Northfields International School vs Westcoast International Secondary School

	N Northfields International School Mauritius, Mauritius	W Westcoast International Secondary School Mauritius, Mauritius
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year MUR 161,700 - 608,300	Fees / year MUR 326,250
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 11 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, British Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,200	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2001	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is situated at Labourdonnais Village, Mapou, Mauritius, and is easily accessible from the main motorway in the north. The campus includes dedicated Primary School and High School sections, with a Pre-Nursery campus within walking distance for younger learners. The grounds are lush with vegetation and well-kept gardens and include a library, medical centre, canteen and extensive sports facilities.	Location Located on Flic en Flac Road in Cascavelle, Mauritius. The school is adjacent to Cascavelle Shopping Mall and the Westcoast International Primary School. Access is via the extension of the road linking Cascavelle Shopping Mall to Flic en Flac Road.
Stages	Stages Pre-Nursery; Nursery and Primary; Secondary School	Stages Lower secondary is Cambridge Lower Secondary (CLS) for Forms 1–3. IGCSE is for Forms 4–5, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is offered for ages 16–19.
School type	School type International school	School type Private English-medium secondary school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Two centres exist within the Teaching and Learning Department: SEN and EAL. SEN provides in-class support, one-to-one and small-group pull-out sessions, exam-access accommodations and tailored study support; EAL offers English language development with in-class and small-group support, an EAL coordinator, and additional after-school and homework support.	Additional learning support Tailored support programmes, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and access to specialist services.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Mauritius	Country affiliation Mauritius
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure School gate opens at 7:15 a.m.; school starts at 7:50 a.m. All classes end at 3:10 p.m. (12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays). The school operates from 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Morning break is 10:00–10:20 a.m.; lunch 12:20–1:20 p.m. (except Wednesdays).
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Fees (academic year 2025–2026) Application, inception and deposit fees (by year group and status) - Pre‑Nursery (Mauritian / Expatriate): - Application fee (non‑refundable): Rs 2,600. - Inception fee (non‑refundable): First child Rs 12,600 (Mauritian) / Rs 17,200 (Expat); reduced sibling rate shown for parents with another child. - Deposit (refundable): Rs 29,400. - Nursery and Reception (Mauritian / Expatriate): - Application fee (non‑refundable): Rs 2,100. - Inception fee (non‑refundable): Nursery (Mauritian) Rs 21,100; Nursery (Expat) Rs 21,100; Reception (Mauritian) Rs 42,200; Reception (Expat) Rs 42,200. Reduced sibling rates are shown in each schedule. - Deposit (refundable): Nursery Rs 47,100; Reception Rs 53,400. - Primary and Secondary (Years 1, 2–4, 5–6, 7–11, 12–13; Mauritian / Expatriate): - Application fee (non‑refundable): ranges from Rs 2,100 to Rs 3,100 depending on year group. - Inception fee (non‑refundable): amounts vary by year group and by first child / sibling status (examples: Year 1 inception Rs 47,500 / Rs 42,200; Year 7–11 inception for expatriates Rs 69,600 / Rs 63,200). - Deposit (refundable): set per year group (examples: Year 2–4 Mauritian Rs 57,600; Year 12–13 Expatriate Rs 166,000). The deposit must be held on account while the student is enrolled. Tuition fees by year group (annual and monthly instalment option) - Pre‑Nursery (Mauritian / Expat): - Annual tuition: Rs 161,700. If paid by 11 monthly instalments: Rs 14,700 per month. Upfront payment discounted (4%): Rs 155,232. - Nursery (Mauritian / Expat): - Annual tuition: Rs 172,700. If paid monthly: Rs 15,700 per month. Upfront payment discounted (4%): Rs 165,792. - Reception and Year 1 (Mauritian / Expat): - Reception annual tuition: Rs 195,800. Monthly: Rs 17,800. Upfront (4%): Rs 187,968. Year 1 annual tuition: Rs 195,800 (same monthly / discount). - Years 2–4 (Mauritian / Expat): - Annual tuition: Rs 211,200 (Mauritian) / Rs 288,200 (Expatriate shown for different cohorts). Monthly and discounted upfront amounts are published on each schedule (example Mauritian: monthly Rs 19,200; upfront Rs 202,752). - Years 5–6 (Mauritian / Expat): - Annual tuition (Mauritian example): Rs 215,600; monthly Rs 19,600; upfront (4%): Rs 206,976. Expatriate figures are listed separately in the Expat schedule. - Years 7–11 (Mauritian / Expat): - Expatriate example: Annual tuition Rs 559,900; monthly Rs 50,900; upfront (4%): Rs 537,504. Mauritian rates are lower and are published per the Mauritian schedule (example shown: Rs 312,400 annual for Mauritian Year 7–11 in another band). - Years 12–13 (Mauritian / Expat): - Mauritian example: Annual tuition Rs 368,500; monthly Rs 33,500; upfront (4%): Rs 353,760. Expatriate example (post‑16) annual tuition Rs 608,300; monthly Rs 55,300; upfront (4%): Rs 583,968. External examination fees (Year 13) are not included. Other recurring and one‑off charges (examples across year groups) - Extended Learner Support (SEN / EAL): monthly supplements where required: Level 3 Rs 5,700; Level 4 Rs 9,100 per month. - Rental of books / electronic media: amounts vary by year group (examples: Year 7–11 Expat Rs 8,800; Year 12–13 Expat Rs 10,900). - School Resources Levy and Ed‑Tech annual charges: typical examples include School Resources Levy Rs 2,200–2,400 and Ed‑Tech Rs 2,578–5,156 depending on year group. - Annual School Camp fees where applicable: amounts vary by year (examples: Rs 5,600–8,800 depending on the year group). - Annual resources, creative arts and movement development program charges apply in Early Years (example Pre‑Nursery: separate Creative Arts and Movement Development Program fees). Billing schedule and payment terms - Instalments and deadlines: - Monthly instalment option is by standing order (Option 1) with 11 monthly payments; the first payment must be in place by 1 August 2025. Upfront full payment (Option 2) attracts a 4% discount if paid by 10 August 2025. These deadlines and the 11‑month standing order requirement are stated in the published schedules. - Inception and deposit payments: - Inception fee and deposit are payable within two weeks of the letter of acceptance to confirm a place. The deposit must remain on account for the duration of enrolment. - Late payment and account standing: - Fees not paid within 10 days after the due date may result in immediate suspension of the student and referral for debt recovery. Students are registered for the new scholastic year only if accounts are up to date. - Family discounts: - Sibling discounts are applied to the second and younger children: 7.5% discount for the second child and 15% for younger children; the oldest child pays full fees. - Withdrawal and notice: - Written notice of withdrawal must be provided at least three months of term time prior to the date of withdrawal. Failure to provide the required notice may result in forfeiture of the deposit. Refund of the deposit is conditional on return of books in good condition and settlement of outstanding fees. Boarding fees - No boarding/boarding fees are listed in the published schedules: the school does not publish boarding rates and the fees documents present day‑school charges only. Refund information - Deposit refund and conditions: - Deposits are refundable on departure subject to the school's conditions: three months' written notice during term time is required; the deposit will be refunded after books are returned in good condition and all outstanding fees are settled. The full deposit will be forfeited if the required notice is not given. - Other refunds: - External examination fees and some other additional costs are charged separately and are not included in the published tuition figures; refund provisions for those items are not specified within the tuition schedules. Fee payment options (as specified in the fee schedules) - Monthly payments by standing order (11 instalments) and full upfront payment (single payment) are the payment methods explicitly set out in the published fee schedules; the schedules state standing order is required for the monthly option and give the dates for the first payment and the discount deadline for full payment. No specific card, bank transfer or merchant payment methods are listed in the published fee documents. Key points to note (summary of the fee mechanics) - All year groups show: application fee (non‑refundable), inception fee(s) (non‑refundable; reduced sibling rate available), a refundable deposit held while enrolled, annual tuition with an 11‑month standing‑order option, and a 4% upfront‑payment discount if paid by the stated deadline. Additional annual charges such as Ed‑Tech, school resources levy, rental of books and school camp are shown per year group. Extended Learner Support (EAL/SEN) is charged as a monthly supplement where required. Brief note on missing payment‑method detail - The published schedules specify standing order (monthly instalments) and full upfront payment with a discount but do not list explicit accepted payment instruments (for example, credit card, bank transfer or online merchant methods). The fee documents also do not include boarding charges.	Fee details Application fee - Application / Entrance Examination Fee: MUR 3,700. Enrolment fees and deposits (one-off) - Enrolment fee (Citizen): MUR 55,000. - Enrolment fee (Non‑citizen): MUR 70,000. - Deposit — Citizens (one-off): - Form 1–3 (CLS): MUR 60,000. - Form 4–5 (IGCSE): MUR 64,500. - Form 6–7 (IBDP): MUR 77,700. - Deposit — Non‑citizens (one-off): - Form 1–3 (CLS): MUR 79,500. - Form 4–5 (IGCSE): MUR 83,700. - Form 6–7 (IBDP): MUR 96,300. Tuition fees (citizen / non‑citizen) — monthly, per term and per year Note: the school operates on a 12‑month basis (fees shown as monthly × 12). Termly instalments are calculated as four months' fees per term. - Forms 1–3 (CLS): - Citizen: MUR 20,000 per month → MUR 80,000 per term (4 months) → MUR 240,000 per year. - Non‑citizen: MUR 26,500 per month → MUR 106,000 per term → MUR 318,000 per year. - Forms 4–5 (IGCSE): - Citizen: MUR 21,500 per month → MUR 86,000 per term → MUR 258,000 per year. - Non‑citizen: MUR 27,900 per month → MUR 111,600 per term → MUR 334,800 per year. - Forms 6–7 (IBDP): - Citizen: MUR 25,900 per month → MUR 103,600 per term → MUR 310,800 per year. - Non‑citizen: MUR 32,100 per month → MUR 128,400 per term → MUR 385,200 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Instalment options: monthly, termly or annual. Fees are charged on a 12‑month basis (January–December). Monthly, termly or annual payment schedules are available; the payer chooses the instalment plan. - Monthly payments: fees are due by the 3rd of each month; parents choosing monthly payments must complete a bank standing order. Monthly fees are spread over 12 months. - Termly payments: each term covers four months' fees. Termly due dates are on or before 3 January, 3 May and 3 September (four months' fees due on those dates). - Annual payment: due on or before 31 December of the previous school year to qualify for the annual payment discount. - Discounts applicable to fees: annual payment discount (3%); sibling discount on monthly school fees — 3% for the second child and 5% for the third child or more. Other membership discounts may apply as per the school's membership arrangements. Boarding fees - No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed for the school; fees and charges shown are for day students. Other compulsory and incidental costs - Subscriptions (e‑books, etc.): MUR 1,500 (annual). - Annual outing / field‑trip / camping: MUR 500 (annual). - Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) contribution: MUR 300 (annual). - Contribution for yearbook (per family): MUR 500 (annual). - Locker rental (annual): MUR 300. - House T‑shirt: MUR 350 (sold through homeroom teacher). - Swimming caps: MUR 200; house pins: MUR 200. - Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) participation fee: MUR 450 per year; DofE T‑shirts: MUR 350. - Extended Learner Support / English as an Additional Language (EAL): MUR 3,800. - Additional incidental charges (examples): examination registration fees (IGCSE and IBDP exam fees are billed to parents at registration), online textbooks, transport fees and special activities; such charges are billed separately as applicable. Examination fees - IGCSE and IBDP examination fees are paid by parents; these are calculated and billed at the time of registration for the relevant examination sessions and communicated to parents. Refunds and non‑refundable items - Registration and enrolment fees are one‑off and non‑refundable. Fee payment methods - Monthly payments are to be arranged via a bank standing order; the school sends a standing order form which parents submit to their bank. Proof of payment must be emailed to the school for reconciliation; include the child's name as the payment reference. Cash lodgements are not permitted. Bank transfer / standing order is the documented method of payment.
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 Curriculum from 2025 onward includes: Pre-Nursery (Walkers & Toddlers) through Nursery–Year 4 with a Montessori-inspired EY framework and IB PYP; Years 5–6 IB PYP and English National Curriculum; Years 7–9 IB MYP with the Cambridge Curriculum; Years 10–11 Cambridge IGCSE; Years 12–13 IB Diploma Programme or A-Levels. The youngest learners are taught in a bilingual English–French environment, providing exposure to both languages.	Curriculum details Lower secondary (Forms 1–3) follows the Cambridge Lower Secondary (CLS) curriculum, with Form 3 students taking the Cambridge Checkpoint to monitor progress. In Forms 4–5, students pursue the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a widely used international qualification for 14–16 year olds. The school is an IB World School and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP); WISS began implementing the DP in 2017, was officially authorised to run the DP in 2019, and graduated its first DP cohort in 2021. The WISS learner profile embodies the attributes of the IB learner profile, and the CLS and IGCSE learner attributes. The curriculum emphasizes intercultural understanding and inquiry as part of the learning philosophy.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes enable in-depth coverage of topics.	Student teacher ratio Maximum class size is 25 students.
Exam results	Exam results In 2025 IB Exam Results were announced, with students attaining strong IB performance.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Sixth Form focuses on university applications with structured guidance; staff support for university admissions includes UCAS for the UK and CommonApp for the USA, time allocated for personal statements, university fairs at the school, and campus visits; guidance for US admissions processes such as SAT preparation is provided.	Higher education progression Cambridge IGCSE provides a formal qualification at the end of Form 5 and is described as a stepping stone to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IBDP is a two‑year programme that prepares learners in the 16 to 19 age range for university and life and is positioned as the final step in WISS's academic pathway; the school began DP implementation in 2017, was authorised in 2019, and graduated its first DP cohort in 2021.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Inclusive learning includes differentiation by assistance with an inclusion team and support from teaching staff and specialists, including SALTs, occupational therapists, behaviour management specialists and counsellors to ensure access and progress for all learners.
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 Applications for enrolment are submitted through the online application form. If online submission is not possible, the admissions office can assist. Completing the online form does not confer admission. Stage 1: Enquiry; Stage 2: Online Application; Stage 3: Document Submission; Stage 4: Entry Assessments; Stage 5: Review Process; Stage 6: Committee Decision. Admission Policies include Northfields Admission Policy – Secondary and Northfields Admission Policy – Primary. Stage 1 - Enquiry: Decide Northfields is right for your family; contact the admissions team for assistance and schedule a campus visit. Stage 2 - Online Application: Applications must be submitted online; assistance is available. Stage 4 - Entry Assessments: An entrance assessment is scheduled after receipt of a complete application; the assessment covers English, Mathematics and French (French not applicable to beginners); assessments take place at Northfields for Rs 1,000; overseas students can have assessments at their current school with prior arrangement; provide a contact name and official school email address of the coordinator. Stage 5 - Review Process: The Admissions Committee reviews each file, including members of the Admissions Team and the Head of Schools; additional follow-up may be needed; the committee aims to communicate the final decision and next steps. Stage 6 - Committee Decision: The decision is communicated by email; four outcomes are possible: the candidate is accepted; the candidate is conditionally accepted; the candidate is offered a space on the waiting list; the candidate is not accepted.	Admissions The school uses an online admissions system, Open Apply, to manage admissions. 1. Submit the Expression of Interest Form through the system, and include the child's two years of previous school reports, a birth certificate copy, a passport copy, and a school recommendation letter. The parent or legal guardian must accept the General Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. When a seat becomes available, you will be asked to complete a registration form and pay a non-refundable registration fee. 2. The application is reviewed by the Principal and other Leaders of Learning in the school; in some cases, additional information may be requested or testing may be required prior to a decision. An appointment will then be made for entrance assessments. 3. If acceptance is confirmed, the Enrolment process will begin. The school emphasizes inclusion and will make every effort to accommodate learners with different needs and styles.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Bursaries & Scholarship: a foundation scholarship may be awarded to a less advantaged child from Black River on the Head of School's recommendation, guaranteeing a place in the school and covering the enrolment fees while assisting in other financial areas as deemed necessary. Student Assistance Fund: a less advantaged child may benefit from the fund on Head of School's recommendation; it will cover the enrolment fee and assist in other financial areas as evidenced by an application and documented proof of revenue. The decision is based on demonstrated financial need.
Waitlist	Waitlist There is a waiting list; a space on the waiting list may be offered to candidates when no space is available.	Waitlist —
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