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Germany, Dusseldorf
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
