Maadi British International School vs Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1
Maadi British International School and Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1 are both in Cairo, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. Maadi British International School also offers EYFS, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels, and Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1 also offers French, American and Bespoke. Published annual fees are EGP 150 - 63,000 at Maadi British International School and EGP 1,000 - 185,000 at Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1, which puts Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1 roughly 195% higher. Maadi British International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1 from 3 to 18. Maadi British International School is the larger school, with around 340 pupils to Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1's 250. Typical class sizes are 18 at Maadi British International School and 36 at Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
French Curriculum, American Curriculum, British Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
340
Pupils
250
Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
36
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, French
Opened
Opened
1995
Opened
2000
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Maadi British International School is located in the 4th District Zahraa Al Maadi, Cairo, Egypt. The campus sits in a quiet area of the city with three main buildings and facilities including a large two-storey auditorium, indoor heated swimming pool, astroturf playing field, two multi‑purpose PE courts, an athletics track, science laboratories, two ICT suites, two music rooms, a drama studio, a large library with over 20,000 books and an on‑site cafeteria.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Ages 2-18; Early Years Foundation Stage (2-5), Key Stage 1 (5-7), Key Stage 2 (7-11), Secondary School (11-18), and 6th Form (Year 12-13, 16-18).
Stages
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School type
School type
British international school following the English National Curriculum; Edexcel GCSE/IGCSE and Cambridge/Edexcel A‑Levels; English is the language of instruction with subject offerings including Arabic, Spanish and French as part of the curriculum.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Ages 2-18; students from over 70 countries; over 330 students.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Inclusion Department provides Special Learning Needs and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
British/UK affiliated; follows the English National Curriculum.
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
The school week runs Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 to 14:30, with After School Activities for Years 1–13 from 14:45 to 15:45.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
The transportation service is provided through a local bus company; bus monitors accompany students on journeys. Service areas include Maadi, Zamalek, New Cairo, 6th October and Heliopolis; 14-seat buses are used and travel is charged separately.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Registration Fees
- Application fee on admission: GBP 150 (non-refundable) for Primary and Secondary admissions for the 2025–2026 published schedule. A registration fee is payable at points of admission; the published Registration Fee is GBP 5,750 (payable once only). The Registration Fee is not refundable. The Registration Fee is waived for pupils joining Years 11, 12 and 13 for 2025–2026.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts)
- Early Years — Pre-Foundation: Annual tuition GBP 5,900; per term (one-third) GBP 1,966.67.
- Early Years — Foundation Stage 1: Annual tuition GBP 7,250; per term GBP 2,416.67.
- Primary School (Foundation Stage 2 – Year 6): Annual tuition GBP 12,000; per term GBP 4,000. Additional one‑off Registration Fee GBP 5,750 where applicable. Application Fee GBP 150; Leavers' Academic Assessment Fee (if applicable) GBP 150.
- Secondary School (Year 7 – Year 13): Application Fee GBP 150; Registration Fee GBP 5,750 where applicable; Leavers' Academic Assessment Fee (if applicable) GBP 150. - Years 7–9: Annual tuition GBP 13,900; per term GBP 4,633.33. - Years 10–13: Annual tuition GBP 14,250; per term GBP 4,750.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition may be paid annually or in three equal instalments (three equal payments of one-third of the annual tuition). Invoices for a new child are issued on acceptance of registration and are due prior to the first day of attendance. Children starting in the first half of a term pay the full term fee; those starting after half term pay 50% of that term's fee. A 10% discount is applied for the fourth child while four children are registered at the school.
- Standard tuition instalment timing (invoices and due dates): - Payment 1: Invoices issued one month before the end of Term 3 of the current academic year; due one week before the start of Term 1. - Payment 2: Invoices issued one month before the end of Term 1; due one week before the start of Term 2. - Payment 3: Invoices issued one month before the end of the Spring Term; due one week before the start of Term 3.
- Invoices must be paid by the due dates shown; places are not guaranteed until full payment is received. Reports and school records will not be issued while fees are outstanding; if fees are outstanding by more than one month, the pupil will not be permitted to attend class. Continued non-payment may result in legal collection action and additional costs charged to the family. Parents with extenuating circumstances may apply in writing to the Head of Corporate Services for exception.
Bus / Transport fees and terms
- Bus fees are charged per child per term in Egyptian Pounds and must be paid in EGP. Published per-term bus fees (2025–2026) are: - Maadi: EGP 18,000 per child per term. - New Cairo: EGP 20,000 per child per term. - Zamalek: EGP 20,000 per child per term. - Heliopolis: EGP 20,000 per child per term. - 6th of October: EGP 21,000 per child per term.
- Bus fees are payable in EGP and can be paid in cash to the Cashier or by direct deposit/bank transfer to the school's Egyptian Pounds account; non-payment will result in the child not being permitted to travel by bus. The transport service is operated under contract; students are supervised by a bus monitor and monitored during journeys. Foundation children require an age-appropriate car seat for bus travel.
Other charges and routine costs
- School meals: On-site cafeteria operates a cashless system for most transactions; exact meal prices are managed by the caterer and paid through the cafeteria's pre-paid system. Parents may also provide packed lunches.
- Music tuition: Charged separately; music lesson fees must be paid in cash directly to the Reception Office; lessons will be suspended if music fees are not paid by the end of the first week of the term's lessons.
- Uniforms: Typical uniform item price ranges (in EGP) are published; examples include long-sleeved polo EGP 495–540, trousers EGP 395–440, short-sleeved polo EGP 325–415, PE items and jackets in similar price ranges. Uniforms are typically purchased from a local supplier (supplier details and order forms are published). Uniform purchases are normally paid in cash on delivery from the supplier.
Refunds and special circumstances
- Registration fees are non-refundable. Tuition fee refunds: in the event of a force majeure that causes withdrawal of a pupil, any fees already paid for the school year will not be refunded and any unpaid fees for that year will remain payable. The school defines force majeure to include events such as civil disturbance, acts of war, earthquakes, civil/political/military events, labour unrest, or extreme weather conditions.
Accepted payment methods and bank details
- Tuition fees: Payable in GBP by direct deposit or bank transfer to the school's Sterling account. The published bank details (Sterling Pounds account) are: - Bank: HSBC, New Maadi, Egypt; Account name: Maadi Egyptian British Cultural Society. - Sort Code: EBBKEGCX. - IBAN (Sterling Pounds account): EG260025000500000005002373126. Tuition payments by cash or cheque are not accepted.
- Bus fees and other EGP charges: Payable in EGP and can be paid in cash to the Cashier or by direct deposit/bank transfer to the school's Egyptian Pounds account (IBAN: EG760025000500000005002373002). When paying by bank transfer, a copy of the deposit slip or transfer notice must be sent to the Finance Office for clearance; until confirmation is received, fees are considered outstanding. Music tuition is paid in cash to Reception.
Consequences of non-payment and administrative notes
- Places are not guaranteed until appropriate registration and fees are paid. The school will withhold reports and records for families with outstanding fees, restrict attendance for arrears over one month, and may refer persistent non-payment to legal counsel with recovery costs charged to the family. Requests for exceptions must be submitted in writing to the Head of Corporate Services.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
MBIS has a school uniform. The uniform includes long-sleeved polo shirts, short-sleeved polo shirts, trousers, skirts or skorts, a winter jacket, pullover, PE shirt, PE shorts, PE hooded track top, house-colour T-shirts and an MBIS cap. Uniforms can be purchased through RoseMarie in Heliopolis with home delivery; 6th Form may wear own clothes as long as these are respectful of local traditions.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
A lunch provider offers a cafeteria and students may bring packed lunches. Healthy foods and drinks are encouraged; confectionery is not allowed. MBIS's on-site caterer is Marny's, offering sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast items and fresh juices; hot meals are served in winter; a sample Marny's menu is provided.
Food options
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House system
House system
House colours are part of the uniform; MBIS uses house-colour T-shirts as part of activities.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
MBIS is a non-profit school. The Board of Directors are all parents and are very visible in the playground.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
MBIS uses the English National Curriculum (ENC) as the basis for teaching and is an Edexcel centre delivering GCSE/IGCSE and A‑Level courses. The ENC directs what to teach while curriculum delivery defines how to teach. The Primary Integrated Curriculum uses thematically linked topics with Launch Pad and Landing Pad experiences to make learning engaging. In Secondary, Year 7–9 follow KS3 English National Curriculum in preparation for KS4, while Years 10–11 follow Edexcel GCSE courses leading to KS5 or other pathways. The A‑Level programme offers 14 subject choices including Spanish, French, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, History, Geography, Business, English, Computer Science and Art to prepare students for university anywhere. The primary and secondary curricula are described as creative, inquiry‑based and rigorous, with examples such as the Year 4 Lotions and Potions unit and a UK Independent Schools Inspectorate report praising the provision.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Smaller class sizes are emphasized to ensure more teacher time.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
For 2024 IGCSE examination results, 4-9 (C/A*) 89%, 6-9 (B/A*) 61%, and 7-9 (A*/A) 29%. For 2023, 4-9 86%, 6-9 66%, and 7-9 50%. External awards include 2023 Simone Maestrami – Highest Mark in Egypt (History) and 2022 Ester Lacoud – Highest Mark in Africa (French).
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The school operates Edexcel GCSE and A‑Level pathways; the A‑Level programme covers 14 subject choices including Spanish, French, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, History, Geography, Business, English, Computer Science and Art to prepare students for university in any country.
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
The school places students' welfare at the heart of MBIS. Our small class sizes and caring staff ensure that every student's happiness and security is achieved. Our values-driven approach to education creates a close, mutually supportive learning environment. In the Primary School, the class teacher is always there for students; in the Secondary School, a Form Tutor acts as a Mentor, ready to support students academically and pastorally. There are high expectations of behaviour, and students are taught to respect traditional ideals in a modern world. The quality of relationships is described as first class.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
MBIS is a non-selective school that caters for a wide variety of learning needs through quality first teaching and differentiation. The Learning Support Department is equipped to cater for a limited number of students with mild learning difficulties. MBIS is a mainstream school and is not equipped to deal with more challenging learning difficulties. Prospective entrants are sensitively screened to ensure that the MBIS curriculum is appropriate to their individual needs. The school serves some students for whom English is an additional language, supported by an EAL team.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Some MBIS students come with English as an additional language. They are supported by an EAL team, and teachers structure learning activities to support linguistic development so students can access the curriculum independently. The inclusion framework includes English as an Additional Language, ensuring the curriculum is accessible to all students.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Student welfare is at the heart of MBIS. The school's small class sizes and caring staff help ensure each student's happiness and security. A values-driven approach fosters a close, mutually supportive learning environment. In the Primary School, the class teacher provides ongoing support; in the Secondary School, a Form Tutor acts as a Mentor to support students academically and pastorally. There are high expectations of behaviour, and students are taught to respect traditional ideals in a modern world. The atmosphere and the quality of relationships are described as first class.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The MBIS safeguarding policy is based on Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and aligns with Egyptian laws. The Board reviews the policy annually and MBIS works with local agencies to safeguard students. MBIS supports all students by encouraging self-esteem, creating a caring, safe, and positive environment, and liaising with safeguarding services. All staff have a duty to raise confidential concerns with the designated safeguarding lead, and the DSL (or a deputy) is available to discuss safeguarding concerns. Staff training includes DSL training every two years, and all staff complete Child Protection training annually; safeguarding information is updated at least every two months. Procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse are in line with UK guidance, and the school will report verified cases to the DBS as required.
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
The school occupies a purpose-built site in an attractive, quiet area of Cairo. The campus blends modern and Arabic architecture across three main buildings. Light, airy and spacious, MBIS offers a learning oasis to students. The facilities include a large two-floor auditorium, an indoor heated swimming pool, an astroturf playing field, two multi-purpose PE courts for basketball, netball and tennis, and an athletics track. There are well-equipped rooms for Art, Design Technology, Cookery and a Science Laboratory, two ICT suites, two music rooms with a full range of instruments and individual music tuition rooms, a Drama Studio, interactive whiteboards in all classrooms, a large library with over 20,000 books, and a cafeteria served by Marny's.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The school features an astroturf playing field. Two multi-purpose PE courts for basketball, netball and tennis. An athletics track. An indoor heated swimming pool. The campus includes a large auditorium and space to support a range of sport and physical education activities.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Well-equipped rooms for Art, Design Technology, Cookery and a Science Laboratory. Two ICT suites support digital learning. Two music rooms with a full range of instruments and individual music tuition rooms. A Drama Studio supports drama activities. Interactive whiteboards are in all classrooms and the library houses over 20,000 books.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Two music rooms with a full range of instruments and individual music tuition rooms. A Drama Studio. The large two-floor Auditorium is on campus. Interactive whiteboards are in all classrooms and the library houses over 20,000 books.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Maadi British International School was established in 1995 as Maadi British School and registered with the Egyptian Ministry of Social Affairs as a non profit to educate foreign children in Egypt. It was renamed MBIS to reflect its charter. The Primary School began in New Maadi, with the Nursery in Old Maadi. In September 2004, MBIS relocated to purpose built premises in Zahraa El Maadi. An Upper School was established in September 2010, forming the current structure, with facilities including a 25 metre indoor pool, a multi purpose hall and theatre, two computer suites, an Early Years Centre and extensive play facilities. The school is administered by a board of governors elected from the parental body.
History
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Community
Community
MBIS hosts an international community of over 330 students aged 2-18 years from more than 70 countries. Small class sizes and a caring staff support student welfare. Parents are encouraged to be active members of the school community and to support class activities, day trips and social events. The school maintains regular communication with families through newsletters and events such as Meet and Greet sessions, Keeping Up With The Kids (KUWTKs) information sessions, and Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school follows the English National Curriculum across the year groups. In Key Stage 3, the school teaches English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History and Geography), Computer Science, Physical Education, a language (Arabic, Spanish or French), Art and Design, Business Studies, Design Technology, Learning for Life and Music. In Key Stage 4, the school teaches English, Mathematics and Science as core subjects plus four optional subjects to complete the IGCSE. In Key Stage 5, students choose three A-Level subjects from 14 options with Edexcel or Cambridge International, and AS examinations are taken in Year 12 with the full A2 in Year 13.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The school offers a wide range of experiences in Visual & Performing Arts outside the classroom. Building on specialist art lessons, a wide range of drawing, painting, modelling, ceramics, crafts, video and photography clubs are offered. The school runs termly full-scale musical productions; drama and dance clubs are offered each term; music is taught by a specialist with instrument tuition in guitar, piano, saxophone, clarinet, violin, cello, drums and singing. There may be opportunities to join the Brass Band, School Choir or School Rock Band; a Café Noir evening showcases instrumental ensembles, and the school participates in a Creativity Day with other international schools.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Arabic, Spanish or French are offered as language options within the curriculum. Language learning appears as part of Key Stage 3 under the English National Curriculum. There is a Languages trip to Paris/Spain for Years 7–10 as part of residential opportunities. The school also engages in cross-cultural activities such as Creativity Day with other international schools.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The school offers After School Activities (ASAs) from Year 1 onwards; ASAs vary term to term to provide a broad base of learning experiences and aim to develop independence, organisation, perseverance, teamwork and leadership. Residential trips are planned for Year 4 and above, with additional international travel opportunities in the secondary school, fostering independence and leadership. Day trips have included visits to mosques and churches, a farm in Saqqara, The Grand Egyptian Museum, The Great Pyramids of Giza and other cultural sites.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
The school supports student leadership through a House Team system and a Student Leadership Team that operates across Year 2–6 (Primary Leadership Team) and Year 7–10 (Secondary Leadership Team), with elected representatives each term. Older students can apply for Head Boy and Head Girl roles, and Playground Marshals lead younger pupils and may run after-school activities with adult support. The focus is on making a positive difference within the school community and developing leadership through school initiatives.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The school encourages leadership and professional development through student-led structures such as House Teams and the Student Leadership Team. The Student Leadership Team operates across Year 2–6 (Primary) and Year 7–10 (Secondary) with elected representatives each term. Head Boy and Head Girl positions, along with Playground Marshals, provide senior students with leadership responsibilities and opportunities to coach and lead peers. Leadership and professional skills are reinforced through ongoing school initiatives and student participation in decision-making processes.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Student welfare is at the heart of MBIS, with small class sizes and caring staff ensuring that every student is supported academically and pastorally. In the Primary and Secondary settings, Form Tutors act as mentors and there are high expectations of behaviour within a values-driven, inclusive community. The campus features facilities that support wellbeing and creative activity, including a large auditorium, indoor swimming pool, astroturf playing field, multiple PE courts, an athletics track, well-equipped arts and science spaces, a library with over 20,000 books and a dedicated café area for meals and socialization.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Arabic, Spanish and French are taught. In Key Stage Three, a language chosen from Arabic, Spanish or French is studied. The IGCSE programme includes Spanish, French and Arabic as subject choices. The Inclusion Department provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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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. The school offers places to children with foreign nationality. The School Admissions Manager, Nancy Girgis, arranges a visit to MBIS; this includes a meeting with the Head of School, a tour of the site, and the handover of key documentation including an application package. The initial contact starts the enrolment process.
2. If a pre-visit is not possible, especially for families relocating to Cairo, email Nancy with any queries.
3. An entrance interview is scheduled after receipt of the completed application forms and the previous school report. MBIS is not academically selective; however, the school needs to ensure that the curriculum is appropriate to the child's needs. The assessments are age- and stage-appropriate: Foundation & Reception age children – classroom-based observation and a short phonics assessment (90 minutes); Year 1 & Year 2 age children – classroom-based observation; a short reading and writing assessment (90 minutes); Year 3 to Year 11 – an age-appropriate online assessment in reading and mathematics; a short writing task (90 minutes); If the child is new to English – short assessments in speaking, writing and reading; a short non-language based mathematics task (90 minutes).
4. An official offer of a place is made to parents, subject to availability.
5. Parents are invited to confirm the children's enrolment, after which the registration fee is requested.
6. Once the fee is paid, the place is secured. MBIS accepts enrolment applications across the year and places may be limited.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
Many of our students have been awarded scholarships.