Ethiopia, Bishoftu
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
1. Inquiry and initial contact: Interested parties contact Ato Tsegaye on 0910 989844 or Ms Yerusalem on 0924 597954, or reach the school via the contact form. These inquiries help establish the applicant's needs and goals and begin the admissions process. The admissions team outlines the next steps and required information. An initial response guides applicants through the process. 2. Admission procedures vary: Admission procedures vary according to the nationality of the parent, the mother tongue of the family, the location of the previous school (if any), and any special identifiable need. The school assesses these factors to determine the appropriate application pathway. Parents may be asked to provide documentation relevant to their circumstances. The process may include interviews or assessments where applicable. 3. Nursery admissions: Nursery admissions are by negotiation with the Head of KG and the parent. The application form must be signed by the parent, the KG Head, and the Branch Director. Applications may be accepted at any time of the year and spaces are filled as available. The child must be at least 3 years 6 months of age and out of nappies. 4. Kindergarten admissions: Kindergarten entries (Pre KG – KG - Upper KG) occur after a meeting with the parent and child. The application form requires the agreement of the Head of KG and the Branch Director. Places may be offered for children to start at the beginning of a Semester. If a child is on the waiting list, the Head of KG may offer a place to children on the waiting list in order, but with siblings given priority. 5. Grades 1-4 admissions: There are very few admissions at this stage, but a place may be offered to a child on the waiting list. The child must satisfy the Head of Section that they have attained a level equivalent to those in the school; an induction course before official admission may be required. Expatriate children and children with special needs might require extra tuition (and hence extra charges) agreed before admission. Ethiopian students must have started the school year by October 1 and attended over 95% of the year to be considered for completion. Expatriate students may be admitted at any time of the year and may receive a leaving letter indicating attendance and performance but not necessarily Grade completed. 6. Grades 5-7 admissions: No Ethiopian students are admitted to these grades without evidence of completing the previous grade with a high level of success. Ethiopian students from deserving backgrounds may be admitted through the scholarship programme offered to local government schools, including participation in a 4 week summer school followed by an examination. In-coming expatriate children may be admitted in response to a needs analysis and an agreed on-going IEP (Individual Education Programme). 7. Grade 8 admissions: No Ethiopian students may be admitted here unless they have completed Grade Seven in another federal region. 8. Grade 9-10 admissions: Grade 9-10 is listed as under development; latest information is available from Mr Solomon. 9. Registration documents: Registration Details Bishoftu 2020-21 and Parental Agreement are available for download; these documents relate to registration details and binding terms for enrollment.
Any student may be put on the waiting list at any time of year for admission the subsequent September upon payment of a small administrative fee. This does not guarantee a place.
Scholarships and bursaries are available for deserving, talented students to join the school in Grades 5, 6, 7 and 9.
Rispins International School – Bishoftu is an international satellite of the British International School Addis, located in the Zuquala area of Bishoftu. Founded in 2012, it now serves over 650 students from diverse backgrounds, offering a Kindergarten through expanding High School programme on a site with extensive grounds and sports facilities. The school blends a British Curriculum with a bespoke programme and incorporates the Ethiopian National Curriculum, delivering instruction in English while recognising Ethiopian language and cultural contexts. Class sizes are typically 28–30 students, enabling close teacher attention and collaborative learning. Scholarships and bursaries are available for students entering Grades 5, 6, 7 and 9. The campus emphasises sport and outdoor activity and supports service and community engagement through initiatives such as Gift A Chance and Cruwys Global Trust sponsorship. The school aims to prepare students for a 21st-century global society using both national and international assessment markers.