Compare International Schools in Aberdeen, United kingdom

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.

Preschool (ages 3-5); Elementary School (ages 5-11); Middle School (ages 11-14); High School (ages 14-18)

Independent IB World School

Around half of ISA students are local to the North-east of Scotland; the remainder are international.

Scotland

Yes. A dedicated school bus service is available; annual fee £800 for the first child, £650 for each subsequent sibling.

The school operates as a day school with Encore! After School Care providing care until 6 pm.

ISA has no formal school uniform.

There is a cafeteria on campus where students can grab lunch.

The school is governed by a voluntary board of trustees; the board's remit is to ensure the best possible education and to be self-funding through school fees; the board is non-profit and meets every two months. The school is a registered charity in Scotland (Charity No. SC007756) and is registered as a company (SC071126).

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.

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.

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.

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.

The school has dedicated learning support teachers who provide instruction in the regular classroom and in small groups for students with learning variabilities.

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.

The school has a mental wellbeing focus as part of its Whole Child Wellbeing framework, supporting students' emotional health and well-being.

The school has safeguarding measures; it is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and to safe practice.

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 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.