International School of Bergen

"The International School of Bergen is an upper secondary school located in the heart of Bergen, Norway, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) to students in their final years of secondary education."

Operated under the auspices of Bergen Cathedral School — known locally and affectionately as "Katten" — the international program benefits from the deep-rooted academic culture and institutional stability of one of Norway's most distinguished educational institutions. Bergen Cathedral School has a history that is extraordinary by any measure. The school traces its founding to 1153, when Nicholas Breakspear — who would go on to become Pope Adrian IV, the only English pope in history — established it alongside the cathedral from which it takes its name. This places Bergen Cathedral School among the oldest educational institutions in Norway, sharing that distinction with Oslo Cathedral School and Hamar Cathedral School. When families enroll their children in the International School of Bergen, they are stepping into a living academic tradition that spans nearly nine centuries. The school is situated in central Bergen, immediately adjacent to Bergen Cathedral, placing it in one of the most historically and culturally rich settings imaginable. Bergen itself is a vibrant coastal city surrounded by mountains and fjords, well connected internationally and home to a welcoming community of expatriates and internationally mobile professionals. For relocating families, the city offers a high quality of life, and the school's central location makes it readily accessible from across the greater Bergen area. The International School of Bergen offers the IB Diploma Programme, the globally recognized two-year curriculum designed for students aged 16 to 19. The IBDP is widely respected by universities around the world and is a natural choice for expat families who may continue their international journey after Norway, as well as for Norwegian students seeking an internationally oriented academic pathway. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and a broad interdisciplinary education makes it well suited to ambitious and globally minded students. The wider Bergen Cathedral School community is substantial, with approximately 850 students and around 95 full-time teachers, reflecting a well-resourced institution with considerable academic breadth. This means that IB students benefit not only from the dedicated international program but also from the resources, facilities, and collegial atmosphere of a large and well-established school community. For expat families and relocating professionals evaluating schooling options in western Norway, the International School of Bergen presents a compelling combination: an internationally recognized curriculum delivered within an institution of remarkable historical prestige, in a safe, beautiful, and culturally rich city. Families seeking an academically rigorous environment where their children can earn an IB diploma — and thrive within a community that values both global perspective and deep local tradition — will find much to appreciate here. Further information is available through the school's website or by contacting the school directly at +47 55 30 63 30.