But this type of education does not come cheap. So how much is it going to cost you to send your child to the New Cairo British International School, and how does that compare to some of Cairo's higher-rated British schools? Here we expose the school fees, consider what you are paying for, and compare NCBIS to some of Cairo's other schools, the British International School, Cairo (BISC), and Cairo English School (CES).
Overview of NCBIS
New Cairo British International School was established in 1978 and remains the sole sole British charitable school in Cairo because the money makes its way back into school buildings, staff, and students' extracurricular activities. NCBIS educates a combination of the English National Curriculum (ENC), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
The school serves children 3 to 18 and has more than 60 nationalities, so pretty international school then.
NCBIS School Fees
Around or at parents' budgets are either school fees. The following is a ballpark estimate to current yearly tuition rates at NCBIS (exchange rate and school variable):
- Year Group Approximate Tuition Fees (2024/2025)
- Foundation Stage 1 EGP 220,000
- Foundation Stage 2 EGP 245,000
- Primary (Years 1–6) EGBP 260,000 – EGBP 290,000
- Secondary (Years 7–9) EGBP 300,000 – EGBP 310,000
- IGCSE (Years 10–11) EGBP 320,000
- IB Diploma (Years 12–13) EGBP 330,000 – EGBP 340,000
Aside from tuition, NCBIS also levies miscellaneous one-time and recurring charges:
- Application Fee: EGBP 5,000 (non-refundable)
- Registration Fee: EGBP 25,000 (non-refundable)
- Capital Fee: About EGBP 40,000 (for equipment and facilities)
- Transportation Fee: EGBP 30,000 to EGBP 45,000 depending on distance
It must be remembered that the fees typically are paid on an annual basis and, in the case of fees in GBP, even the exchange rates get covered for the fees.
What You Get for Your Money
Although these fees are very expensive, NCBIS provides international class education with international accreditation and full benefits:
- Internationally Recognized Curriculum
The students are pursuing the English National Curriculum from Year 11 and are taking advantage of Years 12 and 13 of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which offers the ideal route to world-class higher education in world-class universities.
- Expat Teachers Highly Qualified
NCBIS employs a predominantly British expat teaching staff that is internationally qualified. Extremely high student-to-teacher ratios are maintained very low to enable one-on-one teaching.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
NCBIS boasts a world-class campus with science laboratories, libraries, ICT suites, swimming pools, art rooms, and a performing arts center.
- The Whole Child
NCBIS places great emphasis on the children's academic achievement but also on developing character, leadership, sports, and creative interests. The whole child program prepares the children for exams but more for school life in general.
Comparison to Other British Schools in Cairo
To more accurately gauge how much of a treasure NCBIS is, it is easiest to compare NCBIS with some of Cairo's other British schools, namely the British International School, Cairo (BISC) and Cairo English School (CES).
- British International School, Cairo (BISC)
Fees:
BISC is one of Cairo's pricier British schools. The following is an approximate fee structure:
- Year GroupApproximate Annual Fees
- Early YearsEGP 225,000
- Primary (Years 1–6)EGP 270,000 – EGP 290,000
- Secondary (Years 7–13)
- Fees: EGP 310,000 – EGP 345,000
Special Features:
- Ownership: BISC is a profit school, whereas NCBIS is a not-for-profit school. This could have implications towards reinvesting in learning centers and equipment.
- Curriculum: Both follow the ENC and both offer IGCSEs and IB but with greater focus on British pedagogy in BISC, greater focus on international approach in NCBIS.
- Campus Size & Location: BISC Sakkara is humongous but outside of west Cairo, whereas NCBIS lies between New Cairo and Maadi communities.
- Cairo English School (CES)
CES is a budget-friendly option of British Cairo schools:
Year Group Approximate Annual Fees
- Foundation Stage EGP 170,000 – EGP 190,000
- Primary (Years 1–6) EGP 200,000 – EGP 230,000
- Secondary (Years 7–13) EGP 240,000 – EGP 280,000
Major Differences
- Fee: CES is significantly cheaper than NCBIS and BISC and thus the most desirable option for British education for middle-income families.
- Academic Achievements: CES provides adequate academic foundation but arguably less same university placement records or faculty exposure than BISC or NCBIS.
- Infrastructure and Equipment: Although immaculate, CES's facilities are a notch down on the same level and number as NCBIS'.
Going to any of the British flying schools in Cairo provides your child with a chance to utilize:
- Internationally Transferable Education
British education and, more specifically, the IB Diploma equips students to pursue studies at UK, US, European, and international universities.
- Focus on English Skills
Full English education builds up fluency and prepares students to work and study anywhere globally.
- International Student Body
The top-notch schools such as NCBIS and BISC are populated by students from the globe, so there is international awareness and international understanding.
- Co-Curricular Excellence
The children participate in heaps of extra-curricular activities ranging from Model United Nations (MUN) to drama performances and sporting tournaments.
NCBIS vs. BISC: Impact and Results
NCBIS Impact:
- Outstanding academic excellence with IB scores always well above world averages
- Service learning and community focus
- High rate of admission to top UK, Netherlands, US, and Canadian universities
BISC Impact:
- High academic achievement with strong British foundation
- High progression rate to top UK universities, including Russell Group universities
- Top sport and arts programs with strong focus
Conclusion on Differences
While BISC might tempt the student who wants to have a UK style of learning but is satisfied with an expensive UK-themed identity, NCBIS fares better in world orientation, sense of belongingness, and balanced philosophy of development.
Final Thoughts
The preference for Cairo's best British schools—primarily NCBIS—is cost, class size and style of teaching and subjects, and result. NCBIS is expensive, with up to EGP 340,000 in annual fees. The payoff—the difference between small classes and high-class teaching and foreign university placement—takes the negotiating element to be worthwhile, albeit at outrageous expense.
Whether you are an expat parent or a parent who is Egyptian and worried about the future of your child, NCBIS stands a good opportunity to weather the rough education market in Cairo if you tie loose ends on aspects of your education plan, your family values, and your purse strings first before you do.