Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
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1. Priority of admission is according to order of application. BIS serves children from both overseas and local communities. In principle BIS is non-selective, but admissions occur only if BIS can cater for the child's personal, social, academic and physical needs. Some places are reserved for expatriate children who join the school during the academic year. 2. Application forms may be obtained from Admissions and completed forms should be returned. A tour of the school can be arranged by appointment. Registration is completed when the registration is accepted and validated by the school stamp, which guarantees a place. 3. Applications are considered in strict order by date of application. In the event of over-subscription, pupils will be given preference in the following year's admissions. Preference is also given to siblings of current or past pupils. 4. Requirements and assessments: The sequence includes written assessment tests in Maths and English and an interview, with possible additional spoken and written EAL and SEN assessments as needed. A place may be offered based on a Learning Support Consultant's assessment at the parent's cost. Placement may be deferred if there are no vacancies or if BIS cannot meet the child's needs. 5. Knowledge of English and SEN: Students with less than fluent English may need additional support. For the final four years, English proficiency is assessed by interview to determine course availability. Acceptance for students with Special Educational Needs is conditional on resource availability and may incur additional charges. 6. Placement in the class: Children joining BIS from other systems are placed in the class that will best support their progress. Each class tends to have an age span wider than one year but normally less than two years, with one mixed-ability class at each level from Pre-kindergarten upwards. Some subjects may be organized into sets, and above Grade 6, options allow differentiation. Progression to the next year occurs automatically unless exceptional circumstances; placement depends on English fluency and prior educational background and ability.
British International School - Addis Ababa offers a British-Ethiopian curriculum for learners aged 3 to 18, delivering a coherent path from Early Years through IGCSE and Grade 12 national examinations. The programme is delivered in English, with English as a First/Second Language option and French as a modern language, and includes a bespoke curriculum tailored to Ethiopian contexts. Subjects span English Language, ESL, English Literature, French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, Information Technology, Geography, History, and Development Studies. The Edexcel framework underpins IGCSE, AS and A2 assessments, enabling university admissions in Ethiopia and internationally. Preparatory-level courses prepare students for higher education abroad while retaining local recognition. The network operates eight campuses across Addis Ababa for 2025-2026: Unity-Gerji-KG, Summit-KG, Haya-Hulet KG; Unity-Primary, Unity-Primary-No.2, Summit-Primary, Lemi Kura; Sherif-Bole-Secondary; and the Head Office. The Sherif Building on Bole Ring Road is five minutes' drive from Addis Ababa International Airport.