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Strengths Languages, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Introduction
Italian Bilingual School is an independent primary school delivering the New South Wales curriculum in two languages, English and Italian, for children from Preps to Year 6. The bilingual program builds cultural awareness and literacy across both languages, with teachers assigned to a single language in each class. English and Mathematics are taught in English, while other Key Learning Areas are taught in Italian with content linked to the English program. The 'one teacher, one language' model supports bilingual learning and reflects Australian and Italian cultures. The school operates the Mamma Lena and Dino Gustin Innovation Centre, which houses a radio station and a film studio to develop language skills and technical capabilities. An Out of School Hours program is provided in English and Italian, giving families flexible care and opportunities to practice language use beyond the classroom. The school emphasizes community involvement and supports families new to bilingual education.
Meadowbank, Sydney, New South Wales 2114. The school is located at 30-32 See Street, Meadowbank 2114. Meadowbank is a suburb of Sydney. The area is served by local transport links.
Stages
Kindergarten to Year 6 (K–6), primary level.
Type
Independent primary school.
Religious affiliation
non-denominational
School day structure
9:00am–3:15pm
Fees
Application & enrolment fees - A non-refundable enrolment/application fee of AUD 750 is payable for each new enrolment (Preps and K–6).
Security bond (held in trust) — per student - Preps security bond: AUD 1,200. - Domestic (Kindergarten–Year 2) security bond: AUD 3,338 (the security bond is equivalent to one term's fees for K–2). - Domestic (Years 3–6) security bond: AUD 3,460 (the security bond is equivalent to one term's fees for Years 3–6). - Overseas students (K–6) security bond: AUD 3,937.50.
Tax-deductible voluntary building fund - A voluntary, tax-deductible Building Fund contribution of AUD 700 per student.
Tuition fees — domestic students (full-year and per-term) - Kindergarten to Year 2 (domestic): Tuition per annum AUD 13,354; one term's fee (security bond) AUD 3,338. - Years 3 to 6 (domestic): Tuition per annum AUD 13,840; one term's fee (security bond) AUD 3,460.
Tuition fees — overseas (international) students - Overseas student tuition per annum (K–6 examples shown): AUD 15,750; overseas student security bond AUD 3,937.50. Preps for overseas students are charged at AUD 120 per day.
Preps program (school-based Preps) — billing and fees - Daily tuition cost for the Preps program: AUD 120 per day. Families are invoiced each fortnight and payments are required by Direct Debit. Preps enrolment fee AUD 750 and Preps security bond AUD 1,200 apply; the Building Fund policy applies. A minimum of three months (one term) written notice is required for withdrawal or reduction of days. Failure to give required notice will result in one term's tuition being charged.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Two main payment options for K–6 tuition: - Full payment of the yearly fee in advance (a 2% discount applied in 2026). - Payment by 21 equal direct-debited instalments (Direct Debit is the instalment method specified). - Sibling discounts: 10% for the second sibling (K–6 base fee), 15% for the third sibling, and 20% for the fourth sibling. - Preps families are invoiced fortnightly and must pay by Direct Debit. - Late or overdue fees incur a penalty of 5%; persistent non-payment may jeopardise enrolment.
Withdrawal and refund rules - The enrolment/application fee (AUD 750) is non-refundable. Security bonds are held in trust and are returned to families on request when a student leaves the school and all accounts have been settled. A minimum of three months' (one term's) written notice is required for withdrawal; failure to provide this notice results in one term's tuition being invoiced.
Other costs and regular ancillary charges - Voluntary Building Fund contribution: AUD 700 (tax-deductible). - Out-of-school-hours-care (OOSH) and before/after-school care are offered; fees for these services are charged separately through the OOSH program and may vary by session. - School uniform: the school enforces a compulsory uniform; uniform items and costs are charged separately.
Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; the Italian Bilingual School is a Preps to Year 6 primary day school.
Fee payment options and accepted methods - Direct Debit is the specified method for instalments and Preps payments; full-year payments are accepted and attract the upfront discount in 2026. Payments for enrolment and other charges are processed through the school's administration (payments are directed to the school's main office). Specific card or bank transfer methods are not listed in the fee schedules; Direct Debit is explicitly required for instalment plans and Preps invoicing.
Academics
Curriculum
IBS delivers the NSW curriculum in two languages, English and Italian, for children from Preps to Year 6. The bilingual curriculum develops cultural awareness and literacy in two languages and is designed around the principle that teachers work with a language assigned to their instruction in the classroom. English and Mathematics are taught in English, while other Key Learning Areas are taught in Italian with content linked to the English programs. The 'one teacher, one language' approach enables bilingual learning and reflects Australian and Italian cultures. The school operates the Mamma Lena and Dino Gustin Innovation Centre, housing a radio station and film studio to develop language skills and technical capabilities. An Out of School Hours program is provided in English and Italian.
Student Teacher Ratio
Total enrolments were 132 (27 Preps and 105 K-6). Total teaching staff were 12 (4 full-time, 8 part-time). This yields an approximate student–teacher ratio of 11:1.
Exam Results
NAPLAN results for Year 3 and Year 5 in 2024 were excellent, with performance well above the national average in all tested areas. NAPLAN participation was 100%. ICAS results in 2024 showed IBS students participating and achieving good results. CILS results in 2024 ranged from 80% to 95% accuracy across skills tested. The CLI-IBS language test, created and trialed by IBS teachers to monitor progress in Italian as a second language, is used to inform teaching.
Wellbeing
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
NSW curriculum delivered in two languages: English and Italian.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Open Day is held at the beginning of each term to promote IBS to the community. Parents may arrange a meeting with the Executive or Deputy Principal. During this contact, they receive an enrolment package to review and discuss questions. 2. Enrolment criteria are equitable, open and non-discriminatory; geographic boundaries are not considered. Applications are processed in order of receipt, with possible weight given to siblings or other school-determined criteria. Language competence in English or Italian is not a prerequisite. 3. Children who turn five by 31 July are eligible for Kindergarten, subject to readiness attested by Preps teachers. Non-Australian citizens with a valid visa are welcome to enrol, though some visa types may attract additional fees. The enrolment package outlines required documents and initial payments. 4. An interview with the Executive/Deputy Principal and a preliminary teacher assessment may occur to gauge readiness and bilingual awareness. Following a brief introduction and a school tour, parents are provided with an enrolment package. 5. Parents complete enrolment forms and attach documents (birth certificate and visa where applicable, immunisation, media consent, local outings) and return them to the school. Fees are paid by Direct Debit. The school notifies families in writing of the outcome; a letter of acceptance is issued when a place is offered. 6. At acceptance, the student may commence attendance at IBS. A Student Code of Conduct is signed annually and stored in the student file. The school maintains a Register of Enrolments for at least five years. 7. Enrolment of students with special needs follows a four-step process: initial interview; information gathering and planning; enrolment decision; and post-decision actions. The school considers availability of support services, whether an appropriate educational program can be provided, and the welfare of other students. All decisions are made by the Executive Principal and the Co.As.It. Board.
Waitlist
Waiting lists may be used. Precedence may be given to students attending the Preps program; attending Preps does not automatically guarantee a place.
FAQs
What year levels does the Italian Bilingual School offer?
IBS offers Kindergarten to Year 6 as an independent primary school. The Preps programme also serves younger children preparing for school entry.
How does the bilingual programme work?
English and Mathematics are taught in English, while other Key Learning Areas are taught in Italian. A one teacher, one language model ensures clear language separation, with each class having dedicated English and Italian teachers.
Does my child need to speak Italian?
No, prior Italian knowledge is not required. The bilingual programme builds Italian proficiency from the start through content-integrated instruction across the NSW curriculum.
What are the tuition fees?
Annual tuition is approximately AUD 13,352 for K-2 and AUD 13,840 for Years 3-6. There is a AUD 750 non-refundable enrolment fee and a security bond equivalent to one term's fees.
What are the academic results?
2024 NAPLAN results for Year 3 and Year 5 were excellent, well above the national average in all tested areas with 100% participation. Students also achieved 80-95% accuracy in CILS Italian proficiency tests.
Where is the school located?
IBS is located at 30-32 See Street, Meadowbank, NSW 2114, in Sydney. The suburban location is well served by local transport links.
What are the school hours?
School hours are 9:00am to 3:15pm. The school follows the NSW curriculum framework for primary education.
Who operates the school?
IBS is operated by Co.As.It. (Italian Association of Assistance) and governed by the Co.As.It. Board of Directors. The Executive Principal makes enrolment decisions in conjunction with the Board.
How do I apply?
Attend an Open Day held at the beginning of each term, meet the principal, and receive an enrolment package. Submit the application with the AUD 750 fee. A waitlist may apply.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
The approximate ratio is 11:1 with 132 students and 12 teaching staff. The bilingual model means students benefit from both English and Italian specialist teachers.
Is the school religious?
IBS is non-denominational. The school welcomes families from all backgrounds and focuses on bilingual Italian-English education and cultural awareness.
Does attending Preps guarantee K entry?
No, attending the Preps programme does not automatically guarantee a Kindergarten place. However, Preps students may receive precedence when places are allocated.
