The International School of Monaco

Focus

Internationally minded

Day fees

$27,000–$34,000

Pupils

800

Ages

3–18

Academics

50 per cent of IGCSE results are 7–9 grades.

Average IB score is 35.

Spear’s Review

Monaco, more than almost any other country, has an international population. The International School of Monaco (ISM) reflects that diversity, with a bilingual French/English curriculum and pupils from dozens of different countries.

A collaboration with King’s College Wimbledon has boosted academic standards, and the school offers the International Baccalaureate diploma programme at 18. The campus will move to a more spacious and modern facility in the Larvotto region of eastern Monaco in the summer of 2024, ready for a new year with improved STEM and sport facilities.

School Profile

Celebrating its thirtieth year of delivering exceptional international education in the Principality, the International School of Monaco (ISM) stands out as a distinguished, independent, co-educational, not-for-profit day school. As the only fully accredited international private school in Monaco, ISM caters to a diverse student body of 800 students aged 3-18, representing over 50 nationalities. ISM will be moving to new, state-of-the-art, purpose-built premises in Testimonio II in August 2024. 

Driven by its vision of international education with distinction, ISM’s mission is to provide an outstanding education for students so that they are happy, confident, independent, multilingual and responsible global citizens. The school’s values emphasise integrity, learning, caring and respect, with strong emphasis placed on excellence, wellbeing and multilingualism as well as international mindedness and digital citizenship. 

Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), ISM received an outstanding CIS re-accreditation report in December 2023, meeting every international standard, surpassing 66% of standards, and garnering 84 commendations. ISM has also worked in close collaboration with King’s College School Wimbledon since 2020 as part of the school’s aim to be among the best in Europe. 

Currently a candidate school for the IB MYP and IB PYP, ISM offers a distinctive bilingual education in English and French for Early Years and Primary School students (Kindergarten to Year 6). From Year 7 onwards, the Secondary School provides a comprehensive, multilingual, inquiry-based curriculum in English, leading to an IB Diploma or an IB Career-related Programme qualification. ISM also offers an extensive enrichment programme as well as numerous outreach opportunities via philanthropy clubs, Student Council initiatives and the PTA.

Head teacher

Stuart Bryan, director of ISM, has enjoyed a distinguished international career over the past 35 years, holding senior positions in international schools including Sha Tin College in Hong Kong, the British School of Brussels and Dulwich College, Shanghai. For over 10 years he was the principal and chief executive officer of the Amman Baccalaureate School in Jordan.

Bryan holds a MA (Hons) degree from the University of St Andrews, a postgraduate certificate in education from Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford, and an advanced certificate in educational management from the University of Leicester. 

He is a passionate and enthusiastic advocate of international education in order to promote internationally minded students who will become compassionate, tolerant and engaged global citizens. He believes in the equal importance of providing students with an holistic educational experience, as well as fostering academic success and lifelong learning, explaining his commitment to supporting the implementation of International Baccalaureate programmes worldwide. 

Admissions

According to the school, the admissions process includes an in-person interview and a standardised international test (a CEM assessment).

University and college places

ISM has had three students accepted into Oxbridge over the past three years, which represents approximately 2 per cent of the graduating class on average over those years. 

Students do not tend to apply to US schools in significant numbers; however, in 2023, one pupil secured a place at Harvard University.

Accessibility

Nice; 30 mins

Location

Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.