FAQ Admission

Most families live in the Western suburbs of Hamburg, anywhere between Othmarschen, Nienstedten to Blankenese and Rissen. There is also a number of people living on the western side of the Alster. Those students can use the school bus to reach ISH.

The school is easily accessible through the different transportation modes. You can get to school via public transport, school bus, bicycle and car.

It can often be rather challenging to find a house or an apartment in the vicinity of the school. Once you are visiting Hamburg, have a look at ISH's notice board next to the Reception, you may find some good apartment offers.

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ISH has an ongoing Admissions process. Students can enter throughout the year.

Medical examinations are not required at the time of the application; admitted students, however, may not start attending school without first submitting the Health Form completed by parents.

All students from Grade 6 to 12 have to take placement tests in English. These tests can either be sent to the school the child is currently attending or can be taken in the Admissions Office. 

Our Learning Support Department is able to provide support to students with mild to moderate learning needs.

Parents must provide psycho-educational evaluations, individual educational/assessment plans (IEP/IAP) and progress reports as part of the application process. If these are not provided, the school may request for an evaluation by a qualified and recommended specialist.

ISH does not accept credit cards. Payments can be made by bank transfer. Our bank details are listed on our Schedule of Fees. 

For younger students, we follow a strict policy cut-off date of October 1. A child must be three to enter Early Years 1, four to enter Early Years 2, five to enter Early Years 3, and six to enter Grade 1 on or before the cut-off date. After this, other factors such as readiness, maturity, academic history, and level of motivation are taken into account

For students whose countries of origin follow a different school year (e.g. South Africa, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand) and who arrive during our second semester, students are placed back in their previous grade level equivalent.

The school fees are due on August 1st when starting school at the beginning of a school year.

When starting mid year, school fees are due within 14 days of receipt of invoice.

Maximum class sizes are 20 in the Early Years and 24 across the rest of the school. 

All children learn German as of Grade 1. German is not taught in the Early Years. 

You must complete an Attendance Request in the Veracross Parent Portal.

The EY and Junior School start at 8.30.

The Secondary school day starts at 8.15 and before that students must leave their coats and bags in the locker and take to homeroom the material/books they will need for the first 2 periods.

The school day for all sections ends at 15.00. After School Programme begins at 15:15. All programmes end at 18:00 latest.

EAL classes are offered during the school day.

Language of instruction at ISH is English. 

ISH has a very active Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA has two stated goals: to support the school and to support the community of ISH—including the parents, teachers and staff.

There are many different ways that parents can be involved in school life. Most often, parents support the school in organising social and fundraising events.