Phorms Bilingual School Hamburg

Phorms Campus Hamburg is located in the centre of Hamburg. The address is Wendenstraße 35–43, 20097 Hamburg.

Nursery/Day Care, Primary School, Secondary School.

Private school (privately funded).

45 nationalities represented; international community.

Small class sizes with a high teacher–student ratio and additional educators provide individual support; Primary School includes targeted support.

Germany

All-day program with care from 7:30 am to 6 pm.

The school follows the British-American Cabinet System, with students moving between subject-specific classrooms and using either German or English as the instruction language depending on the subject. Core areas of the educational concept are Bilingual Education, Self-Organised Learning, Talent Development, Media Education, Qualifications and Career Orientation. Bilingual Education uses native-speaking teachers to teach many subjects in German and English, with the language of instruction alternating every 1-2 years; by the end of junior secondary, students are prepared for senior secondary. From year 6, Spanish and/or French are introduced as second/third foreign languages, and many students bring additional languages from home. Media Education and Digital Literacy are emphasised; all classrooms have interactive Smart Boards and laptops, ICT is taught in years 5-7 and Computer Science from year 8. Qualifications include MSA in year 10, A-Levels for upper secondary, and Cambridge Certificate preparation for Cambridge exams from year 10.

Upper secondary is state-recognised for A-Levels, and since 2020 graduates have obtained the general university entrance qualification (Abitur). The school also offers preparatory courses for Cambridge language exams (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) from year 10, supporting international higher education opportunities. The Abitur provides a pathway to German universities, while Cambridge-related qualifications provide international options.

Gifted provision focuses on individual support of gifted students through differentiated instruction, regular support conferences, and learning development meetings. Talents are nurtured in regular lessons, clubs, projects and competitions, with external partners and new initiatives such as Phorms Summer Camps starting in 2025 enhancing the program.

Social-emotional learning is an integral part of the elementary school and is taught during KLU lessons. Students explore topics such as emotions, conflict resolution, friendship, teamwork, and pro-social behavior.

Individual support includes ongoing observation, discussions, and diagnostic assessments to identify strengths early. Tailored learning opportunities are provided through differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and participation in specialized programs and competitions. Enrichment opportunities include the revolving-door model, advanced learning courses, and personalized project supervision in small groups. The school works with a school psychologist and a specialist for gifted education to ensure the best possible support for each learner.

For children needing extra support in German or English, targeted programmes help bring them up to the required level. Bilingual instruction uses immersion with teachers who instruct in both German and English.

Mental wellbeing is supported through social-emotional learning and collaboration with a school psychologist who supports emotionally and socially across the school community.

Admission processes at Phorms Campus Hamburg are described for Daycare, Primary School and Secondary School. Online registration is non-binding and reviewed to discuss next steps. Daycare: online registration, personal introduction, and notification of place availability; a child can be admitted at any time during the current daycare year, depending on availability. Costs for the day care centre and preschool can be covered by a City of Hamburg day-care voucher; the parental contribution is set via a Friends' Association and depends on hours and family income. The monthly Friends' Association membership for children in the day care centre before entering preschool is €128; from preschool onward, the fee is based on income and equals 0.315% of the income reported two years prior (for 2025/26). There is a one-off admission fee of 1% of the family's income, less a €250 administration fee. Tax deductibility applies to parental contributions and Friends' Association fees up to two-thirds. Primary: we regularly admit children to new year 1 classes and to higher year groups; admission during the school year is possible if places are available. Online registration; personal introduction; an offer is sent by email if a place is available and the care contract is sent by post; late registrations are welcome if space allows. Costs include a €250 registration fee; €250 monthly school fee per child (with 25% off the second child, 50% off the third, 75% off the fourth); catering €89 per month (plus €11 for optional drinks and snacks); materials €5 per student per month plus year-group materials €20–€80; Full-Day Care (After-School Care) is available with additional charges; holiday care is available at €120 per week; there are additional costs for uniforms, trips, and optional courses; payment is by 12 monthly installments via direct debit; tax deductibility up to two-thirds; Friends' Association contributions are income-based (0.315% of income two years prior). Newcomers are welcome and late registrations can be organized if places exist. Secondary: admission is offered for new pupils to the secondary school; online registration; trial days after completion of an entrance test; an offer of a place is sent by email and the contract is sent by post; admission during the school year is possible if places are available. Costs mirror the primary structure with a €250 registration fee; €250 monthly school fee per child (with sibling discounts); catering €89 per month (with optional €11 for drinks/snacks); materials €5 per student per month plus year-group materials €20–€80; Full-Day Care and Holiday Care options; tax deductibility up to two-thirds; Friends' Association contributions based on income (0.315% of income two years prior).

Income-based fee reductions and sibling discounts are available.