Our Admissions Process
At The International School of Paphos, we strive to make the admissions journey clear, supportive and welcoming for every family. Our Admissions Team works closely with parents to ensure a smooth Admission Process.
The Admissions Process varies slightly depending on the applicant’s age and entry year, as outlined below.
KINDERGARTEN
Admission to Kindergarten is based on age eligibility. Children should be over 2 years and 6 months of age at the time of entry and able to participate independently in daily routines.
No formal assessments are required at this stage.
PRE-RECEPTION and RECEPTION
Applicants to Pre-Reception and Reception do not undergo a formal admissions assessment.
Admissions are guided by age eligibility.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Year 1
Applicants to Year 1 do not undergo a formal admissions assessment. Admissions are guided by age eligibility.
Year 2
- Informal interview
- Cognitive entrance assessment (CAT4) Â
Years 3 to 6
- Informal interview
- Short written assessment
- Cognitive entrance assessment (CAT4)
CAT4 assesses cognitive abilities in four areas:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Spatial Reasoning
It provides insight into learning potential, problem-solving skills, and academic strengths.
How is the CAT4 completed?
- Fully digital
- Takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete
- Students answer multiple-choice questions designed to measure thinking and reasoning skills
Why is CAT4 important?
- Helps teachers understand how a student learns
- Guides differentiated teaching and intervention planning
- Supports academic development by identifying strengths and potential challenges
For all Primary School applicants, the following documentation forms an integral part of the admissions process:
- Copies of recent school reports
- A reference letter from the current school
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Years 7 to 10
- Informal interview
- Cognitive entrance assessment (CAT4)
Year 10 applicants may also be required to sit additional subject-specific assessments, depending on their intended IGCSE subject choices.
Year 12
- Formal written examinations in the subjects the student wishes to study
- Interview
- Cognitive entrance assessment (CAT4)
CAT4 assesses cognitive abilities in four areas:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Spatial Reasoning
It provides insight into learning potential, problem-solving skills, and academic strengths.
How is the CAT4 completed?
- Fully digital
- Takes approximately 2 hours to complete
- Students answer multiple-choice questions designed to measure thinking and reasoning skills
Why is CAT4 important?
- Helps teachers understand how a student learns
- Guides differentiated teaching and intervention planning
- Supports academic development by identifying strengths and potential challenges
For all Secondary School applicants, the following documentation forms an integral part of the admissions process:
- Copies of recent school reports
- A reference letter from the current school
The Admissions process follows various stages, depending on the age of the student:
KINDERGARTEN
All Kindergarten children are admitted on the basis that the child is over two years and six months and can use the toilet independently.
PRE-RECEPTION, RECEPTION and YEAR 1
Early Years applicants will not go through a formal admissions process.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
All applicants for Years 2 of the Primary School are given a cognitive entrance examination and an informal interview.
All applicants for Years 3 to 6 of the Primary School are given a cognitive entrance examination, a short-written assessment and an informal interview.
Copies of recent reports from a recognised school and a reference letter from their current school, form an integral part of the Admissions Process.
An Application Form must be completed after the initial enquiry. All Application Forms must be accompanied by all the relevant documents which are specified.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Years 7 to 10 of the Secondary School are given a cognitive entrance examination and an informal interview. Year 10 applicants may also need to take further examinations dependent on their IGCSE subject choices.
Applicants for Year 12 will take formal entrance examinations in the subjects they wish to pursue at this level, including a cognitive entrance examination and an interview.
Copies of recent reports from a recognised school and a reference letter from their current school, form an integral part of the Admissions Process.
An Application Form must be completed after the initial enquiry. All Application Forms must be accompanied by all the relevant documents which are specified.
Enquiry Form
If you are at an early stage and would like to learn more about The International School of Paphos, our curriculum, year group availability or admissions requirements, we encourage you to complete our Enquiry Form.
This allows our Admissions Team to understand your needs and answer any questions you may have before you proceed further with the application process.
Application Form
Once you are ready to apply, parents are invited to complete the Application Form.
All applications must be submitted together with the relevant supporting documents, as specified by the Admissions Team.