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Where is Hout Bay International School located and what age range does it serve?
HBIS sits on a six-hectare campus on Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. It is a private, co‑educational IB Continuum World School serving learners from age 4 to 18 on a single campus.
What curriculum does HBIS follow and what does it mean to be an IB World Continuum School?
HBIS delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum—the PYP, MYP and DP—on one campus. Being an IB World Continuum School means students progress seamlessly from early years through the Diploma Programme, within the SEK-IES international network.
What are the tuition fees for different year groups and what payment options exist?
Fees range from Nursery at 79,120 ZAR per year to DP 1/2 at 191,240 ZAR per year. Payment options include annual in advance (with a 3.5% discount if paid by December 31), four termly payments, or monthly debit orders over 10 months.
How does HBIS handle admissions and what documents are required to apply?
To start, email the Admissions Director with a completed application and required documents: passport/ID, both parents' SA IDs and passports or visas, birth certificate, last two academic reports if applicable, SEN report if applicable, proof of medical cover for foreigners, and other visa-related documents.
Which IB programs are offered and what ages do they cover?
HBIS offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Nursery to PYP6 (ages 2.5–12), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–19, including the core TOK, EE and CAS.
What should I know about exam results and university progression for HBIS graduates?
HBIS does not publish specific exam results here, but the DP is designed to prepare students for university study. IB Diploma graduates are typically recognised for direct entry to universities worldwide, with the IB widely respected by top institutions.
What campus facilities and learning spaces does HBIS provide?
HBIS uses a single campus featuring a Junior Primary block, a dedicated Early Years/Nursery facility, outdoor play areas, a canteen with mountain views, and a state-of-the-art Robotics Lab to support STEM learning.
What kinds of extracurricular facilities and programs are available at HBIS?
In addition to the Robotics Lab, HBIS offers a broad extracurricular program that includes sports (e.g., surfing, horse riding, tennis, football, netball), arts (art, drama, music), and clubs such as STEAM'd, Chess, Garden Club, One-Act Plays, Public Speaking, and Guild of Gamers.
What leadership and wellbeing opportunities exist beyond the classroom?
HBIS runs leadership and wellbeing activities such as Public Speaking, year‑round wellness programs (Yoga, Surfing, Power Club Fitness), and outdoor education to foster resilience, teamwork and self-confidence.
How does HBIS support student wellbeing and safeguarding?
The school provides a counsellor and emphasizes mental wellbeing as part of a holistic education. There is a dedicated SEN room for learners with additional needs, and safeguarding policies include a Parent Privacy Notice and a Whistleblower Policy.
Is HBIS a boarding school, and what is the uniform policy?
HBIS is a day school and does not offer boarding. Students wear HBIS uniforms, which can be ordered online or via the uniform shop; fittings can be done at Blouberg International or Helderberg International by appointment.
What meals and food arrangements are available at HBIS?
There is a dining room with an on-site kitchen, offering daily hot lunches. Meals are included for Early Years through DP 2, with additional food and beverages available via the Eat Fresh (Tap Tuck) app.
What is HBIS's history and how did it become part of SEK-IES?
HBIS was founded in 1999, became fully independent in 2002, and joined Independent Education Systems (IES) in 2005. The sixth-hectare campus opposite Kronendal was developed in stages, with the High School moving in 2013–2014 and the Primary and High School united by 2015.
What language options are available at HBIS, and are there any bilingual programs?
HBIS offers English Language & Literature in the DP, and Group 2 languages in DP include Spanish, French and Language A (Mother Tongue). In MYP, Language Acquisition includes Spanish, French or Afrikaans. No bilingual or immersion programs are listed.
What opportunities exist for community involvement and bursaries?
HBIS collaborates with CHELO to support bursary students from disadvantaged communities, including a PYP1 bursary programme and volunteer opportunities to engage with the wider community.
What is the process for fee-related queries or payments, and who can I contact?
For fee questions, contact the Bursar/Finance office at +27 21 791 7900 or hbis@iesmail.com. The school accepts EFT, debit orders (mandatory for the monthly plan), credit cards, and online payments via PayGate or YOCO.
Does HBIS have any special recognitions or accreditations beyond IB status?
HBIS is an IB World Continuum School and part of the SEK-IES network. There are no additional accreditations or awards listed in the provided information.
What makes HBIS suitable for international families relocating to South Africa?
HBIS offers an international IB curriculum on a single campus with a global outlook, English-language instruction, a diverse international community, and a range of on-site facilities and clubs that support smooth transition for relocating families.
How is HBIS governed and accredited?
HBIS is an IB World Continuum School and part of the SEK‑IES network, which reflects its international partnerships. There are no other accreditations or awards listed in the provided information.
What makes HBIS unique within South Africa?
HBIS is the only IB World Continuum School in South Africa, offering the full PYP‑MYP‑DP sequence and connecting with international partnerships through SEK‑IES.
