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Sahara International School

Egypt, Cairo

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The school at a glance
Fees EGP 0 - 164,000
Ages 3 - 16 years
Opened 2003
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, French, Arabic
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Located in Cairo, Sahara International School Cairo offers the British Curriculum from Early Years to Upper Secondary for ages 3 to 16. Founded in 1990, the school follows Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel qualifications, delivering Cambridge Primary, IGCSE (Years 10–12) and Cambridge International AS and A Levels, alongside the UK National Curriculum Framework in the Early Years. Three languages are taught from FS1, with French and Arabic featured alongside core subjects. The Primary curriculum centers on Cambridge principles with English, Mathematics and Science as core subjects and French as a fourth; Cambridge Primary Checkpoint monitors progress toward the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint. The secondary program culminates in IGCSEs with OL, AS and A-level subjects. The school reports an average class size of 22 and a student–teacher ratio of 9:1. Accreditations and partnerships with Cambridge, Edexcel, and OxfordAQA reflect truly international orientation; music, theatre, and a School Band highlight arts offerings.

The Essentials

Sahara International School has typical class sizes of 22.

Location

Cairo, Egypt

Stages

EYFS (FS1-FS2); Elementary (KS1-KS2); Lower/Upper Secondary (KS3-KS4)

Type

International school offering the British Curriculum (Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel) from Early Years to Upper Secondary

Additional learning support

The curriculum includes provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities

Country affiliation

United Kingdom
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by a board of directors.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sahara International School ranges from EGP 0 to EGP 164,000 for 2026/27.

Academic year referenced
- Figures below are presented for the 2025/2026 academic year as the most recent published fee schedule available for Sahara International School Cairo.

Application / registration fees
- One-time registration (seat reservation) fee: EGP 10,000.

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts and how they are billed)
- Pre-KG (Pre-K): EGP 88,000 per year.
- KG1 – KG2: EGP 120,000 per year.
- Year 2 (and higher primary/secondary levels listed by school directories): EGP 164,000 per year (example entry shown). Annual tuition varies by year group; the school lists different annual totals by grade.

Per-term / instalment detail
- The school invoices tuition in multiple instalments across the academic year rather than a single lump sum. Instalment billing is scheduled around the academic calendar: a first instalment is collected at the start of the academic year (August/early term), with a second instalment at the start of Term 2 (January) and subsequent instalments and bus-fee instalment windows shown in the school calendar. Parents are expected to pay each instalment by the calendar deadlines. Exact per-term amounts equal the annual tuition divided according to the number of instalments for the pupil's year group; instalment dates are published on the school calendar.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Typical billing timing: first instalment due at or before start of Term 1 (August), second instalment due at start of Term 2 (January). Additional instalments and exact due dates appear on the annual school calendar and are applied per year group. Late-payment deadlines and any penalties follow the school's finance office terms (parents receive instalment deadlines and payment instructions via the school).

Boarding fees
- No boarding option is indicated for Sahara International School Cairo; fees shown apply to day students (no boarding fees listed).

Other costs and mandatory/optional charges
- School bus (transport) fees: EGP 28,000 to EGP 42,000 per year (range depending on route). Bus fees are billed separately from tuition and are collected during the bus-subscription windows on the school calendar.
- Books: school information indicates tuition covers the cost of textbooks (books included in the fee package as published).
- Uniforms: uniforms are sold through the school (uniform availability is noted on the calendar at the start of the academic year); parents must purchase required school uniform sets. Exact uniform prices are charged separately.
- Extra-curricular activities, trips, exam charges (IGCSE/AS/A-level/Edexcel/OxfordAQA exam fees) and certain optional activities may be charged in addition to tuition; these are invoiced as mandatory or optional items depending on the activity and grade.

Refund information
- No detailed public refund policy for tuition or registration was found in the school's standard fee notices on the school pages reviewed. Parents should note that many schools treat registration/seat fees and certain prepaid items as non-refundable and that refunds (if any) are subject to the school's finance and enrolment terms and timelines. For cases where a formal refund policy is required, parents must consult the school's finance office and enrolment agreement for the binding terms.

Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods reported for Sahara International School Cairo: credit and debit cards, bank transfers (local/international), and in-person cash payments at the school's finance office. Payment by instalment via the school's published schedule is supported. Parents should follow the school's invoicing instructions (bank details or card payment portal) when paying each instalment.

Summary of the most important fee figures (quick reference)
- Registration fee (one-time): EGP 10,000.
- Example annual tuition figures: Pre-KG EGP 88,000; KG1–KG2 EGP 120,000; Year 2 example EGP 164,000. Annual tuition varies by grade.

Note: The school publishes instalment dates and bus-subscription windows on its academic calendar; instalment deadlines and optional-charge windows are the mechanism by which annual tuition and optional services are billed. Where specific per-term splits (exact EGP per instalment) or a formal refund policy are required, the school's finance office provides the binding invoice and terms.
Academics

Sahara International School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 16.

Curriculum

The school follows the British Curriculum through Cambridge International Examinations. The Early Years Foundation Stage follows the UK National Curriculum Framework, with the EYFS curriculum covering Literacy, Numeracy, Understanding the World, French and Arabic, along with Art & Design, Physical Development, ICT, Music and Character Building. The Primary curriculum is based on the Cambridge framework, with English, Mathematics and Science as core subjects and French as a fourth subject; Cambridge Primary Checkpoint assessments monitor progress toward the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint (Years 7–8). The secondary curriculum is IGCSE (Years 10–12), supplied by Cambridge and Edexcel; students study OL, AS and A-level subjects to meet university admission requirements and sit the respective Cambridge and/or Edexcel examinations. Graduates of the IGCSE Department have become specialists in Medicine, Engineering and Business. The school reports an average class size of 22 and a student–teacher ratio of 9:1; three languages are taught from FS1 stage.

Student Teacher Ratio

9:1

Higher Education Progression

IGCSE students study OL, AS and A-level subjects to meet university admission requirements and pursue higher education; graduates have pursued degrees in Medicine, Engineering and Business.
Parent Experience

History

Started in 1990, Sahara International School Cairo grew from Sahara associates' dream to provide the finest education in a caring atmosphere. A devoted team of teachers and staff delivers knowledge along with values and beliefs, shaping a new generation. The school follows the British Curriculum, aligned with Cambridge International Examinations, and uses Cambridge and Edexcel qualifications through accredited partnerships. The vision is to spread a holistic educational concept across Egypt in an inspiring and disciplined environment.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The mission states that Sahara International School Cairo will deliver what students deserve: the best, by providing the right atmosphere, facilities, and highly qualified, motivated staff. Excellence drives the school's approach to learning within a caring environment. The school highlights its international dimension through accreditations and partnerships with Cambridge, Edexcel, and OxfordAQA. Accreditations and partnerships underpin the learning environment.

Academic Facilities

The academic program is based on the Cambridge framework rooted in the British National System of education. The Early Years Foundation Stage at Sahara follows the UK National Curriculum Framework, with the EYFS curriculum covering Literacy, Numeracy, Understanding the World, French and Arabic, plus Art & Design, Physical Development, ICT, Music and Character Building. The Primary Checkpoint assesses English, Math, and Science, with French added as a fourth subject. The secondary curriculum is IGCSE for years 10–12, supplied by Cambridge and Edexcel, with progression from the Checkpoint to the secondary level in classes aligned with university goals. IGCSE instructors are highly qualified, and graduates go on to study fields such as Medicine, Engineering, and Business.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Excellence is at the heart of Sahara's approach, from academics to extracurricular activities. The school encourages students to take responsibility for their actions and learning journey in their extracurricular involvement. The values of Diversity and Integrity contribute to an extracurricular environment that respects different perspectives and upholds high standards. Team Spirit and collaboration underpin the extracurricular experiences Sahara offers.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school follows the Cambridge curriculum, applying the British education framework. Early Years Foundation Stage (FS1-FS2) covers Literacy, Numeracy, Understanding the World, French and Arabic, plus Art & Design, Physical Development, ICT, Music and Character Building. The Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint assessments monitor progress, and the secondary curriculum is IGCSE (Years 10–12) supplied by Cambridge and Edexcel. Teachers are trained by Cambridge and approved publishers, and the school maintains accreditations and partnerships with CIS, ECIS, Cambridge, Edexcel, and OxfordAQA.

Arts & Creative

Arts and creative activities are supported through music and theatre. The school features a School Band and student music involvement, with Arts-related achievements highlighted by former students in music and photography. The Outstanding Students section showcases individuals involved in arts activities such as music and photography during school events and performances.

Cultural & Language

French and Arabic are taught from the FS1 stage as part of the EYFS curriculum. Languages are listed as being taught from FS1, reflecting the school's language offerings from early years onward.

Social & Hobbies

Outstanding students have earned recognition in sports, including Karate, Judo and Gymnastics, across multiple years. The school highlights student achievements in athletics and competitive events, demonstrating an active sports program and opportunities in various disciplines.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

A secure, safe and happy childhood is highlighted as a foundational goal. The EYFS framework emphasizes that every child is unique, thrives through positive relationships, learns best in enabling environments, and develops at different rates, with additional attention to development in Literacy, Numeracy, Understanding the World, French, Arabic, Art & Design, Physical Development, ICT, Music and Character Building. The school also emphasizes core values such as Excellence, Responsibility, Diversity, Integrity and Team Spirit, which underlie student life and wellbeing, including active participation in sports and physical activities.
Languages

Language Provision

Three languages are taught from FS1 stage, including French and Arabic as part of the EYFS curriculum. The Primary Checkpoint core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science, with French added as a fourth subject. The secondary curriculum is IGCSE, provided by Cambridge and Edexcel, and includes OL, AS and A level subjects.
Reputation

Accreditations

CIS
ECIS
The University of Cambridge
Edexcel
OxfordAQA
School Events
The school has not added events