Modern English School Cairo

Here’s a comprehensive overview of Modern English School Cairo (MES Cairo), a long-standing British-curriculum international school in Egypt:

🎓 Summary & Identity

• Founded in 1990 with just 26 students, MES Cairo now serves over 2,400 pupils aged 3–18 in New Cairo via a single modern campus.

• It is co‑educational, non‑religious, and provides British, American (High School Diploma/AP), and IB Diploma pathways from secondary level onwards

📚 Curriculum & Accreditation

• In Primary, the British National Curriculum is taught alongside French, Arabic, and Religious Studies.

• Secondary options include:

  • A British route: condensed Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8), IGCSE (Y9–10), A‑Levels (Y11–12)

  • An American route: Middle and High School Diploma with Advanced Placement courses

  • The IB Diploma Programme (Y11–12).

• MES holds Outstanding BSO status (Feb–Mar 2025 inspection), and is accredited by COBIS, BSME, CIS, MSA, and recognized as an IB World School since 2006 

🏫 Campus & Facilities

• Located on a leafy 32,500 m² campus in New Cairo, the school features architecturally inviting facilities, green spaces, an eco‑garden, and fish pond—fostering a family-like, serene learning environment 

• Specialist spaces include science and design‑tech labs, art/music studios, a theatre seating ~400, three libraries, and multipurpose halls

• The sports infrastructure includes two heated pools, a full-size football pitch, athletics track, indoor and outdoor courts, a gym, and fitness/dance studios

🌍 Ethos & Learning Culture

• MES operates around the mission: “Leadership through Education: Care, Challenge, Inspire.” They emphasize mutual respect, international-mindedness, and balanced cultural identity rooted in both Arab and global traditions 

• The school promotes character development alongside academics, preparing students to be independent, confident global citizens.

🛠️ Extracurricular & Student Life

• A full ECA programme includes drama, music, Model UN, sports, student leadership, and sustainability initiatives—many of which receive public and critical praise 

• Students routinely participate in sports competitions, community events, and theatrical showcases, reinforcing both team and individual growth.

👍 Pros & Considerations

🗣️ Staff Community Feedback

Feedback from teaching staff on forums like Reddit is notably candid, though mixed:

“They are not a school—they are a business… decisions made at the expense of staff and students.”
Over multiple years, staff turnover is high and contracts are hard to leave early Reddit+1Reddit+1.

However, some former staff note:

“All pay/benefits will be on time… easy to live off 30% salary paid in EGP; save 70% in USD/GBP… facilities are decent to very good… supportive induction process.”
Yet they warn that student behavior can be challenging and large cohorts require strong classroom management Reddit+10Reddit+10Reddit+10.

💰 Fees & Admissions

• Annual tuition (from 2024–25 sources) ranges roughly EG£ 119,000–185,000 depending on age and curriculum track 

• Admission typically includes document review, placement testing (English/Maths), and a virtual/in‑person interview.

📝 Final Thoughts

Modern English School Cairo combines high academic standards, broad curriculum pathways, and excellent facilities in New Cairo. It's particularly well-suited to families seeking A‑Levels or IB with a British ethos and a campus-oriented experience.

That said, prospective staff and families often note issues with student discipline, administrative consistency, and teacher turnover—especially in secondary. It’s a school with strong external reputational credentials but one where firsthand exploration, parent visits, and speaking with current families are advised.