Bordeaux International School vs Ermitage International School Bordeaux

	B Bordeaux International School Bordeaux, France	E Ermitage International School Bordeaux Bordeaux, France
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €8,290 - 12,170	Fees / year €7,875 - 11,340
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, French Curriculum	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1987	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in the heart of Bordeaux, France. 252 Rue Judaïque, 33000 Bordeaux, France.	Location 142 Rue Jules Ferry, Bordeaux 33200, France. Just a few minutes from the city centre. The campus is in one of Bordeaux's most pleasant districts. Located in the heart of Bordeaux Caudéran.
Stages	Stages Early Learning (3-6 years); Primary (6-10 years); Middle School (10-14 years); Upper School: International GCSE (14-16 years); Upper School: International A Level (16-18 years)	Stages Kindergarten (ages 2–6). Primary (ages 6–11).
School type	School type Bilingual international school operated as a SCOP (Educational Cooperative) since 1999	School type International school offering bilingual French-English programmes.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 40 nationalities represented	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation France	Country affiliation Affiliated with the French national education system.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Two days per week are taught in French and two days per week in English.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Admissions & one‑off fees - Application / registration fee (one‑off, non‑refundable except if the school cannot guarantee a place): 1st child €680; 2nd child €580; 3rd child €480; 4th child free. - Capital fund (one‑off, per family, non‑refundable): €1,200. - Security deposit (one‑off, per child; refunded after audited accounts): - Early Learning: €2,600 - Primary: €2,700 - Lower Middle School: €3,500 - Upper Middle School: €4,000 - International IGCSE: €4,600 - International A Level: €5,200 The security deposit is refunded within 60 days of the student's departure after the accounts have been audited. Tuition fees — annual and per‑term by year group (tuition only) All figures are tuition fees (annual). Term amounts are shown on a 10‑month basis (school uses a 10‑month payment schedule: 1st term = 4 months; 2nd term = 3 months; 3rd term = 3 months): - Foundation / Reception / Year 1 (Early Learning) - Annual tuition: €7,890 - Term 1 (4 months): €3,156 - Term 2 (3 months): €2,367 - Term 3 (3 months): €2,367 - Years 2–5 (Primary) - Annual tuition: €8,240 - Term 1: €3,296 - Term 2: €2,472 - Term 3: €2,472 - Years 6–7 (Lower Middle) - Annual tuition: €10,050 - Term 1: €4,020 - Term 2: €3,015 - Term 3: €3,015 - Years 8–9 (Upper Middle) - Annual tuition: €12,170 - Term 1: €4,868 - Term 2: €3,651 - Term 3: €3,651 - Years 10–11 (International IGCSE) - Annual tuition: €14,290 - Term 1: €5,716 - Term 2: €4,287 - Term 3: €4,287 - Years 12–13 (International A Level) - Annual tuition: €16,290 - Term 1: €6,516 - Term 2: €4,887 - Term 3: €4,887 Reductions applicable to tuition fees only: - 4% discount for payment of the full year in advance by 1 June (date specified in the school's payment schedule). - 2% discount applicable for termly payments made on the set dates. - 3% discount for families with three or more children enrolled. Equipment, lunches and other recurring charges - Equipment fee (annual, per student): €680 (covers notebooks, textbooks, photocopies, materials for arts/music/theatre, specialised classroom resources and access to computers/software; excludes personal stationery, external exam fees, personal insurance and some school trips). - Lunch / canteen (annual) or packed‑lunch contribution (supervision/maintenance): - Early Learning: €1,254 (canteen) / €280 (packed‑lunch contribution) - Primary: €1,418 / €280 - Lower Middle: €1,418 / €280 - Upper Middle: €1,682 / €350 - IGCSE: €1,682 / €350 - A Level: €1,682 / €350 Meals are provided at school; special dietary/allergy arrangements require an official Individual Health Plan (PAI). - Miscellaneous academic costs: A‑Level online supplementary subjects, language support, special needs support and preparation for the Diplôme National du Brevet are charged separately (fees available on request). External examination fees, some school trips, extra tuition and personal items are not covered by the equipment fee. Boarding (host‑family) fees - Weekly host‑family stay (Monday–Friday, excluding school holiday periods): €7,495 per year. - Full‑time host‑family stay (including weekends, excluding school holiday periods): €11,445 per year. - Host‑family re‑arrangement fee (any changes during the school year): €200. Fees for host‑family stays include an annual local transport card (TBM); in the event of early departure a pro‑rata deduction is applied. Billing schedule and payment terms - Termly payment dates (reductions apply when payments are made on these dates): 1 June for Term 1 (4 months), 1 September for Term 2 (3 months), and 1 January for Term 3 (3 months). Monthly payments by standing order are available over 10 months (payments begin 1 June and end 1 March). - Late payments incur a 10% annual late fee plus a fixed administrative charge of €40. Bank charges (cheques, transfers, exchange costs, etc.) are payable by the payer. Refunds, early departure and related conditions - Registration fees are non‑refundable except where the school is unable to guarantee a place. The capital fund is non‑refundable. The security deposit is refunded within 60 days of departure after accounts have been audited. - Early departure notice requirements (registered letter with acknowledgement or hand delivery against signature): notice must be received by the school by the announced deadlines to take effect at the end of a term; if notice is not provided by those dates, tuition fees for the current term and the following term remain payable. In cases of definitive exclusion by the Disciplinary Committee, tuition fees will not be refunded. Fee payment options - Options explicitly described in the school's payment terms are: termly payments on set dates and monthly payment by standing order over 10 months. The school notes bank charges for methods such as cheques and bank transfers are to be borne by the payer (these payment types are referenced in the payment terms). Late payment penalties apply as above.	Fee details Application & Development Fees - Application Fee (New students): First child €580; second child €530; third child €450. - Development fund (one per family): €1,150 (non‑refundable). - First year billing requires payment of: application fee + development fund + administrative fees + annual tuition + any additional fees. Subsequent years require administrative fees + annual tuition + any additional fees. A 7‑day statutory withdrawal period applies. Tuition and Administrative Fees — Annual (by school year / programme) - Administrative fees and annual tuition — standard schedule: - Kindergarten: Administrative fee €375; Annual tuition €7,500. - Primary: Administrative fee €400; Annual tuition €8,500. - Middle school (MYP1 & MYP2 / 6e & 5e): Administrative fee €440; Annual tuition €10,900. - Middle school (MYP3 & MYP4 / 4e & 3e): Administrative fee €500; Annual tuition €12,100. - High school (MYP5 / 2nde): Administrative fee €550; Annual tuition €15,000. - High school (DP1 & DP2 / 1ère & Terminale): Administrative fee €700; Annual tuition €16,500. - Administrative fees and annual tuition — For families (alternative family schedule): - Kindergarten: Administrative fee €450; Annual tuition €10,000. - Primary: Administrative fee €500; Annual tuition €12,500. - Middle school (MYP1 & MYP2): Administrative fee €700; Annual tuition €15,400. - Middle school (MYP3 & MYP4): Administrative fee €800; Annual tuition €16,000. - High school (MYP5): Administrative fee €850; Annual tuition €18,500. - High school (DP1 & DP2): Administrative fee €950; Annual tuition €19,500. - Where monthly billing is used, the school requires payment by direct debit across 10 monthly instalments; the monthly instalment equals the annual tuition divided into 10 payments (administrative fees are charged in addition as indicated). All invoices must be paid by the due date shown on the invoice. Billing schedule, payment terms, discounts and penalties - Required payment method for school fees: direct debit in 10 monthly payments. Families are expected to ensure sufficient funds for these debits. - Sibling discount: 10% reduction on tuition for the second registered child; 15% reduction for the third registered child and any subsequent children. - In case of departure during the school year: written notice of 2 months to the secretary with acknowledgement of receipt is required. - Penalties: any payment incident triggers a 10% increase in school fees for the period concerned; payment delays of more than 30 days may lead to exclusion of the student. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are specified for the Ermitage International School Bordeaux tuition schedule; boarding is not listed among the fees for the Bordeaux campus. Additional costs and optional charges - Before‑ and after‑school care (daycare) — sample time slots and rates (per child): - Kindergarten: 8:00–8:30 €2; 16:15–17:00 €5; 16:15–17:30 €6.50; 16:15–18:00 €8; 16:15–18:30 €9.50. - Elementary: 8:00–8:20 €1.50; 16:00–17:00 €5.50; 16:00–17:30 €7; 16:00–18:00 €8.50; 16:00–18:30 €10. - Uniforms: charged separately (details to be provided by the school). - Meals: not included (lunch box or catered delivery billed separately). - Language options: 1 hour/week €500 per child per year; 2 hours/week €850 per child per year. - French as a second language (French B) where required: €2,200 per child per year (compulsory for students with no French knowledge in primary and middle school). - Extracurricular activities, extracurricular online DP/A‑level classes, external exam fees (HSK, Cervantes, Cambridge, IB, A Levels, etc.), study and cultural trips, and federation membership (e.g., judo) are charged in addition. Textbooks and teaching aids are provided; other supplies are not included. Refunds and non‑refundables - Application fees and the development fund are non‑refundable. A 7‑day statutory withdrawal period applies. Other refund rules (for example related to mid‑year departures) follow the school's financial regulations and require the stipulated written notice. Fee payment options - The school requires payment of tuition by direct debit on 10 monthly instalments; invoices must be paid by the invoice due date. No other specific payment methods (credit card or bank transfer) are listed in the fee schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Cambridge International Education is the framework BIS uses. BIS is an official Cambridge Education centre and has been accredited since 1991. The bilingual English–French programme is delivered across Early Learning, Primary and Middle School. In Upper School, Cambridge International IGCSE (14–16) and International A Levels (16–18) are offered, with most subjects taught in English; students may take exams in their home language where possible. BIS administers SATs as an official College Board examination centre.	Curriculum details Bilingual curriculum from kindergarten through to high school. Students aged 2 to 11 learn in French, English, or a bilingual format in a bilingual and international learning environment. Small class sizes support language development, self-confidence, and personalized guidance. The program emphasizes critical thinking, independence, openness, and global awareness, and prepares students to transition to middle school with options for French or international curricula.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes: 10–12 per class in Early Learning; 16 per class in Primary and Secondary.	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes allow for tailored guidance, language development, and personal growth.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Baccalaureate pass rate close to 100% across the Ermitage Education Group. In 2025, graduates from Ermitage International School Paris achieved an average of 34.8 points on the baccalaureate, well above the global average.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Students go on to study all over the world, most frequently in France, the UK, the Netherlands, the USA and Canada.	Higher education progression From Year 6, three pathways provide dual recognition: the French Diplôme National du Brevet and an internationally oriented final assessment, opening doors to prestigious high schools and international programs in France and abroad. An International English Section supports non-French speakers; this route leads toward internationally recognized high school options and universities.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Submit an application for Early Learning or Primary (3–10 years). The Admissions Committee reviews all applications because demand exceeds places each year. BIS welcomes foreign, binational and French students and reserves places for international families on short- and long-term missions to balance bilingual classes. No test is required for BIS registration before the age of 14. 2. For Middle School & Upper School (10–18 years), BIS admits students from around the world who demonstrate a positive attitude to work and accept the school's attendance conditions and Mission and Objectives. An Open Day is organized in February or March to allow visitors to discover the programme and meet the teaching team. Applicants for IGCSE must have sufficient English to benefit from the programme (CEFR B1; extra English support may be arranged at cost). Applicants for International A Level must have CEFR B2 English to follow the full range of subjects; they may be accepted with fewer English requirements only in certain circumstances or with longer duration. Applicants should have five IGCSE passes (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics, with a B in chosen A Level subjects where possible; where the certificates cannot be produced, prior assessment may be required. 3. Admissions Policy and Admissions Pack: The Admissions Policy 2025–26 in ENGLISH and the Admissions Pack 2025–26 in ENGLISH are available, with French versions also offered. These documents outline the official criteria, required documentation, and timelines for Early Learning through Upper School admissions and reflect BIS's bilingual mission. 4. Fees: Fees are published in the School Fees 2026/2027 document, which lists the annual tuition by section. For current amounts and payment schedules, refer to the Fees document. 5. An Open Day is also offered to showcase the school's programmes and facilities, and staff are available to answer questions during organised visits.	Admissions Step 1: Interview. All families are asked to interview, either via an online meeting or during an in-person campus visit. Prospective students may attend but are not required. Families applying to primary school are encouraged to email recent school reports (up to two years) ahead of the interview to expedite the admissions process. Kindergarten applicants do not need to provide school reports. Step 2: Admission Outcome. Following the interview (and receipt of school reports where applicable), our admissions team will confirm the application via email. Step 3: Confirming Your Place. If the application is successful, the enrolment form will be shared for completion. Your student's place is secured upon return of the completed enrolment form and payment of the €400 non-refundable enrolment fee. Please note that advance payment of the registration fees is non-refundable. However, in accordance with applicable law, you have the right to cancel within 7 days (Article L.121-19 of the French Consumer Code) by sending a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. Step 4: Admissions Criteria. Applications are welcome regardless of a student's proficiency in French or English. Language development is observed during the first weeks of school. Admissions criteria include motivation, openness and alignment with our educational values and academic history.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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