Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
570 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
54 |
| Most common nationality |
Approximately 24 % of the student population are British citizens and have at least one parent who holds a British passport. Approximately 22 % of students are Swedish passport holders with a similar number holding US passports. |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
22% local : 78% international |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
English as an Additional Language |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Swedish, French, Spanish |
| Max. number of students per class |
24 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Touch panel whiteboards, one-to-one Chromebooks from Year 2, shared tablets from Nursery - Year 1, digital technology is integrated into lessons to support teaching and learning |
| 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) |
BISS uses Google Classroom and Google Meet in the event the school needs to move to virtual learning. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSE, IB Diploma |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
All children receive homework. It is less formal in the infants before gradually increasing as the children move through the school. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
BISS has an Individual Needs department staffed by qualified teachers who work with children requiring support with specific aspects of learning. Support may be given individually, in small groups or within the main classroom environment. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
There is a Gifted and Talented programme which includes class based and withdrawal group extension as well as ability groups in certain subjects for a range of age groups. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
BISS has a school counsellor who works closely with our Pastoral Team, IN Team and School Nurses |
| Entry evaluation for students |
BISS is a non-selective school and therefore does not require children to take an entrance test. In order to ensure that the school’s educational programme is appropriate for individual children, BISS therefore relies on parents providing full and detailed information with their application, particularly if their child currently receives support in school or is new to English language. |
| Waiting list |
For some year groups. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
There is no deadline for registration. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Admissions at BISS are open throughout the year. |
| School start time |
Altorp Site: 8:35
|
| School finish time |
Altorp Site: 15:05
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
After School Care currently runs from Monday - Thursday at Altorp site.
|
| School bus service available |
No |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
BISS caters for all special dietary needs |
| Uniform required |
BISS has no school uniform, but does have an official BISS PE kit. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
There are a wide range of activities available each term, covering sports, arts, academic, languages and other interest areas. |
| Sports activities included |
Our PE curriculum covers a wide array of sports, from athletics and most team sports to curling. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
BISS is an all-through international school with students from over 50 countries aged 3-18 years. We are a learning focussed, student centred school that places them at the centre of everything we do. Our holistic philosophy emphasises both the intellectual and personal development of our students. We provide a strong pastoral system, broad curriculum and exciting enrichment opportunities to meet the needs of a diverse student population. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
BISS is an international learning community that enables all its students to achieve success in learning. We provide students with opportunities to enrich their experience, learn about the world and develop leadership skills so that they thrive. BISS provides a vibrant and rich environment which places pastoral care at the heart of everything it does. Beginning aged three our students develop skills through our bespoke early years programme. From Year 1 to Year 9, students engage in Internationally recognised programmes including the International Primary Curriculum and the Cambridge International Curriculum. Our highly respected IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes provide a gateway to further study. |