FAQ

Is it possible to visit the school?
You are welcome to visit the school but we ask that you make arrangements well in advance, so that you have the opportunity to see those parts of the school in particular where your child will be learning.

Is there a school bus service?
There is no private school bus service; most of our families live within a short drive or walk to the school. There is an excellent public bus service and students can obtain an annual bus pass for 75 euros.

Do you have boarding facilities or host families?
There are no boarding facilities and we do not arrange for students to live with host families. The IB Diploma programme in particular is very rigorous and students need the support of their parents or legal guardians at home.

Is lunch provided?
An excellent self service cafeteria provides a hot lunch every day except Wednesday, for students from Transition through Class 10. Classes 11, 12 and 13 may go out for lunch or purchase a lunch ticket for the Cafeteria. Only students remaining at school on Wednesday afternoons may bring a packed lunch on those days.

Is there a school uniform?
There is no uniform but a dress code applies - this is stipulated in the Parents Handbook. In general students are expected to dress appropriately for a learning environment. A sports uniform (supplied by ISM) is required for all Physical Education classes.

Which class will my child be placed in?
Entry to a class is normally based on the child's age on September 1st in the year of entry, taking into account previous class placement, school reports and sometimes by evaluation.
Early Years: age 2½ to 6; Primary School: age 7 to 10; Middle School: age 11 to 14; Secondary School: age 15 to 18.

The school system our children are currently in is very different from ISM. How will you know if they can follow your programmes?
Before offering a place at ISM, the Admissions Officer, Director and teachers look very carefully at the applicant's school reports and other documentation that our Admissions Office asks you for. Where necessary, applicants will be invited to come in for testing.

How do I find out how my child is doing at school?
There are plenty of opportunities to speak to your child's teachers informally, and regular parent-teacher conferences are held where you can discuss your child's progress more formally. Written reports are sent home on a regular basis. Home support and interest make all the difference.

What external examinations and tests are offered at ISM?
The University of Cambridge International General Certificate of  Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations are offered at the end of Class 11, following a two year programme of study. The International Baccalaureate Diploma examinations are offered at the end of Class 13, again following a two year programme of study. Our IB Diploma results are published each year. ISM is also an authorized examination centre for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art(LAMDA) for external exams in music, singing, and drama.

What about when we move on to another school in another country?
The curriculum your children encounter when they move may not be the same as at ISM.  However, our approach to learning helps our students to become flexible and to adapt easily. Our students are accepted into excellent international and local schools, worldwide.

How does ISM compare to other schools?
The best way for you to make that judgement is to come and visit us. Contact us now to arrange a visit.
Of course, we think that ISM is second to none. Our academic results are excellent: we regularly achieve around a 99% success rate in the International Baccalaureate, against a worldwide average of 84%. However, exam results are only part of the picture. ISM students are fully rounded young people who care about the world they live in and are ready to make their contribution.

Where can I find the School Year Calendar?
Click here to download the current school year calendar.

Do you have a question that is not covered here? We invite you to contact us and we will do our best to provide you with the information that you need.