Each year, the number of applications for admission to Bordeaux International School exceeds the number of places available. Thus, an Admissions Committee examines all applications carefully, and welcomes foreign, binational and French students, whilst endeavouring to maintain the most balanced proportions possible.
The school reserves a number of places for international families on short and long-term missions in the Bordeaux region. In this way, we strive to maintain a balance between cultures and languages in bilingual classes (from Early Learning to Middle School/College).
No test is required for BIS registration before the age of 14.
We are particularly vigilant in welcoming students whom we believe can benefit from our bilingual international background in its values and pedagogy. We are a non-denominational institution in which « the wearing of signs or outfits by which students ostensibly demonstrate a religious affiliation is not permitted » (according to the Charter of Secularism at the School of the Ministry of National Education, adopted by BIS).
An Open Day morning is organised in February, allowing visitors to discover the organisation of the classes, the teaching team and the work carried out by the students.
For applications and enquiries please email us at admissions@bis33.com.
BIS welcomes students from all over the world, regardless of their previous schooling experience or home language. Students are admitted to the Secondary section provided they give evidence (as shown in previous school reports) of a positive attitude to work, that they accept the school’s conditions of attendance and that they embrace the school’s Mission and Objectives.
For applications and enquiries please email us at admissions@bis33.com.
Further Criteria for admission in Upper Secondary are as follows:
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Applicants for IGCSE and A-Level courses that lead to examinations must have sufficient command of English in order to benefit from the programme of study. However, individual support classes may be organised if necessary (at extra cost).
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To follow the full range of IGCSE subjects, students must have a minimum level of English of “B1” from Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Students with a lower level of English will require extra support lessons at cost and / or may be accepted on the condition that they may need longer than the two year programme to reach the required level.
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The applicants for International Advanced Level courses should have achieved 5 IGCSE passes (or equivalent) at grades C or above, including passes in both English, Mathematics, and a grade B in their chosen Advanced Level subjects where possible. When those certificates cannot be produced, prior assessment may be required either during the interview or by internet, in order to determine the appropriate class for the student.
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To follow the full range of Advanced Levels subjects, students must have a minimum level of English of “B2” from Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Students with a lower level of English will require extra support lessons at cost. They may also be accepted on the condition that only certain subjects are chosen and/or on the agreement that they may need longer than the two year programme to reach the required level.
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Students must have the necessary ability to cope with a mainly academic timetable.
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If it is felt the student could be successful, but is in need of special help which is beyond the capability of the school, parents must be willing to involve the child (and themselves) in this extra support.
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Students requiring host families must have sufficient social skills and self-confidence to live away from home.
Homestay
BIS offers accommodation for students living away from home in carefully selected French families living close to the school. This is an ideal arrangement for students whose parents live a long way from the school and is also the most effective way to gain fluency and absorb the French language and culture.
Host families are carefully vetted by the school coordinator, who is available on a 24/7 basis. We consult the student’s parents and introduce both families before the student moves in. It is vital that the student is happy in their host family and we devote great care to their wellbeing.
