
The International School of Bearn
Secular, Founded 2002
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
Languages
The International School of Béarn is a non-profit institution providing an international Anglophone education for students aged 2.5 to 18 in the Pau region of Southwest France. It serves a diverse community of over 40 nationalities, offering a curriculum tailored to an international perspective.
Teaching approach
The school is founded on the principles of resilience, respect, and responsibility, aiming to develop confident, independent learners who are internationally aware citizens. It fosters a welcoming and caring environment that celebrates cultural, national, and religious diversity while nurturing the individual potential of every student.
Programmes
The school follows a curriculum based on the English National Curriculum, spanning from Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 2.5–5) through to Grade 13 (age 18). Primary education covers subjects including English, mathematics, science, ICT, French, history, geography, drama, art, music, and physical education. Secondary students progress through Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 (IGCSE preparation), and Key Stage 5 (International A-levels), with additional subjects such as Spanish, computer science, and business studies.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides an English as a Second Language (ESL) support program to assist students in accessing the curriculum. Additionally, the school employs a dedicated Learning Support Coordinator to address individual student needs.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does The International School of Bearn offer?
- The International School of Bearn offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- What accreditations does The International School of Bearn hold?
- The International School of Bearn holds accreditations including CIS and Cambridge International.
- Is The International School of Bearn co-educational?
- The International School of Bearn is a co-ed school.
- Where is The International School of Bearn located?
- The International School of Bearn is an international school in Pau, France.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Admission is open to all students, with placement primarily determined by the child's age as of September 1st. The application process requires a completed form, a teacher’s confidential report, a medical record, and potentially previous school reports, followed by an interview and assessment. The school welcomes applications throughout the academic year, provided space is available.
Calendar
The school operates on an academic year beginning in September. Detailed information regarding specific start dates, holidays, and school events is provided in the annual school calendar.
About the campus
The campus features dedicated buildings and is equipped with modern IT resources, including iPads and interactive screens. The school maintains a uniform shop and provides lunch services for students.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide variety of after-school clubs designed to develop new skills and extend student talents. Activities include judo, computers, cricket, chess, musical dance, football, rugby, netball, basketball, circus school, creative arts, and guitar. Additionally, students participate in house-specific events, school trips, theme days, and talent shows.
Maria EliasHead of SchoolMaria Elias is the founder of the International School of Béarn, which she established in May 2002 as a non-profit institution. She serves as the Head of School.
- John-Mark HanrahanHead Teacher
John-Mark Hanrahan serves as the Head Teacher at the International School of Béarn.
- Ann ByrneHead of Secondary School
Ann Byrne serves as the Head of Secondary School.
- Susie MortonDeputy Head
Susie Morton serves as a Deputy Head at the school.
- James PearseAssistant Head
James Pearse serves as an Assistant Head.
- Thomas Yeung-PearceAssistant Head
Thomas Yeung-Pearce serves as an Assistant Head.
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
CIS