International School of Phnom Penh vs Northbridge International School Cambodia
International School of Phnom Penh and Northbridge International School Cambodia are both in Phnom Penh, about 7 km apart. Both schools follow an IB curriculum. Published annual fees are KHR 38,450,324 - 118,806,593 at International School of Phnom Penh and KHR 51,024,378 - 127,344,331 at Northbridge International School Cambodia, which puts Northbridge International School Cambodia roughly 13% higher. International School of Phnom Penh takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Northbridge International School Cambodia from 2 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 900 and 800 pupils.
ISPP's campus is on Hun Neang Boulevard, south of Phnom Penh city centre; the website includes a map and turn-by-turn directions. Two city bus lines (12B and 11C) stop within a short walk of the main gate; the school notes the nearest stop is about 200 m (≈4 minutes) away.
Location
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Stages
Stages
ISPP serves ages 3 through Grade 12 (Early Years / PYP in Elementary, Grades 6–10 in MYP, Grades 11–12 in the IB Diploma). The site gives age/grade placement guidance and a chart for entry.
Stages
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School type
School type
ISPP is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school and an authorised IB World School offering PYP, MYP and DP; it is accredited by WASC and CIS. The school describes itself as parent-governed and reinvesting revenue into the campus.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
ISPP runs student support teams across Elementary and Secondary that include English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes, targeted Learning Support (reading, maths, written language) and school counsellors; support can be in-class or in a Learning Support Centre. The site describes assessment on entry and exit criteria for EAL and collaboration with parents and external specialists as needed.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
ISPP is an international school without affiliation to a single country; its materials describe a multinational student body and parent-governed structure.
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
ISPP is non-religious / secular in its stated information; the school presents itself as an inclusive international community rather than a faith-based institution.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
The school year runs August–June with about 180 instructional days; division-specific daily start and finish times are not posted on the public pages, and may vary by year group. ISPP's office hours are listed (07:00–16:30), and the After School Programme operates into the afternoon with late-bus departures at 4:15pm and 4:45pm. For exact daily start/end times and break/lunch schedules contact Admissions or the relevant division.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
ISPP offers a limited paid daily bus/van service with seats allocated by route and priority for two-way riders and siblings; availability is not guaranteed for families outside established routes. The school publishes zone-based fees (Zone A / Zone B) and asks families to register at least five working days before service begins; the After School Programme also notes a late-bus option for activity participants. Check the school's bus page for current routes, zones and fees.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
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Fee details
Application & registration fees - Application fee (new students): USD 290. - Registration fee (new students): USD 850 (Early Learning EL2–EL4); USD 2,990 (KG–Grade 12). - Refundable deposit (new students): USD 1,000 (refunded on completion of the Student Withdrawal Form within the agreed 60‑day notice period). - Transition fee from EL4 to KG: USD 1,500.
Capital fee - Annual capital fee: EL2–EL4 USD 1,380; KG–Grade 12 USD 2,730. - Students enrolling in the second semester are charged 50% of the annual capital fee. (Capital fee is non‑refundable if student leaves during the academic year.)
Optional / additional costs - Bus transport (optional): Full year USD 2,080; Semester USD 1,040. - Student support services: EAL Tier 3 USD 2,195 per semester; EAL Tier 2 USD 1,250 per semester; SEN placement USD 5,500 per academic year. - Chargeable extras: LEAP activities, IB examination fees, optional trips and other specified services. - Sibling discounts: where three or more children attend, 5% for 3rd child and 10% for 4th and subsequent children (applies to younger siblings' tuition only).
Billing schedule, payment terms and refunds - Payment options: Annual, Semester (two payments) or Quarterly (four payments) with published payment dates (example semester dates: 1 Jul 2025 and 12 Dec 2025; quarterly dates include 1 Jul 2025, 3 Oct 2025, 5 Dec 2025 and 13 Mar 2026). - All fees due on indicated dates; payments late by two weeks incur a 5% penalty and then 1% per week thereafter. - Full tuition payment required for the quarter in which enrollment occurs (no partial quarterly payments). - Withdrawal: parents must submit the standard Withdrawal Form at least 60 calendar days prior to the student's last day. - Refunds: paid tuition refunded at 90% value only for full quarters not attended upon written request; no partial quarterly refunds; capital fee not refundable if student leaves during the year; refundable deposit returned subject to the 60‑day notice rule.
Payment methods - Preferred: bank transfer to the school's bank account. - Accepted: US dollar cheque (bank in Phnom Penh), credit card (payer pays any card fees). - Cash accepted for balances under USD 1,000. - Bank transfer charges are the responsibility of the transferring party.
Boarding - Northbridge is a day school; boarding fees are not applicable.
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
International School of Phnom Penh serves students age 3 through Grade 12 and is an IB World School authorised to deliver the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. Elementary (Early Years/Kindergarten–Grade 5) follows the IB Primary Years Programme, organised around transdisciplinary units with subject areas such as language, mathematics, personal/social/physical education, social studies, arts, and science & technology. Middle Years (Grades 6–10) follows the IB MYP framework in which students study two languages plus humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education and design, and complete a certificated personal project in the final year. Senior secondary (Grades 11–12) is the two‑year IB Diploma Programme: students choose six subjects across the IB groups (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level) and complete the core components—Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity, Service. ISPP also awards an ISPP (US-style) high school diploma accredited by WASC and offers alternatives for students not taking the full IB Diploma, including IBDP certificate courses and ISPP High Courses.
Curriculum details
The school is an international IB World School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, offering the IB continuum from Early Years through the IB Diploma. It is part of the Nord Anglia Education family. The campus spans more than eight hectares and provides world-class facilities, including an Aquatics Centre, a 400-seat auditorium, science laboratories, extensive sports facilities, an Early Learning zone, performing arts spaces, and Café Blend. The school day runs Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
The school focuses on a highly personalised approach to learning and employs specialist teachers from around the world, with ongoing professional development through Nord Anglia University.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
The school reports a 100% IB Diploma pass rate with strong results, and maintains top IB Diploma results in Cambodia.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
As an IB World School, students follow the full IB curriculum and pursue university destinations globally, with a pathway to top universities.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
The school emphasises personalised learning and offers opportunities across the arts, sciences, and languages, supported by global collaborations and specialist teachers.
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
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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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
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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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
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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
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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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
1. Make an initial inquiry. Start by submitting the online Inquiry / pre-application through ISPP's admissions portal (OpenApply) so the school can confirm whether the grade you want is likely to have space and what the next steps will be. The Inquiry helps the admissions team provide grade-specific guidance and to tell you whether to proceed with the formal pre-application or tour.
2. Submit a pre-application and basic documents. If you decide to proceed, complete the Pre‑Application Form and pay the pre-application deposit (US$50). At this stage you should upload passport ID pages and recent passport-style photos and any reports related to learning needs; the pre-application places your family on the applicant list while you await confirmation of space.
3. Complete the full Application and pay the application fee once space is confirmed. When ISPP confirms a place is available you will be asked to finish the Application Form in OpenApply and pay the remainder of the application fee (total application fee US$250, which includes the US$50 pre-application deposit and a US$200 balance). Be prepared to provide at least two recent years of school reports in English, a copy of immunisation records, the completed ISPP immunisation form and, for Grades 2–5, a writing sample.
4. Provide school recommendation(s) and any additional documents requested. ISPP requires a confidential recommendation from the student's current school (submitted directly to ISPP) and may request extra documentation about academic history or support needs; recommendations must be provided by the current school via the specified contact method. Keep email contact details for the recommending teachers ready when you apply, since ISPP will not accept recommendations sent by other routes.
5. Expect staged assessment steps where needed. ISPP does not routinely require formal academic testing at admission but may request English language testing (for which a fee may apply) and/or an interview with the relevant Principal to confirm that the student can access the IB programme. Placement into EAL (English as an Additional Language) support will be used where appropriate and students exit EAL once they meet grade-level proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
6. Understand priority criteria and nationality limits. Applications are considered by priority (siblings of current students, enrolled students and children of diplomatic passport holders receive priority) and then by application date; ISPP also enforces nationality caps (Cambodian students are limited to 30% and other nationalities to 15% each) that can affect availability in many grades. Provide proof of nationality for the student and parents during the application process because the school uses that information to ensure compliance with the nationality limits.
7. Be clear about grade placement and age rules. ISPP places students by chronological age with specific September 1 cut-off ages (for example, Kindergarten = age 5 by September 1; Grade 6 typically age 11), and the school publishes a Dates of Birth / Grade Entry chart that you should check before applying. If a student's previous school calendar differs or there are other complexities, the Principal will make the final grade placement decision balancing age, academic continuity, language proficiency and social maturity.
8. Disclose any learning or support needs early. Parents must fully disclose any special education needs or learning-support history during the admissions process; ISPP reviews each case individually and may provide moderate learning support but may also decline or later ask a family to withdraw if the student's needs exceed the school's capacity. If your child receives therapies or specialist services, tell the admissions team and be prepared to provide formal reports so ISPP can assess whether it can meet those needs.
9. Receive an offer and attend to enrolment / entrance deposits and fees. If offered a place, you will be asked to pay an enrolment deposit or entrance fee (entrance fees are charged once for KG–Grade 12; an Early Years entrance deposit is applied if the child progresses to KG) and to complete final paperwork; parents or guardians are liable for fees on enrolment and for any re‑enrolment deposit required to secure a returning student's place. Review the school's tuition and fee schedule for payment options (annual, semester, term/quarter) and note that instalment plans incur a finance charge.
10. Know fee, refund and re-enrolment policies. Tuition fees are refundable only for full terms of non-attendance; other fees are non‑refundable, and late or non-payment can lead to penalties or de‑enrolment. Returning families must pay a re‑enrolment deposit (usually collected in the second semester) to hold a place for the next academic year—check the published timetable as the Board approves fee schedules in February and releases the following year's fee schedule in March.
Admissions
Northbridge International School Cambodia offers year‑round placements, and the admissions process is described as simple, personalised and fast. The school is academically non‑selective, though non‑native English‑speaking students may be required to take language tests as part of enrolment; an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme is available to support language development. The admissions team provides support in English, Khmer and Chinese. The enrolment process begins with a school tour (on campus or virtual); Early Years applicants participate in an in‑class assessment; families meet with the school head for Primary and Secondary; and you will meet with the admissions team to discuss next steps. Applications are accepted year‑round and the admissions team will respond within 24 hours of submission. If a fit is identified, a place is offered and securing the placement requires a small deposit. Key school dates and the academic calendar are published, and tuition fees are listed with payment options. The FAQs cover the purpose of the application fee, a typical two‑week timeline to move from first contact to offer, whether a company pays the fees, the possibility of a waiting list, mid‑semester starts, and details about assessments and interviews.
Scholarships
Scholarships
ISPP operates a host-country scholarship programme that provides full scholarships to selected Cambodian students beginning at Grade 6 and continuing through graduation. The programme began in 2018–19 and each year ISPP has welcomed a new cohort into Grade 6; the school partners with community organisations (Cambodian Children's Fund and Indochina Starfish Foundation) to provide extra support to scholarship students and their families. Funding for the sustainable continuation of the scholarship programme is supported in part by the one-time application and entrance fees paid by new students, and the ISPP Board of Trustees has committed to maintaining these scholarships. The scholarship places are targeted to children from very low-income backgrounds and are selected in collaboration with the partner NGOs; the ISPP website lists current cohort counts and background on the programme.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
ISPP uses waiting lists when applications exceed available spaces in a given grade. Applicants who cannot be offered immediate placement are put on a waiting list and considered according to the school's priority rules (siblings, enrolled students, diplomatic passport holders, then by application date). ISPP staff will provide a realistic assessment of chances and timing where possible but do not publish waiting-list length or guaranteed timing; applicants may remain under consideration throughout the current academic year and also for the beginning of the following academic year (but new-year priorities apply). If the school cannot place an applicant by August of the following academic year, families are notified and offered the option to remain on the waiting list for the next year for an additional, non‑refundable fee. Families can also use the Pre‑Application to enter the applicant pool up to one year in advance (pre‑application deposit US$50) while they wait for space to open.
Waitlist
There may be a waiting list for some grades; the admissions team will inform you at the time of application whether a waitlist exists and whether a place is likely to become available for your preferred start date.