The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
Where is the International School of South Africa located, and what levels of study does it cover?
ISSA is in Mahikeng, North West Province, at the corner of William Dick Avenue and Nelson Mandela Drive, Libertas. It offers Cambridge Primary through AS & A Level across both Primary and Secondary, and it functions as a co‑educational day and boarding school.
What curricula are taught at ISSA, and how are Cambridge and IEB used together?
ISSA follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education curriculum for Primary, IGCSE and AS/A Level. In 2023, the school introduced the Independent Examination Board (IEB) curriculum to run concurrently with Cambridge, providing two qualification routes.
When was ISSA founded and who is the head of the school?
ISSA was opened in 1989 and is led by Head of School Bruce Wells.
What are the main application and enrolment fees, and is there a refundable deposit?
The application fee is R350 for Pre-Primary/Primary and R700 for the Senior Section. There is a refundable Senior Section deposit of R3,000, and non‑refundable acceptance/enrolment fees of R5,500 for Primary and R13,000 for Senior School.
How does the admissions process work at ISSA? Are there waitlists?
Admissions are offered year‑round, except for Forms 5 and 6. If a Form has a waiting list, qualified applicants are admitted on a first‑come, first‑served basis as space becomes available. Acceptance and placement are at the administration's prerogative.
Does ISSA offer scholarships or financial discounts?
ISSA runs a closed scholarship programme awarded to students entering Form 1 for academic excellence. There are also discounts for siblings and an early settlement discount for paying the full year by January 8, 2026.
What Cambridge and IEB subjects are available at ISSA?
ISSA offers Cambridge Primary, Cambridge IGCSE (18 subjects), and Cambridge AS & A Level (14 subjects). In 2023, the school also began offering the IEB curriculum alongside Cambridge.
What are typical class sizes and student-teacher ratios like at ISSA?
Tutor groups typically have 8–12 students. Classes for Forms 1 to IGCSE have a maximum of 25 students, while AS Level classes are capped at 15 students.
What options exist for higher education progression after completing A Levels at ISSA?
Students can pursue Cambridge AS & A Level and IEB qualifications, which support entry to higher education. ISSA also runs a Learning Support Programme to help students develop academically and socially.
What sports and on-site facilities does ISSA offer?
ISSA has soccer, rugby and hockey fields, tennis courts, netball courts, four glass‑backed squash courts, a 25‑meter swimming pool, a basketball court, volleyball courts, an athletics track and a gymnasium.
How many boarding houses are there, and what is boarding like at ISSA?
ISSA provides nine boarding houses, each housing about 50 students with 24‑hour supervision by house staff, tutors, counsellors and medical personnel. The houses are single‑sex and arranged around campus features, with senior houses organized around a water feature.
What arts, theatre and academic facilities does the campus have?
The campus includes a Conference Centre, theatre and well‑equipped classrooms. There is a Medical Centre with 24‑hour nursing care, and facilities supporting music, art and other performances.
What extracurricular and leadership opportunities exist beyond the classroom?
Secondary students can participate in a broad range of clubs such as Debating, Public Speaking, Toastmasters, Interact, Computing, Peer Tutoring, Arts and Crafts, Theatre, Music and Marimbas, Chess, and Film/Photography. Leadership options include Prefectships, Parliament, a Portfolio System and a Mentor/Mentee program, plus leadership awards.
What music, drama and dance opportunities does ISSA provide?
Music is timetabled in the younger grades with extended programs and peripatetic tutors, including choir and marimba. Drama and dance are represented through performing arts, with paid after‑school options like pottery and ballroom dancing.
Is community service part of ISSA's program?
Yes. The Secondary School Enrichment program includes Community Service and various clubs that promote service, teamwork and civic engagement beyond core academics.
How does ISSA support students with additional learning needs?
ISSA uses Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) to support students with additional needs, aiming for every teacher to act as a teacher of special needs and to define outcomes for Learning Support staff.
What safeguarding and wellbeing practices are in place at ISSA?
The Tutor programme is embedded in the curriculum to help keep students healthy and safe, and music/culture activities support emotional wellbeing and development.
What is the ISSA house system like and what are the houses called?
ISSA has three houses: Eagles, Falcons and Hawks. The House System underpins social life and encourages friendly competition across sports, drama, public speaking and other activities.
What can you tell me about ISSA's uniform and daily attire?
The school uses a uniform dress code. The day uniform includes navy trousers with a polo or shirt, and black shoes with white socks; PE is worn in ISSA shorts and tracksuits.
How is ISSA governed?
ISSA is a non‑profit organization administered by a Governing Body and Board of Trustees.
