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Verdala International School

Malta, Pembroke

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €11,325 - 16,375
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 592
Type Co-educational
Opened 1976
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Taught languages Spanish, French, Italian, Malagasy, Mandarin, English
Typical class size 16
Strengths Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Verdala International School in Malta educates students aged 3–18 through an IB continuum. The Elementary School implements the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP); the school is authorised to offer MYP, DP and IBCP, and it is a candidate for PYP. Founded in 1976, it began as a day school for oil-industry staff and moved to Fort Pembroke in 1987, where the Middle and High Schools occupy the fort's barracks and the High School sits in the hexagonal centre. A new eco-forward building due December 2025 will house Early Years and Kindergarten and relocate the administration block. The library supports IB with sections for elementary and secondary students and focuses on inquiry and research. Verdala runs JA programmes, including Student Company teams with awards, and earned the JA Europe Entrepreneurial School TES Award in 2024. Outdoor leadership, Mandarin language study and service projects further enrich the curriculum.

The Essentials

Verdala International School has 592 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.

Location
Verdala International School is located at Fort Pembroke, Pembroke, PBK1641, Malta. The campus sits in the Pembroke area of Malta and is accessible by road. The contact phone is +356 21 375 133 and the email is admissions@verdala.org.

Stages
Elementary School; Middle School (IB Middle Years Programme); High School (IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme).

Pupil Nationality Mix
Students come from over 55 countries; there is a mix of local residents and international expatriates.

Additional learning support
Social-emotional wellbeing is supported by counsellors and advisors providing individual and small-group counselling. An Inclusion Department, led by an Inclusion Coordinator and supported by Learning Support Educators, uses modification and differentiation in the classroom, with external specialists engaged as needed.

Country affiliation
Malta
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding arrangements: Not offered; the school is a day school.

Governance and Ownership
Verdala International School is governed by the Verdala International School Foundation, a non-profit organisation. The VIS Board includes an appointee from the U.S. Embassy in Malta, an appointee of the Maltese Minister of Education, three parent representatives elected by the school community, and two elected teacher representatives. The Head of School serves as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Board and the Board hires the Head of School and oversees the School's budget.
Fees

Annual tuition at Verdala International School ranges from EUR 11,325 to EUR 16,375 for 2026/27.

Application and One-time Fees
- Administration (application) fee: EUR 300 — non-refundable; covers costs of processing applications and administering waiting lists.
- Registration fee: EUR 5,000 — non-refundable and payable in full on acceptance of an offer; payable regardless of when a child is admitted.
- Re-enrolment / Deposit for next scholastic year: EUR 2,000 per student — invoiced by 15 March and payable within 7 days; the deposit is deducted from the following year's fees.

Annual Tuition Fees and Term Breakdown (School Year 2025/2026)
- Pre-Kindergarten (Super Navigators): Annual EUR 9,450 — Term 1 EUR 3,150 | Term 2 EUR 3,150 | Term 3 EUR 3,150.
- Pre-Kindergarten (Excited Explorers): Annual EUR 9,450 — Term 1 EUR 3,150 | Term 2 EUR 3,150 | Term 3 EUR 3,150.
- Pre-Kindergarten 2: Annual EUR 9,450 — Term 1 EUR 3,150 | Term 2 EUR 3,150 | Term 3 EUR 3,150.
- Kindergarten to Grade 5: Annual EUR 10,800 — Term 1 EUR 3,600 | Term 2 EUR 3,600 | Term 3 EUR 3,600.
- Grades 6 to 8 (Middle School): Annual EUR 12,400 — Term 1 EUR 4,134 | Term 2 EUR 4,133 | Term 3 EUR 4,133.
- Grades 9 and 10 (High School IGCSE/Preparation): Annual EUR 14,200 — Term 1 EUR 4,734 | Term 2 EUR 4,733 | Term 3 EUR 4,733.
- Grades 11 and 12 (IB Diploma / IBCP): Annual EUR 14,500 — Term 1 EUR 4,834 | Term 2 EUR 4,833 | Term 3 EUR 4,833.

Contribution Toward Capital Projects
- Annual capital contribution: EUR 1,875 — invoiced and payable at the beginning of the school year; payable in full regardless of admission date.

Specific Programme / Additional Annual Charges
- Learning Support Education Programme (where applicable): EUR 22,000 (listed as a specific programme fee).
- Residency Programme (host-family residency / supervised accommodation): EUR 16,000 (annual residency programme fee). Residency programme students must also maintain a refundable emergency fund of EUR 350 (serves as a damage deposit).

Other Costs and Typical Additional Charges
- Uniform, stationery, textbooks, field trips, after‑school activities, international trips, exam/assessment fees, and certain program-related purchases are charged separately and are not included in the tuition or capital contribution. These items are billed in addition to tuition as required.
- Families with multiple children receive a sibling discount applied to tuition: EUR 300 discount for two students, EUR 900 for three students, and EUR 1,200 for four students.

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
- Invoicing frequency: Tuition is invoiced three times per year (three terms) covering a full 12‑month cycle with invoice periods September–November, December–February, and March–August. Fees must be paid prior to the commencement of each invoice period. Annual billing is an option (fees may be paid annually in advance).
- Invoice due timing for the 2025/2026 scholastic year: invoices are payable within 30 days of invoice date and no later than the following dates — Annual Billing: 31 August 2025; Term 1 invoice date: 30 August 2025; Term 2: 2 December 2025; Term 3: 3 March 2026. Deposit for the 2026/27 school year invoiced 15 March 2026.
- Registration fee is payable in full regardless of the date of admission. Parent payment-plan arrangements are available by agreement with Accounts and may result in a single yearly invoice allocated per the agreed plan.

Payment Methods and Currency
- All fees are set and must be paid in Euros (EUR). The school does not accept cash at the school premises due to banking restrictions. Parents are responsible for any bank charges associated with payments. Accepted methods referenced in school finance procedures include post-dated cheques drawn on a local bank or Bills of Exchange; other formal payment arrangements are handled by the Accounts Office.

Refund and Withdrawal Policy
- Tuition refund: Tuition fees are not refunded for students who leave before the end of a semester. Withdrawal or cancellation of a reserved place for an upcoming semester requires at least one semester's written notice to the Head of School; failure to provide the required notice may result in invoicing for a portion of the annual tuition as set out in the finance policy. Force majeure: if the school must close physical premises but provides alternative educational services (for example, remote learning), fees paid will not be refunded.
- Residency programme refunds: if a residency student withdraws within the first month of the academic year, a pro‑rated refund of unused residency fees is available less EUR 700; if withdrawal occurs after the first month, residency fees are non‑refundable. Residency students must maintain a refundable emergency fund of EUR 350.
- Exceptional circumstances: parents facing force majeure may petition the Board of Directors for a part or full refund; such requests are considered case-by-case and decided by the Board.

Late Payment and Overdue Accounts
- Overdue fees: parents with overdue fees will be notified at least one week before the end of the first month of each semester. Students with unpaid fees after school starts may be suspended until the account is settled. School records and report cards will not be issued to students with overdue accounts. Overdue accounts may incur interest at the maximum rate allowed by law.

Payment Plans and Financial Hardship
- Temporary payment plans: the school may offer short-term payment plans (typically allowing up to three instalments) for families experiencing temporary financial hardship. Payment-plan eligibility, terms, and documentation are managed by the Accounts Office and require a formal application. Post-dated cheques or Bills of Exchange may be required as part of an agreed payment plan.

For questions about invoice details, payment arrangements, or account queries, contact the school Accounts team at accounts@verdala.org.
Academics

Verdala International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The Elementary School implements the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The school is authorised to offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), and is a candidate for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Higher Education Progression
Most students obtain an accredited US High School Diploma, and the majority achieve the IB Diploma, which opens doors to many of the best universities around the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides a social-emotional wellbeing program supported by a team of counsellors and advisors offering individual and small-group counselling. Access to these services is via referrals by teachers, other school staff, parents, or the students themselves. The program includes a comprehensive PSHE curriculum addressing bullying, social media use, mental health issues, making positive choices, and child protection, with emphasis on safeguarding students' rights and well-being.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Inclusion Department, led by the Inclusion Coordinator and supported by Learning Support Educators, uses modification and differentiation techniques in the classroom to help every student succeed. External specialists are consulted as needed to support learners with diverse needs. The school is committed to creating an inclusive environment within the scope of available resources.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school offers English Language Support (ELS) to assist students developing English proficiency. Grade 9 students enrolling with English language levels of B1 participate in ELS after-school activities; Grade 10 students enrolling with B2 are encouraged to attend ELS ASA; in some cases admission may require intensive English classes before the start of school. Students in MYP 4-5 who need ELS receive it as part of the ASA programme. All students study a Language Acquisition course. The Elementary ELS program provides English Language Arts support with placement and transitions determined by the school.

Mental Wellbeing
Counselling services support students' mental wellbeing as part of the social-emotional wellbeing program. The PSHE curriculum covers mental health issues and strategies for positive decision-making, while counsellors provide individual or group support as needed.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection are integral to the PSHE program; the school emphasises safeguarding rights and well-being. The School Nurse coordinates health and safety, and the Diversity and Anti-Discrimination Policy commits to fairness and respect for all community members; discrimination is not tolerated and policies cover all areas of school life.
Parent Experience

History
The school was founded in 1976 and initially served as a day school for children of employees in the oil industry. It first made its home within the Verdala Barracks in Cospicua and took its name from the Verdala Gate. In 1987, it moved to Fort Pembroke, a 19th‑century British coastal fort built between 1875 and 1879. The Middle and High Schools are located in the original barracks, and the High School occupies the fort's distinctive hexagonal centre. The school introduced its first IB Diploma Programme in 1995, and a new building scheduled for completion in December 2025 will house the Early Years and Kindergarten programmes along with the administrative block.

Community
The school describes its community as an important part of its story with many ways for people to get involved. The VIS community is a patchwork of diversity, enriched by the many personalities that demonstrate their dedication to the success of the school, whether students, parents or staff. BRIDGE is the Verdala Parent-Staff Organisation that organises and supports events that bring us together as a community. Class-parents help communicate our message and bring parents of each grade together.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has BRIDGE, the Verdala Parent-Staff Organisation, which organises and supports events that bring us together as a community. Class-parents help communicate with families and bring parents of each grade together.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Verdala International School is located at Fort Pembroke, Pembroke, Malta. The Middle and High Schools are situated in the fort's original barracks buildings, while the High School occupies the fort's hexagonal centre. The school moved to Fort Pembroke in 1987. A new eco-forward building is scheduled for completion in December 2025 to house the Early Years and Kindergarten programmes, and the administrative block will move there. The campus expansion demonstrates Verdala's ongoing investment in facilities to support learning.

Academic Facilities
The Library comprises two main sections: an Elementary School library for Pre-K1 to Grade 5 and a Secondary School library for Grades 6-12. The library provides access to digital and physical materials and supports IB programmes by strengthening students' research skills, including the Personal Project, Reflective Project, and Extended Essay. The librarian collaborates with teachers to develop students' inquiry and information literacy, including citation skills, online searching, website evaluation, and database use. The library fosters literacy, inquiry, and lifelong learning as part of the school community.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After School Activities ASA are offered through the school's ASA programme, organized by the ASA Coordinator; VIS teachers may run ASA sessions and are paid per session. Verdala hosts the Junior Achievement Malta Programme at VIS, including the JA Student Company Programme for Grade 11, where students design and run a company. Verdala JA teams COLORI (2023), REMIND (2024) and MATTER (2025) have won multiple awards and represented Malta at the European Student Company Festival, with REMIND winning the Student Company of the Year Award in 2024. JA Europe recognised Verdala as the Entrepreneurial School TES Award recipient in 2024. STEMSTARZ won the JA Product Launch Event and will represent Malta at the Latvia festival, and the ASA programme includes English Language Support ASA sessions for language development.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Model United Nations, Robotics, and Junior Achievement Young Enterprise are part of the After School Activities. Language classes broaden communication skills, and Mini Mystery Science introduces younger students to scientific inquiry. These activities are delivered by teaching staff and experienced external providers, with new offerings each term. Student teams participate in the JA Student Company Competition, designing and running a company and competing against local sixth form teams.

Arts & Creative
DP Arts Night showcases Diploma Programme students performing music, theatre, and presenting visual art. The events highlight creativity within the Diploma Programme and are supported by the school's Arts team and operations staff.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations is offered as part of After School Activities, engaging students in global issues. Mandarin is the Language and Cultural Studies component of the IB Career-related Programme. Mandarin instruction is blended with cooking, the arts, social events, and cultural celebrations. The China Cultural Centre validated and recognized the school's intercultural endeavours.

Social & Hobbies
After School Activities encompass a broad spectrum including Model United Nations, Robotics, and Junior Achievement Young Enterprise. Language classes broaden communication skills, and Mini Mystery Science introduces younger students to science. Sports and wellbeing activities promote physical health. Families are informed at the start of each term about the ASA options.

Community & Service
The High School maintains a thriving Service Learning programme. Students engage in community service activities, including Peace Lab visits and campaigns such as End the Stigma. Beach clean-ups are organized in partnership with Coast Is Clear Foundation to support environmental stewardship.

Leadership & Professional
Verdala participates in the JA Malta Student Company Programme, where grade 11 students design and run a company and compete in the national JA Student Company Competition. Verdala JA teams have won multiple awards at JA events and represented Malta at European student company festivals. Verdala was honoured to receive the JA Europe Entrepreneurial School Award (TES) for 2024. The Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey is part of VIS student activities, providing outdoor leadership challenges.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports and Wellbeing activities are offered to promote physical health and balance with learning. Outdoor adventures are part of VIS, including the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. Community outdoor events include beach clean-ups in partnership with Coast Is Clear Foundation.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English and provides English Language Learning (ELL) support for students developing English as an additional language. Spanish is taught to non-EAL students from Kindergarten to Grade 5. Mandarin is taught as the Language and Cultural Studies component of the IB Career-related Programme.
Reputation

Awards
China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Award for Excellent Organisation (Junior Cultural Ambassadors Event), 2025.

Accreditations
IB Middle Years Programme – Authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Programme.
IB Diploma Programme – Authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme.
IB Career-related Programme – Authorized to offer the IB Career-related Programme.
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) – Candidate for the IB Primary Years Programme.
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools – Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS) – Membership for international school collaboration and quality standards.
Principals' Training Center (PTC) – Membership for leadership professional development.
European League for Middle Level Education (ELMLE) – Membership focused on middle-level education standards.
Eco-Schools Green Flag Award – Environmental sustainability award.
Eblana Learning – Membership.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Tour Verdala International School. A tour is recommended to observe the atmosphere, facilities, and campus. To schedule, complete the form on the Admissions page and the Admissions Team will contact you. The tour helps families decide if Verdala is the right fit. 2. Make an application. For each applicant, submit documentation in English (translations by a recognised authority), school records for the previous two years and the current year, any relevant assessments or health reports, a passport photo page, and health records as required by Maltese law. Include the non-refundable application fee. The signature of the parent on the Application Form constitutes acceptance of all Terms and Conditions. 3. Admissions policy & placement. Review the Admissions policy. Grade placement is shown in the grade/age table accompanying the policy; this determines the appropriate entry grade. The admissions process is connected to the annual re-enrolment initiated in March, and spaces are reviewed accordingly. 4. Waiting pools. If a class is full, a waiting pool of applications will be created. A student's position may change as new applications with higher priority arrive. Students remain in the wait pool for the academic year applied for. If a seat is not found within that year, parents may roll over the application to the next academic year as early as October 1. 5. Payments. Fees are payable at specific times: the non-refundable application fee at application; the non-refundable registration fee within 15 days of offer; remaining tuition and fees due in August (Semester 1) and January (Semester 2).

Waitlist
Waiting Pools: A waiting pool of applications will be created if a class is full. A student's position in the wait pool may change if there are subsequent applications from families with higher priority. Students will remain in the wait pool for the academic year for which they have applied. If a seat is not found for the applicant within that academic year, parents may contact the admissions office to roll over the application to the next academic year as early as October 1.
School Events
The school has not added events
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