British Schools in Cairo: IGCSE, A Levels and the National Curriculum
British-curriculum schooling is the most widely available international education stream in Cairo. A combination of historical ties, the global portability of IGCSE and A Level qualifications, and the large number of British and Commonwealth expatriates in the city has driven demand for decades. Today, a range of schools — from longstanding institutions with 40-year track records to newer campuses in growing suburbs — provide the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to Sixth Form.
This guide covers the principal British-curriculum schools in Cairo, the qualifications they offer, indicative fees for 2025–26 and key factors to consider when choosing between them.
How the British Curriculum Works in Cairo
Schools broadly follow the same framework as UK independent schools:
- Early Years (FS1–FS2): EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage), ages 3–5
- Primary (Years 1–6): English National Curriculum or aligned programme, ages 5–11
- Lower Secondary (Years 7–9): National Curriculum Key Stage 3, ages 11–14
- IGCSE / GCSE (Years 10–11): Cambridge IGCSE or Edexcel IGCSE/GCSE, ages 14–16
- Sixth Form (Years 12–13): Cambridge International A Levels or Edexcel A Levels, ages 16–18
Most Cairo schools are affiliated to Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) or Pearson/Edexcel, enabling students to sit globally recognised examinations. Results are transferable to the UK and internationally. See also /guides/gcse-alevels-cairo for detailed examination guidance.
Leading British-Curriculum Schools
The British International School Cairo (BISC)
Established in 1976, BISC is one of Egypt's longest-running British-curriculum schools. The campus is located in Beverly Hills, 6th of October City — a modern suburban district west of central Cairo (the school relocated there from Zamalek in 2008). BISC follows the English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE through Year 11, then offers the IB Diploma — rather than A Levels — in its Sixth Form. It is one of the small number of schools in Egypt accredited by COBIS (Council of British International Schools).
Indicative fees 2025–26: EGP 400,000–550,000 (primary); EGP 550,000–750,000 (secondary/Sixth Form). Verify current fees directly with the school.
BISC's location suits families living in Sheikh Zayed, 6th of October City or NewGiza. The commute from central Cairo or Maadi is long; factor this in when choosing accommodation.
Cairo English School (CES)
One of Cairo's most respected British-curriculum institutions, Cairo English School has a strong record of university placements to UK and international institutions. The school operates across Maadi and New Cairo campuses, offering IGCSE and A Levels.
Indicative fees 2025–26: EGP 280,000–380,000 (primary); EGP 380,000–550,000 (secondary). CES sits in the mid-tier on price while maintaining a strong academic reputation.
Maadi British International School (MBIS)
Located in Maadi — Cairo's established expatriate neighbourhood — MBIS provides an English National Curriculum education from primary through to IGCSE. The school is well-regarded for its pastoral care and relatively compact community feel, which many families find supportive for newly arrived children.
Indicative fees 2025–26: EGP 250,000–450,000. Fees are broadly mid-range. Visit mbisegypt.com for current schedules.
El Alsson British and American International Schools (NewGiza)
El Alsson has operated in Cairo since 1982 and moved its main campus to NewGiza (Km 22, Cairo–Alexandria Road) in recent years. The school runs a British section (FS1 through Year 13, with IGCSE and A Levels) and an American section on the same campus, as well as an IB Diploma Programme stream. This dual-curriculum model is useful for families uncertain about their next posting destination.
Indicative fees 2025–26: EGP 380,000–500,000 (primary); EGP 500,000–700,000 (secondary/A Level). A one-off registration/enrolment fee also applies — confirm the current amount with the school.
Modern English School Cairo (MES)
MES in New Cairo runs a British curriculum pathway (Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels), an American curriculum and the IB Diploma on a single campus. It is a large school with a well-developed extracurricular programme. The New Cairo location suits families in Fifth Settlement compounds.
Indicative fees 2025–26: EGP 300,000–480,000 (primary); EGP 480,000–650,000 (secondary).
New Cairo British International School
A newer option in New Cairo, this school follows the English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE. It sits in the budget-to-mid tier, making it attractive for families where cost is a primary consideration.
Indicative fees 2025–26: EGP 180,000–280,000 (primary). A Level provision — verify current status directly with the school.
Comparing Schools: Key Questions to Ask
When visiting or enquiring, ask schools the following:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| What examination board do you use? | Cambridge and Edexcel carry equal international recognition; Edexcel is more common in the UK itself |
| What are your IGCSE pass and A-to-C rates? | Headline pass rates reveal academic rigour |
| Do you offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) support? | Critical for children joining from non-English-language systems |
| What is the average class size? | Lower secondary classes of 18–22 are typical; larger classes may warrant scrutiny |
| What is the school's university placement record? | Ask for destinations by name, not just "top universities" |
| How are fees denominated and when are they revised? | EGP billing with USD salary exposure needs careful budgeting |
Admissions
British-curriculum schools typically accept applications year-round for assessment, with a main admissions round for September entry. Required documents generally include previous school reports (last two academic years), proof of English proficiency (or an EAL assessment for non-native speakers) and an entrance test or observation session (primary) or written assessment (secondary). See /guides/apply-international-school-cairo for the full process.
Popular year groups — particularly Year 7 (secondary transition) and Years 10–11 (IGCSE years) — may have limited spaces or waiting lists. Contact schools twelve months in advance for these year groups.
Property and Location Strategy
The choice of school has a direct bearing on where in Cairo to live. BISC and El Alsson NewGiza suit families based west of the Nile; CES, MBIS and the New Cairo British school suit families east of the Nile. Families buying property in Cairo should identify their preferred school first, then focus their property search within a manageable commute radius.
Global Investments has listings in multiple Cairo districts. Explore options at /listings or visit the Egypt property hub for an overview of the Cairo market and investment context.
How Global Investments Can Help
Our team works with internationally mobile families who are balancing property investment, residency planning and school selection simultaneously. We can help identify properties well-located for specific British-curriculum schools in Maadi, New Cairo or the western suburbs, and advise on how a property purchase in Egypt can support a renewable residency permit. Speak to us at any stage of your planning — we understand that school choice often drives the location decision rather than the other way around.
Property values and investment returns can fall as well as rise. School fees and curricula are subject to annual revision; verify directly with individual institutions. Residency rules change — seek qualified legal advice before making any immigration or investment decision.
Frequently asked questions
Which British-curriculum schools in Cairo offer A Levels?
Cairo English School (CES), El Alsson NewGiza British section and Maadi British International School (MBIS) offer Cambridge International A Levels or Edexcel A Levels through Sixth Form, and Modern English School Cairo offers Cambridge A Levels alongside its other curricula. Note that The British International School Cairo (BISC) follows the British curriculum through IGCSE but offers the IB Diploma — not A Levels — in its Sixth Form (as of 2026); confirm the current Sixth Form qualification with each school.
Is the British curriculum recognised for university entry worldwide?
Yes. IGCSE and A Level qualifications from accredited Cambridge or Edexcel examination centres are recognised by universities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Europe and across the Middle East. Many Egyptian universities also accept A Level results, including the American University in Cairo and the British University in Egypt.
Are British-curriculum school fees in Cairo quoted in EGP or GBP?
The majority of British-curriculum schools in Cairo quote and collect fees in Egyptian pounds (EGP). Given significant EGP devaluation since 2022, families receiving hard-currency salaries have seen the effective USD or GBP cost of EGP-denominated fees fall materially. Verify each school's billing currency and annual fee-setting process at enrolment.
How do British schools in Cairo compare with UK state schools?
British international schools in Cairo follow similar syllabuses to UK independent schools — the English National Curriculum through primary, Cambridge or Edexcel IGCSE at 14–16, and A Levels at 16–18. Class sizes are typically smaller than UK state schools, with more pastoral and EAL support for internationally mobile pupils.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.