doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
B

Bergen Katedralskole

Norway, Bergen

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Chief Marketing Officer

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in Norwegian, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1153
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Taught languages Norwegian, English, French, Spanish, German, Latin
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Bergen Katedralskole, located in Bergen's city centre, is among Norway's oldest schools, founded in 1153. The main site at Kong Oscars gate 36 houses the studiespesialiserende program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, along with introductory courses for minority-language pupils. The school operates three divisions: the main campus, the Center for Adult Education at Kalfarveien 2, and Avdeling Kyrre at Lars Hilles gate 20B. The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year course for students aged 16 to 19, taught in English, offered in the final years of the Norwegian upper secondary programme, with a Pre-IB track for Norwegian-speaking students to become familiar with IB terminology and structure. Admissions cover residents of Vestland, with entry at the end of Vg1 or directly from MYP5 via Vigo. The school has undergone renovations in 1992 and again in 2016–2017, supporting facilities for academics and student life. Notable traditions include Kattenrevyen, a student-run megashow, and a broad range of clubs, language and cultural activities, and international day partnerships.

Kong Oscars gate 36, 5017 Bergen, Norway

The Essentials

Bergen Katedralskole has instruction in Norwegian, English.

Location
Three campuses lie in Bergen city center. The main campus is at Kong Oscars gate 36, offering studiespesialiserende, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and introductory courses for minority-language speakers. Voksenopplæringa is at Kalfarveien 2, and Avdeling Kyrre is at Lars Hilles gate 20B. Postal address Postboks 414 Marken, 5832 Bergen.

Stages
Upper secondary (VG1–VG3). Offers studiespesialiserende (General Studies), the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and introductory courses for minority-language speakers.

Additional learning support
Accommodation for students with special education needs; Elevtjenesten (counseling services); two school nurses.

Country affiliation
Norway

Bus service
Located in Bergen city center; travel by bus uses Skyss 30-day youth passes for local transport.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is owned and administered by Vestland County Municipality (Vestland fylkeskommune).
Fees
Application fees

- There is no application fee charged by the school for admission to its publicly funded upper-secondary programmes. Public upper-secondary education in Norway is provided free of charge.

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

- Regular day students (Vg1–Vg3) do not pay tuition fees or term fees; the school's instruction in the public upper-secondary system is free of tuition.

- There are no periodic tuition invoices for standard full-time students; no per-term or per-year tuition amounts apply to the ordinary three‑year upper‑secondary programme.

Assessment / International Baccalaureate (IB) exam fees

- For IB subject registration (including retake registrations) the assessment/subject fee is approximately NOK 1,500 per subject. Invoices for these subject registrations are issued as soon as the school receives the registration. The subject registration fee applies even if the student does not achieve the Diploma or fails the retake. Late registrations incur both the subject fee and a late subject fee per subject. Registration deadlines and late‑registration windows are set by the school (the school's normal registration deadline is 10 November; limited late registration may be accepted with additional fees).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- IB subject registration invoices: issued immediately after the registration has been received; late registrations (after the main deadline) are accepted only in a defined late window and carry additional late fees. Payment is required according to the invoice terms supplied with the invoice.

- Textbook and learning‑material billing: textbooks and required printed/digital learning materials are provided on loan; if books are not returned at the end of course participation or are returned damaged/with writing, the school issues reminders and will send an invoice for replacement/compensation; unresolved claims may be forwarded to debt collection. Timing of any invoicing follows school administration practice (invoices or reminders are sent after non‑return or damage is registered).

- Student PC / equipment: if a student chooses to obtain a county‑arranged student PC, that scheme is billed by the county; such equipment invoices from the county are typically issued on an annual schedule (commonly in November) and follow the county's payment terms. The school facilitates access to the county PC scheme for eligible students.

Boarding / accommodation fees

- Boarding or school‑run residential accommodation is not offered as part of the school's programmes; there are no school boarding fees. The school operates as a day school in Bergen city centre.

Other costs or fees (uniforms, trips, materials, extras)

- No mandatory uniform or uniform fee is charged by the school for regular programmes.

- Costs that the school may invoice the student for include compensation for lost or damaged loaned textbooks and charges linked to optional, non‑compulsory activities where the pupil or family has chosen to participate (the free‑education principle requires that activities integral to instruction must not be charged to students). Standard consumables for personal use (for example pens, notebooks) are normally paid by the student/parent.

Refund information

- IB subject registration fees are applied per subject and the school makes clear that the subject registration fee is payable regardless of whether the Diploma is achieved; this indicates the subject registration fee is not contingent on passing. Refunds for IB subject registrations are not described as automatic; invoices are issued on receipt of registration.

- Replacement or compensation invoices for unreturned or damaged textbooks are issued; once an outstanding charge has been forwarded to collection, the debt must be paid according to the collection process.

Fee payment options

- Invoices for IB subject registrations, textbook replacement, equipment or other school‑administered charges are issued by the school or by the county administration; payment is processed according to the invoice. Common payment channels used by Norwegian county schools and the county PC scheme include electronic invoice (eFaktura), Vipps and standard bank/paper invoice methods. Expect the invoice to include specific payment instructions and deadline.

Summary—Practical points for parents

- No application fee and no tuition or per‑term tuition charges for ordinary Vg1–Vg3 students (public, state‑funded provision).
- IB and other exam/assessment registrations carry subject fees (approximately NOK 1,500 per IB subject for the retake/registration service referenced by the school); invoices are issued on registration and late registration carries extra fees.
- Textbooks are loaned free while enrolled; charges are invoiced for unreturned or damaged books and may be forwarded to collection.
- The school does not provide boarding; any accommodation costs would be arranged privately and are not school fees.
Academics

Bergen Katedralskole teaches IB (DP).

Curriculum
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year course for students aged 16 to 19, taught in English. It is offered in the last two years of the Norwegian upper secondary programme (Vg2 and Vg3). A Pre-IB program exists for Norwegian-speaking students considering the IB Diploma Programme; it follows the Norwegian state curriculum but is taught in English to familiarize students with IB terminology and structure. The IB Diploma Programme comprises six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, The Sciences, Mathematics, and The Art, taken across both years, plus the core. The programme aims to equip students with the academic skills needed for university study and lifelong learning, and IB diploma holders are sought-after for studies at Norwegian and international universities. Admissions indicate that the Diploma Programme is available to residents of Vestland; students can apply at the end of Vg1 or directly from MYP5 through Vigo.

Higher Education Progression
IB diploma holders are sought-after for studies at Norwegian and international universities; the Diploma Programme is designed to equip students with the academic skills needed for university study, further education and their chosen profession.

Gifted and Talented
A Pre-IB program exists for Norwegian-speaking students considering the IB Diploma Programme; teaching is in English and the program follows the Norwegian curriculum to prepare students for IB. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered alongside Studiespesialisering, providing pathways for advanced study.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school centers on student health and resilience as core aims. The overarching plan prioritizes Public health and life mastery and Learning in cooperation. The environment is designed to be safe and supportive so students can be themselves and build strong relationships with staff and peers. The guidance team (Rådgjevarane) provides a dedicated counseling service supporting health, wellbeing, social relationships, and study planning, and helps students navigate education and career choices. The on-site School Health Service (Skolehelsetenesta) is free and easily accessible, offering confidential guidance on mental health, stress, sleep, sexuality, vaccinations, and more; visits are confidential and do not count as absence when documented. Counselors can be contacted via Its Learning and maintain an open-door approach beyond teaching times to talk with students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has Avdeling Kyrre, a unit for students who require extra support. Behandlaruttale explains the process for involving external professionals (e.g. psychologist via BUP/DPS) and states what information the treatment statement must include. The school coordinates with external health and welfare services to arrange supports and to facilitate assessments and transitions. Kyrre operates alongside the main study programs to ensure accessible learning opportunities for students with additional needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Innføringskurs for minoritetsspråklege is for students who need to improve Norwegian before starting upper secondary education; the course teaches Norwegian and other subjects (Norwegian, English, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education) and does not confer formal competence beyond this. There is a Nettilbod for minoritetsspråklege, an online offering for schools with new arrivals; online instruction starts on 1 September and operates with rolling admissions. The online program runs in two streams: A1 (basic Norwegian instruction) and A2 (Norwegian to reach level A2); A1 is 12 hours per week, and A2 is 8 hours per week, with class sizes of about 20–25 students. Applications for online study are handled through Dag Christer Kaarstad Haugstvedt, with rolling intake and clear school responsibilities outlined. Timeframes and expectations for students and schools are provided.

Mental Wellbeing
Skolehelsetenesta is a free, easily accessible health service on-site. It provides guidance on mental health, stress, sleep, sexuality, and related health questions; it does not provide treatment but offers advice and direction, with strict confidentiality. The service collaborates with teachers, counselors, the student inspector, and external services (e.g., OT/PPT, BUP) and can arrange referrals when needed. Helsesjukepleiarane have open doors and can be contacted by SMS or through It's Learning; they operate in the school and visits are not counted as absence when documented. The service also points to youth-focused resources and supports the school's resource team.

Safeguarding
All students have the right to a safe and good school environment. The school follows Vestland county's common rules, including Ordensreglement (Code of Conduct) and Fråværsreglement (Attendance Regulations). The attendance policy states that students with more than 10% absence in a subject will not receive a mid-year or final grade in that subject; documented absences are handled with specific guidelines. These safeguarding provisions are part of the school's framework to ensure safety, wellbeing, and orderly conduct.
Parent Experience

History
Bergen Katedralskole is one of Norway's oldest schools, founded in 1153 by Cardinal Brekespear to organize Norway as a church province. It began as a cathedral school under the bishop and cathedral chapter and evolved through Pietist and Enlightenment reforms to become a university-preparatory institution. In the 19th century it expanded physically and institutionally—purchasing the bishop's estate in 1834, opening a new building in 1840, and adding a gymnasium facility in 1869—and admitted women in the late 19th century (first female examen artium in 1889, first female teacher in 1918). In modern times it has developed international programs including the International Baccalaureate and has undergone major renovations, notably in 1992 and 2016–2017 with the Mesobygget addition.

Community
The school has many clubs and associations, some dating back to 1860, enriching school life. Notable groups include the Student Council (Elevrådet); the Aksjonskomite, which plans the school's Action Day and International Day and funds Tore Eikelands Legat to promote democratic participation; Kattenrevyen, the Katten student revue; Hugin, founded in 1860 to support social life and events; Katten Målungdom for language diversity; Verdens Nasjonaldager, which celebrates a national day each month to promote cultural diversity; Katten Heismaskinromklubb, a club for elevator machinery enthusiasts; Kattenavisen (Opiniones Felisianae), the school newspaper since 1964; and Katten Bordtennisklubb, a table-tennis club. Recent site content also highlights events such as a visit by the Minister of Education on June 3, 2026; RESONATE, a research project to strengthen student belonging through music-based activities; a Class 1B day trip to Oslo; and Andøya Space Camp 2026.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Bergen Katedralskole has three physical divisions, all in Bergen city centre. The main school is located at Kong Oscars gate 36, where studiespesialiserande (general studies), the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, and introductory courses for minority-language pupils are offered. The Center for Adult Education is located at Kalfarveien 2. Avdeling Kyrre is located at Lars Hilles gate 20B. There is a table tennis table and other activities available in the shared area.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Bergen Katedralskole has many clubs and associations. Some associations date back to 1860. Elevrådet (Student Council) and Aksjonskomiteen (Action Committee) organize student activities, including the school's Action Day and International Day. Kattenrevyen is the student-run megashow with groups for theatre, crafts, painting, fashion, social media and more. Other groups include Hugin (social life), Katten Målungdom (language diversity), Verdens Nasjonaldager (monthly cultural celebrations), Katten Bordtennisklubb (table tennis), Kattenavisen (the student newspaper), and Katten heismaskinromklubb (elevator machine room club) with social happenings such as trips to Fløyen and refreshments.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities, many in English while others are in Norwegian. IB students organize activities as part of CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service). Examples include an upcycling club, a self-defence course, a library decoration group, a portrait drawing competition, a street cleanup group, a ping pong tournament, and an Amnesty International group. The school is located in the heart of Bergen, in a vibrant area close to plenty of sports clubs, offering everything from boxing and dancing to swimming.

Arts & Creative
IB Kat Food is the IB school newspaper, which publishes articles, podcasts, videos and quizzes, and organizes activities such as a Halloween costume competition, Secret Santa, and a Valentine's day raffle. Kattenrevyen is the school's student-run megashow, with groups for those interested in music, theatre, carpentry, painting, drawing, fashion, or social media. Kattenavisen, also known as Opiniones Felisianae, has been a pillar of the school environment since 1964 and has moved online since 2016, reporting on events locally, nationally and internationally.

Cultural & Language
Katten Målungdom is for everyone interested in language diversity, nynorsk and dialects. We go to cultural events such as theatre productions, nynorsk improv shows, and enjoy good food. Verdens Nasjonaldager celebrates world national days to promote cultural diversity and create a positive school atmosphere; every month a larger celebration of a country is organized, featuring food from the country and activities or competitions with prizes. Norsk Målungdom is the parent organization, and we receive support from them to run activities.

Social & Hobbies
Elevrådet is the student council. Aksjonskomiteen plans and organizes the school's Action Day and International Day. Kattenrevyen is the student-run megashow. Hugin organizes social events and celebrations throughout the year. Verdens Nasjonaldager celebrates world national days to promote cultural diversity and spread good vibes at the school.

Community & Service
Aksjonskomiteen works on planning and arranging the school's Action Day and International Day. The school collects money for Tore Eikelands legat, an organization that encourages young people to participate in democratic politics. The legat was established in memory of former student Tore Eikeland, who was killed in the Utøya mass shooting in 2011, and aims to carry his ideas forward and foster a fairer school environment.

Leadership & Professional
Elevrådet provides student leadership opportunities. Aksjonskomiteen offers leadership in planning events and activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
After-school activities are a vital part of a happy and fulfilling student life. The highlight of the year is the visit to the school's cabin, Katteli, located in the mountains two hours outside Bergen. The school's central location in Bergen provides access to many sports clubs, offering activities such as boxing, dancing and swimming.
Languages

Language Provision
Norwegian is the language of instruction in the General Study Program and in the integration class for minority-language students; it is compulsory across all three years. Bokmål and Nynorsk are the two official written varieties, both compulsory for the General Study Program; IB DP students may choose which variety to write in but must read texts in both. English is compulsory in the first year, and in the IB Diploma Programme English is the language of instruction and assessment. The General Study Program requires a second foreign language in addition to English, with options including French, German or Spanish in the first two years and online Chinese or Japanese; there are groupings for IB with English and Norwegian A courses and options for additional languages like Mandarin Ab initio.

Bilingual Teaching
Norwegian and English are used across Bergen Katedralskole's programs. The Norwegian language policy uses Bokmål and Nynorsk; both varieties are compulsory for the General Study Program. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme uses English as the language of instruction and assessment. The General Study Program also requires study of French, German or Spanish in the first two years, with Latin or Classical Languages and Culture as options, and Chinese or Japanese available online.

Immersion Programs
Immersion in the local language and culture is considered an imperative part of language acquisition. The school develops collaboration and exchanges with partner schools in Europe and China to support immersion experiences. These experiences promote authentic language practice and international mindedness.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The deadline for admissions is March 1. It remains possible to apply after this date, but priority will be given to applications received before the deadline. Bergen Katedralskole has the following general admission policy for the IB Diploma Programme. 2. Admission depends on several criteria. Applicants must have a valid Norwegian residence permit and a registered address in Vestland county; applicants in the process of moving to Vestland with their parents may receive a conditional offer based on documentation provided, if otherwise qualified. Availability of places and subjects is a factor in admission. 3. A satisfactory level of English is required to follow the programme. Mathematics at VG1 or equivalent must be grade 4 or better; English at VG1 or equivalent must be grade 5 or better. Applicants must have an average grade of 4.5 from Norwegian VG1. 4. For entry into the Diploma Programme, IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) 5 requires grades of 6+ in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, 5+ in English or Norwegian Language A, and an overall average of 5.5 (IB scale). The MYP Personal Project must be completed. Students are expected to have completed at least two consecutive years in the MYP before entry. 5. A minimum of ten years of schooling is required. Applicants with other educational backgrounds will be assessed individually to establish equivalence with VG1 STUSP; documentation translated into English may be required. The applicant may be asked to sit additional entrance exams and interviews if a foreign certificate presents difficulties in determining ability. 6. Transfer Students: Students taking the first year of the IBDP at another IB-school can apply to complete their diploma at Bergen Katedralskole. Each student is considered on an individual basis, subject to space and compatibility of subject choices. Contact is encouraged before starting the IBDP or early in the first year. 7. IB-Exam fees: The school is a Norwegian public school and has no tuition fees. There is, however, an administrative IB-cost of NOK 10,000 per student per school year (paid in two parts). 8. Apply: Applications are through Vigo (try this first if you have a Norwegian ID-number). An application form to the IBDP is available for students unable to apply through Vigo.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Norway View all schools in Bergen View all schools in Norway IB curriculum schools in Norway Open days & tours in Bergen What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools