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International School of Aberdeen

United Kingdom, Aberdeen

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £13,344 - 19,956
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 550
Type Co-educational
Opened 1972
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, American Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Located on the Pitfodels campus just outside Aberdeen, the International School of Aberdeen is an independent IB World School serving ages 3 to 18. The school offers the IB curriculum across PYP, MYP and DP, alongside Cambridge IGCSE and an American curriculum, providing a flexible pathway from early years to graduation. ISA began in 1972 and was Scotland's first IB Programme; it moved to Pitfodels in 2010. The campus features a traditional granite reception building, two teaching wings, science labs, visual and performing arts studios, a 300-seat theatre, and a sports complex with a swimming pool and an 8-metre climbing wall. Outdoor spaces include FIFA-grade all-weather fields and tennis courts. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning, English language studies, and language options in French or Spanish (including Ab Initio). Extracurriculars include BEBRAS and CREST, a wide range of sports and performing arts, and community partnerships with local organisations to extend learning beyond the classroom.

International School of Aberdeen, Pitfodels House, North Deeside Road, Aberdeen, AB15 9PN, United Kingdom

The Essentials

International School of Aberdeen has 550 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Pitfodels House, North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9PN. The campus is located in Cults, a residential area northwest of Aberdeen city centre. It is accessible by road via North Deeside Road. A dedicated ISA School Bus Service is available for families.

Stages
Preschool (ages 3-5); Elementary School (ages 5-11); Middle School (ages 11-14); High School (ages 14-18)

Type
Independent IB World School

Pupil Nationality Mix
Around half of ISA students are local to the North-east of Scotland; the remainder are international.

Country affiliation
Scotland

Bus service
Yes. A dedicated school bus service is available; annual fee £800 for the first child, £650 for each subsequent sibling.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school operates as a day school with Encore! After School Care providing care until 6 pm.

Uniform Requirement
ISA has no formal school uniform.

Food Options
There is a cafeteria on campus where students can grab lunch.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a voluntary board of trustees; the board's remit is to ensure the best possible education and to be self-funding through school fees; the board is non-profit and meets every two months. The school is a registered charity in Scotland (Charity No. SC007756) and is registered as a company (SC071126).
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Aberdeen ranges from GBP 13,344 to GBP 19,956 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration Fees

- Application fee: GBP 50 per child (capped at GBP 100 for two or more children).
- Registration fees: a one-time registration charge of GBP 600 for new students and an annual returning-student registration charge of GBP 300.

Tuition fees — annual and per-term by year group

Note: the school offers a payment option of three payments over the year; the per-term figures below are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three to show equal termly instalments (calculation shown).

- Preschool (core funded hours): core term-time hours are covered by ELC funding with no additional tuition for core hours. Additional preschool top-up options are charged separately (see Encore/Encore+ below).

- Kindergarten & Grade 1 (Elementary, annual): GBP 13,344. Per term (annual ÷ 3): GBP 4,448.00.

- Elementary Grades 2–5 (annual): GBP 18,060. Per term: GBP 6,020.00.

- Middle School (Grades 6–8, annual): GBP 19,380. Per term: GBP 6,460.00.

- High School (Grades 9–12, annual): GBP 19,956. Per term: GBP 6,652.00.

Preschool & Encore (wraparound / extended-care) fees

- Preschool Encore! (term-time extended day top-up): 5-day (Monday–Friday) top-up fee GBP 5,180 per year. Per term (annual ÷ 3): GBP 1,726.67. Lunch is included for all preschool options; an afternoon meal is included in Encore! and Encore+.

- Preschool Encore+ (full year, 48 weeks): 5-day top-up fee GBP 9,580 per year. Per term (presented for comparison): GBP 3,193.33.

- Encore! after-school care (Elementary & Middle School; annual):
- 3 days per week: GBP 1,400 (per term: GBP 466.67).
- 4 days per week: GBP 1,750 (per term: GBP 583.33).
- 5 days per week: GBP 2,000 (per term: GBP 666.67).
VAT does not apply to these after-school care costs; dinner is included in the Encore! after-school fees.

Boarding

- The school is an independent day school; no boarding fees apply.

Other regular charges and extras

- School bus service: annual fee GBP 800 for the first child and GBP 650 for each subsequent sibling. Per term (annual ÷ 3): first child GBP 266.67; subsequent child GBP 216.67.

- School trips and some specialist activities: charged separately and billed through the school's online payment system (iPayImpact) or the school finance office. These costs are not included in the standard tuition.

- Textbooks and the majority of after-school activities: included within the published tuition for the 2025–26 year. High School tuition includes a school-provided touchscreen Chromebook and IB examination fees where stated in the high-school information.

- Uniform: the school has no formal school uniform requirement.

Sibling discounts

- Third child: 25% discount off tuition.
- Fourth and subsequent children: 50% discount off tuition.

Bursaries & scholarships (fee reductions)

- A limited number of full and partial bursaries are available for Middle and High School grades; some scholarships include an automatic 10% fee reduction where specified for scholarship holders.
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Academics

International School of Aberdeen teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The High School journey is a four-year pathway culminating in the IB Diploma, following a broad pre-IB programme in Grades 9–10 with an optional IGCSE in Grade 10. In Grades 11–12 students may pursue the full IB Diploma or individual IB Course Certificates, with SATs available as part of the pathway. Subjects span languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, the arts and design, with options at Standard or Higher Level in the IB. Language provision includes English language studies in Grades 9–12, with IGCSE English available, and French or Spanish (including Ab Initio for beginners). The Core components of the IB emphasise critical thinking, independent research and global citizenship.

Exam Results
May 2023 IB results: 30 of 30 IB Diplomas were awarded; 100% pass rate with an average score of 31 (world average 29); one student scored 41. UK IGCSE results also recorded a 100% pass rate.

Higher Education Progression
University & Careers Counsellor provides personalised support for university applications and helps students plan pathways to higher education, starting in Middle School and continuing through High School. The counsellor helps students choose options that align with their future aspirations and supports university applications, including guidance for study in the UK or abroad.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a Whole Child Wellbeing approach that nurtures students' physical, social and emotional health. The approach supports social-emotional development through a child-centred ecosystem of care.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has dedicated learning support teachers who provide instruction in the regular classroom and in small groups for students with learning variabilities.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English instruction is provided for pupils who do not speak English when they enter ISA; French or Spanish is taught to pupils from Preschool through Grade 12; Dutch and French mother tongue programmes are also part of ISA's curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
The school has a mental wellbeing focus as part of its Whole Child Wellbeing framework, supporting students' emotional health and well-being.

Safeguarding
The school has safeguarding measures; it is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and to safe practice.
Parent Experience

History
International School Aberdeen began in 1972. The ISA Educational Trust Limited was established in 1996. In August 2010, ISA moved into its Pitfodels campus. ISA was the first IB Programme in Scotland. It is an independent IB World School.

Community
ISA is international by name and by nature, with around half of students from the local North-east Scotland community, creating a globally diverse but locally connected school community. The campus is modern and purpose-built with facilities including a swimming pool, theatre, climbing wall, and extensive learning spaces that support daily life on campus. ISA actively engages with the local community, including participation in city-wide events such as Doors Open Day to welcome visitors to the campus. Encore!, the after-school programme, offers a range of clubs and activities for students.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) is a volunteer organization comprising all parents, guardians and teachers at ISA. All parents and teachers are members; there are no membership fees. The PTO meets monthly, with dates published in the online school calendar. The PTO funds and supports community-building activities and enrichment programs, including bringing in visiting artists, science demonstrations, funding sporting uniforms, and IT and arts equipment. It also supports culturally diverse celebrations and activities, such as the International Flag Parade and encouraging country groups to share traditions at assemblies. Additional objectives include helping new families adjust to ISA, promoting understanding of the host country, and encouraging family involvement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school sits on the Pitfodels campus near Cults, set in extensive grounds shielded by trees and just a short drive from Aberdeen's city centre. The campus includes a traditional granite reception building and two teaching wings with spacious classrooms, fully equipped science labs, visual and performing arts studios, a multi-level library, a 300-seat theatre, and a sports complex with a swimming pool and an 8-metre climbing wall. Outdoor spaces include FIFA-grade all-weather playing fields, two tennis courts and outdoor learning and recreation areas.

Sports Facilities
On-site sports facilities include a sports complex with two fitness centres, a dance studio, an 8-metre climbing wall and a 25-metre swimming pool. Outside, there are FIFA-grade all-weather playing fields, two tennis courts, plus woods, courtyards and playparks with jungle gyms and climbing frames for outdoor learning and play.

Academic Facilities
On-site facilities include spacious classrooms across two teaching wings, fully equipped science labs, visual and performing arts studios, a multi-level library and a 300-seat theatre.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Encore! Activities is the after-school programme of clubs, sports and activities. Encore! Wraparound Care provides high-quality care for your child from 7:15 am until 6 pm. The school also partners with community groups such as Aberdeen Learn to Swim and Stagecoach drama to provide additional activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers BEBRAS (computational thinking) and the CREST Award (Science) as part of its extracurricular programme. Students participate in national challenges and competitions to stretch their thinking and collaborative skills, and local partnerships support science initiatives such as the Go4Set science initiative. A range of clubs meets during breaks to broaden academic horizons, and Middle and High School students also take part in learning experiences outside class through field trips and guest lectures.

Arts & Creative
Art is an active extracurricular area with activities in painting, ceramics, printing, drawing, and sculpture. An after-school Art Club runs weekly for younger students; older students can join after-school art classes and a Ceramics Club, and IB Visual Arts students attend Studio Workshops for one-to-one tutoring. The performing arts program offers private instrument study with ABRSM or Trinity exam routes and an after-school jazz band that performs with the curricular jazz band.

Cultural & Language
Language-related opportunities include language immersion experiences such as French or Spanish immersion living with local families. Local cultural experiences include theatre programs such as Ten Feet Tall, Aberdeen's Theatre Academy, and trips to places like London to broaden cultural understanding. ISA also maintains links with local universities and hosts guest speakers to enrich cultural learning.

Social & Hobbies
Student Councils are an important part of ISA and organize curricular and extracurricular social events as well as fundraising activities. Elections run for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director of Communications, enabling student leadership. Clubs and activities include BEBRAS (computational thinking), the CREST Award, Amnesty Club, Environmental Club, Duke of Edinburgh, and Model United Nations, along with field trips and guest speakers that broaden social experiences.

Community & Service
Community service and service-learning are part of ISA's activities, with opportunities such as field trips for service learning to Newton Dee and other outreach projects. The Student Councils coordinate community-focused events as part of ISA's broader social impact program.

Leadership & Professional
Student Councils run campaign elections for leadership roles (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director of Communications), giving students direct leadership experience. The Duke of Edinburgh Award offers Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, including volunteering, physical activities, skills development, expeditions and a residential component. Model United Nations provides a platform for leadership, teamwork and public-speaking, complemented by guest speakers and university/industry engagement.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport is a core part of wellbeing; ISA is a founding member of the International Schools Sports Association and is affiliated with the Scottish Basketball Association, the Scottish Volleyball Association, and the Scottish Schools Football Association, offering basketball, volleyball, football, tennis, badminton and golf. The school regularly competes in regional tournaments. The campus features a sports complex with a swimming pool and climbing wall, and ISA runs a Swimming program with world-class facilities on-site. Field trips and CAS-related outdoor activities, including countryside excursions and Belgium battlefields tours, support outdoor learning and personal development.
Languages

Language Provision
The language of instruction is English. In the Elementary Years, the school provides three language classes per week as Language Acquisition. Kindergarten through Grade 2 study French, and from Grade 3 onward there is a choice of French or Spanish. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support helps students develop English proficiency to access the mainstream curriculum.
Reputation

Accreditations
The school has Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation — global accreditation by CIS, signaling adherence to international standards for international education.
The school has Middle States Association (MSA) accreditation — MSA accredits the US High School Diploma, ensuring recognition by universities worldwide.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. Chat to our admissions team. The admissions team explains the admissions process and provides information for your child's age and grade. The school year runs from August to June, and for entry at the start of the academic year the recommended application deadline is May 1.
Step 2. Schedule a visit. Families can visit ISA via an open day or a personalised tour to experience life at ISA and meet teachers. Sign up for the next open day.
Step 3. Apply. Applications for enrolment are made online and there is a £50 application fee per child, capped at £100 for two or more children. The admissions team will help gather the details needed for the application.
Step 4. Offer. The application is processed and may involve meeting the Principal or completing tests to determine the right grade level placement. You will be kept informed throughout the process up to the offer.
Step 5. Meet the ISA counsellors. If joining middle or high school you will meet one of two full‑time counsellors who will help with the transition, including setting up your academic schedule.
Step 6. Making connections. A member of the Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) will contact families and may organise meetups; a welcome event is held for new entrants two days before the start of term.
Step 7. First day! New students are welcomed by current students who act as ambassadors and buddies and shadow them for the first couple of weeks to help them settle in.

Scholarships
Scholarships are available for entry in August with a 10% fee discount. The school also offers full and partial bursaries across the middle and high school to support students who might otherwise be unable to benefit from ISA. Full details on how to apply and the related conditions are available from admissions@isa.aberdeen.sch.uk.
School Events
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