St. Catherine's British School vs St. Lawrence College - The British School in Greece

	S St. Catherine's British School Athens, Greece	S St. Lawrence College - The British School in Greece Athens, Greece
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €9,710 - 16,500	Fees / year €8,922 - 14,478
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, British Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1956	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Anemon St., Koropi, Attiki, 16602 Varkiza Attiki, Greece. Located near the southern suburbs of Athens with easy access via Attiki Odos.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Junior School (Early Years to Key Stage 2) and Senior School (Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5)
School type	School type —	School type Independent, co-educational British international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix More than fifty nationalities represented among the pupil body
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support EAL; SEN - Learning Support
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation United Kingdom (British international school using the UK education system)
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Comprehensive bus service to most areas of Athens and Pireaus; air-conditioned buses; qualified bus drivers and monitors; routes designed to minimize travel time
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Fees (2025/26 academic year) Application fee - A non-refundable application fee of €150 is payable when the application is submitted. Registration fee and Development Fund (one‑off at acceptance) - Registration fee: €1,000 per child, payable by the date specified on the offer letter; this fee is non-refundable and is not a deposit against future tuition. - Development Fund (one‑off contribution paid at the same time as Registration): - Nursery to Year 10: €1,500 per child. - Year 11 to Year 13: €500 per child. Reservation deposit - A non-refundable reservation deposit of €2,000 is due annually to reserve a child's place for the following academic year; it is allocated against the invoice billed in September once the current balance has been settled in full. Annual tuition fees and per‑invoice amounts (school invoices twice yearly: September and January) - Nursery: Annual €9,710 — per invoice €4,855. - Reception & Year 1: Annual €13,300 — per invoice €6,650. - Year 2: Annual €13,970 — per invoice €6,985. - Years 3–6: Annual €14,120 — per invoice €7,060. - Years 7–9: Annual €14,660 — per invoice €7,330. - Years 10–11: Annual €15,830 — per invoice €7,915. - Years 12–13: Annual €16,500 — per invoice €8,250. Discounts and mid‑year entry rules - Sibling tuition discounts: 2.5% for the second child, 7% for the third child, 10% for the fourth child. - Alumni discount: 5% for eligible families. - Prepayment discount: 2% discount if the applicable payment is received by the published prepayment date (example: 25 August 2025 for the 2025/26 schedule). - Mid‑year entry: second term entry charged at 65% of the annual fee; third term entry charged at 35% of the annual fee. Any family joining mid first term must pay the full amount due. Bus (transport) fees - Annual bus fees by area (examples listed): - Area 1 (Kifissia, Kefalari): €2,089. - Area 2 (Ekali, Marousi, Filothei, Psychico, Kastri, Nea Erithrea, Politia): €2,576. - Area 3 (Dionyssos, Anoixi): €2,806. - Area 4 (Syntagma, Kolonaki): €2,806. - Area 5 (Holargos, Halandri, Papagou, Melissia, Aghia Paraskevi, Vrilissia): €2,806. - Area 6 (southern suburbs from Glyfada): €2,806. - Bus fees are reduced to 70% if only morning or only afternoon/late bus is used. - Bus sibling discounts: 2nd child 12%; 3rd and 4th child 50%. Additional charges and items not included in tuition - Tuition does not include: daily transportation costs (unless separately charged), uniform costs, medical examination charges, externally marked examination fees, entry fees, costs of special or compulsory trips, extra‑curricular clubs, and other child‑specific charges. Parents are responsible for textbooks for Years 10–13. Examination charges for externally marked exams are payable by parents. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are invoiced twice per year (September and January). Fees must be paid within 10 working days of receipt of the invoice. Late payment charges of €60 per month apply to outstanding balances. The school may initiate legal action if tuition payments are more than 30 days overdue; readmission after legal action requires payment of all outstanding fees plus the full first invoice for the coming school year. Cancellation and refund rules - All tuition fees are non‑refundable. No refund is available for children leaving the school mid‑term. - Cancellation fee if a child is unable to commence: Nursery to Year 10 — €1,500; Year 11 to Year 13 — €500. The Registration Fee remains valid for two academic years (24 months) if re‑application is made within that period. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods: cheque in euros (payable to “St. Catherine's British School”), credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), bank transfer or direct deposit to the school's bank accounts. Cash payments are not accepted. Parents are asked to advise the Financial Administrator when making bank transfers. Other practical notes on fees - Reservation deposits are only considered payable once the current balance has been settled in full; the reservation deposit is allocated against the September invoice. Late arrivals and mid‑term joiners are charged reduced fees based on the term entry point rules above.	Fee details Application / One‑off entry charges - Registration fee (for new pupils): EUR 1,500. - Development fund (one‑off, for new pupils): EUR 1,000. - Cambridge Primary Programme charge (Years 1–6): EUR 150 per year. Tuition fees — annual rates (per academic year) - Foundation Stage: EUR 8,922 per annum. - Reception; Years 1–6: EUR 12,405 per annum. - Years 7–8–9: EUR 13,902 per annum. - Year 10 / 'A' Level inclusive: EUR 14,478 per annum. Optional / additional programme fees - Extra‑curricular music programme (optional): EUR 1,395 per annum. Installments are collected as three equal payments of EUR 465 (due by the term instalment dates shown below). - Summer school (published example): Fee EUR 1,492; transportation EUR 440 (summer programme fees are charged separately). Instalments, billing schedule and payment terms - The school operates term billing and a staged instalment system: an initial instalment is taken on registration (A) and the balance is collected in three further instalments due at the start of the school terms. The instalment points are: A — upon registration; B — by 1 September; C — by 1 December; D — by 1 March. Specific instalment amounts per year group are listed on the school fee scale and sum to the annual tuition rate. - Example instalment breakdowns (amounts relate to the published annual fees): - Foundation Stage (EUR 8,922 total): A (upon registration) EUR 3,300; B (1 Sep) EUR 1,874; C (1 Dec) EUR 1,874; D (1 Mar) EUR 1,874. - Reception / Years 1–6 (EUR 12,405 total): A EUR 3,300; B EUR 3,035; C EUR 3,035; D EUR 3,035. - Years 7–8–9 (EUR 13,902 total): A EUR 3,300; B EUR 3,534; C EUR 3,534; D EUR 3,534. - Year 10 / 'A' Level (EUR 14,478 total): A EUR 3,300; B EUR 3,726; C EUR 3,726; D EUR 3,726. - Music programme (EUR 1,395 total): three instalments of EUR 465 (B, C, D). - Administrative invoicing and due dates: the academic year is divided into three terms; invoices are issued termly and payments are expected upon registration and on the dates tied to each term (payments are expected on registration, 1 September, 1 December and 1 March as applicable). Payment methods accepted - Payments may be made by credit card, by cheque (payable to Meyer Bridges Educational Trust) or by bank deposit/transfer to the school account(s). Boarding - Boarding fees: not applicable — no boarding fee schedule is published for current intake; the school's published fee scale lists day‑school tuition and related charges only. Other costs and parental responsibilities - Examination charges for externally marked examinations are payable by parents. Textbooks for Years 10–13 must be purchased by parents. Parents are responsible for the cost of special outings and trips. These items are additional to the tuition figures above. - School uniform is required for all pupils up to and including Year 11 and may be purchased from the school shop; uniform items and replacement pieces incur separate charges. Refund and withdrawal terms - All tuition fees are non‑refundable. There is no refund of fees if a pupil is withdrawn during the term, expelled or absent. Parents wishing to withdraw their child must give one term's written notice (within the usual term windows); failing to give a term's notice will result in the full term's fees being due. Notes on charges and what the tuition covers - Tuition fees cover the supply of most books, certain design materials and some stationery. Parents pay separately for external examination charges, special outings/trips and textbooks for Years 10–13.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement There is a school uniform; uniform costs are not included in tuition.	Uniform requirement The school has a prescribed uniform for pupils up to Year 11; a school shop provides uniform clothing items.
Food options	Food options —	Food options School lunches are provided by an on-site catering service offering international-style meals. Menus are nutritionally balanced, regularly reviewed by independent experts, and accommodate vegetarians and other dietary requirements. In Early Years and Junior School, lunchtimes are ordered daily at registration; in the Senior School, pupils arrange meals during the breaks.
House system	House system —	House system The school operates a house system with three houses: Attica (blue), Epirus (green) and Macedonia (red). Every pupil and staff member is allocated a house for life; pupils earn house points for behaviour and effort, with a yearly House Championship Trophy awarded to the winning house.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership St Catherine's British School is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England No. 860288, with Registered Office at 66 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LH. It is a member of HMC and COBIS.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) with English as the language of instruction. A broad range of DP subjects is offered, including Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), Business Management, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Geography, History, Psychology, Computer Science, Visual Arts, Theatre, and Music. Language subjects include English A: Language and Literature, English A: Literature, French Ab Initio, French B, Spanish Ab Initio, Spanish B, Mandarin Ab Initio, Mandarin B, German Ab Initio, German B, Chinese B, Chinese A: Language and Literature, Modern Greek A: Language and Literature. Other DP courses include Environmental Systems and Societies, Digital Society, and Sports, Exercise and Health Science; Theory of Knowledge is part of the programme.	Curriculum details The school follows the British educational system and the English National Curriculum. Pupils experience a broad curriculum built around the UK National Curriculum for England at every Key Stage. The Greek language is taught to all pupils by Greek teachers with Greek qualifications, with Greek examinations offered at IGCSE and A‑Levels; from Year 4 in the Junior School, parents may choose additional Greek History lessons delivered and examined in Greek. The school provides education from Early Years through Key Stage 5, preparing pupils for British and international university entrance.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In 2024, about 250 pupils sat public examinations, with 100 sitting 731 IGCSE/GCSE qualifications; 29% achieved A* and 49% achieved A* or A. 273 AS-Level qualifications were sat, with 44% at A and 77% at least C. 202 A-Levels were sat, with 22% A* and 41% A-A; 77% A-C. The UK remains the most popular destination for higher education among leavers, with graduates starting degree courses at UK universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Bath, Warwick, and more; graduates also enter universities in the USA, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Russia.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The UK remains the most popular destination for higher education among leavers, with many graduates entering degree programs at UK universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, Bath, Warwick, and others. Graduates also commence degrees at universities outside the UK, including the USA and mainland Europe.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Gifted pupils usually comprise the top 5% of the school population.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) topics develop interpersonal skills, leadership potential, self-awareness and resilience. Circle time in the Early Years and through the Junior School opens channels for discussion while these qualities are cultivated. Assemblies address issues such as environmental consciousness, healthy eating, friendship, bullying, resilience and growth mindsets. The school fosters a safe and secure environment that supports wellbeing and successful learning. The pastoral care system provides access to three full-time counsellors (trained psychologists) and two full-time nurses to support pupil welfare.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) St. Lawrence College is inclusive; all teachers are teachers of SEND and differentiation is integral to practice. The school identifies additional learning needs through careful observation and, where appropriate, screening, and provides tailored educational programmes. Support may be short-term or longer-term and is delivered through in-class support, small-group teaching or one-to-one sessions. The dedicated Learning Support team includes a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), a Learning Support Coordinator and a learning support assistant.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided in the Junior School. Key Stage 1 pupils with little or no English join their mainstream class and are quickly integrated with support from class teachers and teaching assistants; targeted intervention sessions boost listening, speaking, reading and writing. In Key Stage 2, pupils with limited or no English may join a dedicated language support class with an intensive English programme; initial meetings with parents and an English level assessment determine the most suitable support. EAL groups are offered in Lower Key Stage 2 and Upper Key Stage 2 as either full-time intensive programmes or targeted sessions linked to the wider curriculum. EAL pupils participate in mainstream lessons from the start and an EAL teacher helps them become more independent. The EAL Handbook for 2025-2026 is available.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The welfare of pupils is paramount and the school provides a safe and secure environment that promotes happiness and motivation for learning. The school employs three full-time counsellors (trained psychologists) and two full-time nurses to support pupil well-being. Pastoral care is led by form teachers, Heads of Year and the Deputy Head (Pastoral), with regular communication with parents to ensure pupils' well-being is addressed proactively.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school has a Whole-School Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy. It defines safeguarding and child protection and states that the policy complies with the UK Department for Education guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education where possible. The welfare of pupils is paramount; staff have duties to safeguard and report concerns to designated staff. Designated Child Protection Officers (DCPOs) are named, and safer recruitment procedures are in place. Procedures cover reporting concerns, confidential record keeping and cooperation with external agencies; the school also aligns with Greek law requirements.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The school sits on a 20-acre campus and has modern, well-equipped facilities. The sports facilities are extensive and include a heated water-polo-sized swimming pool with a nearby children's pool, a full-size all-weather football pitch with seating for 300 spectators, a fully equipped indoor gymnasium with seating for 200 spectators, and outdoor tennis and basketball courts. The campus also features an amphitheatre, piano rooms, science laboratories, junior and senior libraries, fully equipped IT suites, and the most modern teaching tools in classrooms. The campus is a single-storey, purpose-built complex set in tranquil surroundings in the southern Athens suburbs, providing a calm learning environment.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school has a water-polo dimensioned heated swimming pool with an adjacent mini-pool for very young children, a full-sized all-weather football pitch with seating for 300 spectators, a fully equipped indoor gymnasium with seating for 200 spectators, and outdoor tennis and basketball courts.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The school has an amphitheatre, piano rooms, science laboratories, junior and senior libraries, fully equipped IT suites and modern teaching tools in classrooms.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities There are enrichment opportunities including swimming, football, basketball, tennis and many others; these range from sports to music, drama, debating, forensics and public speaking, the Model United Nations, environmental and charity work, and more.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Founded in 1980, St. Lawrence College began across several buildings in Paleo Psychiko, Filothei and Halandri, with a boarding house at Hotel Frini in Kifissia. In September 1981, the Hellinikon branch opened as Lawrence One (L1) and additional buildings followed to accommodate growth. In September 1987, the northern and southern campuses merged at Hellinikon. In 2004, the Koropi Campus opened, marking the move to the present campus. Since then, the school has operated across 17 buildings with two boarding houses in six suburbs before arriving at Koropi.
Community	Community —	Community St. Lawrence College operates a House System with three houses named Attica, Epirus and Macedonia, which promotes community spirit and teamwork, with house points awarded for positive behavior and achievements. Senior and junior assemblies are held weekly to discuss themes, report on activities and reflect on global or local issues, including commemorations of Remembrance Sunday and Greek celebrations such as Oxi Day and Greek Independence Day. The Alumni network maintains a form for alumni to share stories about universities and careers, highlighting thousands of pupils who have gone on to study at top universities and other professions.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual St Catherine's Model United Nations (SCMUN) develops problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and negotiation skills through UN-style simulations. Members participate in many conferences and gain experience in MUN's aspects. The school hosts SCMUN, its own conference, on February 20–21, 2027, to foster learning in diplomacy and international relations.	Academic & intellectual Debate builds research skills, the ability to construct arguments, and confidence in public speaking. The senior program competes in the Panhellenic Forensics Association Tournament, with St. Lawrence College crowned champions seven times, and junior competitions run for Years 7–9. The school also enters the International Competition for Young Debaters, and a winter Speakathon provides a forum for floor speeches and skill development. Debating at St. Lawrence College develops critical thinking and communication that support university study and beyond.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative The Art Club meets one lunchtime a week and is open to all pupils and all levels of ability. Much of the work is exhibited around the school and at the annual Art Exhibition. Activities use a wide range of materials and techniques, including mural painting, expanding beyond regular Art lessons to build visual and historical awareness and confidence. The Club promotes collaboration across year groups and is guided by Art teachers who support students' development.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school fosters global citizenship with a focus on multicultural, multi-faith, and multi-racial understanding within the context of cultural pluralism, promoting cultural awareness and international-mindedness.	Cultural & language The Model United Nations Club meets weekly at lunchtime for Year 8 and above. The Club participates in official MUN events, teaching students about the United Nations, world affairs and diplomacy. Pupils conduct online research, prepare resolutions, and present them to committees, developing research, teamwork, public speaking and listening skills. The experience builds cross-cultural understanding, critical thinking and diplomatic abilities.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies SCMUN is an extracurricular activity offering social engagement through debate, collaboration, and public speaking. Inter-house activities and the School Council involvement support pupil participation in school improvement and student life.	Social & hobbies Senior School sports are organized into senior teams and sports clubs. Teams include Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, and Tennis, meeting at lunch or after school and entering interschool tournaments after tryouts. Clubs include Rugby, Basketball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis and Table Tennis, meeting after school or at lunchtime and competing in occasional matches. The programs promote discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and physical well-being.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The Services Society organizes fundraising and charity events for local organizations such as Children's Village SOS and the Soup Kitchen in Anavyssos, as well as for humanitarian crises that arise. The Society visits charity organizations to gain hands-on experience and understanding of how they function. It aims to develop initiative and leadership and to prepare pupils for useful citizenship by instilling a sense of duty and volunteer spirit.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional SCMUN has a Secretariat and Student Officers who oversee planning and execution of the conference. A dedicated Organising Team coordinates SCMUN activities and mentors younger members, providing leadership development and project-management experience.	Leadership & professional St. Lawrence College delivers The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, the world's leading youth achievement award that combines practical experiences and useful skills to prepare young people for life. The Bronze Award is open to Year 10, with four expeditions; the Silver Award is open to Year 11 and above, with two treks. Participants design their own Award programme, complete voluntary work, commit to physical recreation, learn a new skill and undertake expeditions.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral Care provides guidance on social, emotional and physical well-being, linking to a range of well-regarded external resources for pupils and families. The school offers mental health and wellbeing information and supports through curated guidance from organizations such as Mind, Anna Freud, SAMH and others, to help pupils navigate well-being concerns.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision Greek and English are taught to all children. From Grade 4, pupils choose a third language; the current options are French, Spanish and Chinese. Six languages are taught at the school. EAL support is provided to assist pupils whose English needs development.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations HMC – Heads' Conference of British independent schools; membership indicates affiliation with a network of leading UK private schools COBIS – Council of British International Schools; membership indicates commitment to international British education standards	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions An application fee of €150 is payable at submission. On official offer, a Registration Fee of €1,000 and a Development Fund payment are due (Development Fund €1,500 for Nursery–Year 10; €500 for Years 11–13). The Development Fund is a one-off contribution payable with the Registration Fee by the date on the offer letter and is non-refundable. The Registration Fee, if paid, remains valid for two academic years (24 months) if enrolment is pursued after cancellation. A Cancellation Fee is charged according to the child's year group. Tuition fees are invoiced twice per year (September and January). Mid-year entry points: second term entry 65% of annual fees; third term entry 35%. All tuition fees are non-refundable. Fees must be paid within 10 working days of the invoice; late payments incur €60 per month. Payment can be made by cheque (euros), credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), bank transfer or direct deposit. Additional charges apply for examinations (externally marked), textbooks for Year 10–13, daily transportation, uniforms, medical examinations, entry fees, special outings or compulsory trips, and extracurricular clubs. Applications require €150 at submission; once offered, the Registration Fee and Development Fund become payable.	Admissions 1. Interview and campus tour: Children must have an interview before a place can be offered. The Headmaster and the Headmistress of the Junior School meet with the parents and the child and show them around the school. The meeting provides an opportunity to discuss the school and its programs. Registrations can be initiated by expressing interest and arranging a visit through the Registrar. 2. Documentation required: Complete the Application Form and sign it by the parents. Provide the pupil's report from the previous school, translated into English if necessary. Submit a Medical Form fully filled and signed by the parents, along with Medical Certificates. The Registrar will outline all required documents during the visit and confirm when the files are complete. 3. Admission decision and timing: After the interview and submission of the required documents, the admission decision is given verbally or in writing to the parent. Registrations take place throughout the academic year. The school aims to communicate outcomes promptly once procedures are completed. Parents may be contacted by the Registrar regarding next steps or to schedule the enrolment. 4. Enquiries and visits: To make an enquiry or an appointment to visit the School, fill in the online form or telephone the Registrar. Appointments can be arranged to suit the family's schedule. The school provides information about admission procedures during the visit.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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