MYP Admissions | Apply to Bishop Mackenzie International School

Admissions Procedure

Secondary entry framework

At Bishop Mackenzie International School, we are proud to be an inclusive and welcoming learning community that values diversity and believes every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and able to grow as success. We welcome applications from students of a wide range of educational, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds throughout the year.

As an IB World School, we are committed to creating a joyful learning environment that promotes well-being, inclusivity, sustainability, and high-quality learning for all students. Our admissions process is designed to help us get to know each child as an individual including their strengths, interests, learning profile, and support needs so that we can thoughtfully determine whether BMIS is able to provide the learning environment, programmes, and level of support necessary for the student to thrive. Admission decisions are therefore made based on both space availability and the school’s ability to meet a student’s academic, social-emotional, behavioural, and learning needs within our programmes and available resources.

BMIS seeks to support a broad range of learners through differentiated classroom practice, student support services, and English language support where appropriate. When additional learning, social-emotional, or language needs are identified, the school works collaboratively with families to determine how we can best support the student within our inclusive setting. In some cases, this may include recommendations for external services or supports to strengthen student success and well-being.

Our goal is always to build a caring and inclusive community where every student is encouraged to participate fully, develop confidence and independence, and experience growth as success.

Application Process

Steps for secondary admissions

1

Inquiry & Application

Inquiries and applications for admission are welcome at any time of the year. Please reach out to Marcomh Department at the school.

2

Admission & Testing

Prospective students are eligible for admission if it is believed by the Head Teacher that the school can meet their particular needs and if there are places available. Admission to the secondary section is non-selective, except for entry into the BMIS High School Diploma programme in Grades 10–12.

Admission to the final year of the IB MYP (Grade 10) and IB Diploma Programme (Grade 12) must allow completion of IBO requirements.

All prospective students undertake entry assessments in English and Mathematics (available remotely upon request).

Additional subject-specific or learning support assessments may be required for entry into Grades 11–12.

Admission decisions are based on test results, reports, references, and discussions with the family.

The Head Teacher reserves the right not to admit a student if a suitable programme is unavailable.

3

Age Guidance

The age of admission for year groups in the school is based on the child’s age on 31st August of the current academic year.

The Head Teacher may allow flexibility of up to one year depending on assessment outcomes.

4

Admission & Placement

Admittance of students who are physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged is at the discretion of the Secondary Head Teacher, guided by the Counselor and Learning Support staff. Students with mild to moderate learning difficulties may be admitted if supported through the Educational Support Programme.

English language learners must take an oral and/or written test. Limited EAL support is available for students with mild to moderate needs. Initial placement is tentative and may be adjusted after closer evaluation by subject teachers.

Class size guideline: Optimum 22, maximum 24 students. In exceptional cases, up to 26 may be approved by the Board of Trustees.

5

Preferential Admission

When classes are full, preferential admission is given to students whose parents are in Lilongwe due to work assignments, such as diplomats, expatriates on TEPs (including BMIS staff), and Malawians transferred from other regions. All applications remain subject to the academic and support criteria stated above.

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