Welcome to Northgate International School
futures through the gold standard of British education in the heart of New Cairo.
About Northgate International School
Building on a proven legacy of academic excellence, strong values, and student-centered education, NorthGate extends the Ethos philosophy to serve the growing communities of New Cairo and the surrounding areas. The school combines the experience, leadership, and established systems of Ethos with a fresh environment designed for future-focused learning.
Our Mission
To provide high-quality education that inspires curiosity, builds character, and empowers students to reach their full potential in a nurturing and innovative learning environment.
Our Vision
To be a leading international school that prepares confident, responsible, and globally minded students ready to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Welcome Message
It is with great pride and genuine excitement that I welcome you to Northgate International School—a place where a strong legacy meets a bold vision for the future.
As a returning member of the Ethos community, it is both an honour and a privilege to lead Northgate as its Head Teacher. With over 21 years of experience in teaching and leadership across Canada and Egypt, I bring a deep commitment to academic excellence, student well being, and the development of confident, ethical young individuals. Continuing the Ethos legacy through Northgate is a journey I hold close to my heart.
At Northgate, we are proud to offer a unique educational experience that blends the strength of the British National Curriculum with a rich appreciation of Egyptian heritage and values.
At the heart of our philosophy every child should be empowered to be their best self. We nurture an inclusive environment where students feel valued, inspired, and ready to make a positive impact. We cultivate creative, independent, and compassionate individuals—fostering not just academic excellence, but character, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
I understand that choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. At Northgate, we are committed to working in partnership with you to ensure the highest standards for your children—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Thank you for placing your trust in us and for being part of this exciting journey. I look forward to welcoming you and your children into our community and to seeing them flourish in every way.
Warm regards,
Sandra Dorbok
Head Teacher
Northgate International School
why Choose Northgate
Purpose-built systems, experienced leadership, and a nurturing learning environment ensure that every student is supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. NorthGate reflects Ethos’ enduring belief that meaningful education shapes not only successful students, but responsible citizens and future leaders.
British Excellence
Gold-standard curriculum recognized by the world's top universities and employers.
Character First
Integrating moral values and soft skills into every aspect of our learning environment.
Expert Educator
A world-class faculty of certified teachers dedicated to student inspiration and success.
Global Citizens
Fostering a global outlook while maintaining a strong connection to local cultural identity.
Powered By
Ethos for Educational Services
With more than 15 years of educational leadership in Egypt, Ethos for Educational Services proudly introduces NorthGate International School in East Cairo — the next chapter in the journey that began with Ethos International School.
Our Core Values
Respect
We show respect through embodying attitudes of tolerance, empathy, inclusivity, and appreciation. We value the diverse perspectives, while recognizing the intrinsic worth of each individual.
Caring
We demonstrate caring by practicing empathy, kindness, and citizenship in our interactions. We cultivate global awareness by advocating for positive change on a broader scale.
Integrity
We demonstrate integrity by consistently embodying honesty, fairness, and ethical decision-making in our actions and interactions. We uphold these values by maintaining truthfulness and making principled choices.
Pursuing Excellence
We show the pursuit of excellence by striving for our goals with perseverance, leading by example, bouncing back from setbacks with resilience, continuously expanding our knowledge, and approaching challenges with creativity.
Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continuous improvement by assuming responsibility for our actions. Through collaboration and teamwork, we leverage diverse perspectives and skills, fostering an environment where ongoing enhancement is valued and pursued diligently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What curriculum does Northgate follow?
A: Northgate follows the UK National Curriculum of England, leading to IGCSE qualifications in Years 10-11. We are a candidate school for Cambridge International Assessment, Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA examinations. Our curriculum is enriched with Egyptian culture and a global perspective.
Q1: What curriculum does Northgate follow?
A: Northgate follows the UK National Curriculum of England, leading to IGCSE qualifications in Years 10-11. We are a candidate school for Cambridge International Assessment, Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA examinations. Our curriculum is enriched with Egyptian culture and a global perspective.
Q2: What is the Character Education Programme?
A: Our Character Education Programme integrates values-based learning into daily school life. We focus on five core values: Respect, Caring, Integrity, Pursuing Excellence, and Continuous Improvement. These values are woven into lessons, assemblies, and school activities to develop ethical, responsible global citizens.
Q3: Does Northgate follow a textbook-based approach?
A: No, we use a variety of teaching resources including textbooks, digital materials, hands-on activities, and real-world projects. Our approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and practical application rather than rote memorization.
Q4: What is the homework policy?
A: Homework is assigned to reinforce classroom learning and develop independent study skills. The amount varies by year group:
- Foundation Stage: Reading and simple activities
- Primary (Years 1-6): 20-40 minutes daily
- Senior (Years 7-9): 45-60 minutes daily
- Upper Secondary (Years 10-12): 1-2 hours daily
Q5: Does Northgate accept students with learning difficulties?
A: Yes, we have a dedicated Learning Support department that provides individualized support for students with mild learning difficulties. Services include in-class support, small group interventions, one-on-one sessions, and exam accommodations where appropriate. Please contact us to discuss your child’s specific needs.
Q6: What languages are taught at Northgate?
A: English is the primary language of instruction. Arabic is taught daily following the Egyptian Ministry of Education curriculum. French is introduced from Year 3 as a Modern Foreign Language. Our bilingual approach ensures students maintain their cultural identity while becoming fluent in English.
Q1: What are the school hours?
A: School hours are from 7:35 AM to 3:10 PM, Sunday through Thursday. Gates open at 7:00 AM for early drop-off. After-school activities run from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM. The academic year consists of approximately 175 school days from September to June.
Q2: Does Northgate offer after-school activities?
A: Yes, we offer a wide range of after-school activities through our Nine Yards program, including:
- Sports (football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics)
- Arts (drawing, painting, music, drama)
- Academics (coding, robotics, debate, science club)
- Life skills (cooking, gardening, crafts) Activities vary by term and age group.
Q3: What is the school uniform?
A: Our uniform consists of:
- Navy blue polo shirts or blouses
- Dark grey trousers, skirts, or shorts
- Navy blue sweaters or cardigans
- Black closed-toe shoes
- White socks or navy tights Specific PE uniforms are required for sports days. Uniforms can be purchased from our approved supplier.
Q4: Are meals provided at school?
A: Yes, we have a cafeteria that serves nutritious, balanced meals prepared fresh daily. Foundation Stage to Year 2 students follow a set meal plan. Year 3+ students can purchase from the cafeteria menu, which includes healthy options, vegetarian choices, and sugar-free snacks.
Q5: What facilities does the campus offer?
A: Our 14,000 m² campus in Kayan City, New Cairo features:
- 52 modern classrooms with interactive smartboards
- Science laboratories (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- 3 computer labs with latest technology
- Comprehensive library with English and Arabic collections
- Cafeteria serving 600-750 meals daily
- Swimming pool
- Multi-purpose sports courts
- Full-size football field
- Gymnastics hall
- Health clinic with on-site physician
Q6: Does Northgate provide bus services?
A: Yes, we offer safe and reliable bus transportation to various areas including:
- Madinaty, Sherouk, Rehab
- New Cairo, New Capital
- Maadi, Nasr City
- Garden City, Heliopolis Bus routes are assigned based on location and availability. All buses are equipped with seat belts and GPS tracking.
Q7: What is the class capacity?
A: Class sizes are kept small to ensure personalized attention:
- Foundation Stage (FS1-FS2): 22-23 students per class
- Primary (Years 1-6): Up to 25 students per class
- Senior (Years 7-12): Up to 25 students per class Each class has a dedicated class teacher and support staff where needed.
Q8: When does the school year begin and end?
A: The academic year follows this schedule:
- Term 1: Early September – Mid December
- Winter Break: Mid December – Early January
- Term 2: Early January – Late March
- Spring Break: Late March – Early April
- Term 3: Early April – Late June The school year consists of approximately 175 instructional days.
Q7: What curriculum does Northgate follow?
A: Northgate follows the UK National Curriculum of England, leading to IGCSE qualifications in Years 10-11. We are a candidate school for Cambridge International Assessment, Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA examinations. Our curriculum is enriched with Egyptian culture and a global perspective.
Q1: Which areas does the school bus cover?
A: Our bus service covers the following areas:
- Madinaty, Sherouk, Rehab
- New Cairo (Fifth Settlement, First Settlement)
- New Administrative Capital
- Maadi, Nasr City
- Garden City, Heliopolis If your area is not listed, please contact us to discuss possible arrangements.
Q2: How do I apply for bus service?
A: You can apply for bus service during the admissions process or by contacting our administration office at any time. Bus routes are assigned based on your location and seat availability. We recommend applying early as popular routes fill quickly.
Q3: Are there seat belts on the buses?
A: Yes, all our school buses are equipped with seat belts for every seat. Buses are regularly maintained and inspected to ensure student safety. Each bus has a trained attendant who ensures students are properly seated and secured during transit.