Welcome to
International School Aberdeen
Join Us for Our Upcoming Open Day!
Explore our school and learn more about ISA
Join Us for Our Upcoming Open Day!
Explore our school and learn more about ISA
Welcome to our IB World School
We’re glad you’re here! We’re an independent, IB World School with a kind and inclusive community ethos and an innovative approach to learning that encourages our students to be independent, inquisitive and inspired by the world around them. Our students benefit from learning in purpose-built facilities on a state-of-the-art campus with globally experienced and dynamic teachers.

Discover our unique educational journey
Preschool
(ages 3-5)
In preschool, our nursery, we take children’s natural curiosity and personal interests as the inspiration for our child-led curriculum, which creates a fun-filled learning experience with plenty of outdoor activities and imaginative play!
Elementary School
(ages 5-11)
In the primary years, we foster a learning environment that sparks intellectual curiosity and develops positive personal qualities, allowing students to flourish socially, emotionally, and academically.
Middle School
(ages 11-14)
ISA’s middle school supports students with a broad, high quality programme at this transformational age. The nurturing environment empowers students with the skills and independence needed to thrive in their secondary years.
High School
(ages 14-18)
Our four-year high school programme offers a range of qualifications designed to keep doors open to diverse university, college and career choices. Our programmes culminate in the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, highly respected by universities in Scotland, the UK and around the world.
“The staff are excellent and caring, the after-school activity programme offers something for everyone, and the wider school community is incredibly welcoming. We’ve been at ISA for over 8 years now and can’t imagine going anywhere else. Students are encouraged to build on their strengths but are also challenged to take risks and try something new. Our daughter has gone from being extremely shy to standing in front of the whole school performing a solo. The students love coming to school every day, which is the highest praise I think anyone can give.”
Michelle Aitken
Parent of Grade 8 Student
When I first set foot in the building of ISA, I was a small girl who was going for her swimming lesson. I was unaware the place I had entered was also a community where students were taught, heard, and loved. As far as I was aware, it was a large, fancy building where I took my swimming lessons. Some time passed and I moved abroad, experiencing life through the lens of a different culture; growing and learning as a person. After a few years, I was brought back and stepped foot in the same building, but this time I called it my school. Through sports, education, community, and friendship—the fancy building turned into a place I could be myself.
Tahite
Grade 10 Student
“ISA is a welcoming, vibrant and highly inclusive environment for learning. Through innovative whole-school initiatives, children and young people are developing personal leadership qualities that prepare them particularly well for learning, life and work. The highly-skilled and motivated staff deliver learning that is well-paced and planned carefully to meet the needs and interests of all children. There is a respectful, calm and nurturing environment in classes and this leads to learners feeling well supported in their learning.”
HM Inspectors
Education Scotland Inspection Report 2023
ISA has provided a perfect balance for our children to grow up Scottish but with a strong global mindset and a curiosity for other parts of the world. The IB programme is providing them with a well-rounded, globally recognised education that will best prepare them for university and beyond.
JT & Andrea Hewitt
Parents of 4 ISA students
“I came to teach at ISA with the intention of spending two or three years exploring Scotland before moving on to another adventure. That was ten years ago. I have never experienced a school that balances individual student needs and an expectation of excellence so well as ISA. The way students respond to the environment is inspirational, and I find myself as excited for what we’re doing in year ten as I was in year one.”
Cruz Ordonez
High School Teacher
ISA is a school filled with all types of people. I truly believe there aren’t many schools like it. No matter where you’re from, what you’ve been through, or how you’ve lived, there’s always someone who’s your match. At ISA I think all of us students follow one rule, even though we’ve never been told to. This rule is that we won’t let anyone walk alone.
Faris
Grade 7 Student
It’s just a really nice atmosphere. I think that because it’s such a community, you get to know everyone very well, and the teachers even more. They’re not just there to get you through the content; they actually know each student very well. It’s a real community. The relationships, the opportunities, the support. It’s something special. There’s space to be yourself and space to grow.
Marla Carmichael
Class of 2025 ISA graduate
Joining ISA was like finding my second home. This community is incredibly close-knit, and it’s clear that our students are at the heart of everything we do. For a middle school teacher, this is the perfect environment. The concept-based approach we use adds such amazing depth to student learning, and it makes my job so rewarding. I love watching students explore and discover new ideas—it keeps every single day interesting and fun, for both me and the students. I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else, and there’s nowhere else I’d want my own kids to go to school.
Alyssa Dreelan
Middle School Teacher
ISA Life
Discover the benefits of ISA
Here at ISA, we support each student to make the most of their educational experience. And while our students excel academically, our approach is holistic – supporting the whole child to pursue their passions and be an active global citizen. But don’t just take our word for it, explore our website and hear from our students, families and staff about what makes ISA so special. At ISA we’re international by name and by nature – a valuable and important part of our DNA – but around half our students are from the North-east of Scotland creating a globally diverse but locally connected whole school community.
Whole Child Wellbeing
Our child centred ecosystem of care nurtures learning, physical, and social emotional health.
Our Campus
Every day students have on-site access to our modern purpose-built facilities on our amazing campus.
Aberdeen
The Granite City with an enviable quality of life
We’re proud to be the only international school in Aberdeen, based a stone’s throw from the River Dee and the gateway to Royal Deeside and Speyside – whisky and castle country. This beautiful corner of Scotland extends from the heights of the Cairngorms to stunning sandy coasts. Combining historic castles, arts and culture, with sports, shopping and entertainment in a compact city region, it’s no wonder Aberdeenshire is famous for its quality of life.

ISA Stories
Insights from our community
Discover the latest updates and stories from ISA.

ISA students celebrate IB success
Students at ISA have celebrated exceptional success in the IB Diploma programme…

Encore!
Activities
Encore! is our dynamic after-school programme, offering a world of clubs, sports, and activities for every student.

Preschool, now with extended hours!
Establishing a lifelong love of learning in a supportive, stimulating and caring environment.

ISA Student
Stories
Discover the stories and experiences of our students, past and present, of their time at ISA.
ISA Stories
Insights from our community
Discover the latest updates and stories from ISA.

ISA students celebrate IB success
Students at ISA have celebrated exceptional success in the IB Diploma programme…

Encore! Activities
Encore! is our dynamic after-school programme, offering a world of clubs, sports, and activities for every student.

Preschool, now with extended hours!
Establishing a lifelong love of learning in a supportive, stimulating and caring environment.

ISA Student Stories
Discover the stories and experiences of our students, past and present, of their time at ISA.
Day to Day at ISA
Experience ISA
in person
As you enter our green and leafy campus you’ll be struck by the combination of old and new – a traditional granite reception building that is the gateway to one of the country’s finest purpose-built schools.
People say our facilities have to be seen to be believed and our friendly and experienced team will be delighted to welcome you. Book a tour now – we’d love to show you around.