Denmark, Copenhagen
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Rygaards International School is a co-educational school in Denmark offering an English-language curriculum for students aged 4 to 16. In the Primary School, pupils follow the English National Curriculum with a Cambridge framework for English, Maths and Science, alongside Danish language outcomes and Danish as a Second Language. In the Secondary School, students study a broad subject-by-subject programme, moving to IGCSE/GCSE courses such as English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, German and Spanish, with additional options including Global Perspective and GCSE Astronomy. Danish language strands run throughout the curriculum. The school traces its roots to 1909 and now welcomes over 1,000 students from around 80 nationalities, offering a Learning Resource Center, two science laboratories, two art rooms, two music rooms, and dual gymnasiums on a campus. Extracurriculars include Scenekunst, Robotics and Debate clubs, Duke of Edinburgh programme, and well-being framework recognized with the WAS award in 2024.
Bernstorffsvej 54, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
Rygaards International School has 1,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.
Bernstorffsvej 54, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark. The school is in the Hellerup area just north of central Copenhagen.
Two departments under one roof: Rygaards Danske Skole and Rygaards International School. The international department educates pupils from 4 to 16 years old using the English curriculum.
Private, Christian/Catholic, co-educational.
Special service unit provides additional learning support.
Denmark
Catholic
Annual tuition at Rygaards International School ranges from DKK 42,350 to DKK 53,075 for 2026/27.
Rygaards International School teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE for students aged 4 to 16.
Rygaards International School offers the English National Curriculum in the Primary School, with a Cambridge framework used for English, Maths and Science. The Primary Curriculum includes Danish language outcomes and Danish as a Second Language, alongside Danish fællesmål components. In the Secondary School, students follow a broad, subject-by-subject programme with a Year 7 Curriculum 2025–2026 and IGCSE/GCSE courses such as English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, German and Spanish, plus options like Global Perspective and GCSE Astronomy. A Danish language strand and related Danish language outcomes are integrated across the curriculum.
IGCSE results are consistently strong. In 2025, 100% of students achieved A-C with 52% of grades at A-A; 96% of English as a First Language entries were A-C and 75% in Maths were A-C, with 95% achieving 5 IGCSE grades at A-C. In 2024, 100% of students achieved A-C; 57% were A-A; 97% of English First Language were A-C and 91% of Maths were A-C; 87% achieved 5 IGCSE grades at A-C. The data show a consistent pattern of A-C outcomes across years (2018–2025) with substantial proportions of A-A grades in English and strong Maths results.
The STEM Talent Programme is offered for students in the Danish department. The Duke of Edinburgh's Programme is also offered, and Rygaards is among the Danish schools providing this programme.
The school fosters social and emotional development through a caring, supportive atmosphere with strong emphasis on personal development and community, supported by a leadership team and pastoral care practices.
The school serves a diverse student body and provides structured support within its international and Danish school model; details on specific SEN provisions are not listed here.
The school employs native English-speaking teachers for the International Department and native speaker teachers for French and German, supporting language development across the curriculum.
Pastoral care and a supportive learning environment are prioritized to support students' mental wellbeing, with ongoing emphasis on ethical awareness and responsibility.
The school operates with a structured, caring environment and conducts regular safeguarding practices as part of its inclusive community.
Book a tour of Rygaards International School to learn about the curriculum and facilities. The Admissions Office can clarify questions you have about the school. Tours can be scheduled via the Schedule a Tour link on the admissions page. The curriculum is based on the English curriculum for 4 to 16 year olds, and native English-speaking teachers support instruction. Registration of Interest is the first step for applications to inquire about availability and to agree to the Admissions Policy and Financial Regulations. The form requires agreeing to the stated terms and conditions and is used to sign up for the international school; the Admissions Policy, Process and Priority can be read via the link provided. For any questions, contact the Admissions Office. Entrance tests are required and are aligned with the child's year group. The entrance test process is explained below.
Friplads offers a possibility to apply for a fripladstilskud (fee subsidy) at Rygaards Skole. The subsidy is allocated according to the Fordelingsekretariatets income criteria and the number of children. The application form can be obtained from the school office and is available from roughly the end of May to August 31. Approved subsidies are deducted from school fees from February to June. The application form should be returned to the school office by August 31.
Admission priorities place pupils into four groups in this order: Group 1 children of international families where one or both parents have recently come to Denmark to work with Danish or international organizations; Group 2 children of international families where one or both parents have come to Denmark to work in Danish or international organizations and their children are now of school age; Group 3 children whose international employee parents wish to move from another international school in Denmark; Group 4 Danish children or children whose parents are Danes working outside Denmark, with a permanent workplace outside Denmark in the last year. The waiting pool is not first-come, first-served. When a place cannot be offered, applicants are placed in a waiting pool within their group and will be contacted if a place becomes available. Siblings are given priority only within a given group and cannot move up groups. The offer of a place is always subject to testing.