Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
72 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
9 in 2023 |
| Most common nationality |
Chinese |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
5% local to 95% international |
| Native English speaking teachers |
No |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
German language |
| Max. number of students per class |
15 |
| Average number of students per class |
12 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
No |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Every classroom is equipped with Beamer, Whiteboard, Notebook, Tablets |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, courses are separated into online- and offline-students (shared classes) |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Yes |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
We are open to everyone from everywhere; culture and religion are part of the international community. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
German Baccalaureate-Program: Edexcel International Advanced Level (AS-/A-Levels) + TestDaF-certificate (language certificate); with only 3-4 exam subjects to be passed! |
| Results in these examinations |
The test results vary between exams, with the bonus of receiving the Pearson Outstanding Learner Award in 2023 for achieving the best exam performance among all participants in Europe |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Only if necessary and advised |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
Most IS OWL graduates either enroll in state or private universities in Germany; or opt to pursue further education in their home countries. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes, we exclusively collaborate with experienced state-approved social educators and teachers, some of whom hold Ph.D. degrees. |
| Learning support offered |
In addition to language preparation, we offer tutoring sessions and private tutoring. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The International School OWL offers a private scholarship for highly motivated students from all over the world |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Educational and pychological assistance is given by our state-approved social educators and boarding school-staff |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes the entry exam (online proficiency test) is part of the application and enrollment process. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
The online proficiency test is part of an interview with one of our teachers. Structured as digital Zoom or Teams meeting. |
| Waiting list |
No |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
July for regular students |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes (with some restictions) |
| School start time |
08:30 a.m. |
| School finish time |
04:00 p.m. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes, but only for boarding students. |
| School bus service available |
No |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
There is a wide range of extracurricular activities (sports, cultural events, daytrips) |
| Sports activities included |
Students are free to choose from a set list of sports. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
No |
| Facilities at the school |
Boarding facilities |
| Grades/ages available for boarding |
15 - 20 |
| Boarding facilities at the school |
Extracurricular activities, sports, social and cultural activities, visa support, health insurance, tickets for public transport, PLUS single rooms are all included as part of the independent living concept. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
The International School OWL offers a fusion of German boarding school excellence and globally-oriented education, culminating in an internationally recognized degree – acknowledged by universities worldwide! Students at OWL can anticipate an exceptional educational experience, characterized by full-time supervision within a multicultural setting and a curriculum of the highest international standards. Our curriculum is carefully structured, allowing students to concentrate on 3-4 focus subjects, with a requirement to pass three for direct university admission in Germany. The primary teaching language is English, while students also embark on a journey to learn German from scratch, starting at language level A1. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
With their two to three-year school education (grades 10-12) at the International School OWL in Paderborn, OWL's students earn the German Baccalaureate; a combination of an International A-Level diploma with additional German language courses. Similar to the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma), the German Baccalaureate is internationally focused and can therefore open the way to study at top international universities. In addition, OWL's international students learn German from the very beginning and finally reach the level C1, which is required for studying in Germany. Classes are otherwise held in English. |