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Taught languages Spanish, French, Italian, Malagasy, Mandarin, English
Typical class size 16
Strengths Outdoor Education, Service and Sustainability, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction
Verdala International School in Malta educates students aged 3–18 through an IB continuum. The Elementary School implements the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP); the school is authorised to offer MYP, DP and IBCP, and it is a candidate for PYP. Founded in 1976, it began as a day school for oil-industry staff and moved to Fort Pembroke in 1987, where the Middle and High Schools occupy the fort's barracks and the High School sits in the hexagonal centre. A new eco-forward building due December 2025 will house Early Years and Kindergarten and relocate the administration block. The library supports IB with sections for elementary and secondary students and focuses on inquiry and research. Verdala runs JA programmes, including Student Company teams with awards, and earned the JA Europe Entrepreneurial School TES Award in 2024. Outdoor leadership, Mandarin language study and service projects further enrich the curriculum.
Verdala International School has 592 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in English.
Location
Verdala International School is located at Fort Pembroke, Pembroke, PBK1641, Malta. The campus sits in the Pembroke area of Malta and is accessible by road. The contact phone is +356 21 375 133 and the email is admissions@verdala.org.
Stages
Elementary School; Middle School (IB Middle Years Programme); High School (IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme).
Pupil Nationality Mix
Students come from over 55 countries; there is a mix of local residents and international expatriates.
Additional learning support
Social-emotional wellbeing is supported by counsellors and advisors providing individual and small-group counselling. An Inclusion Department, led by an Inclusion Coordinator and supported by Learning Support Educators, uses modification and differentiation in the classroom, with external specialists engaged as needed.
Country affiliation
Malta
Fees
Annual tuition at Verdala International School ranges from EUR 11,325 to EUR 16,375 for 2026/27.
Application and One-time Fees - Administration (application) fee: EUR 300 — non-refundable; covers costs of processing applications and administering waiting lists. - Registration fee: EUR 5,000 — non-refundable and payable in full on acceptance of an offer; payable regardless of when a child is admitted. - Re-enrolment / Deposit for next scholastic year: EUR 2,000 per student — invoiced by 15 March and payable within 7 days; the deposit is deducted from the following year's fees.
Annual Tuition Fees and Term Breakdown (School Year 2025/2026) - Pre-Kindergarten (Super Navigators): Annual EUR 9,450 — Term 1 EUR 3,150 | Term 2 EUR 3,150 | Term 3 EUR 3,150. - Pre-Kindergarten (Excited Explorers): Annual EUR 9,450 — Term 1 EUR 3,150 | Term 2 EUR 3,150 | Term 3 EUR 3,150. - Pre-Kindergarten 2: Annual EUR 9,450 — Term 1 EUR 3,150 | Term 2 EUR 3,150 | Term 3 EUR 3,150. - Kindergarten to Grade 5: Annual EUR 10,800 — Term 1 EUR 3,600 | Term 2 EUR 3,600 | Term 3 EUR 3,600. - Grades 6 to 8 (Middle School): Annual EUR 12,400 — Term 1 EUR 4,134 | Term 2 EUR 4,133 | Term 3 EUR 4,133. - Grades 9 and 10 (High School IGCSE/Preparation): Annual EUR 14,200 — Term 1 EUR 4,734 | Term 2 EUR 4,733 | Term 3 EUR 4,733. - Grades 11 and 12 (IB Diploma / IBCP): Annual EUR 14,500 — Term 1 EUR 4,834 | Term 2 EUR 4,833 | Term 3 EUR 4,833.
Contribution Toward Capital Projects - Annual capital contribution: EUR 1,875 — invoiced and payable at the beginning of the school year; payable in full regardless of admission date.
Specific Programme / Additional Annual Charges - Learning Support Education Programme (where applicable): EUR 22,000 (listed as a specific programme fee). - Residency Programme (host-family residency / supervised accommodation): EUR 16,000 (annual residency programme fee). Residency programme students must also maintain a refundable emergency fund of EUR 350 (serves as a damage deposit).
Other Costs and Typical Additional Charges - Uniform, stationery, textbooks, field trips, after‑school activities, international trips, exam/assessment fees, and certain program-related purchases are charged separately and are not included in the tuition or capital contribution. These items are billed in addition to tuition as required. - Families with multiple children receive a sibling discount applied to tuition: EUR 300 discount for two students, EUR 900 for three students, and EUR 1,200 for four students.
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - Invoicing frequency: Tuition is invoiced three times per year (three terms) covering a full 12‑month cycle with invoice periods September–November, December–February, and March–August. Fees must be paid prior to the commencement of each invoice period. Annual billing is an option (fees may be paid annually in advance). - Invoice due timing for the 2025/2026 scholastic year: invoices are payable within 30 days of invoice date and no later than the following dates — Annual Billing: 31 August 2025; Term 1 invoice date: 30 August 2025; Term 2: 2 December 2025; Term 3: 3 March 2026. Deposit for the 2026/27 school year invoiced 15 March 2026. - Registration fee is payable in full regardless of the date of admission. Parent payment-plan arrangements are available by agreement with Accounts and may result in a single yearly invoice allocated per the agreed plan.
Payment Methods and Currency - All fees are set and must be paid in Euros (EUR). The school does not accept cash at the school premises due to banking restrictions. Parents are responsible for any bank charges associated with payments. Accepted methods referenced in school finance procedures include post-dated cheques drawn on a local bank or Bills of Exchange; other formal payment arrangements are handled by the Accounts Office.
Refund and Withdrawal Policy - Tuition refund: Tuition fees are not refunded for students who leave before the end of a semester. Withdrawal or cancellation of a reserved place for an upcoming semester requires at least one semester's written notice to the Head of School; failure to provide the required notice may result in invoicing for a portion of the annual tuition as set out in the finance policy. Force majeure: if the school must close physical premises but provides alternative educational services (for example, remote learning), fees paid will not be refunded. - Residency programme refunds: if a residency student withdraws within the first month of the academic year, a pro‑rated refund of unused residency fees is available less EUR 700; if withdrawal occurs after the first month, residency fees are non‑refundable. Residency students must maintain a refundable emergency fund of EUR 350. - Exceptional circumstances: parents facing force majeure may petition the Board of Directors for a part or full refund; such requests are considered case-by-case and decided by the Board.
Late Payment and Overdue Accounts - Overdue fees: parents with overdue fees will be notified at least one week before the end of the first month of each semester. Students with unpaid fees after school starts may be suspended until the account is settled. School records and report cards will not be issued to students with overdue accounts. Overdue accounts may incur interest at the maximum rate allowed by law.
Payment Plans and Financial Hardship - Temporary payment plans: the school may offer short-term payment plans (typically allowing up to three instalments) for families experiencing temporary financial hardship. Payment-plan eligibility, terms, and documentation are managed by the Accounts Office and require a formal application. Post-dated cheques or Bills of Exchange may be required as part of an agreed payment plan.
For questions about invoice details, payment arrangements, or account queries, contact the school Accounts team at accounts@verdala.org.
Academics
Verdala International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The Elementary School implements the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The school is authorised to offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), and is a candidate for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Higher Education Progression
Most students obtain an accredited US High School Diploma, and the majority achieve the IB Diploma, which opens doors to many of the best universities around the world.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides a social-emotional wellbeing program supported by a team of counsellors and advisors offering individual and small-group counselling. Access to these services is via referrals by teachers, other school staff, parents, or the students themselves. The program includes a comprehensive PSHE curriculum addressing bullying, social media use, mental health issues, making positive choices, and child protection, with emphasis on safeguarding students' rights and well-being.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Inclusion Department, led by the Inclusion Coordinator and supported by Learning Support Educators, uses modification and differentiation techniques in the classroom to help every student succeed. External specialists are consulted as needed to support learners with diverse needs. The school is committed to creating an inclusive environment within the scope of available resources.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school offers English Language Support (ELS) to assist students developing English proficiency. Grade 9 students enrolling with English language levels of B1 participate in ELS after-school activities; Grade 10 students enrolling with B2 are encouraged to attend ELS ASA; in some cases admission may require intensive English classes before the start of school. Students in MYP 4-5 who need ELS receive it as part of the ASA programme. All students study a Language Acquisition course. The Elementary ELS program provides English Language Arts support with placement and transitions determined by the school.
Mental Wellbeing
Counselling services support students' mental wellbeing as part of the social-emotional wellbeing program. The PSHE curriculum covers mental health issues and strategies for positive decision-making, while counsellors provide individual or group support as needed.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection are integral to the PSHE program; the school emphasises safeguarding rights and well-being. The School Nurse coordinates health and safety, and the Diversity and Anti-Discrimination Policy commits to fairness and respect for all community members; discrimination is not tolerated and policies cover all areas of school life.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Tour Verdala International School. A tour is recommended to observe the atmosphere, facilities, and campus. To schedule, complete the form on the Admissions page and the Admissions Team will contact you. The tour helps families decide if Verdala is the right fit. 2. Make an application. For each applicant, submit documentation in English (translations by a recognised authority), school records for the previous two years and the current year, any relevant assessments or health reports, a passport photo page, and health records as required by Maltese law. Include the non-refundable application fee. The signature of the parent on the Application Form constitutes acceptance of all Terms and Conditions. 3. Admissions policy & placement. Review the Admissions policy. Grade placement is shown in the grade/age table accompanying the policy; this determines the appropriate entry grade. The admissions process is connected to the annual re-enrolment initiated in March, and spaces are reviewed accordingly. 4. Waiting pools. If a class is full, a waiting pool of applications will be created. A student's position may change as new applications with higher priority arrive. Students remain in the wait pool for the academic year applied for. If a seat is not found within that year, parents may roll over the application to the next academic year as early as October 1. 5. Payments. Fees are payable at specific times: the non-refundable application fee at application; the non-refundable registration fee within 15 days of offer; remaining tuition and fees due in August (Semester 1) and January (Semester 2).
Waitlist
Waiting Pools: A waiting pool of applications will be created if a class is full. A student's position in the wait pool may change if there are subsequent applications from families with higher priority. Students will remain in the wait pool for the academic year for which they have applied. If a seat is not found for the applicant within that academic year, parents may contact the admissions office to roll over the application to the next academic year as early as October 1.
FAQs
What curriculum does Verdala International School follow?
Verdala offers the full IB continuum. The Elementary School implements the PYP, while Middle School follows the MYP and High School offers both the IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme.
What age range does the school accept?
The school serves students from age 3 to 18, covering Elementary, Middle School, and High School programmes across the IB framework.
What are the tuition fees?
Annual tuition ranges from EUR 11,325 to EUR 16,375 depending on year group. A non-refundable EUR 5,000 registration fee and EUR 300 application fee apply, plus an annual EUR 2,000 re-enrolment deposit.
Is there learning support available?
Yes, the Inclusion Department is led by an Inclusion Coordinator with Learning Support Educators who use modification and differentiation in the classroom. External specialists are consulted as needed.
Is there EAL support?
Yes, English Language Support is available. Grade 9 students with B1 English participate in ELS after-school activities, and Grade 10 students with B2 are encouraged to attend ELS sessions.
Does the school offer boarding?
No, Verdala is a day school only. Boarding is not offered at the Fort Pembroke campus.
What is the school community like?
Students come from over 55 countries, creating a diverse international community. BRIDGE, the parent-staff organisation, coordinates events and class-parents help connect families to school life.
What extracurricular activities are available?
Activities include Model United Nations, Robotics, JA Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh, language classes, and DP Arts Night showcasing music, theatre, and visual arts.
How does the admissions process work?
Families tour the school, then submit an application per child. If a class is full, applicants join a waiting pool where positions may change based on priority criteria.
What accreditations does the school hold?
Verdala is authorised to offer the IB MYP, DP, and IBCP, and is a candidate for PYP authorisation. It also holds NEASC accreditation and MSA candidacy status.
What are the school facilities like?
The campus is housed in the historic Fort Pembroke. The Middle and High Schools occupy the fort's original barracks, with a new eco-forward building scheduled for December 2025. Libraries serve both elementary and secondary students.
What university pathways are available?
Most students earn an accredited US High School Diploma, and the majority also achieve the IB Diploma. JA Young Enterprise teams have won national competitions, and graduates access top universities globally.
