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International School of Bearn

France, Pau

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 320
Type Co-educational
Opened 2002
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Taught languages French, German, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

International School of Béarn is a day school serving ages 2 to 18. Founded in 2002, it offers Early Years through Grade 13, with preschool added in 2003 and secondary in 2007. Instruction is English, based on the English National Curriculum and adapted for an international community; French is taught as a foreign language from age 4 for non-French mother-tongue pupils, while content for French mother-tongue pupils follows the national programme. The school provides Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. The curriculum centers on core subjects—Mathematics, English, Science and French—supplemented by Drama, PSHE, Computing, History, Geography, Music and Art. School has ECIS certification (2004), Cambridge Examinations admission (2010), Edexcel approval (2012) and ISTA membership (2013), with facilities opened in 2014. Over 40 nationalities are represented, and over 70% of pupils come from English-speaking families. After-school clubs cover sport, arts and cultural activities.

200 Bd du Cami Salié, 64000 Pau, France

The Essentials

International School of Bearn has 320 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
200 Boulevard du Cami Salié, 64000 Pau, France.

Stages
EYFS (Early Years 2.5-5 yrs), Primary, Secondary.

Pupil Nationality Mix
320 pupils; 50 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
The school offers ESL support for students needing English language assistance.

School day structure
Gates open at 08:30. The school day begins at 08:45. EYFS finishes at 15:15, with a 11:45 pick‑up on Wednesdays. Primary finishes between 15:15 and 15:30, with a 12:00 finish on Wednesdays. Secondary runs from 08:30–08:45 arrival and 08:45 lessons, with a lunch break and after‑school options; after‑school clubs run 15:30–16:45 and Garderie (child-minding) is 16:45–18:00 (not on Wednesdays).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school requires pupils to wear school uniform (from Reception). Based on the English standard uniform, the uniform is appropriate and comfortable and helps to give children a sense of belonging to and pride in the school community. Uniforms can be pre-ordered online using the click-and-collect system, and the Uniform Shop is open every Tuesday and Friday from 08:30 to 09:30.

Food Options
The school offers a hot lunch service provided by a local French restaurant. There are three grade-specific lunch sittings at 11:45 AM, 12:15 PM, and 12:45 PM. Unless parents have subscribed to that service, children can bring packed lunches; snacks may be provided; fizzy drinks and chewing gum are not permitted.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a non-profit institution founded in May 2002.
Fees
Application fees

- No fixed application (registration/file-opening) fee amount is publicly published by the school. Public directory entries list overall tuition ranges but do not include a separate, published application fee figure for ISB.

Tuition fees (per year / per term / by year group)

- The school does not publish a detailed, grade-by-grade or per-term fee schedule in publicly accessible materials. Available public listings show only overall annual ranges for day pupils rather than a full breakdown by school year or by term.

- Representative annual day-pupil tuition ranges quoted in public directories (different sites report slightly different figures):
- Approximately EUR 3,380 to EUR 6,230 per year (daily tuition range reported by an international school directory).
- Approximately EUR 4,210 to EUR 5,230 per year (another directory summary).
- A broader directory entry elsewhere lists a wider EUR 1,350 to EUR 7,200 range for day pupils; this reflects differing third‑party summaries rather than a school-published, grade-specific schedule.

- No public information was found that provides tuition charged per term, or a per-year-group fee table (for example EYFS, Primary, Secondary) suitable for direct insertion into a database as discrete per-term figures.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- A written notice period of 90 days is required to withdraw a child; failure to give 90 days' written notice results in the school retaining the refundable deposit. This withdrawal notice requirement is part of the school's admissions and enrolment terms.

- There is no publicly posted, detailed billing calendar (for example exact invoice dates, term instalment dates, or penalties for late payment) available in the school's public pages.

Boarding fees

- The International School of Béarn operates as a day school in the published profiles consulted; no full‑board or weekly boarding fee schedule is published or indicated for this school. Public directory entries classify ISB as a day school rather than a boarding school.

Other costs and fees (uniform, lunches, extras)

- Uniform costs (examples from the school's online shop):
- Hooded sweatshirt: EUR 19.00 – 25.00.
- Reading bookbag: EUR 15.00.
- PE tracksuit bottoms: EUR 17.00 – 22.00.
- Dark blue leggings: EUR 12.00.
- PE T‑shirt (foundation/primary/secondary variants): EUR 5.00.
- White polo shirt short sleeve: EUR 14.00; long sleeve: EUR 16.00.
- School bag: EUR 20.00 – 25.00.
- Other uniform items (summer dress, trousers, shorts, caps) are listed on the shop with individual prices in similar low‑double‑digit euro amounts.

- Lunch: The school offers a hot lunch service provided by a local French restaurant and also permits packed lunches; no public per‑meal or per‑term lunch price is published on the lunch information page.

- Extracurricular activities and after‑school clubs are offered; no comprehensive public price list for clubs, transport or additional services was available on the public pages consulted.

Refund information

- Withdrawal policy: 90 days' written notice of intention to withdraw is required; if 90 days' notice is not given, the refundable deposit will be retained by the school. No additional, publicly posted full refund schedule (for partial terms, medical withdrawals, or pro‑rata refunds) was located in the public admissions material.

Fee payment options

- The school hosts an online Parent Portal and an online shop for uniform purchases; the shop functions as an e‑commerce checkout for uniform items. There is no public, itemised statement of all accepted payment methods for school tuition (for example explicit listing of bank transfer details, accepted card networks, or direct debit options) in the publicly accessible pages reviewed.
Academics

International School of Bearn teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
The Primary School curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England; core subjects are Mathematics, French, Science and English; foundation subjects include Drama, PSHE, Computing, History, Physical Education, Geography, Music and Art. The curriculum is differentiated and enriched with workshops, field trips and more, and is adapted to the school's location and international community.

Higher Education Progression
Recent university destinations include Cambridge University, Bristol University and Kings College London, as well as Scottish and EU universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ISB places student wellbeing at the heart of its provision through a robust PSHE and pastoral programme. Primary PSHE teaches personal development, social skills, health and wellbeing, with units tailored to the international community, including mental health and healthy living. A 15‑minute Tutor Time period starts each day, and weekly PSHE sessions support study skills, world news and personal mentoring. The Pastoral Team and a qualified counsellor provide confidential guidance sessions during lunch times to help with friendship issues, anxiety or exam stress. Assemblies and the enrichment programme reinforce values, global awareness and a healthy, active lifestyle through a broad PE offering.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
There is an EAL department that supports children with learning English at all levels of ability. The EAL provision is supported by dedicated teaching staff across the primary and foundation stages, including roles focused on EAL and English language development (e.g., EAL Teacher). French and English as an additional language responsibilities are included in the team structure.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is a clear focus within PSHE and enrichment. PSHE units cover mental health and healthy living, and assemblies highlight world events and wellbeing topics. A qualified counsellor is available for confidential guidance sessions, and the Pastoral Team supports students in building resilience, managing stress and developing social-emotional skills. The school promotes a happy, balanced and resilient student body through a combination of PSHE, counselling support and active participation in sport.
Parent Experience

History
The International School of Béarn was founded in May 2002 as a non-profit institution to provide an excellent international education for children of the community of Pau and its surrounding areas. It offers classes from Early Years (age 2 ½) through to grade 13 (age 18). The majority of the curriculum studied is based upon the English National Curriculum adapted to an international environment, with French as a foreign language taught (French lessons start from age 4 for French mother tongue students based on the national programme). Pre-School and Primary opened in 2003; Secondary opened in 2007. The school has earned ECIS certification in 2004, Cambridge International Examinations admission in 2010, Edexcel approval in 2012, ISTA membership in 2013, and new buildings in 2014. Families from more than forty nationalities are represented, and more than seventy percent of pupils come from English-speaking families.

Community
ISB has a diverse international community with families from more than forty nationalities. Family involvement is encouraged and there is an active PTA association. More than seventy percent of pupils come from English-speaking families, with many nationalities represented and all are welcome. The school emphasises a welcoming, caring atmosphere and respects each student's background and culture.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA is a vital, volunteer-led organization that fosters collaboration between parents, teachers, and school staff to enhance the educational experience for all students. It serves as a bridge connecting the school and families, ensuring that children's education is a shared responsibility and a collective effort. The PTA is a volunteer-led group that organizes events, fundraising, and advocates for school improvements, enriching the learning environment. Membership is open to all parents, guardians, and teachers. PTA activities include fundraising for resources such as new technology, playground equipment, and classroom supplies. PTAs plan and execute events that build school spirit and strengthen community ties.
Facilities

Academic Facilities
The programme is taught in English and is based on the English National Curriculum adapted to an international environment. The school offers classes from Early Years through to Grade 13. French as a foreign language focuses on basic oral comprehension and communication. For French mother tongue pupils, the content of the lessons is based on the national programme for French schools, with French lessons starting from age 4. The school emphasizes a welcoming and caring atmosphere where each student is respected as an individual.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A great variety of extra-curricular clubs are offered to develop new skills and extend talents. Clubs include Judo, Computers, Cricket, Chess, Musical Dance, Football, Rugby, Netball, Basket, Circus School, Creative Arts and Guitar. These activities provide opportunities to develop new skills and extend talents and contribute to confidence and personal growth.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers an international Anglophone education in Béarn. The curriculum is structured to allow students to grow in a multicultural environment. It follows a broad and balanced programme based on the English National Curriculum, tailored to an international perspective. Education is organized across Early Years (EYFS), Primary, and Secondary.

Arts & Creative
The school offers extra-curricular activities with a focus on arts and creativity. After-school clubs include Creative Arts, Circus School, and Guitar. Participation helps students develop creative expression and performance skills.

Cultural & Language
The school delivers an Anglophone international education in Béarn. Families come from more than 50 nationalities, contributing to an international community. The school emphasizes respecting each student's educational background and culture in a welcoming environment.

Social & Hobbies
A wide range of after-school clubs and activities is offered. Clubs include Judo, Computers, Cricket, Chess, Musical Dance, Football, Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Circus School, Creative Arts, and Guitar. These activities support confidence-building and personal development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school fosters a welcoming and caring atmosphere. Sports and physical activities are available, including Football, Rugby, Netball, and Basketball. The overall environment supports students' wellbeing and healthy development.
Languages

Language Provision
The school provides Anglophone education. The curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum and is tailored to an international perspective.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Submit Admissions File. The school requires a completed application form, a teacher's confidential report, and a medical record form. In addition, parents may be asked to provide a record or report from the child's previous school. These documents form the Admissions File that begins the admissions review. The school uses this file to assess suitability for admission.

Step 2: Admissions review and conditional acceptance. The admission is conditional upon a satisfactory appraisal that the school can offer a valuable educational experience for each child. Criteria considered include representation from the international community in the city and French families who respect the school's philosophy. Previous school experience and the ability to work in English or benefit from ESL support are taken into account. The likelihood of benefiting from courses offered at ISB is also evaluated.

Step 3: Placement and age. Placement is based on the age of the child as of 1 September. There is some flexibility for individual needs and overlaps of ages may occur, especially in the later grades of Primary School. Children are placed into a class depending on their age on 1 September to August and not from January to December. If a child's birthday is near September 1, the policy is to place the child in the correct class according to age on 1 September.

Step 4: Placement in a particular grade. Placement in a particular grade depends on the age of the pupil. Reports from the previous school are considered. A consultation with parents is conducted. An interview with the pupil and tests appropriate to the pupil's level are carried out.

Step 5: Admission procedure and timing. Students will be admitted at the school's opening date in September, provided there are places available and the Admissions File has been submitted. Admission in the middle of the year could be accepted. Please contact the school for information on school fees and the procedure for registration.

Step 6: Withdrawal. 90 days notice of intention to withdraw a child must be given in writing. Otherwise the refundable deposit will be retained by the school. Please contact the school for withdrawal procedures.
School Events
The school has not added events
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