Egypt British International School vs Ethos International School
Egypt British International School and Ethos International School are both in Cairo, about 42 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE programmes. Egypt British International School also offers EYFS, and Ethos International School also offers Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are close, at EGP 140,000 - 192,000 for Egypt British International School and EGP 159,600 - 191,700 for Ethos International School. Egypt British International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Ethos International School from 4 to 16. Egypt British International School is the larger school, with around 3,500 pupils to Ethos International School's 1,000.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
3,500
Pupils
1,000
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Arabic
Instruction language
English, Arabic
Opened
Opened
2006
Opened
2015
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Egypt British International School (EBIS) is located in New Cairo City, Cairo, Egypt. It sits in the 1st Urban District, El Banafseg Zone, Area 1. The postal address is 11477, Mail Box No. 32, New Cairo, First Settlement. Contact: +2 01000084843; +2 01000084844; +202 23466170; +202 23466171; info@isc.edu.eg.
Location
20/6 Behind Royal City Compound, Sheikh Zayed City, Cairo, Egypt.
Stages
Stages
Early Years; Primary; Middle School; IGCSE
Stages
Foundation Stage; Primary School; Lower Secondary; Upper Secondary
School type
School type
British international school offering UK-based examinations (EdExcel and Cambridge); IGCSE department is award-winning.
School type
British international school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Personalized Learning: No Child Left Behind. Differentiation tailors teaching, curriculum and learning support to individual learners; students with learning difficulties have personalized learning programmes with individual targets monitored throughout the year. Continuous Assessment: Tracking of student performance forms an essential part of each student's learning plan; teachers assess and plan for each student, and parents are kept informed.
Additional learning support
Learning Support is offered from Foundation Stage through Year 9 to assist pupils with mild learning disabilities, language barriers, non-traditional learning styles, or sensory needs. From Year 10 onward, targeted learning support is not offered, but accommodations for IGCSE and A-Level exams may be available for pupils with documented accommodations.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Affiliated with the United Kingdom education system; examinations are conducted through EdExcel and Cambridge International Examination Boards; recognised by the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
Country affiliation
Egypt
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Tuition fees (annual and per term, by year group) - Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2): EGP 140,000 – EGP 165,000 per year. Per term (three terms): EGP 46,667 – EGP 55,000. - Year 1 – Year 6: EGP 165,000 – EGP 187,000 per year. Per term (three terms): EGP 55,000 – EGP 62,333. - Years 7 – 9 (Lower Secondary/Middle): EGP 192,000 per year. Per term (three terms): EGP 64,000.
Application, registration and enrolment charges - Application / registration fee (one-off at application or at offer): commonly reported as EGP 3,000. - Enrollment / joining charge (one-off at acceptance): commonly reported in the range EGP 12,000 – EGP 15,000.
Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is organised into three school terms; tuition is invoiced on a termly basis (three invoices per year). Per‑term amounts above are calculated by dividing the annual tuition by three to match the school's term structure. - The school requests that families obtain current fee invoices and bank‑account details directly from the school's finance office; specific invoice due‑dates, penalties, reservation deposits and any early‑payment discounts are provided on the school's official fee invoice.
Boarding - Boarding is not offered; the school provides day‑school services (transport by school bus is available).
Other costs and typical extras - School bus (annual): commonly reported as EGP 45,000 – EGP 48,000 per year (varies by route). Per term: EGP 15,000 – EGP 16,000. - School uniform: the school operates an official uniform shop on campus; uniform items and a full uniform list are required but uniform prices are not published in a public fee schedule. Budget for uniform purchase when joining; cost varies by items required and size. - Textbooks, workbooks and consumable learning materials: normally charged either as a separate annual supplies fee or invoiced per term; specific amounts are not published in the publicly available fee summaries. - External examination fees (IGCSE / Cambridge / Edexcel): these are charged in addition to tuition and are invoiced separately for registered candidates. - Optional extracurricular activities, school trips, camps and specialist services (therapy / assessment) are charged in addition to tuition; amounts vary by activity and are invoiced separately.
Refund information and withdrawal - No detailed public refund policy is published in the publicly available fee pages; refund and withdrawal terms (including any non‑refundable reservation payments or deadlines that affect refunds) are set out on the school's fee invoice and by the school's finance office. Families should note that many international schools apply non‑refundable reservation/registration charges and term‑deadline rules that affect eligibility for refunds.
Fee payment options - The school provides bank account details and invoicing through its finance office; bank transfer is accepted. Public fee notices indicate that bank details and specific payment instructions are provided on the invoice. - It is common within the ISC/peer international school network to accept payment by bank transfer and to accept Visa/MasterCard for EGP‑denominated invoices (card payments may incur a processing surcharge); families should confirm accepted methods and any card surcharge on the school invoice. Example ISC school payment methods follow this model.
Summary notes (facts only) - Annual tuition figures above are those publicly reported by local school directories; the school's own published tuition page requests that parents request the current fee invoice and bank details from the school's finance office. The school operates on a three‑term academic calendar; bus, uniform, examination and activity costs are additional to the tuition figures listed above.
Fee details
Application fees - No separate application or non‑refundable registration fee amount is published for general admissions.
Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts for Academic Year 2025/2026) - Foundation Stage 1 (FS1): EGP 122,600. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Foundation Stage 2 (FS2): EGP 122,600. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 1 (Y1): EGP 137,500. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 2 (Y2): EGP 137,500. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 3 (Y3): EGP 145,200. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 4 (Y4): EGP 145,200. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 5 (Y5): EGP 145,200. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 6 (Y6): EGP 145,200. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 7 (Y7): EGP 144,000. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 8 (Y8): EGP 144,000. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 9 (Y9): EGP 144,000. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 10 (Y10): EGP 154,700. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000. - Year 11 (Y11): EGP 154,700. Educational resources fee: EGP 37,000.
Per‑installment amounts (payment plan rules applied) - Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 (FS1, FS2, Y1, Y2): fees are payable in four equal instalments. Instalment examples (tuition only): - FS1 / FS2: EGP 122,600 ÷ 4 = EGP 30,650 per instalment. - Y1 / Y2: EGP 137,500 ÷ 4 = EGP 34,375 per instalment. - Key Stages 2, 3 & 4 (Y3–Y11): fees are payable in three equal instalments. Instalment examples (tuition only): - Y3–Y6 (EGP 145,200): EGP 145,200 ÷ 3 = EGP 48,400 per instalment. - Y7–Y9 (EGP 144,000): EGP 144,000 ÷ 3 = EGP 48,000 per instalment. - Y10–Y11 (EGP 154,700): EGP 154,700 ÷ 3 = EGP 51,566.67 per instalment (rounded).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 instalments are due before 1 April, 1 August, 1 October and 1 December. Key Stages 2–4 instalments are due before 1 February, 1 May and 1 October. All fees must be paid by the specified due dates. - Educational resources, books and activity charges are not included in the tuition totals above and are billed separately; the school publishes the resource amount and due dates at the start of the academic year. The educational resources charge shown in the fee schedule is EGP 37,000 per pupil.
Upper‑secondary (Years 10–12) additional fee details and subject charges - Year 12 registration/base fee: EGP 60,000 (required for registration in Year 12). O‑Level subject fee: EGP 20,000 per subject. AS / A2 subject fee: EGP 25,000 per subject. Deadlines for these upper‑secondary payments are set by the school (example deadlines shown for 2025/2026: Year 12 base by 1 May; O‑Level and AS/A2 subject payments by 1 November). Exam registration fees are billed separately. - If a required subject is not offered internally, parents may arrange an external teacher and are responsible for the associated costs. Refunds may apply for certain AS/A2 classes if minimum class sizes are not met.
Boarding fees - No boarding provision or boarding fees are published; the school operates as a day school with specified daily hours. Boarding is not offered.
Other costs and recurring charges - Educational resources / books / activities: EGP 37,000 per pupil per year (separate from tuition). - Uniform: a school uniform shop operates on campus; prices vary by item, options and pupil size and are payable separately. - School meals / canteen: pupils use a cafeteria card that parents can recharge at the finance office; meal plans are optional for younger pupils and available for purchase for older pupils. - Transport: a paid bus service is provided for specific areas (El Sheikh Zayed City, 6th October, Hadayek El Ahram, Mohandesin and Agouza); specific bus fees are set separately and are not published alongside the tuition table. - Examination/board fees: exam registration and external board fees are billed separately and must be paid by the announced deadlines; exam fees (for external examination boards) are required to be paid in cash at the School Finance Department.
Refund information and withdrawal rules - All fees must be paid by the specified due dates. Specific refund rules apply to upper‑secondary subjects where class sizes fall below the required minimum; for example, refunds of EGP 20,000 are referenced for certain AS subject situations (applied toward exam registration fees in staged deductions). Withdrawal deadlines and refund entitlements for Year 11/Year 12 are governed by the school's payment and refund policy and applicable Ministry of Education regulations; a timely file withdrawal (طلب سحب ملف) can affect refund eligibility as stated in the school's fee policy.
Fee payment options - Exam registration fees must be paid in cash at the School Finance Department. No public, itemised list of accepted electronic payment methods (credit card, online payment, specific bank transfer instructions) is published alongside the fee schedule; parents are instructed to liaise with the School Finance Department for payment arrangements. Contact the admissions/finance office for available payment channels.
Discounts and concessions - A 10% sibling discount on tuition fees is applied where applicable.
Notes for record entry (factual items only) - Tuition figures and the EGP 37,000 educational resources figure are shown in the school fee schedule for Academic Year 2025/2026. Payment plans, instalment due dates and upper‑secondary subject charges (EGP 20,000 / 25,000 per subject and Year 12 base fee EGP 60,000) are stated in the school's published fee and parent handbook documents.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
EBIS provides a broad, balanced and tailored British Education for Nursery to Year 12, delivered by qualified and experienced teachers. The British National Curriculum is followed with an international perspective appropriate to our students' culture and heritage. The diversity of the student body is respected and celebrated. Language Acquisition includes a leading Modern Foreign Languages program with French or German from age five and a half, continuing through Key Stage 4. Examinations are conducted through Ed-Excel and Cambridge University International Examination Boards, with IGCSE results used as international benchmarks alongside England's standardized tests at Years 2 and 6.
Curriculum details
Foundation Stage follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework set by the UK Department for Education. Language & Literacy uses Read Write Inc. phonics and Talk Through Stories; Mathematics uses the White Rose Maths scheme; the stage emphasizes emotional intelligence, positive relationships, early social skills, and independent behavior. The Foundation Stage environment includes Smart boards in every classroom, Reading corners, an Expressive Arts room, and a Foundation Stage garden. Primary School (Years 1–6) is aligned with the National Curriculum of England, with English Language & Literacy, Mathematics (White Rose Maths), Science (Theoretical + Practical Inquiry), Arabic, Islamic/Religious Studies, Computing, Art & Design, Music, PE, and Modern Foreign Languages from Year 3; Character Education is woven into daily learning. By the end of Primary, Ethos students are academically prepared for Key Stage 3, fluent in English and Arabic, emotionally and socially mature, and ready to lead, innovate, and contribute to their communities. Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary follow the Cambridge International Curriculum for IGCSE and A-Levels; Lower Secondary includes Cambridge-based assessments and a BYOD program, while Upper Secondary offers a broad IGCSE/A-Level subject range and is an approved exam centre, with structured progress monitoring and internships and university guidance.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
Examinations are conducted through Ed-Excel and Cambridge University International Examination Boards. EBIS benchmarks academic progress against international standards, including IGCSE results and England's standardized tests taken at Years 2 and 6. The IGCSE department is award-winning. Continuous assessment tracks student performance and informs learning planning.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
University fairs and career guidance events help students plan higher education and future careers. Upper Secondary focuses on Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels, aligning with university admission pathways. The Ethos graduate profile emphasizes readiness for top universities and global citizenship. The school provides university guidance and career opportunities to support progression to higher education.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
A Personalized Learning approach differentiates teaching, curriculum and learning support to meet the needs and aspirations of individual learners. Individual academic targets are set for each student and monitored throughout the year. Continuous assessment tracks student performance to inform progress and planning.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
—
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
—
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
—
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
EBIS enrolls students regardless of nationality, race or gender. The admissions process is academically oriented and highly selective, with acceptance based on academic achievement and space availability. The Admissions Process includes the following steps: 1. Online Application: Complete the online application. After processing, the admissions office will email an assessment date and time for the child, and a parent interview will take place during this time. 2. Campus Tour: Families are invited to visit ISC for a campus tour and to speak with admissions staff. Appointments can be arranged by contacting us. 3. Application: To start the admissions process, the completed enrolment application and required documents must be submitted. Applications are accepted throughout the school year subject to space availability. 4. Assessment Test: All candidates for Years 1-12 are assessed as part of the admissions process. Foundation Year 1 candidates are interviewed and evaluated by the Lower Primary Heads. Years 3-12 candidates take tests in Mathematics and English. The tests are evaluated to determine whether the student has attained the minimum standard for each subject, and the final decision is made by the school with the family informed. 5. School Records: Parents/guardians must provide current school records, including transcripts, any test results from former years, and any psychological/neurological evaluations. These forms should be handed to the admissions staff to support the application. A final admissions decision cannot be made without this information. 6. Admissions Results: Admissions decisions are made after evaluating candidates to determine the suitability of ISC and its programme for each applicant. Results of assessment tests and former school records are considered on a case-by-case basis. Additional criteria for admission include motivation, social and emotional development, willingness to work hard, and the school's ability to accommodate the needs of the candidate. 7. Admissions Checklist: Schedule a school visit and tour. Complete and return the following documents: Enrolment Documents; Student Medical Form; Copy of birth certificate and/or passport for non-Egyptians (which will be photocopied and returned immediately); Former Academic reports; 6 recent passport-sized photos.
Admissions
01. Book a School Tour in Sheikh Zayed to visit Ethos International School, meet the team, and learn about the British international curriculum and the campus. School tours are held every Sunday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., and bookings are made through the official school website. The campus is described as a vibrant, eco-friendly environment with class sizes capped at 25 students. 02. Submit the Online Application Form to start the process. The application requires uploading documents and details as part of Ethos's admissions review. 03. Entrance Assessment & Evaluation. The assessment fee is 4,000 EGP, payable on the day of assessment. Assessments for different year groups cover varying subjects: Preschool to FS2 focuses on language, emotional and social readiness; Years 1–3 test basic English, Math, and Arabic; Years 4–9 include in‑depth English, Mathematics, Arabic and a creative writing task; Years 10+ involve subject readiness, academic records and interviews. 04. Parent Interview. A meeting with both parents is held to align expectations, share Ethos's educational philosophy, and understand the student's needs and background. 05. Offer of Admission & Enrollment. Successful applicants receive an offer by email. To confirm a spot, submit the acceptance form, pay the registration fee, and complete all required documentation. Offers are valid for 5 working days and admission is finalized only upon payment and documentation. Age-Based Year Placement: placement is based on the student's age as of October 1 of the academic year, with minimum ages FS2 5 years, FS1 4 years, and Preschool 3 years.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
Admissions for the upcoming academic year open during the first week of November. Mid-year transfers are considered based on seat availability. If seats are not immediately available, applicants are placed on a waiting list and offered admission as space becomes available.