Modern English School Cairo vs Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1
Modern English School Cairo and Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1 are both in Cairo, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer British and American programmes. Modern English School Cairo also offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and IB, and Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1 also offers French and Bespoke. Published annual fees are EGP 80,000 - 185,000 at Modern English School Cairo and EGP 1,000 - 185,000 at Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1, which puts Modern English School Cairo roughly 42% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. Modern English School Cairo is the larger school, with around 2,400 pupils to Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1's 250. Typical class sizes are 20 at Modern English School Cairo and 36 at Modern School of Egypt 2000 - النرجس عمارات 1.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, American Curriculum, IB (DP)
Curriculum
French Curriculum, American Curriculum, British Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
2,400
Pupils
250
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
36
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, French
Opened
Opened
1990
Opened
2000
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
New Cairo, South of Police Academy, Cairo, Egypt. The campus is in the New Cairo suburb and is purpose-built with green spaces, open atriums, fish ponds and an aviary. The Primary school is based around a pod layout with year groups clustered in a common corridor, with a shared pod-space connecting all classrooms. A central 400-seat theatre is used for meetings, assemblies and performances.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS); Key Stage 1 (KS1); Key Stage 2 (KS2); British Secondary; American Secondary; IB Diploma Programme.
Stages
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School type
School type
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School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Students with identified exceptionalities may access additional support via Primary LDD and Secondary LDD teams. Provision includes authoring of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), outsourcing to community agencies and exam/testing modifications.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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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
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
School bussing is available for students and staff to/from most locations in greater Cairo. Our school buses are well maintained to ensure safety and comfort of the highest standard.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and registration fees
- A non‑refundable registration (application) fee is charged for new enrolments; a re‑enrolment deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition is collected to secure places for continuing pupils.
Tuition — annual and typical instalment amounts (2025/26 fee levels)
- Foundation stage / KG1: EGP 80,000 per year. Typical payment if spread in four instalments: EGP 20,000 per instalment.
- Foundation stage / KG2: EGP 93,000 per year. Typical four‑instalment amount: EGP 23,250 per instalment.
- Primary (Years 1–2): EGP 119,000 per year. Typical four‑instalment amount: EGP 29,750 per instalment.
- Primary (Years 3–6): EGP 131,000 per year. Typical four‑instalment amount: EGP 32,750 per instalment.
- Secondary — American diploma (middle/upper secondary exam years and related grades listed): EGP 161,000 per year. Typical four‑instalment amount: EGP 40,250 per instalment.
- Secondary — British/upper‑secondary exam years (A‑level/IB/UK senior years listed): EGP 185,000 per year. Typical four‑instalment amount: EGP 46,250 per instalment.
(Fees above are shown as annual tuition with a commonly used school instalment structure; the school issues billing and instalment schedules as described below.)
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is billed as the annual fee but may be paid in instalments. The school's standard instalment plan requires an early re‑enrolment payment (10% of the annual fee) and staged payments through the year (historically shown as further instalments in August, November and March). Transport charges are required in full before the start of the academic year. No student is admitted on the first day of term without settlement of due fees.
- Registration fees for new students are non‑refundable at enrolment. The school operates sibling fee concessions: a reduced registration charge for the second child and additional reductions for third/fourth siblings, and percentage reductions on tuition for multiple children.
Boarding
- The school is a day school; no boarding fees apply.
Other costs and recurring charges
- Transportation: school bus service is charged in addition to tuition; published listings for the 2025/26 year show transportation charges reported at EGP 10,400 (charged separately and payable in advance). Transport must be paid in full before the start of the academic year (exact amount may vary by route).
- Examinations and external exam fees (IGCSE/GCSE/A‑level, SAT/TOEFL, IB) are billed separately and are not included in tuition.
- Books, activity fees and similar consumable or programme costs are not included in the published tuition figures and are charged separately.
- Uniform: official school uniform is required. Uniform items are available from the school uniform shop and may be purchased online via the parent portal; uniform costs are charged separately. The school maintains a published uniform policy listing required items by year group.
- Other potential additional charges include specific trips, optional extracurricular activities that require extra payment, learning‑support or EAL services if applicable, and exam administration fees. External exam charges and some activity costs are billed separately from tuition.
Refunds and withdrawal terms
- The school operates an explicit re‑enrolment and withdrawal policy: parents are required to notify the school in writing by stated deadlines to be eligible for any partial refund of re‑enrolment payments; a historical example of the policy requires written notice before the school's published cut‑off date (example given as July 1 in earlier documentation) to qualify for a refund of the re‑enrolment payment less an administrative charge; beyond the deadline re‑enrolment fees may not be refundable. Parents are bound by the school's written terms and conditions when enrolling or withdrawing a pupil.
Fee payment options and instructions
- Accepted payment methods include bank transfer to the school's accounts, card payments (Visa/MasterCard), and electronic instalment plans through third‑party finance partners (valU has been offered as an option). Cheques are not accepted. The school publishes account details and an accounts e‑mail contact for fee queries and payment confirmations.
Quick practical points for parents
- Tuition amounts shown above are annual figures; the school issues invoices and an instalment schedule. Typical instalments are calculated by splitting the annual fee over the school's accepted number of instalments (the school's standard plan has historically used four instalments).
- Transport, uniforms, books, exam fees and many trips/activities are additional to tuition and must be budgeted for separately.
- There are sibling discounts and reduced registration terms for second and further children.
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
The school has a formal uniform policy. Uniforms are worn at school or when representing MES Cairo. Uniforms can be purchased from the school uniform shop (open Sunday–Thursday until 3:30 pm and Saturday until 1:00 pm) or online via the Parent Portal; the MES Cairo House Polo Shirt must be worn for house events and alternatives are not permitted.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Canteen arrangements: Canteen services will continue to be available to students in KS2 and Secondary, but with a reduced menu. Set menu boxes cost 50 LE per box and include a main item (pizza, sandwich, pasta or rice with protein), a fruit or vegetable option, and a drink.
Food options
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House system
House system
MES Cairo uses a House Spirit system. Students wear a MES Cairo House Polo Shirt for house events, and alternatives to the House polo shirt are not permitted.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board is Mrs Sawsan Dajani and the Managing Director is Ghada Dajani.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Early Years follows the Early Years curriculum with an emphasis on play, early childhood development and interpersonal skills. They progress to KS1 and then KS2, where the National Curriculum of England underpins learning with adjustments for local context and international culture. In Secondary, students choose between the British Secondary pathway (a 2-year KS3 programme with GCSE/IGCSE, followed by AS/A Levels) or the American Secondary pathway (a 2-year Middle School Programme followed by a 4-year High School Diploma Programme). At the completion of Year 10/Grade 10, students can pursue graduation via the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme if they prefer. All pathways lead to graduation and university access.
Our Secondary Leadership Team provides university counselling and information on virtually any university destination worldwide, including Egypt, with visits by reputable tertiary institutions throughout the academic year. Students are encouraged to utilise school resources to support their university planning, and not outsource to third parties.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
For Gifted and Talented students there is an opportunity to take an additional two subjects, PE and Global Perspectives.
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
Pastoral support is a key strength; students have access to emotional and psychological care, including on-site psychological support and a dedicated school counsellor in the secondary section. The wellbeing framework is supported by a structured referral system and access to counsellors to assist students with emotional and social needs.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Learning Development Departments in both primary and secondary provide support for students with identified exceptionalities, including the creation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), outsourcing to community agencies, and exam/testing modifications.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English as a Second Language is offered within the secondary English provision. Most students sit English as a Second Language in November of Year 10 and English as a First Language in May of Year 10; some families may choose to pursue English as a First Language, or English as a Second Language later, with guidance to place students in appropriate language pathways.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Well-being is prioritised with welfare, health and safety described as outstanding. Students have access to emotional and psychological care, including on-site medical staff and mental health resources, with a structured referral process for well-being concerns.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding; a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy outlines standards applied to staff, the Board, and volunteers, reflecting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and supported by a Child Protection Team.
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
Modern English School Cairo is located in New Cairo in a purpose-built campus. The campus features green spaces, open atriums, fish ponds and an aviary. The Primary section uses a pod layout with year groups clustered in a common corridor and a shared pod-space connecting classrooms. There are ample yard and sports facilities, including indoor and outdoor courts, sports pitches and swimming pools for outdoor play and learning. A central 400-seat theatre supports meetings, assemblies and performances.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Indoor and outdoor courts accommodate court sports and physical education. Sports pitches enable team practice and matches on grass or turf. Swimming pools support aquatic activities and lessons. Ample yard space supports outdoor games and recreational activities. The facilities underpin a comprehensive PE and after-school athletics program.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Classrooms are well-equipped with specialist facilities for music, dance, theatre, cooking, design technology and computing. There are dedicated facilities for Science and Art. A pod-layout in the Primary division connects year groups with shared pod-space to support collaborative learning. The central 400-seat theatre supports performances and presentations as part of the academic and co-curricular program.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular options include After School Activities (ASAs) and athletics, along with trips and productions. House Spirit, Pioneers and The International Award are part of the student opportunities. Productions are supported by the on-site theatre. The school offers a broad enrichment program with opportunities across performing arts, leadership and outdoor learning.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Modern English School Cairo opened in October 1990 with 28 students. It began with a pioneering group of educators led by Mr. Nabeel Dajani and Mrs. Sawsan Dajani. As the school population grew, facilities were improved and the school moved to a purpose-built campus in New Cairo. The school fosters a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where students care for each other, seek challenge, and are inspired.
History
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Community
Community
MES Cairo has a defined school community led by a Senior Leadership Team and Senior Student Leaders, with safeguarding and an Alumni network (MESConians). Teaching staff and Parents as Partners are integral to school life. The enrichment provision includes After School Activities (ASAs), Athletics, Student Leadership, Trips, Productions, House Spirit, Pioneers, and The International Award.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Parents as Partners (PAP) is an initiative to engage parents as partners in education. The Whole School Development Plan for 2021/2022 revisits and develops the PAP, with a calendar of regular events offered online by staff, parents, and specialist experts. A social media campaign is planned to reinforce school culture and parenting to support learning, growth and development. The plan includes a needs assessment from stakeholders, coordination of the programme, and a calendar rollout for Terms 1 and 2, with leadership roles for SLT, SSLT, PSLT and related teams.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Enrichment Provision comprises a range of activities beyond core classes, including After School Activities (ASAs), Athletics, Student Leadership, Trips, Productions, House Spirit, Pioneers and The International Award. These offerings provide opportunities for exploration and skill development outside the standard curriculum. Students participate in after-school activities and school-wide events to deepen interests and teamwork. The International Award is listed as part of Enrichment Provision.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Productions are included in the Enrichment Provision. The Enrichment Provision also includes After School Activities (ASAs) and other named activities. Through these provisions, students have opportunities to engage in creative performance beyond the classroom. Productions provide opportunities for performing arts.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Trips are listed as part of the enrichment program. Productions and House Spirit are included as social and community activities. Pioneers and After School Activities (ASAs) offer additional clubs and hobby groups.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Student Leadership is part of Enrichment Provision. The International Award is listed as part of Enrichment Provision. These elements are listed under Enrichment Provision.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Athletics is part of the Enrichment Provision. Trips are included in the enrichment program. The Enrichment Provision includes House Spirit and Pioneers.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
World Languages are taught as part of the MES Cairo curriculum. Grade 7 and Grade 8 both offer French and Spanish, taught using Bien Dit 1 (French) and Avancemos 1 (Spanish) as digital course books. The World Language Department emphasizes the five C's of language education—communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities—through a dynamic program that develops speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. In Grades 9–12, the American High School Diploma pathway requires two consecutive world language courses for graduation.
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
Admission priorities: First consideration is given to students who already have siblings registered in MES Cairo. Second consideration is given to students who apply from schools which offer similar academic programmes or follow a similar academic syllabus. Third consideration is given to students with the most academic ability, keeping in mind space availability and the date when the application was first processed. All other considerations may or may not play a major role in the admission process depending on the individual case.
Application steps: 1. Complete MES Cairo Application Form online. 2. Visit MES Cairo to sign the application and submit the required documents. Your application is not submitted into the system until step 1 and step 2 are both completed. 3. Assessment results are announced within two weeks from the assessment date. If accepted, a deposit will be required within seven days of receiving the acceptance call to secure the student's place.
Required documents: Part I – The required documents for the admission process: Original birth certificate – computer generated (Egyptian students); Copy of student's passport and residence visa valid for no less than six months – this should not be a tourist visa (non-Egyptian students); Two recent passport-size photos of student; Copy of mother and father's ID (National Number) and passport copies of non-Egyptian parents; Original academic report from previous school for last two academic years; Stamped attendance statement from previous school starting from Year 1; Letter of good conduct from previous school for students in Year 6 and above; Copy of parents/guardian's education certificates. Part II – Additional documents required for those transferring within Egypt: Attendance statement or progress report for last academic year stamped by the Educational District; Transfer request stamped from both the school the student is transferring from and the Educational District; Electronic transfer request from previous school. Part III – Additional documents required for students transferring from abroad: Attendance statement from previous school stamped by the Ministry of Education of the country the student is transferring from, as well as by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Last school report stamped by the Ministry of Education in the country the student is transferring from, as well as by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Issuing a letter of admission from the Educational District for both Egyptian and non-Egyptian students transferring from abroad.