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France, Bordeaux
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
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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.
Bordeaux International School (BIS) is a bilingual international school in central Bordeaux serving ages 3–18. The curriculum uses Cambridge International Education as its framework, and BIS has been an official Cambridge centre since 1991, delivering Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A Levels with most subjects taught in English and exams available in students' home language where possible. The bilingual English–French programme runs across Early Learning, Primary and Middle School, while Upper School follows Cambridge pathways. BIS operates as an SCOP (Educational Cooperative) since 1999, founded in 1987, and uses a democratic four‑house system (Cousteau, Montesquieu, Alienor, Rosa Bonheur). Class sizes are small (10–12 in Early Learning; 16 in Primary and Secondary). Facilities include four sections with dedicated learning spaces, a new Art studio (2023), a Dance and Drama studio, and an on-site canteen; a nearby sports centre provides an Olympic pool, track and tennis courts. BIS also administers SATs and offers extensive clubs and trips to foster international-mindedness and leadership.
