Bordeaux International School

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

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.