Greece · Kifissia
St Catherine’s offers British schooling with an IB Diploma finish, across Lower School in Lykovrissi and Upper School in Kifissia. Check the admissions priorities as well as availability. The 2026–27 schedule separates tuition, registration, development and reservation charges.
St Catherine’s is a good option to consider if you want English-medium British schooling in Athens, followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) in Years 12–13. It is a co-educational day school with Lower and Upper School sites in Lykovrissi and Kifissia. Families with children in both sections need to plan for two school journeys.
The school describes admissions as inclusive and non-selective, but that does not mean every application receives a place. Its published criteria include English proficiency, academic readiness, behaviour and family connections, alongside nationality-related priorities.
The early years follow the British Early Years Foundation Stage. Lower School covers Years 1–6, and Upper School Years 7–13. The final two years offer the IB Diploma Programme, rather than the Greek national programme leading to the apolytirio school-leaving certificate.
For a pupil transferring from another system, ask the school to confirm year placement and the language expectations for that class. For an older applicant, discuss the available IB subjects and entry requirements before assuming that a British-school background automatically resolves the transfer.
The fee document identifies St Catherine’s as a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England. This is its legal form, not a description of its admissions policy or an assurance of low fees. It also lists membership of HMC, an association of independent-school heads, and COBIS, the Council of British International Schools.
The published addresses are:
Confirm the relevant site and transport arrangements for each child before choosing accommodation. A useful visit includes the child’s prospective section, not just the more convenient address. The school does not provide boarding.
The admissions page welcomes all nationalities and says demand is high and places limited. Its priority criteria name:
The page does not provide a formula for weighting these factors. Ask how they apply to the prospective year group, especially if the child needs language or learning support.
The application process requires an online application, proof of payment of the application fee and the supporting documents specified in the entry guidelines. The July 2026 guidelines are divided into Early Years (Nursery and Reception), Lower School (Years 1–6) and Upper School (Years 7–13). Incomplete applications are not processed.
An offer comes with a School Contract. Registration and development fees secure the place. The school sends an electronic induction pack in summer and invites new pupils in the day before the official start. Early Years also has a June induction, with September as an alternative.
The standing rule says applications open every October for the following academic year. Waiting lists do not carry over from one year to the next. Entry during the school year can be considered, particularly for expatriate families.
The page’s example still refers to October 2024 applications for 2025/26. For an application in October 2026, confirm that the file is for 2027/28 and whether a previous applicant must submit new documents. The old example is not evidence of a current vacancy.
The 2026–27 fee schedule divides annual tuition equally between September 2026 and January 2027:
| Band | Annual | Each invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery | €9,950 | €4,975 |
| Reception & Year 1 | €13,630 | €6,815 |
| Year 2 | €14,670 | €7,335 |
| Years 3–6 | €14,830 | €7,415 |
| Years 7–9 | €15,390 | €7,695 |
| Years 10–11 | €16,620 | €8,310 |
| Years 12–13 | €17,320 | €8,660 |
The same document gives the following additional charges for applications on or after 1 October 2026. Keep that effective date separate from the tuition year above.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | €200 |
| Registration fee (one-off, not a tuition deposit) | €1,500 |
| Development fee, Nursery–Year 11 | €2,000 |
| Development fee, Years 12–13 | €500 |
| Cancellation fee, Nursery–Year 11 | €2,000 |
| Cancellation fee, Years 12–13 | €500 |
| Tuition reservation deposit for 2027–28 | €2,500 |
The development fee is a separate contribution, not annual tuition. The registration fee is not a tuition deposit and remains valid for 24 months once paid.
The €2,500 reservation deposit for 2027/28 is credited against the September invoice, after the current balance has been settled. Do not add it to a full year’s tuition as an extra charge. Before paying, ask the school to explain when the separate cancellation fee applies and which charges are recoverable if plans change.
All tuition is non-refundable. Examination fees, transport, uniform, medical expenses, outings, clubs and textbooks for Years 10–13 are additional. Late payment incurs €60 per month, and cash is not accepted. Obtain the school’s current payment instructions directly.
See the Athens guide and Greece overview for other local options.
Official pages and documents we read. If a figure matters to your budget or your application, open the link and confirm it is still current.
Friendly orientation, not an application. Dates, fees, and programme details move. Confirm everything with the school.
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7 minStart with the qualification your child would actually receive. Then check its subjects, language demands, and recognition in the countries where they may study next.
7 minStart with your child and the family's likely plans. Define the non-negotiables, verify the school's claims, compare three realistic options and visit with specific questions.
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