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Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction
Located on the Pitfodels campus just outside Aberdeen, the International School of Aberdeen is an independent IB World School serving ages 3 to 18. The school offers the IB curriculum across PYP, MYP and DP, alongside Cambridge IGCSE and an American curriculum, providing a flexible pathway from early years to graduation. ISA began in 1972 and was Scotland's first IB Programme; it moved to Pitfodels in 2010. The campus features a traditional granite reception building, two teaching wings, science labs, visual and performing arts studios, a 300-seat theatre, and a sports complex with a swimming pool and an 8-metre climbing wall. Outdoor spaces include FIFA-grade all-weather fields and tennis courts. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning, English language studies, and language options in French or Spanish (including Ab Initio). Extracurriculars include BEBRAS and CREST, a wide range of sports and performing arts, and community partnerships with local organisations to extend learning beyond the classroom.
International School of Aberdeen, Pitfodels House, North Deeside Road, Aberdeen, AB15 9PN, United Kingdom
The Essentials
International School of Aberdeen has 550 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.
Location
Pitfodels House, North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9PN. The campus is located in Cults, a residential area northwest of Aberdeen city centre. It is accessible by road via North Deeside Road. A dedicated ISA School Bus Service is available for families.
Stages
Preschool (ages 3-5); Elementary School (ages 5-11); Middle School (ages 11-14); High School (ages 14-18)
Type
Independent IB World School
Pupil Nationality Mix
Around half of ISA students are local to the North-east of Scotland; the remainder are international.
Country affiliation
Scotland
Bus service
Yes. A dedicated school bus service is available; annual fee £800 for the first child, £650 for each subsequent sibling.
Fees
Annual tuition at International School of Aberdeen ranges from GBP 50 to GBP 2,000 for 2026/27.
Application & Registration Fees
- Application fee: GBP 50 per child (capped at GBP 100 for two or more children). - Registration fees: a one-time registration charge of GBP 600 for new students and an annual returning-student registration charge of GBP 300.
Tuition fees — annual and per-term by year group
Note: the school offers a payment option of three payments over the year; the per-term figures below are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three to show equal termly instalments (calculation shown).
- Preschool (core funded hours): core term-time hours are covered by ELC funding with no additional tuition for core hours. Additional preschool top-up options are charged separately (see Encore/Encore+ below).
- Kindergarten & Grade 1 (Elementary, annual): GBP 13,344. Per term (annual ÷ 3): GBP 4,448.00.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8, annual): GBP 19,380. Per term: GBP 6,460.00.
- High School (Grades 9–12, annual): GBP 19,956. Per term: GBP 6,652.00.
Preschool & Encore (wraparound / extended-care) fees
- Preschool Encore! (term-time extended day top-up): 5-day (Monday–Friday) top-up fee GBP 5,180 per year. Per term (annual ÷ 3): GBP 1,726.67. Lunch is included for all preschool options; an afternoon meal is included in Encore! and Encore+.
- Preschool Encore+ (full year, 48 weeks): 5-day top-up fee GBP 9,580 per year. Per term (presented for comparison): GBP 3,193.33.
- Encore! after-school care (Elementary & Middle School; annual): - 3 days per week: GBP 1,400 (per term: GBP 466.67). - 4 days per week: GBP 1,750 (per term: GBP 583.33). - 5 days per week: GBP 2,000 (per term: GBP 666.67). VAT does not apply to these after-school care costs; dinner is included in the Encore! after-school fees.
Boarding
- The school is an independent day school; no boarding fees apply.
Other regular charges and extras
- School bus service: annual fee GBP 800 for the first child and GBP 650 for each subsequent sibling. Per term (annual ÷ 3): first child GBP 266.67; subsequent child GBP 216.67.
- School trips and some specialist activities: charged separately and billed through the school's online payment system (iPayImpact) or the school finance office. These costs are not included in the standard tuition.
- Textbooks and the majority of after-school activities: included within the published tuition for the 2025–26 year. High School tuition includes a school-provided touchscreen Chromebook and IB examination fees where stated in the high-school information.
- Uniform: the school has no formal school uniform requirement.
Sibling discounts
- Third child: 25% discount off tuition. - Fourth and subsequent children: 50% discount off tuition.
Bursaries & scholarships (fee reductions)
- A limited number of full and partial bursaries are available for Middle and High School grades; some scholarships include an automatic 10% fee reduction where specified for scholarship holders.
Billing schedule, payment terms and payment instruments
- Billing frequency / instalment options: full annual payment; three payments over the school year (termly instalments); or monthly by direct debit over 10 months (September to June). Per-term figures above are calculated on the three-payment option.
- Direct debit is explicitly offered for monthly payments. School meals, trips and other incidental charges are processed via the school's online payments system (iPayImpact). For the school's accepted payment instruments (for example, bank transfer or card payment for tuition or other charges), the school finance office provides the precise payment instructions and account details.
Refunds, withdrawals and notice
- New student registration and capital/contingency fees are non-refundable. A written notice and the school's published notice period apply to withdrawals. For Kindergarten through Grade 12, full tuition will be refunded for students who have not attended if written notification is received by the Finance Manager before 30 September of the school year; otherwise refund and credit rules and a 60-day notice requirement apply. No refunds or credits are given for a semester in which there is any fractional attendance. Preschool refund/withdrawal is handled by semester with the semester of withdrawal chargeable in full. Registration and capital/contingency fees remain non-refundable.
Practical notes on charges included in tuition
- The published tuition figures for the 2025–26 academic year were set to include textbooks, capital fees and the majority of after-school activities. School trips, some specialist activities and certain incidental charges are billed in addition to tuition.
Academics
International School of Aberdeen teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The school uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The High School journey is a four-year pathway culminating in the IB Diploma, following a broad pre-IB programme in Grades 9–10 with an optional IGCSE in Grade 10. In Grades 11–12 students may pursue the full IB Diploma or individual IB Course Certificates, with SATs available as part of the pathway. Subjects span languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, the arts and design, with options at Standard or Higher Level in the IB. Language provision includes English language studies in Grades 9–12, with IGCSE English available, and French or Spanish (including Ab Initio for beginners). The Core components of the IB emphasise critical thinking, independent research and global citizenship.
Exam Results
May 2023 IB results: 30 of 30 IB Diplomas were awarded; 100% pass rate with an average score of 31 (world average 29); one student scored 41. UK IGCSE results also recorded a 100% pass rate.
Higher Education Progression
University & Careers Counsellor provides personalised support for university applications and helps students plan pathways to higher education, starting in Middle School and continuing through High School. The counsellor helps students choose options that align with their future aspirations and supports university applications, including guidance for study in the UK or abroad.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a Whole Child Wellbeing approach that nurtures students' physical, social and emotional health. The approach supports social-emotional development through a child-centred ecosystem of care.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has dedicated learning support teachers who provide instruction in the regular classroom and in small groups for students with learning variabilities.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English instruction is provided for pupils who do not speak English when they enter ISA; French or Spanish is taught to pupils from Preschool through Grade 12; Dutch and French mother tongue programmes are also part of ISA's curriculum.
Mental Wellbeing
The school has a mental wellbeing focus as part of its Whole Child Wellbeing framework, supporting students' emotional health and well-being.
Safeguarding
The school has safeguarding measures; it is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and to safe practice.
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1. Chat to our admissions team. The admissions team explains the admissions process and provides information for your child's age and grade. The school year runs from August to June, and for entry at the start of the academic year the recommended application deadline is May 1. Step 2. Schedule a visit. Families can visit ISA via an open day or a personalised tour to experience life at ISA and meet teachers. Sign up for the next open day. Step 3. Apply. Applications for enrolment are made online and there is a £50 application fee per child, capped at £100 for two or more children. The admissions team will help gather the details needed for the application. Step 4. Offer. The application is processed and may involve meeting the Principal or completing tests to determine the right grade level placement. You will be kept informed throughout the process up to the offer. Step 5. Meet the ISA counsellors. If joining middle or high school you will meet one of two full‑time counsellors who will help with the transition, including setting up your academic schedule. Step 6. Making connections. A member of the Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) will contact families and may organise meetups; a welcome event is held for new entrants two days before the start of term. Step 7. First day! New students are welcomed by current students who act as ambassadors and buddies and shadow them for the first couple of weeks to help them settle in.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for entry in August with a 10% fee discount. The school also offers full and partial bursaries across the middle and high school to support students who might otherwise be unable to benefit from ISA. Full details on how to apply and the related conditions are available from admissions@isa.aberdeen.sch.uk.
FAQs
Where is the International School of Aberdeen located, and what's the main campus like?
ISA sits on the Pitfodels campus in Cults, Aberdeen, at North Deeside Road (AB15 9PN). The campus is set in extensive grounds with trees and modern facilities, including a theatre, sports complex and multiple learning spaces just a short drive from Aberdeen city centre. A dedicated ISA School Bus Service is available for families.
What ages does ISA serve, and how is the school structured?
ISA educates children from age 3 to 18. The structure is Preschool, Elementary (ages 5-11), Middle School (ages 11-14) and High School (ages 14-18), all under the independent IB World School umbrella.
What curriculum does ISA offer and what does the High School pathway look like?
ISA uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The High School is a four-year pathway to the IB Diploma, following a broad pre-IB programme in Grades 9–10 with an optional IGCSE in Grade 10; from Grades 11–12 students can pursue the full IB Diploma or IB Course Certificates, with SATs available as part of the pathway.
What are the tuition fees by year group at ISA?
Preschool has core funded hours with no additional tuition for those hours. Kindergarten & Grade 1 cost 13,344 GBP annually; Elementary Grades 2–5 18,060 GBP; Middle School 6–8 19,380 GBP; High School 9–12 19,956 GBP annually. Terms are typically divided into three equal payments if you choose the termly option.
What are the application and registration fees for ISA?
Application is 50 GBP per child (capped at 100 GBP for two or more children). A one-time Registration fee is 600 GBP for new students and a 300 GBP annual Returning-Student registration fee.
Does ISA offer scholarships or bursaries?
Yes. ISA provides entry scholarships for August with a 10% fee discount, and there are full or partial bursaries for Middle and High School to support eligible students. Details are available from admissions@isa.aberdeen.sch.uk.
What are the key academic results ISA has achieved?
In May 2023, ISA awarded 30 of 30 IB Diplomas with a 100% pass rate and an average Diploma score of 31 (the world average is 29), and one student scored 41. UK IGCSE results were also 100% pass. These results reflect strong performance across IB and IGCSE.
What support is available for university applications and higher education?
ISA provides a University & Careers Counsellor who offers personalised guidance from Middle School onward, helping students plan their pathways and navigate university applications in the UK or abroad.
What sports and on-site facilities does ISA provide?
ISA has a on-site sports complex with two fitness centres, a dance studio, an 8-metre climbing wall and a 25-metre swimming pool. Outdoor facilities include FIFA-grade all-weather playing fields, two tennis courts, plus woods, courtyards and playparks for outdoor learning and recreation.
What academic and specialist facilities are on campus?
The campus includes two teaching wings with spacious classrooms, fully equipped science labs, visual and performing arts studios, a multi-level library and a 300-seat theatre, all designed to support a broad IB programme.
What makes the ISA campus special or notable?
The Pitfodels campus is modern and purpose-built, set in extensive grounds near Cults with tree protection and easy access from Aberdeen. It combines high-quality classrooms and specialist spaces with strong on-site arts, sports and theatre facilities.
What kinds of clubs and activities exist beyond the classroom at ISA?
ISA runs Encore! after-school clubs and wraps around care, plus activities like BEBRAS (computational thinking) and the CREST Award. Students also engage in Duke of Edinburgh, Model United Nations, Amnesty and Environmental clubs, with field trips and guest speakers to broaden learning.
What arts and music opportunities does ISA offer?
There are weekly Art Club sessions, Ceramics, and IB Visual Arts Studio Workshops. Music options include private instrument study (ABRSM/Trinity exams) and an after-school jazz band that performs with the curricular jazz group.
How does ISA support student leadership and global-minded skills?
Student Councils run campaigns for roles like President and Treasurer, giving real leadership experience. The Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze to Gold) and Model United Nations provide leadership, teamwork and public-speaking opportunities, complemented by guest speakers and university engagement.
What wellbeing and safeguarding supports are available at ISA?
ISA follows a Whole Child Wellbeing approach focusing on physical, social and emotional health, with a mental wellbeing focus and safeguarding measures. Dedicated learning support teachers assist students with learning variabilities in the classroom and in small groups, and EAL support helps students access the mainstream curriculum.
What language and EAL provisions does ISA offer?
The language of instruction is English. From Preschool to Grade 12 there are French or Spanish options (with Ab Initio for beginners from early years), three language classes per week in the Elementary years, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to help non-native speakers access the curriculum. There are also Dutch and French mother tongue programmes.
Is there a school uniform at ISA?
ISA does not have a formal school uniform requirement; students dress in everyday attire appropriate for school.
Is ISA a boarding school, and what about meals?
ISA is a day school. A cafeteria on campus provides meals, with lunch included for all preschool options and dinner included for Encore! after-school care.
Who governs ISA and what is its status?
ISA is governed by a voluntary board of trustees and operates as a non-profit charity (registered in Scotland as SC007756) and as a company (SC071126). The board meets every two months to oversee the school's governance.
What accreditations does ISA hold?
ISA is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association (MSA), reflecting adherence to international standards for international education and US High School diploma recognition.
