Rygaards International School vs Skt. Josef's International School Roskilde

	R Rygaards International School Copenhagen, Denmark	S Skt. Josef's International School Roskilde Copenhagen, Denmark
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year DKK 42,350 - 53,075	Fees / year DKK 34,650 - 43,175
Age range	Age range 4 - 16 years	Age range 5 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Dutch Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Danish
Opened	Opened 1909	Opened 1904
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Bernstorffsvej 54, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark. The school is in the Hellerup area just north of central Copenhagen.	Location Frederiksborgvej 10, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. In Roskilde's historic centre, behind the cathedral, overlooking the fjord.
Stages	Stages Two departments under one roof: Rygaards Danske Skole and Rygaards International School. The international department educates pupils from 4 to 16 years old using the English curriculum.	Stages Primary (Year 1–6); Lower Secondary (Year 7–9); IGCSE (Year 10–11).
School type	School type Private, Christian/Catholic, co-educational.	School type International School offering the Cambridge International Curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Over forty nationalities represented. International Department has 200 students and Danish Department has 800 students, giving a local-to-international ratio of 4:1.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Special service unit provides additional learning support.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Denmark	Country affiliation Denmark
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Catholic	Religious affiliation Catholic
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure School office hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. After School Program (SFO) runs 7:00 am–8:05 am and 1:00 pm–5:00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Transport subsidies are available; Movia school cards are not provided by the school; no school bus service is described.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Overview and scope This summary lists published Rygaards International School fees and related payment terms for the published schedule (figures shown in Danish kroner, DKK). Figures include the main tuition, sibling rates, reception-class and SFO (after-school care) charges, supplements for secondary years, one-off fees, and standard ancillary charges. Application, enrolment and deposit - Application fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): DKK 2,000. - Enrollment fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): DKK 2,000. - Deposit (refundable subject to conditions): DKK 15,000. The deposit is refunded only when all school books are returned in good condition and all outstanding payments have been settled; deposit paid for a place not taken at the agreed time is not refundable. Deposits for Year 11 students are returned after September 1 to allow for exam remark administration; any remark costs may be deducted from the deposit. Tuition — main charges (per annum and published monthly instalment option) All amounts below are quoted in Danish kroner (DKK). - Reception class (Privat pasningsordning, Reception class): Annual DKK 95,700; per 11 monthly instalments DKK 8,700. (No sibling reduction for reception class.) - Reception class after‑care (14:45–17:00): Annual DKK 23,100; per 11 monthly instalments DKK 2,100. - 1st child (standard international tuition): Annual DKK 42,350; per 11 monthly instalments DKK 3,850. - 2nd child at Rygaards (sibling rate): Annual DKK 40,150; per 11 monthly instalments DKK 3,650. - 3rd child at Rygaards (sibling rate): Annual DKK 30,250; per 11 monthly instalments DKK 2,750. - 4th child at Rygaards (sibling rate): Annual DKK 25,850; per 11 monthly instalments DKK 2,350. Tuition for students without a Danish CPR number (no state subsidy) - Students without a CPR number or without diplomatic status are charged a higher instalment reflecting the lost state subsidy; published per‑11‑month instalment figures for CPR‑less students appear in the fee schedule. Examples from the published table (per‑11‑month instalments): Reception‑class special column and higher instalments are shown for non‑CPR cases; for standard pupils the CPR‑less monthly columns are higher (e.g., 1st child CPR‑less instalment DKK 8,125 as published). Annual totals for CPR‑less are calculated from the published per‑11‑month instalments. Secondary‑year supplements and travel - Y7–Y11 supplement (to cover additional costs in these grades): Annual DKK 4,675; per 11 monthly instalments DKK 425. - Y7–Y9 travel supplement (to cover one international overnight trip for these classes): Annual DKK 6,050; per 11 monthly instalments DKK 550. Travel‑supplement payments that fund obligatory Y7–Y9 curriculum trips are non‑refundable if the student does not participate. SFO (After‑School Care) and morning care - SFO standard after‑school care (open 14:45–17:30; Friday until 17:00): Annual DKK 23,100; per 11 monthly instalments DKK 2,100. Extra holiday weeks (winter, autumn, first week of summer) are charged with the school fee after each holiday (a published extra weekly SFO charge applies where used). Late collection fee: DKK 300 per 15 minutes. Morning SFO (Year 1–4, open 6:30–8:55): Annual DKK 4,400; per 11 monthly instalments DKK 400. Registration for SFO and reception after‑care is binding. Other regular and one‑off charges - International Parents' Committee fee: DKK 400 per family per year (charged once a year, normally in September). - Class money: DKK 400 per student per year (charged once a year; non‑refundable). Class money covers consumables, minor excursions, social activities and similar items. - Examination fees and related charges: - Examination remark / clerical checks: DKK 700. - Examination fee for additional subjects (internal): DKK 1,000 per subject. - Examination fee for additional subjects (external candidates): DKK 2,500 per subject. - Overdue payment notice fee: DKK 100 per reminder (maximum three reminders). - Fee for change of payment frequency: DKK 100. Monthly payment plan change carries this fee. Billing schedule and payment terms - Currency: All published fees must be paid in Danish kroner (DKK). Any costs related to bank transfer fees, currency exchange or similar are the responsibility of the payer. - Payment frequency and timing: School fees may be set and invoiced monthly, half‑yearly or yearly (the school year is treated as August–June, both inclusive). Monthly instalments are commonly arranged as 11 payments (no payment due in July). Monthly payments are due on the 5th of each month (except July). Published instalment columns show the per‑11‑month amounts. There is a specific published option for CPR‑less students that results in a higher instalment reflecting the lost state subsidy. - Registration date rules: A child registered from day 1–20 of a calendar month is charged for the whole month; registration after the 20th is charged from the 1st of the following month. Companies may be registered as payers and are liable for all fees charged. In households where two adults are jointly responsible, both parties are jointly and severally liable to the school for payment. Refunds, withdrawals and non‑payment - Deposit refund conditions: Deposit is refunded only once books are returned in good condition and all outstanding payments are cleared; unclaimed deposits accrue to the school after six months if bank account information for refund is not provided. Deposit for a place not taken at the agreed time is not refunded. Year 11 deposits may be held until after September 1 to allow for exam administration, and any remark costs may be deducted. - Withdrawal notice and charges: Withdrawal from the school (and from the reception class) requires a completed Notice of Withdrawal and three full calendar months' notice in advance (July is not included in the notice calculation). All fees remain chargeable through the end of the three‑month notice period regardless of actual attendance. Withdrawal from SFO or reception after‑care requires one month's notice to the end of a month; fees are chargeable to the end of that notice period regardless of attendance. - Non‑payment consequences: If unpaid fees equal three months' school fees or more, the school may terminate the school attendance agreement and exclude the student; fees remain payable through any termination period as specified in the published terms. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. Rygaards is a day school; no boarding fees are published. Practical notes on payment methods - The published terms specify that all payments must be made in DKK and that any transfer or exchange fees are the payer's responsibility. The published terms do not list explicit merchant payment methods (credit‑card providers or specific bank account details) in the fee schedule or the terms document; parents should follow the school's invoicing for the available payment method on each invoice. Summary of the most commonly asked fee figures (quick reference) - Reception class: DKK 95,700 per year (DKK 8,700 per 11 instalments). - 1st child standard tuition: DKK 42,350 per year (DKK 3,850 per 11 instalments). - Y7–Y11 supplement: DKK 4,675 per year; Y7–Y9 travel supplement: DKK 6,050 per year. - Application fee: DKK 2,000; Enrollment fee: DKK 2,000; Deposit: DKK 15,000. If any amount needs to be presented in a different currency or in a different invoicing frequency (half‑year or single annual payment), the published invoicing options allow monthly (11 instalments), half‑yearly or annual billing and annual amounts can be divided accordingly; the published instalment columns and terms specify the standard monthly instalment amounts and payment timing.	Fee details Application / Registration fee - A non-refundable registration (processing) fee of DKK 500 is payable at the time of registration. Tuition fees — International Department (monthly, per year group) - School fees are quoted per month, paid over 11 months (July is a non-payment month). - Year 1–6: DKK 3,150 per month (equivalent to DKK 34,650 per year when paid over 11 months). - Year 7–9: DKK 3,675 per month (equivalent to DKK 40,425 per year when paid over 11 months). - Year 10–11 (IGCSE): DKK 3,925 per month (equivalent to DKK 43,175 per year when paid over 11 months). - Note: the published schedule indicates the school fee was set to be increased by DKK 50 from August 2026; this is shown on the school fee schedule. Tuition per term (calculated) - Per-term figures below are calculated by dividing the annual total (monthly fee × 11) evenly into three academic terms; these per-term amounts are provided as an equal split for budgeting purposes and are not separately published line items on the fee schedule: - Year 1–6: approx. DKK 11,550 per term (DKK 34,650 ÷ 3). - Year 7–9: approx. DKK 13,475 per term (DKK 40,425 ÷ 3). - Year 10–11: approx. DKK 14,392 per term (DKK 43,175 ÷ 3). SFO (After-school activities) fees - SFO fee (per month, charged over 11 months) for the International Department: - Year 1–5: DKK 1,890 per month (equivalent to DKK 20,790 per year over 11 months). - The published schedule also notes the SFO fee was to be adjusted by DKK 50 from August 2026. Deposits, discounts and subsidies - Refundable deposit: a two-month refundable deposit (equal to two months of the school fee) is payable on entry to the International Department. The deposit is refunded in full once all outstanding charges are cleared and a two-month notice of withdrawal has been given. Example deposit amounts (two months of the monthly tuition): - Year 1–6: DKK 6,300 (2 × DKK 3,150). - Year 7–9: DKK 7,350 (2 × DKK 3,675). - Year 10–11: DKK 7,850 (2 × DKK 3,925). - Sibling discounts: - School fee: DKK 800 per month for the fourth child from the same family living at the same address. - SFO: DKK 375 per month discount for the second and third child in the SFO from the same family. - Means-tested grants/subsidies for school fees and SFO fees are available by application (annual application). Transport allowances for eligible pupils are applied as deductions from school fees according to the published distance criteria. Billing schedule and payment terms - School fees are charged monthly and collected over 11 months; July is the non-payment month. The deposit is collected when a student starts in the International Department. School fees are charged through the school's invoicing process; transport allowances (if approved) are applied as deductions from the school fees in October or from the date of approval. - Notice of withdrawal: a two-month notice of withdrawal (not including the month in which notice is given or July, which is non-payment) must be submitted; school fees continue to be charged through the end of that two-month notice period. If the child is enrolled in SFO, a separate SFO withdrawal form with one month's notice is required. The deposit is refunded within three months after all outstanding items (including return of books) and the required notice have been confirmed. Boarding - Boarding is not listed or offered as part of Skt. Josef's International School Roskilde fee schedule or service offering; all published fees relate to day-school tuition and SFO services. Other costs and incidental fees - Replacement Skolepenge (canteen/printing) card: DKK 20 for a lost card. Students receive a debit card for canteen and printing; the card is activated via the Skolepenge.dk service. - Branded school clothing is available for purchase through the school's branded-clothing supplier; uniform or branded items are a separate purchase. - Additional incidental costs such as selected study trips, field trips, special external exam fees, optional activities, travel, and insurance are typically charged separately or as specific event charges and are not included in the listed monthly tuition. Transport allowances are applied as deductions where eligible. Refunds and withdrawal-related returns - The refundable deposit is returned in full after the required two-month notice period has been observed and after all outstanding items (library/text books, other charges) are cleared; the refund is processed within three months of confirmation. Failing to provide the required notice or to return school resources may result in forfeiture of the deposit. School fees are charged through the end of the notice period. Separate SFO notice rules apply (one month). Fee payment options and practical payment details - The school issues a Skolepenge debit card for students to use for canteen purchases and printing; the card system is managed through skolepenge.dk and replacement cards cost DKK 20. - The school's published information references standard invoicing and collection practices for school fees (monthly collection over 11 months) and the application of transport deductions. Specific payment channels for tuition (for example: direct debit/Betalingsservice, bank transfer, or card payment) are handled through the school's invoicing and administrative procedures and the Skolepenge service for canteen transactions; parents register and follow the school's payment instructions as provided by the admissions/finance office. (End of fee overview)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement No uniforms; students do not wear school uniforms.	Uniform requirement No. Students wear their own appropriate clothes.
Food options	Food options There is no canteen; children bring their own lunches.	Food options There is a small canteen for Year 3 to Year 11 offering basic items such as sandwiches, pasta and salad. Most students bring a packed lunch. Year 9 to Year 11 may leave school during breaks to go into town for lunch with permission.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Governors consisting of five members; three are appointed and two are elected by the parents, each for a two-year term. The Board provides the overall management and medium- and long-term strategy for the school, and is responsible to the Ministry of Education for financial management and auditing, as well as for staff recruitment and dismissal. It ensures that the Roman Catholic ethos on which the school was founded is upheld. Board meetings occur about four times per term, and management and teacher representatives typically attend.	Governance and ownership Independent educational institution with two departments (Danish and International) sharing a campus. It is funded by public subsidies and by own resources, including school fees, and operates as a not-for-profit organisation. The school board consists of seven members: three elected by parents and four appointed by the church (one from Skt. Laurentii Church Council and three appointed by the Catholic bishop of Copenhagen). The principal and the vice-principal are non-voting members, and staff representatives may attend without voting rights.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Rygaards International School offers the English National Curriculum in the Primary School, with a Cambridge framework used for English, Maths and Science. The Primary Curriculum includes Danish language outcomes and Danish as a Second Language, alongside Danish fællesmål components. In the Secondary School, students follow a broad, subject-by-subject programme with a Year 7 Curriculum 2025–2026 and IGCSE/GCSE courses such as English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, German and Spanish, plus options like Global Perspective and GCSE Astronomy. A Danish language strand and related Danish language outcomes are integrated across the curriculum.	Curriculum details The Cambridge International Curriculum is used in the International Department. Primary (Years 1–6), Lower Secondary (Years 7–9) and Upper Secondary/IGCSE (Year 10–11) form the program. All classroom instruction takes place in English.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IGCSE results are consistently strong. In 2025, 100% of students achieved A-C with 52% of grades at A-A; 96% of English as a First Language entries were A-C and 75% in Maths were A-C, with 95% achieving 5 IGCSE grades at A-C. In 2024, 100% of students achieved A-C; 57% were A-A; 97% of English First Language were A-C and 91% of Maths were A-C; 87% achieved 5 IGCSE grades at A-C. The data show a consistent pattern of A-C outcomes across years (2018–2025) with substantial proportions of A-A grades in English and strong Maths results.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The Cambridge International Curriculum qualifications are endorsed by the University of Cambridge and are recognised by universities worldwide, providing preparation for higher education including A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The STEM Talent Programme is offered for students in the Danish department. The Duke of Edinburgh's Programme is also offered, and Rygaards is among the Danish schools providing this programme.	Gifted and talented The school has a Science Talent program and is a member of the Science Talent network.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school fosters social and emotional development through a caring, supportive atmosphere with strong emphasis on personal development and community, supported by a leadership team and pastoral care practices.	Social & emotional learning The school integrates social and emotional learning through the PSHE programme from Year 1 to Year 11. There is a Whole School Anti-Bullying Approach, with explicit PSHE teaching of anti-bullying strategies based on The Diana Award definition. AKT teachers work with a class to guide social interactions and well-being and to implement strategies to improve the learning environment. The DESTY program grows self-esteem and resilience through one-to-one mentoring, developing an emotional vocabulary and positive relationships. The Cool Kids programme provides CBT-based techniques for anxiety through structured sessions. Headspace in Roskilde offers free counselling for young people, and Student Well-Being Surveys monitor welfare.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school serves a diverse student body and provides structured support within its international and Danish school model; details on specific SEN provisions are not listed here.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school employs native English-speaking teachers for the International Department and native speaker teachers for French and German, supporting language development across the curriculum.	English as an additional language The school teaches all classroom instruction in English in the International Department. There is a minimum of two Danish lessons per international class, required by law. Danish is taught as a subject alongside English in the international programme. The Cambridge International Curriculum is used. Students finish Year 11 with the IGCSE examinations.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care and a supportive learning environment are prioritized to support students' mental wellbeing, with ongoing emphasis on ethical awareness and responsibility.	Mental wellbeing Student happiness and well-being is supported in the curriculum through the PSHE programme from Year 1 to Year 11. A Whole School Anti-Bullying Approach is in place with explicit anti-bullying teaching in PSHE. AKT teachers guide social interactions and well-being, working with class teams to improve the learning environment. The DESTY program grows self-esteem and resilience through one-to-one mentoring and building emotional vocabulary. Cool Kids provides CBT-based techniques for anxiety; Headspace in Roskilde offers counselling, and Student Well-Being Surveys monitor welfare.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school operates with a structured, caring environment and conducts regular safeguarding practices as part of its inclusive community.	Safeguarding Policies and Guidelines exist to run a safe and orderly school environment. The documents cover child protection and ICT Acceptable Use, and set out procedures for incidents and bereavement, among other areas. The current policy requires the premises to be smoke- and alcohol-free; rules apply to energy drinks and related guidelines. Dress Code and other guidelines are published for students and staff. Safeguarding resources are accessible via intranet or on request, and safeguarding staff include a School Psychologist, a School Nurse, and a Guidance Counselor.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Rygaards International School features a modern campus with extensive facilities. The Learning Resource Center is on the top floor of the main building, providing a library and study spaces for both the Danish and International departments. The campus includes two gymnasiums, two science laboratories, two art rooms, two music rooms, a special service unit, and various specialist rooms. The school also has extensive grounds that support outdoor learning and activities. The Learning Center's auditorium area is adaptable for class presentations and exhibitions.	Facilities overview The school has a brand new playground that is now open. An SFO after-school program operates on site. Teaching is guided by the Cambridge International Curriculum for students aged 5 to 16. The school is located at Frederiksborgvej 10, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Two gymnasiums support indoor sport. Extensive grounds enable outdoor activities. The facilities support physical education and school sports programs. The campus is designed to integrate sports with learning spaces.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is located on the top floor of the main building and serves both the Danish and International departments. The LRC provides a library environment, small-group workspaces and space for exhibitions and class presentations. The school has two science laboratories. There are two art rooms and two music rooms. A special service unit and various specialist rooms support diverse learning needs.	Academic facilities Skt. Josef's uses the Cambridge International Curriculum across primary and secondary levels. Cambridge Primary covers English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives, Physical Education, and Digital Literacy, with Danish as a Second Language and other locally designed subjects such as Art, Music, and Religion. Cambridge Lower Secondary includes English, Mathematics, Science, Spanish, Digital Literacy, and Art and Design, with Humanities, Home Economics, and Danish as a Second Language on offer. The Cambridge Upper Secondary/IGCSE program covers English Literature, English as a First Language, Mathematics, and Science, plus Global Perspectives and Spanish, with options such as Critical Thinking, Life Skills, CAS, and Danish as a Second Language. Selected students may study Advanced Danish or FP9; Cambridge qualifications are recognised by universities worldwide.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Rygaards Fritidsforening is an after-school activities association run by an active board of parent volunteers who have children in either the International or Danish departments. Rygaards Fritidsforening offers a range of activities. Scenekunst provides performing arts opportunities. Clubs include Robotics, Art and Debate. Duke of Edinburgh International Awards Programme is available to students.	Extra curricular facilities Science Talent is a selective program for students with talents in science and mathematics. It is run with the Danish Department and trained science-talent teachers; students take four hours per week of project work away from regular teaching, attend talent camps, and enter national competitions. Students from the International Department have performed well in these competitions in recent years. The school runs various trips, tours, and camps throughout the year, including a Year 3 sleepover, a Year 4–5 camping trip, a Viking experience for Year 6 at Lejre, a Year 7 cultural exchange, a language immersion trip for Year 10 to Spain or France, and a Rome trip for Year 11.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Rygaards School traces its origins to September 1909, when the Assumption Sisters founded Denmark's first school with twelve students. After expansions, the school moved to the Rygaards estate in Hellerup and was renamed Rygaards French School; after World War II a Danish department was added and boys were admitted for the first time. English became the dominant language in the International department, while French remained a compulsory subject in both departments. In 1968 the International department became Rygaards School and was integrated with the Danish department under one Principal. Today the school is over 100 years old, with more than 1,000 students representing 80 nationalities.	History Skt. Josef's School began in 1904 when a small group of French nuns, the Daughters of Wisdom, established Skt. Josef's Skole in Roskilde. It was originally a girls' school taught by the nuns; boys were admitted from 1924. In 2012 the International Department opened, creating Cambridge-based international education for children aged 5 to 16. The school operates as a self-governing institution with a Board consisting of three elected parent members and four appointees from the church.
Community	Community International Parents' Committee (IPC) welcomes families into the Rygaards community and plans events and functions for students and their families to foster academic excellence, cultural diversity and friendships. It works with Rygaards School to foster a greater sense of community within the school, support the school mission, and organize social events for students, parents and teachers; it also coordinates fundraising activities. Membership is automatic for every parent or guardian of a pupil in the International Department, with the annual subscription included in the school fees, and membership ends when the pupil is no longer enrolled.	Community Skt. Josef's has a diverse community with students from many cultural and religious backgrounds, represented by more than 40 nations. Traditions include the annual Science Fair as the flagship event for the International Department, plus Bridge Building projects and a Year 10 Work Experience program. Religious assemblies, musical events, and charity activities are also part of the school's communal life. These traditions help bind the school community together.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association International Parents' Committee (IPC) is the school's parent-teacher association for the International Department. It engages parents, plans events and activities for students, parents and staff, and coordinates fundraising in support of school provisions. Membership is automatic for every parent or guardian of a pupil in the International Department, with the annual subscription included in the school fees.	Parent teacher association The school has a parent association, Forældrekredsen (the Parents' Association). All parents with children at the school are members. The association promotes cooperation between school and home by organizing social and academic activities and by raising funds for the benefit of the school and students. The Forældrekredsen Board of Directors consists of six members and two alternates, elected at the annual general meeting held at the end of September; three of the board members are also members of the school board. Class Parents Councils exist for each class, with a designated contact parent to help communication between parents and Forældrekredsen and to organize class social activities. All parents are members of the Forældreforening.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Rygaards International School offers an English-language curriculum for students aged 4 to 16. The International Department uses a Cambridge IGCSE framework with subjects including English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, History, German, and Spanish. Danish is taught as a subject and the Danish Department follows the standard Danish curriculum. The school is NEASC-accredited.	Academic & intellectual Cambridge International Curriculum guides teaching at Skt. Josef's for international primary and secondary students. The curriculum is tailored to the local context while aligning with Cambridge standards and combines Cambridge subjects with locally designed programmes. It develops higher-order thinking, independent research, collaboration and communication skills to prepare students for university study and future careers. Cambridge qualifications are endorsed by the University of Cambridge and widely recognised by universities worldwide.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Rygaards supports arts and drama through Scenekunst and a range of clubs. The campus features a Learning Resource Center, two art rooms and two music rooms. Extracurricular offerings include Robotics & Tech Club, Debate, Spanish, Drama, Art Club, French Club and other creative activities; Scenekunst is described as part of the program. The school puts on plays and musicals, holds concerts and runs creative writing workshops.	Arts & creative Art and Craft and Music are studied as locally designed subjects in the Cambridge Primary programme. Lower Secondary includes Art and Design as part of the Cambridge curriculum. Band provides opportunities for students from Year 6 to Year 11 to jam and perform, while YearBook involves students in photography and layout for an annual publication.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is the language of instruction in the International Department. Foreign language teachers for French and German are native speakers. French remains a compulsory subject in both the International and Danish Departments. Danish is taught as a subject and aligned with the Danish curriculum.	Cultural & language Languages include English, Spanish and Danish as a Second Language, with opportunities for Advanced Danish and French at higher levels. The Cambridge Global Perspectives programme teaches global issues from different perspectives and develops 21st-century skills. Additional language experiences include a language immersion trip to Spain or France for Year 10, and a Rome-based language-integrated study in Year 11.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Rygaards runs Rygaards Fritidsforening, an after-school activities association run by parent volunteers. Clubs include Robotics & Tech Club, Debate, Spanish, Drama, Art Club, French Club, Lektie café, Pokemon Go Club and more. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme is available to students. The International Department also participates in COBIS competitions and maintains thriving debate and MUN teams.	Social & hobbies STEM club is offered to Year 6 (and Danish 4th grade) to encourage interdisciplinary learning; YearBook involves students in producing the annual publication; Band offers music performance opportunities for Years 6–11.
Community & service	Community & service Rygaards runs charity campaigns; Den lille spejderuge is a charity-style activity offered for kindergarten classes to build class spirit and teamwork. The school is an approved Duke of Edinburgh International Award Centre, with Bronze in Year 9 and pathways to Silver and Gold. The school's emphasis on wellbeing and community is reflected in its broader charitable and service activities.	Community & service Year 10 participates in a language immersion trip to Spain or France to develop language skills, and Year 11 travels to Rome with the Danish Department to connect with heritage and complete service work. Character education develops citizenship through a defined set of skills described as character-values. These values shape learners to be responsible, engaged citizens.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Student Council represents students in years 7–11 (and 7th–9th grade) with two representatives per class and elected presidents from the Danish and International Departments. Two liaison teachers, Mary Olesen and Samina Kjærbo, coordinate the council. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme supports leadership and service development at the school. Talentprogram includes Advanced English Programme and International English Programme with internal and external competitions and enrichment opportunities.	Leadership & professional 21st-century teaching focuses on collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity, citizenship and character. Project X is a Year 7–9 project-based learning programme that targets leadership, strategic thinking and teamwork, with teachers acting as facilitators.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Rygaards has an Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Strategy and was awarded the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS) in June 2024. The strategy aims to promote positive mental health and provide support across staff, students and families. The campus includes facilities such as a Learning Resource Center, two gymnasiums, two science labs, two art rooms and two music rooms, supporting physical and creative wellbeing. The school also engages in sport and team activities, including international travel for competitions and matches.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Student happiness and wellbeing are supported by the PSHE programme from Year 1 to Year 11. A Whole School Anti-Bullying Approach is in place, guided by The Diana Award definition. AKT teachers support social interactions and wellbeing, and the DESTY mentoring programme builds self-esteem and resilience. Cool Kids provides anxiety-management strategies, Headspace Roskilde offers counselling, and regular student well-being surveys are conducted.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction in the International Department for ages 4 to 16. French and German are taught as foreign languages by native-speaking teachers. Danish is taught under the Danish Fællesmål framework, with Danish Language Outcomes and Danish as a Second Language Learning Outcomes. The International Secondary School offers IGCSE English Language, IGCSE German and IGCSE Spanish.	Language provision English is the medium of instruction in the International Department for all subjects. Danish is taught as a second language, and Danish language instruction is included within the Cambridge program. In Cambridge Primary, Danish as a Second Language is included; in Cambridge Lower Secondary, Spanish is offered. The Danish Department follows the Danish national curriculum with Danish language instruction.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school uses Danish and English as languages of instruction.	Bilingual teaching The International Department uses English as the medium of instruction for all subjects; Danish and other foreign languages are taught as separate subjects. There is no bilingual instruction across the curriculum. Danish language instruction is provided within the Danish Department and as Danish as a Second Language within the Cambridge framework.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards IGCSE results are publicly reported for multiple years (2018–2025) with high percentages of A–C grades and many students achieving five IGCSE grades.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations NEASC accreditation; ECIS, Danish International Schools Network (DISN), Association of Catholic Schools in Denmark (FAKS) member; Duke of Edinburgh International Award Centre; Cambridge IGCSE exams (Cambridge and Edexcel) present.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Book a tour of Rygaards International School to learn about the curriculum and facilities. The Admissions Office can clarify questions you have about the school. Tours can be scheduled via the Schedule a Tour link on the admissions page. The curriculum is based on the English curriculum for 4 to 16 year olds, and native English-speaking teachers support instruction. Registration of Interest is the first step for applications to inquire about availability and to agree to the Admissions Policy and Financial Regulations. The form requires agreeing to the stated terms and conditions and is used to sign up for the international school; the Admissions Policy, Process and Priority can be read via the link provided. For any questions, contact the Admissions Office. Entrance tests are required and are aligned with the child's year group. The entrance test process is explained below.	Admissions Joining Skt. Josef's International School follows an Enrolment Procedure. 1. Register: complete the registration form; pay the registration fee of DKK 500; payment is non-refundable; upon receipt of the registration form and fee the child is automatically entered into the waiting-pool; the School will contact you if a place becomes available; if there is no available place, the child remains in the waiting-pool. 2. Meeting: when a space becomes available, you will be invited to an enrolment meeting; bring the child and recent school reports; based on the dialogue, a place may be offered if the school considers it suitable for the child. 3. Offer: a letter of confirmation with an offer of a place will be sent; you must confirm acceptance and pay the deposit and school fees. There are two separate wait lists: the International Department (the waiting-pool) and the Danish Department; registration on both lists is possible but offers cannot be transferred between departments. Contact: School Office tel. Hours: Office hours 8.00 am to 3.00 pm; telephone is closed Mondays from 9:00 to 9:30 and daily from 12:15 to 12:45 pm.
Scholarships	Scholarships Friplads offers a possibility to apply for a fripladstilskud (fee subsidy) at Rygaards Skole. The subsidy is allocated according to the Fordelingsekretariatets income criteria and the number of children. The application form can be obtained from the school office and is available from roughly the end of May to August 31. Approved subsidies are deducted from school fees from February to June. The application form should be returned to the school office by August 31.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Admission priorities place pupils into four groups in this order: Group 1 children of international families where one or both parents have recently come to Denmark to work with Danish or international organizations; Group 2 children of international families where one or both parents have come to Denmark to work in Danish or international organizations and their children are now of school age; Group 3 children whose international employee parents wish to move from another international school in Denmark; Group 4 Danish children or children whose parents are Danes working outside Denmark, with a permanent workplace outside Denmark in the last year. The waiting pool is not first-come, first-served. When a place cannot be offered, applicants are placed in a waiting pool within their group and will be contacted if a place becomes available. Siblings are given priority only within a given group and cannot move up groups. The offer of a place is always subject to testing.	Waitlist We run two separate wait lists at Skt. Josef's. One for the International Department, the waiting-pool, and one for the Danish Department. It is possible to put a child on both lists, but this would require two separate enrolments. An offer of a place in one department cannot be transferred to another department. Spaces are limited and availability is determined in accordance with our enrolment policy and priority criteria.
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