue of Cultures and Leadership for the Future' and the 'My Homeland' Project: Exploring Lake Taldykol.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The Haileybury Parents' Association works with the school to organise events ranging from formal balls to casual quiz nights and aims to create opportunities for every parent to engage with the school. The HPA Committee includes a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, plus a House representative and a staff representative, with details of members published on the page. The association operates under a constitution that defines its aims, membership and finances; membership is open to all current-pupil parents, with staff typically not members but welcome at meetings, and funds are raised via a termly subscription to support administration and events, with any surplus directed to school projects. The HPA has a formal role in liaising with school leadership and in supporting parent engagement within the Haileybury Astana community.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Chess and a debate club are part of Haileybury Astana's co-curricular offerings. Language clubs support language development and global awareness. Haileybury Astana hosts Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, and the Haileybury Astana Model United Nations Conference provides a platform for students to practice public speaking and diplomatic skills. Model United Nations is an educational simulation where delegates represent countries and debate real-world issues.
Academic & intellectual
Tugan Elge Tagzym – 2025: scientific exploration, nature study, and historical research. My Homeland project: Exploring Lake Taldykol.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Music lessons are offered as part of CCAs, and 3D art is included among co-curricular activities. Hearts and Wings magazine provides students with opportunities to express creativity and publish work. TEDxYouth@HaileyburyAstana also features as a student-led creative platform.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Language clubs are available to support language development. The UNESCO Club at Haileybury Astana promotes unity, tolerance, goodness and peace and has official status as part of the UNESCO Clubs. The UNESCO Club has organised activities such as a literature competition and a Peace Day assembly, and has participated in campaigns and events.
Cultural & language
Festival of Hope – A Dialogue of Cultures and Leadership for the Future. It took place on April 17, 2025. The event focused on intercultural dialogue and leadership.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The CCA programme includes a range of specialized sports coaching, clubs and opportunities for pupils to experience new activities. Haileybury Astana hosts the Haileybury Astana Model United Nations Conference (MUN) as a major student activity. Hearts and Wings magazine and TEDxYouth@HaileyburyAstana provide student-led creative and social platforms.
Social & hobbies
Exhibition of joint social and mentoring projects of grades 8 and 11 at ISA. It occurred on April 25, 2025.
Community & service
Community & service
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is available to pupils from Year 10 upwards, with four sections (skill, physical recreation, voluntary service, Adventurous Journey) and three levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold). It emphasizes service to others, leadership and personal development. The UNESCO Club campaigns for peace and has organised charitable activities, including donations to institutions.
Community & service
Exhibition of joint social and mentoring projects of grades 8 and 11 at ISA. It occurred on April 25, 2025.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award develops leadership, initiative, planning and teamwork through its four sections and three levels. Model United Nations fosters leadership, public speaking and collaboration as pupils represent countries and debate global issues. The IB Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form emphasises independence and leadership skills within an international framework.
Leadership & professional
The 4th Experiential Learning Conference is being held at ISA. A meeting with international experts as part of the 4th Experiential Learning Conference took place at ISA.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Haileybury Astana offers a wide range of sporting activities through the Physical Education programme, developing physical, social and emotional well-being. The sports programme includes basketball, football/futsal, swimming, gymnastics and fitness, with seasons and competitions in local, regional and national contexts. The swimming programme progresses from water confidence to formal strokes, and there are internal time trials and meets with local clubs.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is studied through IGCSE courses including First Language English and English as a Second Language. Kazakh language is taught by specialist teachers; Russian is taught as a subject. IGCSE language options include French, Spanish, Russian and Kazakh; Kazakh passport holders must study Kazakh, and Kazakh students who speak Russian will also study GCSE Russian.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
Haileybury Astana provides a full British curriculum for children aged 2 to 18. English is the language of instruction, with an EAL programme (English as an Additional Language) for non-native speakers. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offers a bilingual diploma option, awarded to candidates who complete two languages within the DP language and literature courses.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Initial inquiry: An initial inquiry can be made by email, by phone, or by visiting the school to obtain more information. The Registrar records relevant pupil data for further correspondence. 2. Consultation with Registrar and School tour: Parents considering sending their child to Haileybury Astana arrange a consultation with the Registrar and a tour of the school. 3. Inter-Haileybury transfers (Haileybury Almaty): Pupils transferring from Haileybury Almaty will not be required to sit the entrance test if recommended by the Head of Haileybury Almaty; they are guaranteed a place if there is room in the year group. A Guarantee Payment is paid by applicants from Haileybury Almaty to secure a place. 4. Assessment and Taster day: After registration an assessment is arranged and a Taster day (or morning) is provided; prospective pupils also have a short interview with a staff member. 5. Result of Assessment: After the entrance examination results are processed, parents are informed of the outcome, normally the day after testing. The outcome can be an offer of a place, an invitation to join the Waiting List, or no offer. 6. Receipt of Information package: An information package is provided to parents of enrolled pupils, including a School Handbook (available in English) and an Academic Calendar. 7. Required documents: Within five working days after signing the Educational Services Agreement (ESA), parents provide documents including: Application for Admission; Release agreement; Birth certificate or applicant passport; IDs for parents; previous school reports; Entrance test sheets; a copy of the signed ESA; a Medical questionnaire; Vaccination Card (where applicable). 8. Signing ESA and school uniform: The Registrar provides the ESA; upon agreement, the ESA is signed by the Parent and the Bursar; the Enrolment Check List is completed; new entrants purchase the school uniform. 9. Security system: All collecting adults must have a personal security pass; parents provide a recent photo to the admissions office to obtain a pass. 10. Pupil's first day: On the first day, pupils are familiarized with the timetable, CCAs (co-curricular activities), locker allocation, network login, and House assignment. 11. Timing and waiting list: Places are limited per class; if a year group is full, applicants may be invited to take entrance tests and be placed on the waiting list; if places become available, the Registrar contacts waiting list applicants in chronological order, with earlier applicants invited first. Exceptions can be made for older siblings or multiple-child applications.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
Haileybury Astana offers two scholarship programs. 1) Scholarships for IB Diploma Programme (IBDP): A limited number of 100% scholarships are available for top Kazakh students who cannot afford tuition, with additional partial scholarships possible. The competition comprises four stages: 1) Subject testing (English, Maths, Science), 2) CAT4, 3) Team challenge (date TBA), 4) Interviews, followed by results and a finance review. Conditions include age category (born 31/08/2009–30/08/2010), Kazakh citizenship, Advanced English, strong academic performance, successful completion of subject testing, successful interview, and provision of financial documents. The date and time of tests are sent in invitations to shortlisted candidates. 2) Academic Scholarship for 13-year-old pupils (external applicants): Applications are open for external students to study Haileybury Astana from Year 9/12+. The competition stages are video submission (Jan 21–Feb 20, 2026), subject testing (Feb 28, 2026), CAT4 (Mar 15, 2026), interviews (Apr 6–8, 2026), and financial review (Apr 27–May 12, 2026). Eligibility includes Kazakh citizenship, strong academic performance, English at Upper-Intermediate level, and birth date 01.09.2012–31.08.2013. All applicants must complete the application form, and only shortlisted candidates are invited to submit a 1-minute video answering: “Why should I receive a scholarship at Haileybury Astana?” Registration uses a Google form.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
Haileybury Astana maintains a waiting list for full year groups. When a year group is full, applicants may be invited to sit entrance tests and be placed on the waiting list. As places become available, the Registrar contacts applicants on the waiting list in chronological order (first applied is invited). Exceptions to this rule may be made for children with an older sibling in the school or for applications for more than one child.
