The English International School of Tunis

Who we are

The English International School of Tunis (EIST) is the 4th school in the Rene Descartes Group.  The group was established in 1994 to bring high-quality international education to Tunisia.  EIST is the first school in our group to offer a curriculum in English

At EIST, we believe that students will only be able to reach their potential if their learning takes place in a caring and positive educational environment. We are dedicated to a holistic approach to education and place a real emphasis on student development and growth - academically, physically, emotionally, and socially. Our dedicated and enthusiastic teachers are committed to bringing out the full potential of each pupil, whether in class or through the additional activities we offer. We aim to develop students who will leave EIST with the potential to make a difference - both in their communities and globally.

At EIST we do this by providing a holistic education that develops students who are life-long learners. Our well-qualified and experienced teachers create high-quality lessons creating wonder and excitement about learning. They help our students gain age-appropriate knowledge, skills, and understanding about our world and its place in it.  We recognise that all students can learn, that they learn at different rates, have different interests and are inspired by different things. We aim to develop learners who will develop their perspectives and develop a passion for lifelong learning.

Our ambition is to provide the best possible education in stimulating, innovative learning environments. We provide a 21st-century learning experience for all students.  We place a particular emphasis on academic success, while also ensuring each student is given the opportunity to develop the skills they need now and the skills they need for their future. We want to develop a passion for learning, inspired by high-quality teaching, developing and building upon individual talents and strengths.

We combine traditional education with up-to-date pedagogical practices and use technology to support and enhance learning. We are an internationally minded community which nurtures and supports learners - helping them develop attributes which will help them to become globally responsible citizens. Our learners are provided with meaningful learning experiences and personal feedback so that they are clear in their next steps in learning.

Our school

Our school opened in September 2021.  We welcomed students from Nursery to Year 7.  In September 2022 we added year 8 and in 2023 we will add Y9.  We will then grow by one year group each year. Relationships and respect are at the heart of everything we do and we work hard to develop a special partnership between students, parents and teachers.  We believe that building these relationships is pivotal to helping students through their learning journey. Student well-being is also at the heart of everything we do.  We work together with students to embed a culture of well-being.

Our facilities also include sports halls, a gymnasium, a library, an art room, a music room, language teaching rooms and a science lab.  Our classrooms for Early Years have been designed to meet the needs of our youngest learners.

EIST has its canteen where we provide students with high-quality meals. We have a fully equipped medical room and a qualified nurse.  Our teaching staff are supported by a dedicated team of office staff, support staff, cleaners, maintenance staff and security staff.

All of this ensures that our financial investment is directly aligned with our determination to provide the best possible British Education in Tunisia.

EIST is located in a large building on Gammarth Road, La Marsa and has undergone a complete refurbishment to meet the needs of a school and its learners in the 21st century. EIST occupies a massive floor space of 10,000 m2. This allows EIST to offer pupils and staff premises of the highest quality. We have been particularly careful to use high-quality materials, to plan for safe and secure pupil movement and to equip the school to the highest possible standard.

We have small classes with a maximum of 20 children per class.  This allows personalised support for all learners.

Our school offers state-of-the-art facilities.  When you arrive at school, there is a car park for up to 60 cars.  We have a designated drop-off lane which is staffed by security staff.  Your child’s safety is our highest priority.

As you enter the school, you will walk through our well-equipped playground which will be used for break times as well as outdoor lessons.  The playground includes:

• a covered area
• climbing frames
• a climbing hill
• trampolines
• a running track

Behind the school, we have a large multisport area which can be used for a wide variety of sporting activities both during classes and at break time.

Our classrooms are well-equipped to meet the learning needs of our small classes.

Each class has a small library area, an interactive whiteboard, devices for students to use to support and enhance teaching and learning as well as the traditional desks, chairs, textbooks etc.

Our Educational Philosophy

Our philosophy focuses on helping students to reach their full potential as individuals, developing their intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential. Close and supportive relationships within small classes enables teachers to tailor the learning experiences and meet individual needs.

Our learning programmes support students to understand themselves, each other and the communities they belong to. We are committed to educating children to become proactive, compassionate, global citizens, who will make their mark on their communities and the wider world.

Mission Statement and Educational Values

EIST is a caring community which puts pupils and their well-being at the heart of everything we do.

We were established to meet the demand among aspiring Tunisian families and families of other countries that make up the cosmopolitan society of Tunis for an English Language Education while ensuring the pupils remain rooted in the culture of Tunisia through the study of Arabic and French.

We aim to educate young people in a way which will produce 18-year-olds who are International in outlook, able to study and work in the global society of the second half of the twenty-first century.

We also aim to guarantee collective well-being and long-term positivity through embracing the values of the school, respecting all members of the school community, overcoming challenges in order to flourish along the school's whole educational pathway and developing a sense of community belonging and participation.

We offer a broad educational programme suited to the individual requirements of all pupils in order to achieve individual success for all. This will be achieved through the positive learning culture of the school, helping to overcome specific challenges.

We develop and embed our philosophy, vision and mission by the use of the Cambridge learner attributes.