doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
I

Independent Bonn International School

Germany, Düsseldorf

Save
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Chief Marketing Officer

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 13 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1963
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary)
Taught languages German, French, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Independent Bonn International School (IBIS) is an Ersatzschule in Bonn, serving ages 3-12. It follows EYFS and the British Curriculum, with Cambridge Primary and Secondary, and integrates English and German. Key Stage 1 is based on the English National Curriculum, adapted by IBIS teachers to reflect Bonn's local culture and international community. Cambridge Curriculum supplements Maths, English and Science at Key Stage 3. IBIS offers a route to German secondary schools and international programs. Since 1963 the school has welcomed more than 38 nations, fostering a stable international community. The Heiderhof campus in Bonn-Bad Godesberg sits in rural surroundings with easy access to Bonn and Rhine. Facilities include a classroom for each year, EAL and Learning Development spaces, a music room, a library with 5,000+ books, a kitchen and interactive whiteboards. Its wellbeing programme is award-winning; IBIS was the first German school to receive Carnegie Bronze Award and COBIS Beacon status.

Tulpenbaumweg 42, 53177 Bonn, Germany

The Essentials

Independent Bonn International School has instruction in English.

Location
Tulpenbaumweg 42, 53177 Bonn. The school is located on the Heiderhof, a quiet residential area within Bonn-Bad Godesberg. By car, the town centre of Bad Godesberg is 5 minutes away and Bonn city centre is 15 minutes away. It is near the public bus service with regular 611 and 613 buses stopping near the school, connecting with the U-Bahn at Stadthalle or Rheinallee and Bad Godesberg railway station.

Stages
For children aged 3 to 12, the school operates at the primary level.

Type
Private, state-approved substitute (Ersatzschule) for the primary level.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 38 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Learning Development and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support are provided.

School day structure
Kindergarten and Reception: 8:40–12:00 (half day) or 8:40–15:00 (full day). Years 1–6: 8:40–15:20. Year 7–8: 8:30–15:20. Pre-school supervision: 8:00–8:40. After School Activities: 15:30–17:30 (until 16:30 on Fridays).

Bus service
Public bus service 611 and 613 stop very near the school; these buses connect with the U-Bahn at Stadthalle or Rheinallee and Bad Godesberg railway station.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is compulsory. The uniform is provided by Dress For School and items can be ordered online.

Food Options
Lunch is delivered daily by Lehmanns with two daily options, each including a fresh salad and dessert; the menu is nut-free. Students can also bring a packed lunch, and drinks are not included and should be brought separately.

Governance and Ownership
IBIS is a private, non-profit school recognised under German law and managed as a registered association (e.V.). The school association is elected by members and its board includes staff representatives and the headteacher; the board meets monthly and reports to members at least once a year. There is a separate Support Association that provides financial backing; the Headteacher is Tara O'Shea.
Fees
Application fees
- The school does not publish a publicly available official fee schedule. Available third‑party listings report a one‑time registration/admission fee of EUR 1,500 for new enrolments.

Tuition fees (by year group / place)
- The school does not publish official tuition amounts by year group for the current academic year. Third‑party directories list annual day‑school tuition ranges for IBIS in the approximate band EUR 6,390 to EUR 9,840 depending on age/placement, and report a Kindergarten half‑day fee of EUR 3,990. Treat these figures as third‑party reported estimates rather than a confirmed published fee schedule.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school's public materials do not include a detailed, published billing calendar or the exact payment deadlines and terms. The school organises its academic year into three terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer), which is the usual administrative division used for termly billing where applicable. Specific invoicing dates, due dates, penalties for late payment, and accepted refund/notice periods are not publicly published.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Boarding is not applicable. IBIS operates as a day school for children aged 3 to 12 and does not offer boarding accommodation or boarding fee schedules.

Other costs and typical additional fees
- Uniform: School uniform is compulsory and supplied via Dress for School; uniform purchases are an additional parental cost (prices for items are not published on the school's public pages).
- Lunch: Hot school lunches are available and are charged for; the school states lunch is offered for a small fee. Exact meal prices are not published on the school's public pages.
- After‑school / extra‑curricular activities: Lunchtime clubs are generally free; many after‑school clubs and externally run activities carry additional fees that vary by activity. Precise charges for specific clubs are not published.
- Learning support, specialist services, trips and materials: Any fees for specialist learning support, educational trips, examination registration, or extra materials are not published as a consolidated schedule and are normally charged as incurred or listed on activity communications when applicable.

Refund information and withdrawal/notice terms
- No consolidated public statement of refund policy, deposit return, notice periods, or penalties for mid‑year withdrawal is published in the school's publicly available materials. The school's admissions policy does state there is a six‑month trial period on both sides, but specific financial refund terms associated with withdrawal are not published.

Fee payment options
- The school's public pages do not list a complete set of accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, direct debit, credit card). Online parent portals are used for some services (for example meal ordering), but the exact payment channels for tuition and ancillary charges are not published.

Important summary (clarification of public availability)
- IBIS does not publish a public, detailed fee schedule for the current academic year. The only readily accessible numerical figures located online are third‑party directory estimates (for example, the one‑time registration fee and the broad annual day‑school fee ranges quoted above). The school's public information does confirm it is a non‑boarding day school for ages 3–12, requires uniform, provides paid hot lunches and charges for some after‑school activities; however, precise termly or per‑year tuition by year group, exact billing dates, payment methods, refund rules and other specific fee terms are not publicly listed.
Academics

Independent Bonn International School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) for students aged 3 to 13.

Curriculum
Key Stage One curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum and is developed by IBIS teachers to reflect Bonn's local culture and the school's diverse international community. IBIS is a private, state-approved Ersatzschule for primary education, serving children aged 3 to 12, with English and German language learning integrated into the program.

Gifted and Talented
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities, and actively celebrates students' talents and interests; clubs cover music, art, crafts, sport, languages, scouting and first aid, among others.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The wellbeing program prioritises students' health and social-emotional development. The school cultivates friendships and respectful relationships among students and their families. There is an open ear and a safe space to express themselves. The environment supports social belonging, security and confidence in each child. The school's values include friendship and curiosity, guiding daily life and interaction. The wellbeing program is recognised for its proactive approach to mental health, contributing to a supportive community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning resources are provided by the school at no extra cost. There is a commitment to an individualised approach to learning. Classes are small, with a maximum of 22 students per class, enabling personalised attention. The school provides language support and caters to diverse learner needs, including English as an Additional Language (EAL). German language instruction starts from Year 1 and follows the North Rhine-Westphalian curriculum to support transitions.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
All class teachers are either native English speakers or native standard English speakers. Most of school life is conducted in English, with other languages taught in designated lessons. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is an integral part of school life for students who don't speak English and provides a safe, encouraging route to full participation. The school welcomes learners from many backgrounds and provides ample support to help them reach the required academic and social standards. Parents are not required to speak English, and staff are available to help with communication.

Mental Wellbeing
The wellbeing program prioritises student health and social-emotional development. It was the first school in Germany to receive the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools Bronze Award. In COBIS inspections, the school was named a Beacon School for its proactive approach to wellbeing. The wellbeing programme supports friendships, safe spaces to express themselves and the health of the whole child. The focus is on helping children become healthy, confident and resilient adults.

Safeguarding
The Independent Bonn International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The appointment of new colleagues is subject to safeguarding checks and verification of identity and qualifications. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and national/international disclosure and barring services. The school is an Equal Opportunities employer.
Parent Experience

History
Since 1963, Independent Bonn International School e.V. has welcomed students from more than 38 nations to develop into responsible global citizens. It is a private, state-approved substitute (Ersatzschule) for the primary level, educating children aged 3 to 12 years. The school provides a seamless transition to both German secondary schools and international secondary programs. The school's long-standing international community and shared values underpin its approach to education.

Community
IBIS is an international community founded on kindness, curiosity and international mindedness. New students are welcomed into a culture of acceptance and an outreach‑minded environment, with emphasis on relationship building and warm social ties. The School of Friendship and the family atmosphere stress happiness, security and mutual support as core principles of school life. Students learn in English and German, developing language skills across cultures.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
I.B.I.S. School Association e.V. is a private school recognised as a non-profit organisation under German law and is managed as the registered association. All parents of active students may become members of the school association. The association is governed by a board elected from among its members, with representation from staff and the school management. The board directs school policy and meets regularly—currently monthly—for advice and resolutions, and all members are invited to participate.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is purpose-built in pleasant, rural surroundings on the Heiderhof, a quiet residential area of Bonn-Bad Godesberg, with easy access to Bonn and the Rhine. By car, Bad Godesberg town centre is about 5 minutes away and central Bonn about 15 minutes away; public bus services and train connections are nearby. Every class has its own classroom, and the campus includes a school hall used for assemblies, drama, concerts and lunches, plus extra rooms for English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Development and German. There is a well‑resourced music room, a well‑equipped kitchen and a well‑stocked library with over 5,000 books and digital media, as well as administrative offices, smaller group-learning spaces and an interactive whiteboard in each classroom. A fully equipped sports hall is a short walk from the school, shared with a neighbouring German primary school, with a large hard-surfaced playground, soft-fall area and shaded play spaces nearby; climbing frames are provided, some donated by volunteer parents, and access to a local sports ground and tennis courts is five minutes away.

Sports Facilities
Physical education takes place in a modern and fully-equipped sports hall situated three minutes' walk from the school, shared with a neighbouring German primary school. The school also has access to a local sports ground and tennis courts five minutes away. The youngest children do PE in a dedicated room at the school, and Years 4 to 6 are taken by bus to the local swimming pool for lessons.

Academic Facilities
Every class has its own classroom. Extra rooms support English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Development and German. The school has a well-resourced music room, a well-equipped kitchen and a large library with over 5,000 books and digital media. Interactive whiteboards are installed in each classroom, and ICT is supported with PCs, laptops and iPads for student use. The school fosters the ability to speak and understand both English and German.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A wide range of extra-curricular activities is offered during and after the normal school day. Activities are run by a mix of staff and external partners and take place either at lunchtime (often free) or after school (subject to a varying fee). Pupils are encouraged to propose lunchtime clubs and schedule updates are available through the school's activity information.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Learning path runs from Kindergarten through Year 7, with Early Years following the UK Early Years Foundation Stage. The school follows the English National Curriculum for Years 1–7, and Key Stage 1–2 curricula are built around this with German taught as part of the program. All pupils learn German, either as a foreign language or as a mother tongue. In Year 6–7, pupils study a third language (French or Spanish), and Cambridge Curriculum supplements Maths, English and Science at Key Stage Three.

Arts & Creative
The school hosts regular musical productions and weekly class assemblies throughout the year. A broad range of extra-curricular activities and clubs is available, run by staff and external partners and offered at lunch or after school. The after-school program includes supervision and a schedule of clubs that varies by year.

Cultural & Language
The school is international, with pupils from over 38 nationalities, and emphasizes bilingualism in English and German. All pupils learn German, either as a foreign language or as a mother tongue, and the local NRW curriculum is used for German where appropriate. In Years 2–5, there are optional German programmes for Social Studies and German language instruction in Mathematics; in Year 6–7 a third language (French or Spanish) is introduced.

Social & Hobbies
A wide range of extra-curricular activities and clubs are available during lunch and after the normal school day. After-school supervision runs from 15:30–17:00, and until 16:30 on Fridays; some activities carry a fee. Musicals and assemblies contribute to the social and cultural life of the school.

Community & Service
The school operates as a private, state-recognised non-profit, with governance through the I.B.I.S. School Association (e.V.) whose board oversees school policy and meetings yearly. The Support Association (Förderverein) is another non-profit body that provides financial support and has its own board. All active parents can be members of the School Association.

Leadership & Professional
Tara O'Shea is the Headteacher, supported by Deputy Head Kate Ferrow; the leadership team is shown on the staff and governance pages. The School Association is chaired by a board including the Headteacher and other elected members, with monthly meetings. The Support Association also has a board and works closely with the headteacher and School Association.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The wellbeing programme is award-winning; IBIS was the first school in Germany to receive the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools Bronze Award and COBIS described it as a Beacon School for wellbeing. wellbeing is a core focus of the school's approach to education.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction and the majority of school life is conducted in English. All class teachers are native English speakers or native-standard English speakers. German is taught from Year 1 (age 5) with native speaker (DaM) and non-native (DaF) tracks, following the North Rhine-Westphalia curriculum. In addition to German, there are Spanish and French lessons, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) is an integral part of school life for students who don't speak English.

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches in English and German.
Admissions

Admissions
Admission is administered by the Headteacher and follows Board-approved regulations. The school is inclusive and welcomes children from all backgrounds, irrespective of nationality, religion or ability. All applications are treated fairly and sensitively; if the school cannot meet a child's needs or lacks capacity, a place may not be offered. The school may have a limit on the number of places. After initial contact, parents receive information about the school and complete registration, medical, address list, Schulverein and Förderverein forms; if appropriate, the child may spend a day in the classroom. The Headteacher's decision is final on admissions. Children may enter the school at any time of the year, subject to places being available. There is a six-month trial period for both sides. Kindergarten classes are limited to 10 children per adult, while other classes are limited to a maximum of 22 pupils; additional helpers may be employed to assist class teachers at the discretion of the Governing Body.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Germany View all schools in Düsseldorf View all schools in Germany British curriculum schools in Germany Open days & tours in Düsseldorf What is the British curriculum? View all schools Search all schools