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Nelson Mandela School

Germany, Berlin

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 5 - 19 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2000
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum
Taught languages English, German, French, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Nelson Mandela School is a state-funded international bilingual school in Berlin for students aged 6–18. It blends Berliner Rahmenlehrpläne with international streams to meet Berlin regulations. Upper secondary offers bilingual Abitur or International Baccalaureate Diploma. The German and Mathematics curricula follow Berlin's framework, while the primary curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum for England, Wales and Northern Ireland; English instruction incorporates Jolly Phonics, the Oxford Reading Tree and Oxford International Literacy. Science, History and Geography at the primary level are taught in English by staff; Art is anchored by the Visual Journal across grades. Since 2017, media literacy and digital skills are embedded across subjects with ongoing teacher training. The campus includes an on-site gym, a versatile schoolyard, and nearby facilities. Two bilingual libraries house about 100,000 books; UNESCO ASPN and ECIS affiliations reflect its ties. Tuition is not charged as it is government-funded; IB and Abitur pathways are available.

Pfalzburger Str. 30, 10717 Berlin, Germany

The Essentials

Nelson Mandela School has instruction in English, German.

Location
Berlin, Germany. Primary Campus at Pfalzburger Straße 23, 10719 Berlin; Secondary Campus at Pfalzburger Straße 30, 10717 Berlin. The school is located in the Berlin Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf area with convenient public transport access to U3 (Hohenzollernplatz) and U7 (Fehrbelliner Platz), and Bus lines 249, 101, 104 and 115 serving nearby stops.

Stages
Primary (Years 1-6); Secondary (Years 7-13) with Lower Secondary (Years 7-10) and Upper Secondary (Years 11-13).

Type
state-funded international bilingual school

Additional learning support
Integration and Counselling provided by the Department of Social Pedagogues; Extended Care / Holiday Activities; Clubs & Extras (Social Pedagogues department)

Country affiliation
Germany

Bus service
Public transport access: U3 (Hohenzollernplatz), U7 (Fehrbelliner Platz / Blissestrae); Bus 249 (Güntzelstraße), Bus 101 (Fehrbelliner Platz), Bus 104 (Fehrbelliner Platz), Bus 115 (Fehrbelliner Platz)
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The secondary school cafeteria at Pfalzburger Str. 30 offers an online ordering system. The main advantage is that students can order their meals online, reducing waiting times considerably. Instead of paying with coupons, every student has a prepaid account from which the money is debited.

Governance and Ownership
The Nelson Mandela School is a diverse international bilingual state school teaching from grade 1 to 13, with bilingual Abitur or the International Baccalaureate (IB). It is publicly funded by Berlin's Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family and overseen by the central administration of Berlin's state schools.
Fees
Application fees

- No application fee is charged to submit an application to Nelson Mandela School.

Tuition fees by year group

- Nelson Mandela School is a government-funded state bilingual school and does not charge annual tuition for enrolled students.

- International Baccalaureate (IB) students: families are responsible for IB examination and related IB‑programme costs. The school indicates an IB exam fee of EUR 1,500 per Diploma‑programme student. This fee is charged in addition to the regular, tuition‑free schooling.

- Centralised course materials / book contributions: the school operates a centralised book/materials fund and requests a flat contribution for school books and other learning resources; historically a flat contribution of EUR 90 per pupil (with an additional voluntary IT & library contribution of EUR 50) has been used as the centralised book/IT contribution model. These contributions are separate from tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- IB examination and IB‑programme related charges are billed to families; specific invoicing dates are handled through the IB/IB office at the school. Families are expected to pay IB exam charges directly when invoiced.

- Centralised book/materials contributions and voluntary IT/library contributions are requested per school year; the school's parent bodies coordinate collection and allocation of these funds. Parents who do not qualify for certain assistance programmes may apply for support measures organised by the school community.

- Friends of Nelson Mandela (parent support association) offers membership with annual or monthly payment schedules (examples shown: annual options EUR 120, EUR 160, EUR 220; monthly options EUR 11, EUR 15, EUR 20). Membership and donation schedules follow the Friends' financial year and payment choices selected by the family.

Boarding fees

- Nelson Mandela School is a day school with separate primary and secondary campuses; boarding is not provided and there are no boarding fees.

Other costs and fees (examples parents should expect)

- IB exam fee for Diploma students: EUR 1,500 per IB Diploma candidate.

- Centralised Book Fund / learning resources contribution: a flat contribution (historically EUR 90 per pupil) plus voluntary IT/library contributions have been requested to cover textbooks, digital resources, photocopies and other teaching materials. These contributions are separate from tuition.

- Parent association (Friends of NMS) membership: voluntary annual or monthly contributions support school projects; example rates and payment options are published by the Friends of NMS.

- School cafeteria/lunch: primary‑school lunch is provided free of charge (parents register pupils for meals through the external catering service used by the school). Secondary lunch provision and any associated costs are handled through the school's cafeteria arrangements.

- School shop / merchandise: optional school merchandise (T‑shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tote bags) is sold by the school shop at modest prices (examples shown: children's T‑shirt EUR 12, adult T‑shirt EUR 15; hoody EUR 35–40; sweatshirt EUR 30–35). These items are optional and are separate purchases.

- School trips and extracurricular activities (for example ski trips, exchange programme costs, field trips) typically require additional payments; individual trip charges and payment arrangements are notified to families when trips are organised.

Refund information

- There is no tuition charged, so standard tuition‑refund policies do not apply. For voluntary charges and memberships: Friends of NMS membership terms note that membership continues into the next financial year unless canceled; cancellation is possible at any time under the Friends' rules. Refund or cancellation terms for specific third‑party services (IB examination fees, external catering, external trip providers) are subject to the policies of those providers and the IB/organisers.

Fee payment options

- Friends of NMS (parent association) accepts payments by one‑off bank transfer (IBAN) or direct debit/Stripe (which supports card/debit processing) depending on the sign‑up method chosen; the Friends' membership form lists the beneficiary bank IBAN and Stripe direct‑debit authorization.

- Meal registration and any paid catering services use the external catering provider's ordering system; families register and pay through that service for catered meal options where applicable.

- IB and other third‑party fees are paid as instructed by the school or the external provider when invoiced; available payment methods for those charges are handled through each billing party.

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Academics

Nelson Mandela School teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum for students aged 5 to 19.

Curriculum
The Nelson Mandela School integrates Berliner Rahmenlehrpläne to meet Berlin Senate requirements and the needs of an international, bilingual school. The German and Mathematics departments follow the Berliner Rahmenlehrpläne, while the primary school aligns with the National Curriculum used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The primary English department follows the National Curriculum for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and uses Jolly Phonics, the Oxford Reading Tree, and Oxford International Literacy. Science, History and Geography in the Nelson Mandela Primary School are taught in English by international colleagues according to the Berlin State Curriculum. Art is anchored by the Visual Journal from grades 1–13, and since 2017 the Berlin curriculum and the Basiscurriculum Medienbildung integrate media literacy and digital skills in all subjects, with an internal media literacy curriculum and ongoing teacher training. The school offers two qualification routes in upper secondary: bilingual Abitur or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Exam Results
Final year graduates can obtain bilingual Abitur or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.

Higher Education Progression
Laufbahnberatung/counseling is provided through the Oberstufenkoordination, with Berufs- und Studienberatung in the Grundkurs Studium und Beruf (mandatory).

Gifted and Talented
The Excellency Program has been installed to support and challenge gifted students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Department of Social Pedagogues focuses on the social-emotional development of students. It is an international, multi‑professional team responsible for counselling, accompanying and supporting pupils and for fostering social skills, communication abilities and creative resources. The department delivers Social Learning, Ganztagsstunden (informal learning lessons), and organises and runs extra‑curricular activities such as School Clubs, Lunch and courses provided by external providers. Its goals are to develop students' communication capabilities, foster empathy, enable constructive exchange of arguments, create a climate of trust and openness in classes and groups, and give every student the opportunity to strengthen self‑esteem, become self‑reliant and take responsibility for their actions. Each class has a dedicated team member who works with teachers to meet daily needs; inquiries are welcome.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Participation and Inclusion at Nelson Mandela School supports students with increased support needs (with integration status). It focuses on social, emotional, behavioural, sensory processing and motor skills development. It uses a student‑centred approach to create individualized plans to empower students to reach their full potential. It works closely with class educators and, where appropriate, the special educational needs teachers to promote inclusion in all aspects of school life. For information about this support or to apply for increased support needs, contact the Department of Social Pedagogues.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Primary English Department follows the National Curriculum used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Materials used include Jolly Phonics and the Oxford Reading Tree, as well as Oxford International Literacy. Science, History and Geography in the Nelson Mandela Primary School are taught in English by international colleagues, according to the Berlin State Curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health is addressed through PEPtalk Prevention. Topics include Addiction Prevention (drugs, alcohol, smoking/vaping, etc.), Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Social Media and Internet Use, as well as Mental Health. The PEPtalk team works closely with teachers and social pedagogues to build on the school's prevention and safeguarding programmes.

Safeguarding
PEPtalk Prevention is part of safeguarding efforts at Nelson Mandela School. PEPtalk team members are involved in the Child Protection Policy Development Groups at Primary and Secondary levels. If you are concerned about a student, the lines of communication are: Primary – Class Team; Nathanael Jones (Head of Social Pedagogues); Franziska Talai‑Rad (Social Worker); Secondary – Class Team; Social Pedagogues; Designated Trusted Teacher; Addiction Prevention Coordinator. For inquiries, contact the school through established channels.
Parent Experience

History
The Nelson Mandela School was founded in 2000 by the state government of Berlin. It is a member of UNESCO's Associated Schools Project Network, the European Council of International Schools, and the International Baccalaureate Organisation. It enrolls students from year 1 through year 12/13, and upper secondary students can graduate with either the bilingual German-English Abitur or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. As a government-funded school, it does not charge tuition fees; IB examination fees and other IB-related costs are financed by families.

Community
The Nelson Mandela School is community-oriented and cooperates with a large number of local partners beyond the school gates in Berlin, thinking globally and acting locally. Within the school, it fosters a sense of school community and promotes cooperation between students, staff and parents on all levels. The school takes students on field trips and excursions and is developing a community service programme. As a UNESCO school and member of the ASP network, it connects with partner institutions worldwide.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Be Involved! invites parents to engage in their child's education through class parent meetings, parent-teacher conferences (usually in November and March), contributing to class funds, volunteering in the classroom, and getting to know other parents via the Parent Café, the Festival of Nations, and GEV committees. Two parent representatives and alternates are elected to the Parents Council (GEV), which coordinates class-level work and attends up to six meetings per year. The Friends of Nelson Mandela School welcomes all members of the school community to join and support materials, library resources, and teacher training. Internal working committees include Communications & Website and Diversity & Anti-Discrimination (DAD); there is also a Yearbook committee. Community Building & Fundraising Committees coordinate events such as Boogie Nights and Festival of Nations, while the NMS Parent Café meets weekly for informal parent connection. The Yearbook is published by volunteer teams and funded in printing costs by the NMS Friends.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Güntzelstraße gym is on campus and can be divided for simultaneous use by several groups. The schoolyard sports area is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. The school also uses the sports field in Volkspark Wilmersdorf (Blissestraße/Uhlandstraße) and the Wilmersdorf sports stadium. Pfalzburger Str. 30 hosts the secondary/upper school library and cafeteria, while Pfalzburger Str. 23 houses the primary library; together they hold about 100,000 books and periodicals, with Spanish and French texts. A library is being developed at the Babelsberger Str campus. The Pfalzburger Str. 30 cafeteria offers online meal ordering and prepaid accounts to shorten waiting times.

Sports Facilities
The Güntzelstraße gym is on campus and can be divided up for simultaneous use of several groups. The schoolyard sports area can be used in a variety of ways. We also use the sports field in the Volkspark Wilmersdorf (Blissestraße/Uhlandstraße) and the Wilmersdorf sports stadium.

Academic Facilities
The school operates two bilingual libraries: Pfalzburger Str. 30 (secondary and upper school) and Pfalzburger Str. 23 (primary), housing circa 100,000 books and periodicals, including Spanish and French texts. A library is in development at the Babelsberger Str campus. Materials in the libraries are funded via the Educational Resources Fund. The libraries provide access to laptops and/or desktop computers, a quiet study area, and a central reservation point for computer suites. One of the requirements for IB accreditation is a professionally managed library, which the school has achieved. The school was recognized as Exzellente Digitale Schule in 2018 and was re-certified in 2022 for its digital pedagogy.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Participation in NMS Clubs is voluntary and open to all students in the Oberschule from Year 7 to Year 13. Clubs meet on different days after school. Monday: Athletics at Wilmersdorf Stadium. Thursday: Orchestra, Choir, Theatre, Model United Nations (MUN), Math Excellence, English Book Club. Friday: Athletics at Wilmersdorf Stadium; Ceramic Workshop; Open Art Studio; Happiness & Wellbeing. In addition, the student-led, self-organised Intersectional Student Union (ISU) operates at Nelson-Mandela School.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Nelson Mandela School integrates Berliner curriculum requirements with an international bilingual program, emphasising cross-curricular learning. The school follows Pestalozzi's principle of learning with head, heart and hand, and language and communication skills are developed through interpersonal and intercultural work. The curriculum includes field trips and work-experience opportunities, and the school participates in UNESCO's Associated Schools Project Network (ASP) and the European Union's COMENIUS network, linking with partner institutions worldwide.

Arts & Creative
After-school arts clubs include Orchestra, Choir, and Theater, with additional Visual Arts opportunities such as Open Art Studio and Ceramics Workshop. The English Book Club is offered on Thursdays and Fridays. Art is a curricular focus across grades, with the Visual Journal documenting learning and reflection, linking practical art with language, reflection and aesthetics.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations (MUN) is a club with around 30 students in grades 9–12 who debate international topics in a UN-style format. The school maintains international exchanges, including direct exchanges with Colegio Andino de Bogota in Colombia and with a Spanish school in Oliva, Spain. Spanish and French are taught within the curriculum, with language links such as DELF French testing.

Social & Hobbies
Participation in NMS clubs is voluntary for secondary students (years 7–13) and takes place after school on different days. Monday activities include athletics; Thursday clubs include Orchestra, Choir, Theater, MUN, Math Excellency and English Book Club; Friday includes athletics, Ceramics Workshop, Open Art Studio and Happiness & Wellbeing. The Intersectional Student Union (ISU) is student-led and operates alongside the regular clubs.

Community & Service
The school offers field trips and work-experience opportunities and is developing a community service programme to connect students with local and global communities. As a UNESCO Associated School and member of the European Union's COMENIUS network, the school emphasizes human rights, peace, intercultural learning, tolerance and environmental responsibility. Its network of partners abroad includes educational establishments in Australia, China, the Czech Republic, France, Haiti, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Poland and South Africa.

Leadership & Professional
The School Conference governs the school under Berlin law, with a Chair (the Principal), student representatives and deputy student representatives, teacher representatives and parent representatives. The election period runs 2023–2025, and an external member participates in the conference. The Intersectional Student Union (ISU) provides additional student-led leadership opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport and wellbeing are supported through after-school activities. Training venues include Stadion Wilmersdorf in summer and the Leichtathletikhalle im Sportforum Hohenschönhausen in winter, with times posted by the Sports Department. The Sport Club International (SCI-NMS) supports competitions and events, including cross-country and team relays; Happiness & Wellbeing is also offered as a regular club.
Languages

Language Provision
English and German are taught at the school. The primary English department follows the National Curriculum used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with materials such as Jolly Phonics and the Oxford Reading Tree. German instruction is organized by the German department following the Berliner Rahmenlehrpläne. Spanish and French are offered as language subjects.

Bilingual Teaching
The Nelson Mandela School is a diverse and inclusive international bilingual state school, teaching from grade 1 to 13. Students in the final year can graduate with either the bilingual Abitur or the International Baccalaureate (IB). The curriculum integrates Berlin state frameworks with the National Curriculum used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the primary English department. Science, History and Geography in the Nelson Mandela Primary School are taught in English by international colleagues according to the Berlin State Curriculum.
Reputation

Accreditations
UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network; European Council of International Schools; International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO)
Admissions

Admissions
The Nelson Mandela School is an international bilingual state school for students from grade 1 to 13. Students in the final year can graduate with either the bilingual Abitur or the International Baccalaureate (IB). They can also obtain all Berlin school-leaving qualifications (BBR and EBBR and MSA – middle school certificate) and language certificates in two levels. The school teaches in a bilingual, internationally oriented setting with a diverse staff and student body.

Scholarships
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Waitlist
Registration for Years 2-13 states that the school admits only students who are internationally mobile to Years 2–13 and does not participate in the regular Berlin admission procedure for Year 7. There are separate application forms and checklists for Years 2-6, 7-10, and 11-13, and language requirements and assessments are part of the process.
School Events
The school has not added events
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