Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
Located in the heart of Bordeaux, France. 252 Rue Judaïque, 33000 Bordeaux, France.
Early Learning (3-6 years); Primary (6-10 years); Middle School (10-14 years); Upper School: International GCSE (14-16 years); Upper School: International A Level (16-18 years)
Bilingual international school operated as a SCOP (Educational Cooperative) since 1999
More than 40 nationalities represented
France
Homestay with carefully selected French families living close to BIS. A school coordinator is available 24/7 and oversees the vetting process (interviews, home inspections and regular reviews) with parents consulted and families introduced prior to the move to ensure wellbeing.
No uniform is required. Many students and staff choose to buy BIS merchandise through the PTA.
There is an on-site canteen. Early Learning and Primary students receive hot meals; Middle School and Upper School students may order a hot meal or bring a packed lunch.
There are four Houses named after famous people from Bordeaux. Students and staff are allocated to Houses, participate in House Days and compete for House Points; a House Captain is elected from the Upper School.
BIS is run by an educational cooperative (SCOP) since 1999, with a democratic 'one person, one vote' governance model and associates contributing to strategic decisions.
Cambridge International Education is the framework BIS uses. BIS is an official Cambridge Education centre and has been accredited since 1991. The bilingual English–French programme is delivered across Early Learning, Primary and Middle School. In Upper School, Cambridge International IGCSE (14–16) and International A Levels (16–18) are offered, with most subjects taught in English; students may take exams in their home language where possible. BIS administers SATs as an official College Board examination centre.
Small class sizes: 10–12 per class in Early Learning; 16 per class in Primary and Secondary.
Students go on to study all over the world, most frequently in France, the UK, the Netherlands, the USA and Canada.
Student wellbeing and intercultural learning are central to BIS's approach. The school is a close-knit international community with more than 40 nationalities, where diversity is celebrated and students are encouraged to develop empathy and global understanding. The Personal, Social, Global Skills (PSGS) programme provides structured opportunities for social, emotional and intercultural development. Small class sizes support individual attention and positive relationships with staff (16 students per class). A tutor system and strong home–school communication underpin student wellbeing, with access to external bilingual professionals when needed.
BIS provides Learning Support across Early Learning and Primary, with small classes and individualized follow-up. A dedicated Special Needs Coordinator collaborates with teachers, students and parents to identify and address diverse learning needs, and to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for academic and social success. The Learning Support team also works with a Speech Therapist for targeted interventions, and may involve external consultants for more specialised needs. BIS maintains small class sizes (maximum 16 students per class) to enable personalised support.
BIS welcomes pupils who do not speak English, French or either language at enrolment. Language differences are not a barrier to education because language support is provided in Early Learning & Primary. For pupils starting out in French or English as a second language, a third language (Spanish) is provided only if needed; otherwise additional support in the second language is provided. A bilingual teaching assistant can accompany pupils in class to support language development. There are Second Language and Additional Language programmes at the IGCSE level to cater to diverse needs.
The wellbeing of students is central; BIS has a comprehensive tutor system to support students at different stages of their education and to provide a central point of contact for students, parents and teachers. The school supports well-being through small class sizes and an effective communication network between school and home, enabling prompt intervention when required. BIS also has strong links with external bilingual professionals who can offer students and their families additional support when necessary.
The school has safeguarding policies and procedures to keep the school safe, including child protection, anti-bullying measures and online safety. There are two designated safeguarding leaders: Richard JONES (Early Learning and Primary) and Anni BLACKMORE (Secondary). Staff undergo regular safeguarding training to stay informed about policies and procedures. Open lines of communication encourage reporting of concerns with care, confidentiality and sensitivity. Safeguarding policies include both an English Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and a French version (Politique de sauvegarde et de protection de l'enfant).
1. Submit an application for Early Learning or Primary (3–10 years). The Admissions Committee reviews all applications because demand exceeds places each year. BIS welcomes foreign, binational and French students and reserves places for international families on short- and long-term missions to balance bilingual classes. No test is required for BIS registration before the age of 14.
2. For Middle School & Upper School (10–18 years), BIS admits students from around the world who demonstrate a positive attitude to work and accept the school's attendance conditions and Mission and Objectives. An Open Day is organized in February or March to allow visitors to discover the programme and meet the teaching team. Applicants for IGCSE must have sufficient English to benefit from the programme (CEFR B1; extra English support may be arranged at cost). Applicants for International A Level must have CEFR B2 English to follow the full range of subjects; they may be accepted with fewer English requirements only in certain circumstances or with longer duration. Applicants should have five IGCSE passes (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics, with a B in chosen A Level subjects where possible; where the certificates cannot be produced, prior assessment may be required.
3. Admissions Policy and Admissions Pack: The Admissions Policy 2025–26 in ENGLISH and the Admissions Pack 2025–26 in ENGLISH are available, with French versions also offered. These documents outline the official criteria, required documentation, and timelines for Early Learning through Upper School admissions and reflect BIS's bilingual mission.
4. Fees: Fees are published in the School Fees 2026/2027 document, which lists the annual tuition by section. For current amounts and payment schedules, refer to the Fees document.
5. An Open Day is also offered to showcase the school's programmes and facilities, and staff are available to answer questions during organised visits.
47 avenue de la Poterie, 33170 Gradignan, France
Kindergarten (ages 2-6), Elementary (ages 6-12), Middle School (ages 11-16)
Private international school
Small classes (15-20 pupils per class) with personalised follow-up. Tutoring, methodology and remediation sessions are integrated into the timetable to reinforce independence and confidence.
France
Full-day program with bilingual instruction. Kindergarten day runs 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. with two French days and two English days; daycare is available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Lunch is provided in the kindergarten program. Daycare runs from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm and includes meals. A canteen option is available and billed separately.
IS33 is a partner of Ermitage International School Bordeaux. Ermitage Education is a network of international schools with offices in France and Belgium.
IS33 offers the International Baccalaureate continuum starting with the Primary Years Programme from kindergarten, incorporating Montessori pedagogy and English–French bilingualism. Core subjects are taught in both languages with a 50/50 French-English distribution, and two days per week are taught in French and two in English in the primary cycle. Cambridge exams are part of the programme, with Cambridge Young Learners offered and a 100% success rate reported in Cambridge exams, and Cambridge exam preparation provided annually. The four IB programmes are the Primary Programme (kindergarten–grade 5), Middle Years Programme (grade 6–10), International Baccalaureate Diploma (grade 11–12) and Career-related Programme (grade 11–12).
Class size is 15–20 students.
Cambridge exam preparation is provided every year and students take Cambridge English Qualifications with strong results. The school offers Cambridge Young Learners exams, and there is a 100% success rate reported for Cambridge exams in the elementary cycle. Cambridge exam preparation and related certifications are integrated into the curriculum to support students' academic development.
Universities and colleges benefit from IB education, with IB graduates typically pursuing undergraduate degrees and postgraduate studies. IB students are positioned for admission to prestigious universities and programs, including examples such as Ecole Polytechnique, HEC Paris, University of Oxford, and Harvard University.
Teachers at IS33 work with children who have high intellectual potential, allowing them to develop at their own pace while accounting for their sensitivity and individual needs.
The school places students at the heart of its educational project, with particular attention paid to their well-being and development. A focus on personal development, self-confidence and individual sensitivity is central. Students develop strong social and emotional skills.
Small classes and personalised support for each student.
French-English bilingualism from kindergarten and throughout primary school; all subjects are taught in both languages. Additional language options include Spanish and Mandarin Chinese; Enhanced English as a second language; French as a foreign or second language.
The educational mission focuses on well-being and development. The goal is to enable students to be happy to go to work, to be respected as individuals, to have self-confidence, to respect others and to feel at ease in their environment. The school provides a calm and stimulating working environment to support well-being.
1. File online — Fill in the application form. The admissions process is open year-round, subject to availability. Admission is based on the application and an interview; there is no academic entrance test. The International Baccalaureate Diploma is recognized by the French state and is integrated into Parcoursup. 2. Family interviews — Meet with management to discuss the educational project and your child's goals. This interview helps assess compatibility with the international bilingual program. You may be asked about your child's learning needs and expectations. 3. Visit the campus — Get to know the school and its teaching team during a campus visit. The visit allows you to see the school in operation and to ask questions about programs and daily routines. A representative guides you through facilities and daytime activities. 4. Decision — You will receive a decision within 10 days of the interview and campus visit. Admission decisions are based on the application and interview; no entrance exam is required. The enrollment decision is communicated with the next steps for registration. 5. Finalisation — Complete administrative registration to finalize enrollment. Provide the required documents and confirm the starting date. Subsequent onboarding information will be provided.
142 Rue Jules Ferry, Bordeaux 33200, France. Just a few minutes from the city centre. The campus is in one of Bordeaux's most pleasant districts. Located in the heart of Bordeaux Caudéran.
Kindergarten (ages 2–6). Primary (ages 6–11).
International school offering bilingual French-English programmes.
Affiliated with the French national education system.
Two days per week are taught in French and two days per week in English.
Ermitage International School Bordeaux is part of the Ermitage Education Group, a network of world-class international schools welcoming over 2,200 students aged 3 to 18. Based in France and Belgium, the group brings together a diverse community of over 80 nationalities and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge IGCSE, and the French Baccalauréat with BFI option.
Bilingual curriculum from kindergarten through to high school. Students aged 2 to 11 learn in French, English, or a bilingual format in a bilingual and international learning environment. Small class sizes support language development, self-confidence, and personalized guidance. The program emphasizes critical thinking, independence, openness, and global awareness, and prepares students to transition to middle school with options for French or international curricula.
Small class sizes allow for tailored guidance, language development, and personal growth.
Baccalaureate pass rate close to 100% across the Ermitage Education Group. In 2025, graduates from Ermitage International School Paris achieved an average of 34.8 points on the baccalaureate, well above the global average.
From Year 6, three pathways provide dual recognition: the French Diplôme National du Brevet and an internationally oriented final assessment, opening doors to prestigious high schools and international programs in France and abroad. An International English Section supports non-French speakers; this route leads toward internationally recognized high school options and universities.
The school focuses on the intellectual, emotional, and social development of every student. In a supportive environment, each child gains confidence, builds resilience, and becomes an independent learner. The mission aims to empower active, respectful, tolerant, and open-minded learners who contribute to a better world. Well-being is a core element of the educational model, with a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere. The bilingual, international setting supports personal growth and social development.
The school has an Inclusion Policy that embeds inclusion in the curriculum, teaching, and school life. It explains that a Diverse Learning Needs Team develops and evaluates inclusive practices and policies. Inclusive Access Arrangements are provided to support diverse learners, including extra time, assistive technology, and other accommodations. Admissions may be offered to students with educational difficulties if Ermitage can provide the required level of support. The policy emphasizes confidentiality and collaboration among teachers, families, and leadership to implement inclusive practices.
The school offers bilingual French-English programmes from kindergarten to primary school. From kindergarten, students follow a curriculum taught in both English and French. Students develop strong academic skills, personal confidence, and global awareness in a nurturing, multicultural environment. The bilingual approach fosters open-mindedness, global curiosity, and prepares students for a smooth transition to middle school in either an international or French setting.
Well-being is central to Ermitage's educational model. The mission emphasizes cultivating intellectual, emotional, and social development in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Students gain confidence, build resilience, and become autonomous learners. The school promotes respect, kindness, and international-mindedness as core values. This well-being focus is integrated into daily teaching and school life.
Step 1: Interview. All families are asked to interview, either via an online meeting or during an in-person campus visit. Prospective students may attend but are not required. Families applying to primary school are encouraged to email recent school reports (up to two years) ahead of the interview to expedite the admissions process. Kindergarten applicants do not need to provide school reports.
Step 2: Admission Outcome. Following the interview (and receipt of school reports where applicable), our admissions team will confirm the application via email.
Step 3: Confirming Your Place. If the application is successful, the enrolment form will be shared for completion. Your student's place is secured upon return of the completed enrolment form and payment of the €400 non-refundable enrolment fee. Please note that advance payment of the registration fees is non-refundable. However, in accordance with applicable law, you have the right to cancel within 7 days (Article L.121-19 of the French Consumer Code) by sending a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
Step 4: Admissions Criteria. Applications are welcome regardless of a student's proficiency in French or English. Language development is observed during the first weeks of school. Admissions criteria include motivation, openness and alignment with our educational values and academic history.
