King's College The British School of Panama vs The Casco School
King's College The British School of Panama and The Casco School are both in Panama City. Both schools offer IB, British and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. King's College The British School of Panama also offers Reggio Emilia, and The Casco School also offers EYFS and Bespoke. Published annual fees are $8,213 - 24,269 at King's College The British School of Panama and $5,220 - 10,647 at The Casco School, which puts King's College The British School of Panama roughly 105% higher. King's College The British School of Panama takes pupils from 11 to 16, and The Casco School from 2 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 400 and 450 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at King's College The British School of Panama and 15 at The Casco School.
IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Reggio Emilia Approach
Curriculum
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
400
Pupils
450
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
15
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Spanish
Opened
Opened
2012
Opened
2018
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Clayton, Panama City, Republic of Panama
Location
Panama City, Panama, with two campuses in Albrook and Costa del Este.
Stages
Stages
Nursery, Primary, Secondary, and IB & Sixth Form
Stages
Pre-School, Primary School, Middle School and High School (Albrook); Pre-School and Primary School (Costa del Este).
School type
School type
Accredited British international school; UK National Curriculum with IGCSE and IB Diploma
School type
Private bilingual international school (British curriculum).
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Nationalities represented: 47
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
SEN information provided; SEN provision maps exist
Additional learning support
One-to-one language support for students needing extra help with English or Spanish.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United Kingdom; British curriculum aligned with the UK National Curriculum (England and Wales) with IGCSE and IB Diploma
Country affiliation
Panama
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
School day runs from 8:00 am to 3:20 pm
School day structure
School day runs 7:30 am–5:00 pm; classes typically 8:30 am–3:00 pm; younger children may have half-day options until 12:00 pm.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Comprehensive bus service with twelve routes across Panama City; morning and afternoon services; onboard bus monitors; limited service after school extracurricular activities
Bus service details
Yes, a transportation company provides routes throughout the city.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Overview
Fees listed are for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Application / Admissions Fees
- Application (non-refundable): USD 150 charged for each pupil upon formal application. - Entrance fee (one-off, family chooses payment plan): - Plan A entrance fee: USD 1,000. - Plan B entrance fee: USD 12,000.
Yearly tuition fees (Plan A) — Yearly and per-term amounts
- Pre-Nursery: USD 8,195 — Per term: USD 2,731.67. - Nursery: USD 17,134 — Per term: USD 5,711.33. - Reception: USD 17,911 — Per term: USD 5,970.33. - Year 1–2: USD 19,293 — Per term: USD 6,431.00. - Year 3–6: USD 21,361 — Per term: USD 7,120.33. - Year 7–9: USD 22,010 — Per term: USD 7,336.67. - Year 10–11 (IGCSE): USD 23,222 — Per term: USD 7,740.67. - Year 12–13 (IB): USD 24,215 — Per term: USD 8,071.67.
Yearly tuition fees (Plan B) — Yearly and per-term amounts
- Pre-Nursery: USD 8,195 — Per term: USD 2,731.67. - Nursery: USD 11,876 — Per term: USD 3,958.67. - Reception: USD 11,876 — Per term: USD 3,958.67. - Year 1–2: USD 16,558 — Per term: USD 5,519.33. - Year 3–6: USD 16,558 — Per term: USD 5,519.33. - Year 7–9: USD 18,769 — Per term: USD 6,256.33. - Year 10–11 (IGCSE): USD 18,951 — Per term: USD 6,317.00. - Year 12–13 (IB): USD 18,951 — Per term: USD 6,317.00.
Family discount
- A 15% discount on entrance and yearly tuition fees is offered for the third child.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Academic year is billed termly (three terms per academic year). - Standard termly payment due dates: 10 September, 10 January, and 10 April. - A 3% discount applies if the full annual fee is paid before 31 August. - Prices are usually revised in Term 2 for the following academic year. - An annual re‑enrolment fee is included in the bill for the third term and is debited on the fees for the first term of the next academic year.
Included in tuition fees
- Lunch and snacks. - Educational materials (books, pens, art supplies). - Educational day trips.
Not included / Additional fees and typical extra costs
- Uniform (separate cost). - School bus (separate cost). - Residential school trips (separate cost). - IGCSE and IBDP exam fees for Years 11 and 13 (charged separately). - Extracurricular activities (charged per term). - Induction English / EAL (if required) — charged per term. - Convalidation (MEDUCA) process fees. - IT fees.
Boarding
- No boarding fees apply; the school does not list boarding provisions.
Refunds and notice of withdrawal
- Written confirmation of departure is required for pupils leaving in June. No refund is applicable if notice is given after 15 April (exceptions may apply).
Fee payment methods
- Fees and charges may be paid by bank transfer, check, or credit card.
Notes (summary of key administrative charges)
- Admissions application fee: USD 150 (non-refundable). - Entrance fee options: Plan A USD 1,000 or Plan B USD 12,000. - Third-child discount: 15% on entrance and yearly tuition.
Fee details
Application and one‑off fees - Enrollment fee (one‑time, payable at enrollment): - Non‑sponsored families — Reception & Primary / Pre‑School: USD 1,389.00. Middle & High School: USD 1,492.00. - Sponsored families — all levels: USD 1,543.00. - Minimum capital donation (one‑time on admission): USD 2,500.00 (applies to new student admissions).
Tuition fees by year group and billing frequency - Non‑sponsored families (monthly fee; billed as 10 instalments per year): - Half Day (Pre‑school): Monthly USD 522.00 — equivalent to Annual USD 5,220.00; per academic term (annual ÷ 3) USD 1,740.00. - Full Day (Reception & Primary): Monthly USD 799.00 — equivalent to Annual USD 7,990.00; per academic term USD 2,663.33. - Middle & High School: Monthly USD 905.00 — equivalent to Annual USD 9,050.00; per academic term USD 3,016.67. - Sponsored families (annual tuition; may be paid annually or by term — Term 1, Term 2, Term 3): - Half Day (Pre‑school): Annual USD 5,586.00 — per term USD 1,862.00. - Full Day (Reception & Primary): Annual USD 9,051.00 — per term USD 3,017.00. - Middle & High School: Annual USD 10,647.00 — per term USD 3,549.00.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Non‑sponsored families: tuition is set as a monthly fee and billed in 10 instalments per academic year. Parents complete enrollment by settling required fees and signing the school contract. - Sponsored families: may choose to pay the tuition annually or by the three academic terms (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3). - Discounts: a 5% discount is applied for full‑year payments made before July 31; a family discount of 5% applies to the enrollment fee invoice for the youngest child when three or more children attend.
Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school; there are no boarding programmes and therefore no boarding fees.
Other costs and recurring extras - Uniforms: the school does not use a uniform; school T‑shirts for trips, sports, and events are available for purchase. - Materials and supplies: the enrollment fee is stated to cover necessary supplies and materials for the full academic year. - Extracurricular activities, after‑school clubs, special events, and trips may carry separate charges; these are additional to tuition and one‑off fees.
Refund information - No specific public refund policy for enrollment fees, capital donation, or tuition refunds is published on the school's publicly posted admissions/fees material. The enrollment fee is described as covering supplies and materials; the capital donation is listed as a required one‑time payment.
Fee payment options - Publicly listed billing options: non‑sponsored billing is by 10 instalments (monthly fee basis); sponsored families may pay annually or by the three academic terms. No detailed list of accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, specific card payments, or online payment portal) is published in the school's publicly posted admissions/fees material.
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
Pupils in Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) study English, Drama, Mathematics, French, History, Geography, Art, Music, Public Speaking, Physical Education, Science, Spanish Language and Literature, and Panamanian Social Sciences, taught by subject specialists. The Secondary curriculum follows the English National Curriculum where possible, supplemented by the Inspired curriculum and Panamanian Social Sciences. High Performance Learning (HPL) components are integrated across the Key Stage 3 program. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), pupils undertake GCSE/IGCSE examinations, with compulsory subjects including English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography or History, and Spanish (for non-native speakers as appropriate), plus compulsory Physical Education and PSHE; pupils may select additional GCSE/IGCSE options such as Art, Computer Science or French. In Key Stage 5 / Sixth Form, the School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a two-year programme with TOK, CAS and the Extended Essay, designed to prepare students for top universities worldwide. Instruction is in English with full English immersion; French is offered as an optional language and Panamanian studies are integrated where required. The curriculum framework emphasizes High Performance Learning as a core approach.
Curriculum details
The Casco School uses a British Curriculum foundation for its bilingual education. Curricula include the National Primary Curriculum of England & Wales; EYFS; MEDUCA; and IB Certification. In Middle and High School, Years 10-11 follow the Cambridge IGCSE, with Years 11-13 focused on college planning. The Casco School operates two campuses, Albrook and Costa del Este, with instruction in English and Spanish.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Teacher to pupil ratio is 1:10; a maximum of 20 students per class with two teachers (one English-speaking and one Spanish-speaking).
Exam results
Exam results
The school achieves consistently outstanding examination results and prepares students to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In Years 10–11, students sit IGCSE examinations across a range of subjects. In 2022, the IB Diploma average score was 35 (world average 31.98), and A Level results included 27% A* grades; many graduates go on to Russell Group or Ivy League universities.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The IBDP is internationally recognized and prepares students for top universities worldwide; the programme provides a seamless progression from IGCSE to IB DP. For American universities, SAT preparation programs are available in Panama. The school notes that graduates gain access to universities around the world, including top global institutions.
Higher education progression
In Years 11-13, students participate in college planning, attend local college fairs and meet representatives from colleges and universities throughout the school year.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
The Nsouli Scholars Programme offers up to 50 full scholarships at any one time for extraordinary students to attend Inspired's prestigious schools, enabling access to a transformative education. Academic results highlight strong performance, with IB outcomes (e.g., 2022) showing higher scores than global averages and a substantial share of graduates proceeding to leading universities, including Russell Group and Ivy League institutions.
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
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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
—
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. Register Your Interest. King's College Panama accepts new students throughout the academic year and uses a well-established induction programme to help children move smoothly into the school in any year group. Parents can learn more by contacting the Admissions team, making an enquiry, or booking an Informative Session. Enquire Now or Book a Visit to begin the process.
2. Submit an Application. To begin the application, click Apply Now. After submission, login details for the Open Apply account are sent; follow the application checklist and ensure all steps are completed. A non-refundable registration fee of $150 is payable for each pupil.
3. Assessment & Interview. The child will be invited to take an online assessment (CAT 4) and attend an interview with the Head of School or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. For Early Years Nursery applicants, there are no assessments. Pupils with little or no knowledge of English must undertake an EAL programme as recommended by the school, and Spanish language support may be provided as needed.
4. Acceptance. If entry assessments are completed successfully, a definite place will be awarded.
5. Enrolment. The Admissions Team will send details for the payment of relevant admissions fees. Once all fees are paid, the child enrols at King's College Panama.
Admissions
1. Inquiry and age placement. The Casco School welcomes inquiries year-round. Enrollment follows MEDUCA age placement regulations: Pre Nursery 2 years old before September 1; Nursery 3 years old before September 1; Reception 4 years old before September 1; Year 1 5 years old before September 1. For students transferring from a local calendar that runs March to December to The Casco School, January enrollments are placed in the grade completed in December, and August enrollments join the grade they are currently attending. Families can request a brochure by inquiry and arrange a tour or information session.
2. Tours and information sessions. On-campus tours are offered at Costa del Este and Albrook campuses, and virtual information sessions are available. These visits provide an opportunity to connect with the community and learn about The Casco School's distinctive educational approach. They help families understand the program and facilities.
3. Application. For Panama-based students, a taster day is arranged to experience a regular school day. For international applicants, a virtual family meeting is arranged to get to know the child and support a smooth transition. This stage initiates the formal application process.
4. Enrollment. About one week after the taster day, families receive the official welcome letter. To complete enrollment, parents must settle the fees, sign the school contract, and submit the required documents. The enrollment process formalizes the student's placement for the upcoming term. Further instructions are provided with the welcome letter.
5. Required documents and MEDUCA validation. All students enrolling from Year 2 to Secondary must validate their abroad records with a MEDUCA validation letter. Validation is not required for Preschool, Year 1, or Year 2. The validation process includes providing original records or transcripts, having them apostilled or authenticated, and bringing copies of passport and birth certificate; translations to Spanish are required, and documents are presented to MEDUCA for accreditation.
6. FAQ and curriculum. The Casco School serves Preschool through Year 13. The British curriculum is followed: EYFS in Preschool, National Curriculum of England in Primary, and Cambridge secondary curriculum in Secondary. The school offers extracurricular activities and maintains a 1:11 student–teacher ratio. There is no school uniform; a dress code applies, and school t-shirts may be worn for trips and events.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Nsouli Scholars is a global initiative that provides 50 extraordinary students at any one time with a full scholarship to attend Inspired's prestigious schools for the duration of their education. The programme is named in recognition of Nadim Nsouli and supports scholars from diverse backgrounds, including a priority for individuals of Lebanese origin. The Scholarship aims to empower students across academics, sports, the arts, and extracurricular activities, and to foster an expansive, globally connected community.