DIRECTOR'S WELCOME
Welcome to the International School of Stavanger (ISS) based in the gorgeous city of Stavanger in Norway. ISS has been providing high quality international education in Stavanger for over 50 years and has built strong relationships with other prominent organisations and European international schools.
Founded in 1966, the International School of Stavanger (ISS) has a long and strong tradition of serving the needs of those seeking an English-language education in the thriving greater Stavanger region.
The current enrolment is around 540 students and typically represents 40 or more different nationalities from six continents. At ISS we recognise and celebrate that diversity where ISS offers students and families not just a school, but also a diverse, active, positive, supportive and engaged learning community where our core values of Learning, Well-being and Co
Our vision reminds us that we strive to “inspire a community of responsible, globally engaged, empowered learners.” On this site, you will find evidence of some of the ways we work together to accomplish that vision.
From its inception, ISS has offered a robust academic programme and over the years there have been various iterations of the curriculum offered. Our international curriculum has been carefully designed to stretch our students whilst in Stavanger and prepare them for universities around the world, continuing education programmes (for another international assignment or return to a home country) and beyond.
Both the IB Diploma and the IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) are available for ISS High School students and many years of strong results underscore the dedication of our students and teachers working together.
ISS has a well-established history of delivering excellent external examination results, typically comfortably above world average, but we are also cognisant that examination scores do not define our students. We celebrate our students who achieve 40+ points in IB Diploma exams as we also celebrate those children who overcome personal challenges, master new skills or take the initiative to make our world a better place. In keeping with our vision and mission, we also recognise that academics by themselves are not enough if children are to succeed in the future. As such, we deliver an inclusive education with a multitude of after-school activities that seeks to meet the needs of the whole child, nurturing their well-being and fostering a strong sense of community.
Rigorous external validation has taken place since 1974 via The Council of International Schools (CIS) and The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation.
ISS has successfully prepared students for:
- British IGCSE examinations over 30 years
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme over 20 years
- International School Assessments (the international school version of the PISA assessments) for nearly 15 years
Our curriculum and international standing has enabled our student body to successfully transition to and from both national and international educational systems, as well as gain admission to competitive universities and colleges around the world. In recent years, we helped our graduates transition to post-secondary education in 15 different countries, as well as helping those who wished to attend some of Norway’s finest university programmes.
With a world-class staff, a wonderfully supportive Board of Trustees, extensive facilities, an active and positive Parent Association, and a remarkable student body, ISS has much to offer families in the greater Stavanger region.
Our Admissions Office works with prospective students and parents throughout the year. You can either call 51 55 43 00 or submit an enquiry online for an appointment. If you are passing by, please do not hesitate to drop in for a visit.
I encourage you to explore our website and Facebook page to learn more about us. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Children are at the centre of what we do, and if they succeed, then we succeed.
Regards,
Nikolas Bishop
BSc(Hons), PGCE, NPQH
Director
Director
Nikolas Bishop
Director
nik.bishop@isstavanger.no
Nikolas (Nik) is a British citizen who has set his roots in Sweden (married to Maria who is Swedish). Graduating from London University, Nik started teaching mathematics in the UK back in the 80’s before starting his international career. Having spent nine years in leadership in Qatar, he ventured further East to lead British international schools in Malaysia and China and then to Africa for nine years to lead a three programme IB school.
Nik has served on the boards of various regional educational organisations including the IB Heads’ Council, the Association of International Schools in Africa and the Federation of British International Schools in South East Asia. Nik also has a strong background in accreditation and regularly leads team visits to accredit schools for The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council for International Schools (CIS). Nik has been serving on the NEASC Commission for International Education for the past four years, a role that is both rewarding and insightful.
While it is tempting to think of a mathematician as being dominated by numbers and scores, Nik’s passion for education is actually more driven by the need for children to have the skills and aptitudes that will help them be successful in a complex and dynamic world that is the future. While he values academic success, he continually strives to broaden the ways in which individual’s strengths and talents can be recognised.
“There are no classes for grit, perseverance, problem-solving, collaboration, ingenuity and creativity, and yet these are exactly the approaches that will be required of successful students as they transition to adulthood in years to come. However, there are many ways in which these stills and attitudes can be developed throughout the curriculum, and that’s exactly what an international education at ISS provides.”
