doris
Currency
T

The British International School

Egypt, Cairo

Save school

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Arabic
Fees EGP 6,720 - 15,615
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1059
Type Co-educational
Opened 1976
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages Arabic, French, Spanish, English
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The British International School Cairo is a non-profit British international co-educational day school established in 1976 in Cairo to serve expatriate families and others linked to British schooling. The school delivers a British-based curriculum for ages 3–18: Early Years follows the UK Foundation Stage (FS1/FS2); Junior School (Years 1–6) follows the English National Curriculum; Senior School (Years 7–11) leads to IGCSE; Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma and other subject pathways. In 1989 the school introduced the IB Diploma Programme; in 2008 a Beverly Hills campus opened west of Cairo; in 2022 the Egypt and Middle East Programme was launched to strengthen Arabic language skills and knowledge of Egyptian and Middle Eastern history and culture. Facilities include large Foundation Stage classrooms, an Arabic classroom, a Music Room, a dedicated swimming pool, and extensive sports facilities such as a 50m pool, a 1000m2 sports hall, a 400m track and training fields. Co-curricular offerings include Injaz, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, MUN, Art Club, Band Club, Dance and Accelerated Reader. Graduates progress to universities worldwide.

The Essentials

The British International School has 1,059 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English, Arabic.

Location

Km 38, Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Beverly Hills, 6th of October City, Egypt, 12451. Postal Address: PO Box 137, Gezira, Cairo, Egypt.

Stages

Foundation Stage; Junior; Senior; Sixth Form

Type

Non-profit British international co-educational day school established in 1976

Pupil Nationality Mix

Over 50 nationalities represented; around 1,059 students.

Country affiliation

Egypt

Bus service

The school provides a safe, reliable transport service covering areas in Cairo and Giza, including Dokki, Agouza, Mohandessin, Giza, Pyramids Road, Shabramant, Hadayek Al Ahram; Zamalek, Garden City/Manial, Maadi, Zahraa Al Maadi, Heliopolis, Nasr City; October City, Sheikh Zayed, Beverly Hills, Cairo/Alex Desert Road; First Settlement (Tagamoaa), Fifth Settlement, Rehab, Kattameya in New Cairo. Bus routes may change. Buses have seat belts, a supervisor with mobile phone, air conditioning, GPS, and Foundation Stage car seats. Transport forms are provided at admission; contact Transport Manager Mr Ashraf Gad at [email protected]
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

The school has no boarding; it is a day school.

Food Options

The school provides catering; Junior and Senior pupils may bring a packed lunch or have a hot lunch; Foundation Stage pupils must have a packed lunch; Senior School may buy lunch daily, while Junior School lunches require a termly or annual plan.

House System

There are four houses—Air, Earth, Fire and Water; pupils belong to a house and participate in house competitions; House Points are awarded for sport, academics, and other activities; Classdojo points contribute to House Points; winners are announced termly, with a final winner at year end.

Governance and Ownership

The school is owned and run by The British International School Society, a non-profit and non-governmental organisation.
Fees

Annual tuition at The British International School ranges from EGP 6,720 to EGP 15,615 for 2026/27.

School fee billing, schedule and discounts

- Tuition is billed per term. The school operates three terms per year; tuition figures below are shown per term and the annual equivalent (three terms).
- A 1% discount is applied where the whole-year invoice is paid in a single payment.
- The registration payment must be made in cash equivalent in Egyptian pounds (EGP) prior to assessment/testing and is non-refundable.

Application / Registration / Admissions

- Registration fee (per application/assessment): GBP 300 — cash equivalent in EGP prior to testing (non-refundable).
- For pupils accepted at entry, an admissions fee is payable once on entry where applicable; amounts by year group are listed below. Admissions fees are non-refundable.

Tuition fees by school year (per term and annual total)

- Foundation Stage 1 (FS1)
- Tuition: GBP 2,140 per term — Annual total (3 terms): GBP 6,420.
- Registration: GBP 300 (cash equivalent in EGP prior to testing, non-refundable).

- Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)
- Tuition: GBP 3,370 per term — Annual total (3 terms): GBP 10,110.
- Registration: GBP 300 (cash equivalent in EGP prior to testing, non-refundable).

- Years 1 to 6
- Tuition: GBP 4,485 per term — Annual total (3 terms): GBP 13,455.
- Admissions fee (payable once on entry): GBP 4,500 (non-refundable).
- Supply fees (payable once on entry): GBP 2,500 (non-refundable).
- Registration: GBP 300 (cash equivalent in EGP prior to testing, non-refundable).
- Yearbook: GBP 30 per academic year (applies Year 1–13).

- Years 7 to 9
- Tuition: GBP 5,195 per term — Annual total (3 terms): GBP 15,585.
- Admissions fee (payable once on entry): GBP 5,195 (non-refundable).
- Supply fees (payable once on entry): GBP 2,500 (non-refundable).
- Registration: GBP 300 (cash equivalent in EGP prior to testing, non-refundable).
- Exam fee (Year 9 only): GBP 400.
- Books' refundable deposit: GBP 50 payable once in Year 7 (or in Year 8/9 for late joiners as specified).
- Yearbook: GBP 30 per academic year (Year 1–13).

- Years 10 & 11
- Tuition: GBP 5,275 per term — Annual total (3 terms): GBP 15,825.
- Admissions fee (payable once on entry): GBP 5,275 (non-refundable).
- Supply fees (payable once on entry): GBP 2,500 (non-refundable).
- Registration: GBP 300 (cash equivalent in EGP prior to testing, non-refundable).
- Exam fees: Year 10 — GBP 400; Year 11 — GBP 500.
- Yearbook: GBP 30 per academic year (Year 1–13).

- Years 12 & 13 (Sixth Form / IB)
- Tuition: GBP 5,595 per term — Annual total (3 terms): GBP 16,785.
- Admissions fee: Not applicable for students joining at Sixth Form (---).
- Supply fees (payable once on entry): GBP 2,500 (non-refundable).
- Registration: GBP 300 (cash equivalent in EGP prior to testing, non-refundable).
- Exam fees: Year 12 — GBP 400; Year 13 — GBP 800.
- Yearbook: GBP 30 per academic year (Year 1–13).

Other one-off and recurring costs

- Supply fees (one-off on entry, non-refundable) are shown above for the relevant year groups and are typically GBP 2,500 where listed.
- Yearbook: GBP 30 per academic year for students Year 1–13.
- Books' refundable deposit (as applicable for secondary entry): GBP 50 payable once in Year 7 (adjusted for late joiners as described). The refundable deposit arrangements for new entrants (refund on leaving BISC) are set out in the school's fee documentation.
- Exam fees: indicated above where they apply to specific year groups (Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12, Year 13).
- Uniform: Branded uniform items are available from the school uniform shop on campus; the shop lists current uniform requirements and opening times. (Costs vary by item.)

Refunds and non-refundable items

- Registration fees are non-refundable. Admissions fees and supply fees are payable once on entry and are non-refundable.
- Refundable deposits (where charged for new entrants) are refunded on the day the child leaves BISC; the school's fees documentation sets out conditions and instalment options for this deposit.
- Books' deposit (where charged) is shown as refundable under the specific terms given for Years 7–9 entry.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. The British International School in Cairo is a co-educational day school; no boarding fees apply.

Billing mechanics and admissions invoicing

- At offer/acceptance the school invoices for supply and admissions fees, one term's tuition to reserve the place, and any refundable deposit required; those amounts secure the offered place.

Fee payment options (high-level)

- The registration payment is required in cash equivalent in EGP prior to assessment. The school maintains a formal Payment of School Fees Policy that governs invoicing and accepted payment channels; the policy and fees pages provide the billing terms, timing and discount rules. Typical school invoicing is by term, with the option to pay the full year to receive the 1% discount.

Summary of the main per-term tuition figures (quick list)

- FS1: GBP 2,140 per term (GBP 6,420 per year).
- FS2: GBP 3,370 per term (GBP 10,110 per year).
- Years 1–6: GBP 4,485 per term (GBP 13,455 per year).
- Years 7–9: GBP 5,195 per term (GBP 15,585 per year).
- Years 10–11: GBP 5,275 per term (GBP 15,825 per year).
- Years 12–13 (Sixth Form): GBP 5,595 per term (GBP 16,785 per year).

If you require these figures presented in a specific currency format or integrated into a database field layout, include the appropriate field names and I will format the entries to match your import specification.
Academics

The British International School teaches British Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

The British International School Cairo offers a British-style curriculum. Early Years uses the UK Foundation Stage Curriculum (FS1 & FS2). Junior School (Years 1–6) is based on the National Curriculum of England. Senior School (Years 7–11) leads to IGCSE examinations. Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers an academic or vocational pathway with extensive subject options in the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Student Teacher Ratio

Typical class sizes in the Junior School are around 20 pupils, with a maximum class size of 24 pupils.

Exam Results

GCSE results show a mean A*-A/9-7 of 67% in 2024 and 46% in 2023, and a mean A*-C/9-4 of 89% in 2024 and 91% in 2023. IB results show a mean Diploma Points of 34 in 2024 and 33 in 2023, with mean Subject Points around 5.46 in 2024 and 5.38 in 2023. University destinations include universities such as University of California, Berkeley; University of British Columbia; American University Cairo; Kingston University; City University London; Boston University; Manchester University; Goldsmiths College; University of Toronto; Brock University; AUC; Heidelberg University; George Washington University; Queen Mary University of London; University of East Anglia; University College London; Oxford; University of Bath; New York University; and the University of Amsterdam.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates go on to a wide range of universities worldwide, including U.S., U.K., Canada and beyond. Notable destinations include University of California, Berkeley; University of British Columbia; American University Cairo; University College London; Oxford; New York University; University of Edinburgh; University of Toronto; and others.

Gifted and Talented

Junior School Gifted and Talented Coordinator is Ms C. Day.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

BISC supports social and emotional development through a broad pastoral programme. The Junior School begins each day with Wake Up, Shake Up led by WUSU Leaders, pupils, teachers and parents to promote a positive start. Pupil Leadership opportunities include Pupil Councillors, Assembly Leaders, Eco Committee and PALS to develop leadership, collaboration and social skills. The House System, Breaktime Radio and Wellbeing Ambassadors foster teamwork, positive interactions and student-driven initiatives. Residential trips for Years 4–6 further social and emotional growth, independence and confidence.

Mental Wellbeing

Counselling is part of a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. Students can access one-to-one counselling in a safe, confidential space with two experienced counsellors who have UK and international experience; referrals can be made by staff or parents, and students may self-refer.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. BISC has a team of Designated Safeguarding Leads for Foundation Stage, Junior School and Senior School, plus Deputy DSLs. DSLs work with the school's counsellors to maintain rigorous safeguarding practices, and safeguarding policies are reviewed annually. The PSHE programme incorporates safeguarding, anti-bullying, online safety and healthy relationship education, with parent workshops to support the wider school community.
Parent Experience

History

Established in 1976 to serve expatriate children in Cairo, The British International School, Cairo has built a reputation for strong academic achievement and a broad educational programme. Graduates progress to leading universities worldwide, and the school is regarded as shaping tomorrow's leaders. The school has grown to welcome pupils from the Commonwealth, the English-speaking Egyptian community and other nationalities tied to British schooling. In 1989 the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme was introduced, and in 2008 a Beverly Hills campus opened west of Cairo; in April 2022 the Egypt and Middle East Programme was launched to enhance Arabic language skills and knowledge of Egyptian and Middle Eastern history and culture.

Community

The school has a diverse community of pupils, parents and staff supporting the School and its students in many ways. This happens through charitable giving and through the community activities we support. Community involvement in school life makes for a closer partnership in the realisation of our common aims. There are 1,059 students across Foundation Stage (110), Junior (529) and Senior (530).

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) organises events, brings the community together and raises funds for specialist projects. BISC has a resourceful body of parents who generously support the School and its activities. PTA committees include Development, Community and Volunteers. The PTA Constitution describes its aims to assist in providing resources for the school as suggested by staff and in consultation with the school leadership, foster the community spirit within and around BISC, and promote activities to support curriculum, co-curriculum and the local community. PTA Values include Commitment, Diversity, Collaboration, Respect and Accountability. All parents are encouraged to join the British International School Society, whose annual membership is LE200 per person.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Foundation Stage classrooms are in the main school building and are large, with direct access to large, bespoke play areas. The Foundation Stage includes an Arabic classroom, a Music Room, a natural garden area for PE and an age-appropriate swimming pool. Each Foundation Stage class has a UK-qualified teacher, a bilingual graduate Teaching Assistant and a dedicated classroom nanny; safeguarding training is undertaken annually by staff. The Arts and sports facilities support art, drama, music and general sport, and there is a broad range of co-curricular activities. The school has major sports facilities including a 50m pool, a 1000m² sports hall, a 400m track, a fitness gym, netball courts, a sports field, an additional field and a basketball court.

Sports Facilities

The school has specialist sports facilities including a 50m pool, a 1000m² sports hall and a 400m track, complemented by a fitness gym. Netball courts, a sports field, an additional field and a basketball court are available for training and competition. The school competes in local, regional and international tournaments and has hosted events such as the BSME U13/U15 Football tournament.

Academic Facilities

Foundation Stage classrooms are in the main building with direct access to large play areas, plus an Arabic classroom, a Music Room, a natural garden area for PE and an age-appropriate swimming pool. The EYFS curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The Arts are supported by facilities for drawing, design and multimedia, with art exhibitions and clubs. Pupils use technology in lessons, with Junior School requiring an iPad and Senior School students bringing a tablet or laptop to lessons. In Sixth Form, students can pursue IB Diploma and other options with extensive subject choices.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Co-curricular activities provide a range of clubs and events. Junior activities include Chess Club, Movie Making, Yoga, Band Club, Dance and Arts & Crafts Club, among others. Senior activities include Art Club, Injaz, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Science Club, MUN, History Club, and GCSE Production. Accelerated Reading is used to promote reading, with librarians tracking progress through the Accelerated Reader programme.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

BISC offers a broad range of academic, STEM and competition-based activities as part of its co-curricular programme. Junior pupils are encouraged to take at least one activity per week, supervised by staff. Senior students participate in Injaz (Young Enterprise), Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, MUN, Mathematics/Science Support and Public Speaking.

Arts & Creative

Pupils can join Art Club, Band Club, Dance Musical, Arts & Crafts Club, Sunshine Dance, Movie Making and Creative Writing. Senior students may access GCSE Production and Exhibition-style Art techniques.

Cultural & Language

The French Support Group and MUN support language development and global citizenship. The school also runs local, regional and international trips and conferences to broaden cultural understanding.

Social & Hobbies

A range of recreational activities runs throughout the year, including Yoga, Crossfit, Puzzles and Brain Teasers, Card Games and Playtime Games. Junior activities also include Movie Making, Jewellery Making & Crafts, and others supervised by staff.

Community & Service

The programme includes community-focused activities, including an After School Community Club. The enrichment offering extends beyond campus with local, regional and international trips and conferences.

Leadership & Professional

Injaz (Young Enterprise) and The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award provide entrepreneurial and leadership experiences. MUN and Public Speaking also develop leadership and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sports and fitness are central to wellbeing in the co-curricular programme. Senior School Fitness, Crossfit, Yoga and Sunshine Dance help maintain physical and mental wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision

Arabic is taught at Foundation Stage to foster awareness of the Arabic language and Egyptian society, with a dedicated Arabic classroom for lessons. Foreign languages are featured in the Junior School. Early Years are based on the UK Foundation Stage Curriculum (FS1 & FS2); Junior follows the National Curriculum of England; Senior offers GCSE/IGCSE courses; Sixth Form offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Bilingual Teaching

Arabic is taught at Foundation Stage (FS1 and FS2). A bilingual Teaching Assistant supports learning in Foundation Stage.
Reputation

Accreditations

BISC is an accredited member of COBIS and IAPS, and is a member of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME). It is an IB World School and has been licensed to run its own GCSE examinations onsite; it is registered with the UK Department for Education. It has been inspected by ISI (2015) and by PENTA (subsequent inspections) and is monitored by Ofsted; His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to Egypt is the school's Patron. The Penta Inspection Report cited is from 2024.
Admissions

Admissions

1. The admissions process begins a year in advance of September admission. Before you fill in the online form, prepare the required documents: Parents' Egyptian IDs (Mother + Father) in PDF, Pupil Passport in PDF, and Previous school report in PDF. Incomplete applications will not be processed. The Admissions Department acknowledges receipt of each application and holds it on file for entry to the requested academic year.

2. The School accepts pupils for admission at the key entry points of Foundation Stage, Year 7, Year 10 and Year 12. Mid-year entry is not available for Year 11 and Year 13.

3. The Admissions Department oversees the following aspects of your child's admission: receipt of application forms, Open Morning appointments and school tours, arrangements for admissions assessments, interviews with the Principal and the relevant Head of School.

4. Assessments are scheduled subject to the availability of places. It is possible that an applicant will be assessed and offered a place on the waiting list. The registration fee must be settled on or before the date of the assessment. The registration fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee the offer of a place.

5. Foundation Stage uses classroom observation to assess ability; standardised CAT tests are used throughout the rest of the school to assess student ability. Places are offered subject to successful completion of the application procedures and of an academic entrance examination in English, Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning. A formal letter is issued with other necessary paperwork for your completion and return.

6. A term's fees (admissions fees) and supply fees are payable to reserve the place. You are invoiced for: Supply and Admissions Fees; One term's Tuition Fees; Refundable Deposit.

Waitlist

Assessments are scheduled subject to place availability. It is possible that an applicant will be assessed and offered a place on the waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events