Compare International Schools in Westmount, Canada

Akiva School

Instructs in English

Ages 4 - 11 years

Pupils 420

Type Co-educational

Akiva School is a two-form entry state primary in Finchley, London (80 East End Road, N3 2SY) for pupils 4 to 11. It teaches a British Curriculum, following the National Curriculum with year-group content across Art & Design, Computing, Design & Technology, Drama, Geography, Hebrew, History, Jewish Studies, Maths, Music, PE, Phonics, PSHE, RE, Reading, Science and Writing. Akiva curriculum is authentic and challenging, integrating Jewish identity with Modern Britain and emphasising learners who are respectful, kind, resilient and principled Jewish citizens active in the wider community with a love of Israel and Progressive Judaism. Regular assessment supports progression and parental communication. The school opened its building in 2008 and educates about 420 pupils. Facilities include a bilingual library, the Koifman Community Building Resource Center, and the Innovation Lab. Extra-curriculars include Netball, Show Choir, Israeli Dance, French Club and Chess. Ofsted Good in 2023; Pikuach outstanding in 2018; Thinking School status since 2013 (re-accredited 2016).

Location

80 East End Road, Finchley, London, N3 2SY, United Kingdom. The school is associated with the Sternberg Centre for Judaism in Finchley.

Stages

Reception to Year 6; two-form entry

Type

Two-form entry voluntary-aided state primary school

Additional learning support

Special Educational Needs (SEN) support; SENCO Michaela Bishop; SEND Information Report and SEND Policy available

Country affiliation

United Kingdom

Religious affiliation

Progressive Judaism (Reform/Liberal)

Application fees

- There is no separate application fee charged by the school for admission; applications for Reception are made through the home local authority (London Borough of Barnet) and a supplementary application form for the school must be completed where required.

Tuition fees by school year

- Akiva School is a state-maintained primary school and does not charge tuition for education provided in normal school hours or for activities that form part of the National Curriculum. Parents are not required to pay annual or termly tuition for standard school provision.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Voluntary donations: The school operates a voluntary donation scheme with a suggested monthly or termly payment schedule. For 2025/26 the suggested standard donation level shown is £157.01 per month (equivalent shown as approximately £1,884.12 per year) with a higher option of £170.67 per month (approximately £2,048.04 per year); donors may pay by monthly direct debit, termly bank transfer or other methods. Parents returning donation forms are asked to do so by the dates indicated in the school communications.

- Optional charges and invoices: Charges for certain optional or non-curricular items (for example individual or group music/LAMDA tuition provided by external suppliers, after-school clubs run by outside providers, private therapist reports/meetings, and board and lodging for residential visits) are billed separately. Invoices for specified services are issued and payment terms (where stated) apply — for example, the school notes invoices will be sent for private therapy reports with a payment window referenced in school policy.

- Online/one-off payments for lunches, book bags, outings and similar optional items are processed through the school's online payment system.

Boarding fees

- The school has no boarding provision; there are no boarding fees. The school is a primary day school.

Other costs or fees (uniform, lunches, trips, extracurriculars, materials, etc.)

- Voluntary donations: Suggested donation levels support added extras (staffing ratios, Hebrew/Jewish studies provision, IT, resources, interventions, specialist staff). Parents are invited to make voluntary contributions to support these items. Payment options include monthly direct debit and termly bank transfer.

- School meals: Universal Free School Meals are provided for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 under government provision, but the school requests voluntary contributions towards the cost of meals where the grant does not cover the full cost.

- Educational visits and trips: Curriculum-enriching visits and experiences are supported by voluntary contributions; the school may cancel an activity if insufficient voluntary contributions are received. Residential visits have a charge to cover board and lodging (with exemptions applied in line with government guidance for eligible families).

- Music and LAMDA tuition: Individual and group tuition that falls outside the National Curriculum is charged; these lessons are provided by external providers (for example the local music service) and are billed to parents.

- After-school and lunchtime clubs: Clubs run by external providers incur charges to cover provider costs.

- Private therapist reports/meetings: The school makes a charge for private therapist reports or meetings requested by parents; invoices are issued for these services and payment is required.

- Uniform and branded items: Branded uniform items and accessories for pupils (sweatshirts, polo shirts, bookbags, PE kit, etc.) are available for purchase from the identified school supplier; individual item prices are published by that supplier (examples include Akiva fleece, sweatshirts, polo shirts, bookbag, PE kit and footwear at the supplier's listed prices).

Refund information

- Voluntary contributions are just that — voluntary — and the school treats children equally regardless of whether parents contribute. For curriculum activities funded by voluntary contributions, the school reserves the right to cancel an activity if insufficient contributions are received. Charges for board and lodging on residential visits follow government guidance (including exemptions for families in receipt of qualifying benefits). Charges for external services (music tuition, clubs, private reports) are handled in accordance with the terms stated for each service or provider and by the school's charging arrangements.

Fee payment options

- Voluntary donations: Monthly direct debit, termly bank transfer, online payment, bank or charity cheque are accepted methods as specified for the donation scheme. Gift Aid declarations are used for eligible UK taxpayers.

- Optional items and ad hoc charges (lunches, outings, bookbags, trip payments): Processed via the school's online payments platform (SchoolPing) or by the payment methods the school specifies for particular activities.

- Uniform and supplier purchases: Branded uniform items are purchased from the designated supplier's retail/online outlet, which accepts standard retail payment methods (online card payments and available retail payment options noted by the supplier). Specific item prices are set by the supplier.

Uniform Requirement

Akiva has a school uniform. Logo items are supplied by Uniform4Kids in Temple Fortune; the uniform includes navy or sky-blue polo shirts, navy jumpers/cardigans/fleeces, and navy or grey skirts or trousers, with white, navy or grey socks and black or navy school shoes (trainers not allowed except on PE days). PE kit includes a sky-blue T-shirt, navy shorts, navy jogging bottoms, a navy jumper, and a navy skort. A uniform guide and price list are available from Uniform4Kids.

Food Options

Healthy eating is promoted at Akiva; the school has London Healthy Schools Bronze Award and provides advice on healthy eating.

Governance and Ownership

The school is a two-form entry Voluntary-Aided state primary school from Reception to Year 6, located in the Sternberg Centre for Judaism in Finchley. It is governed by a Governing Body and benefits from active involvement by parents.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Akiva School teaches a values-led curriculum that emphasises respect, kindness, resilience and integrity. The curriculum aims to develop independent learners who are knowledgeable Jewish citizens and active participants in the wider community with a love of Israel and Progressive Judaism. It fosters interpersonal skills and resilience, helping students to make decisions, reflect on their learning, and take responsibility for their choices. Children leave Akiva with a sense of belonging to a tightly knit community and the confidence to engage with the world. Assessment is at the heart of learning, enabling teachers to tailor teaching to individual needs and to support ongoing progress.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Michaela Bishop is the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). Akiva provides SEND information via the Akiva SEND Information Report and Akiva SEND Policy. Queries about SEN can be emailed to admin@akivaschool.org with SEN in the title; responses are provided within 72 hours.

Safeguarding

The welfare and safety of children is the overriding consideration of the school at all times. The Safeguarding Team at Akiva Primary School includes the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, the SENCO, and the Safeguarding Governor. All staff receive initial child protection training and regular updating, and Safer Recruitment procedures are followed with enhanced DBS checks. The school maintains a single central record of data required by Ofsted and has a range of safeguarding policies to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Online safety is addressed with guidance on CEOP, Safe Search and other resources for parents and pupils.

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The Study

Instructs in English, French

Fees CA$31,220 - 35,005

Type Girls School

The Study is a bilingual all-girls day school in Westmount, Quebec, serving Kindergarten through Grade 11. It offers the Canadian Curriculum with Advanced Placement options and leads to the Quebec Secondary School Diploma (MEES). The campus at 3233 The Boulevard has entrance at 1 Braeside Place. A Mother Tongue bilingual programme develops fluency in English and French from Kindergarten, with Elementary students splitting time between English and French and Senior School taught in French, with a compulsory third language option (Mandarin or Spanish) from Grade 7. The school offers an enriched programme in arts, design technology and athletics, including Academic Excellence, Technology & Makerspace, Leadership, The Arts, and Introduction to Business Fundamentals: Educating Future Women Leaders. Facilities include Innovation Lab, a gym, and 16 sports. More than 40 clubs support academics, arts, languages, leadership and service. Founded in 1915, The Study celebrated its centennial in 2015. Alumni represent 31 countries.

Location

3233 The Boulevard Westmount, QC H3Y 1S4, Canada

Stages

Kindergarten to Grade 11 (K-11)

Type

Private bilingual all-girls school

Additional learning support

Enrichment Specialists and School Counsellors provide Student Services to support students' emotional, social and academic needs.

School day structure

The Elementary School day starts at 8:00 AM with six periods: Period 1 8:00–8:57, Period 2 9:03–10:00, recess 10:00–10:30, Period 3 10:30–11:20, lunch 11:20–11:50, recess 11:50–12:25, Period 4 12:30–1:27, Period 5 1:33–2:30, Period 6 outside period (2:30–2:45 or 3:00 PM); cycles 3 and 4 extend to about 3:15–3:30 PM depending on the cycle.

Application fees

- Registration fee: CAD 200, payable when an application is accepted; this CAD 200 charge is billed again annually each February.
- Financial‑assistance application fee: CAD 130 non‑refundable (Apple Financial Services application processing fee).

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts and what is included)

- Maternelle (Kindergarten): CAD 31,220 per school year. Included in this tuition are the noon‑meal program, an iPad for the school year, all class outings (including required overnight excursions), all required textbooks and workbooks, mandatory school supplies, and the school directory. Additional mandatory charges listed separately apply.

- Cycles 1–3 (Grades 1–6): CAD 35,005 per school year. Included in this tuition are the noon‑meal program; an iPad for students in Grades 1–5 and a laptop for Grade 6 for the school year; all required textbooks and workbooks, mandatory school supplies and the school directory; student services (learning support, psychoeducational services, and career/advising services); extracurricular activities (including transport where applicable), athletics, academic competition fees, clubs, robotics, guest speakers and workshops; required class outings including mandatory overnight excursions; and technology services and maintenance. Additional mandatory charges listed separately apply.

- Senior School (Secondary I–V / Grades 7–11): CAD 35,005 per school year. Included in this tuition are the noon‑meal program; a school‑issued laptop for the school year; all required textbooks and workbooks, mandatory school supplies and the school directory; student services (learning support, psychoeducational services, and career/advising services); extracurricular activities (including transport where applicable), athletics, academic competition fees, clubs, robotics, guest speakers and workshops; required class outings including mandatory overnight excursions; and technology services and maintenance. Additional mandatory charges listed separately apply.

- Notes on per‑term amounts: Tuition is published as an annual amount. Parents may choose to pay the annual tuition in full or by two instalments; arrangements can also be made for eight equal monthly instalments (additional fees apply). If tuition is paid in two instalments, each instalment will correspond to approximately 50% of the annual tuition; if paid in eight monthly instalments the monthly payment is the annual tuition divided into eight equal payments (administrative fees for the instalment plan may apply).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The first payment of tuition is due at the start of the school year. Tuition may be paid in full, or in two instalments. Arrangements for eight monthly instalments can be made; additional administrative fees apply when choosing an instalment plan. Contributions such as the New Parent Fund and, if applicable, language support program fees are due at the start of the school year.

Boarding fees

- The Study operates as a day school. There are no boarding programs or boarding fees.

Other costs and fees (one‑time, annual, and conditional charges)

- Capital reserve (Infrastructure) fund: CAD 1,900 (charged for building improvements).
- New Parent Fund: voluntary one‑time contribution of CAD 2,000 (tax receipt issued).
- Language‑support fee: CAD 10,000 (first year) for new students entering Secondary I–III who require French as a Second Language (FLS) support.
- Instrument fee: CAD 230 for students in Secondary I–V who select the music option with instrument use.
- Registration / enrolment charge: CAD 200 on acceptance (see “Application fees” above) and billed annually thereafter in February.
- After‑school programme and extracurricular participation: fees vary depending on frequency and selection; some optional excursions, music activities, clubs or sports trips may incur additional charges. School bus service is available for which fees vary according to usage and route.

Refund information

- The Apple Financial Services application processing fee (CAD 130) is explicitly described as non‑refundable. The published school fee information identifies which incidental charges are billed separately; tuition and other fee refund or withdrawal terms are managed through the school's enrolment and billing procedures (first tuition payment is due at the start of the school year). Families should note that instalment plans carry additional administrative fees.

Fee payment options and practical notes

- Payment schedules available: full payment, two instalments, or an arranged eight‑month instalment plan (administrative fees apply for instalment plans).
- Specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, cheque, or online payment through the school's parent/enrolment portal) are handled through the school's billing and enrolment systems; payment logistics are processed via the school's parent/enrolment portal and Business Office. For matters such as enrolment, invoicing and payment plan setup the school's enrolment portal is used.

Summary of the key annual amounts

- Kindergarten (Maternelle): CAD 31,220 per year.
- Grades 1–6 (Cycles 1–3): CAD 35,005 per year.
- Grades 7–11 (Secondary I–V): CAD 35,005 per year.

Uniform Requirement

The school has a uniform program. Elementary and Senior School wear full dress and seasonal options (summer and winter), including a blazer, Oxford shirt, and house or school tie; tunic or kilt with appropriate socks, and black leather shoes. Grade 11 wears a blue Oxford shirt with the Grad tie, and a gym uniform is used for physical education.

Food Options

Hot lunches, soups and desserts are provided daily and included in tuition. Lunches are prepared by District 22 and include a panini bar and a salad bar with a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese and proteins. Fresh fruit is available daily as a snack.

House System

The House System comprises Mu Gamma, Kappa Rho, Beta Lambda and Delta Beta. Annual house activities include sports day, and senior students act as House Captains (Grades 10–11) with house heads guiding activities.

Governance and Ownership

The Study is a private, non-subsidized school. It is governed by school leadership, including a Head of School and a Senior School Director.

Curriculum

The Study offers Kindergarten to Grade 11 at an independent bilingual day school. A mother tongue bilingual programme develops fluency in English and French. The curriculum includes Elementary School and Senior School with an enriched programme that includes arts, design technology and athletics. Distinguishing Programmes include Academic Excellence, Technology & Makerspace, Leadership, The Arts, and Introduction to Business Fundamentals: Educating Our Future Women Leaders. The environment fosters intellectual curiosity, leadership and ethical citizenship under the guidance of a dedicated faculty.

Student Teacher Ratio

16 students per class on average

Higher Education Progression

100% of graduates attend post-secondary institution of their choice

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Study prioritizes the emotional, physical and social needs of each student within an environment where academic excellence is encouraged. Connectedness is the ethos of a nurturing environment, and The Study nurtures with great purpose. The school relies on a community of teachers, students and parents who participate in school life as class parents or volunteers for activities. The environment supports belonging, collaboration and personal growth through student life programs and leadership opportunities. Counseling and guidance services educate girls about health and well-being and meet students individually to help them navigate difficult periods of childhood and adolescence. The Centre de l'enrichissement provides learning support to all students, helping them understand their learning profile and the strategies that work best for them; the team collaborates with teachers to implement research-based practices and differentiate instruction.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Centre de l'enrichissement offers learning support to all students, regardless of age or academic ability, and provides strategies to help each student reach their full potential. Students learn to understand their own learning profiles and identify the approaches that work best for them. The enrichment team collaborates with teachers to implement classroom practices that are supported by research and to differentiate instruction. The program aims to enhance learning across subjects and provide targeted supports when needed. The school therefore provides inclusive, school-wide support as part of its student services.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The Study offers the exceptional mother tongue bilingual programme beginning in Kindergarten to develop literacy in English and French. In Elementary School, students have two homeroom teachers and spend about half of the day in English and half in French. In Grades 1 and 2, students consolidate foundations for literacy in both languages, with process-oriented learning that encourages exploration, experimentation, problem solving and concept absorption. The programme aims to instill confidence, autonomy and motivation in learners, enabling them to become autonomous and motivated bilingual learners.

Mental Wellbeing

The Study provides dedicated counselors who educate girls in health and well-being, and counselors meet individually with students to help them navigate the more difficult periods of childhood and adolescence. Counselors work with both Elementary and Secondary students to support well-being across the school years. The counseling and guidance services are part of The Study's broader focus on student well-being.

Safeguarding

The School has a student Ombudsman who oversees safeguarding and ethics, with the Deputy Head of School acting as the school's Ombudsman. A Regional Ombudsman, Sarah-Beth Trudeau, provides oversight and contact details. The National Student Ombudsman oversees student rights and complaint procedures in Québec. Filing a complaint follows a three-step process: first approach the directly concerned person, then approach the person responsible for processing complaints, and finally receive a written response within set timelines.

Admissions

1. Complete the online application form and include all requested documentation. The online application is accessed via the admissions portal, and the formal admissions period begins at least one year before entry for Kindergarten and Grade 7; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during the year and spaces are very limited. All applicants must be fluent in either English or French at the time of application; French language support is available for Grades 1–6, and students in the Senior School (Grades 7–11) must have knowledge of both languages; international applicants must know one language to proceed beyond the interview. 2. Schedule your daughter's interview and entrance assessments after submitting the application. An academic assessment is required for entry at all grade levels, but selections are not based solely on these results. 3. Meet the Head of School for a family meeting. The meeting provides an opportunity to discuss fit, school life contributions, and expectations for both the family and The Study. 4. Wait for a decision. The Admissions Committee reviews all applications and provides a decision 10–14 days following the entrance assessments. If there are no places available at a specific grade level, the child's name is placed in the wait pool (not a waitlist, with no priority order). If places become available, the Admissions Committee will review all applicants in the wait pool to select the best candidate. Getting started dates and events are posted by the admissions office, and families are encouraged to inquire to confirm availability before applying.

Scholarships

The Study awards CAD 420K in scholarships and bursaries annually. About 14% of students receive financial aid, with the average recipient receiving CAD 7,600 per year; on average 54 students receive financial assistance each year, and seven scholarships are available per year, with 155+ students having received scholarships. Scholarships recognize outstanding academic results and potential and are often renewable, available at various grade levels to both new and returning students. The Study School Foundation Merit Entrance Scholarship (2026–2027) awards a full scholarship to the top new Grade 7 student based on overall academic excellence, current school reports, entrance exam results, a personal letter of intent, and an interview; this full scholarship is awarded once every three years and next available in 2029. Other named scholarships include Entrance Scholarships (up to CAD 5,000 renewable for three years), Margaret Gascoigne Scholarship (CAD 1,000 renewable for five years), Dare to Dream Scholarship (CAD 2,000 non-renewable), Trillium Scholarship (CAD 1,000 renewable for one year), Board of Governors' Scholarship (CAD 1,000 renewable for three years), Marcelle Gaudion Scholarship (CAD 1,000 renewable for five years), and Nancy Lewis Sweer - Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship (CAD 2,000 applied toward tuition). The Great Women of Tomorrow Bursary is needs-based and offers up to 50% tuition assistance for students from diverse communities; it remains with the recipient through Grades 7–11 and was established in 2024 by the Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Family Foundation and The Molson Foundation. Financial assistance applications are assessed separately from admissions, using a confidential needs evaluation conducted by Apple Financial Services; families apply online, and assistance decisions are made by The Study's Financial Assistance Committee.

Waitlist

The Study uses a wait pool rather than a traditional waitlist. If no places are available at a given grade level, a child's name is placed in the wait pool, and there is no assigned order of priority. When spaces become available, the Admissions Committee reviews all applicants in the wait pool to select the best candidate. Spaces are limited, so families are advised to inquire about availability before applying.

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Compare International Schools in Westmount, Canada

Location

Stages

Type

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Religious affiliation

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Safeguarding

Admissions

Location

Stages

Type

Additional learning support

School day structure

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

House System

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Student Teacher Ratio

Higher Education Progression

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

Waitlist

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Curriculum offered

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