Galaxy International School, Almaty
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$11K - US$13K
Curriculum: British · IGCSE · A-Levels
Age Range: 5-18
Students: ~415
Location: Bostandyk, Almaty
Updated April 2026
In Brief
Galaxy is worth considering if you want a Cambridge school with smaller fees than Haileybury and a less pressured environment. It is a working school rather than a prestige brand, so go in with open eyes - ask about teacher continuity and A-Level cohort sizes before committing.
Galaxy International School sits in Microdistrict 4, in the Bostandyk area of Almaty - a residential neighbourhood away from the Al-Farabi corridor where most of the city's flagship schools operate. At 415 students from 27 nationalities, it is a mid-sized Cambridge school: COBIS member, CIS member, and Cambridge International authorised, with IGCSE through to A-Levels across years K3 to 12. The school also holds UNESCO associate status. Director Bakhtiyor Ermetov leads a team of 66 teachers, with a maximum class size of 22 and an average closer to 20.
Cambridge Checkpoint results sit above the international average in Mathematics and English, which is the clearest academic benchmark the school publishes. A-Level and IGCSE cohorts are small - four to five students per year reach A or A* grades - which is what you would expect at a school of this size. Additional languages on offer include Turkish, German, Korean, Russian, and Kazakh. There is a dedicated school bus service (operated by a third-party), and the school runs extracurriculars across sport, art, and academic competition. Parent feedback on the school website consistently praises the teaching staff and the supportive atmosphere.
Fees run from KZT 5,040,000 for K3 to KZT 5,710,000 for Grades 11-12, making it one of the more affordable Cambridge options in Almaty. The one-time admission fee is a nominal KZT 10,000. The low entry cost is appealing, but the small A-Level cohort means limited subject choice compared with Haileybury. Teacher retention and school organisation are worth raising directly at an open day.
What parents value
- –COBIS member and CIS member with Cambridge International authorisation. Checkpoint results above the international average in Mathematics and English give a credible academic baseline.
- –Fees are among the lowest for a Cambridge-pathway school in Almaty, with a nominal KZT 10,000 admission fee. The gap versus Haileybury's equivalent year groups is substantial.
- –Twenty-seven nationalities represented in a 415-student school, with around 30 percent international students. Class sizes cap at 22 with teaching assistants in each class.
Points of consideration
- –A-Level and IGCSE cohorts are small. Four to five students per year achieving A/A* grades reflects a limited subject offering at sixth form - confirm which A-Level subjects are available before assuming the same breadth as Haileybury.
- –Teacher stability and school organisation are worth asking about at an open day. Go in with specific questions about average teacher tenure and turnover in the past academic year.
- –The Microdistrict 4 location suits families based in Bostandyk or the western districts. For those near Al-Farabi, Medeu, or the city centre, the commute adds time; confirm transport routes with the school.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| K3 | 5 | NaN |
| Grades 1-5 | 6 | NaN |
| Grades 6-8 | 11 | NaN |
| Grades 9-10 | 14 | NaN |
| Grades 11-12 (A-Levels) | 16 | NaN |
Fees converted from KZT. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | NaN |
Academic Results
| Accreditation | COBIS, CIS member |
| Checkpoint results | Above international average in Mathematics and English |
Key results: Accreditation COBIS, CIS member, Checkpoint results Above international average in Mathematics and English.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's age group.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Almaty's international schools draw a mix of corporate-package families, diplomatic staff, and locally-based families seeking an English-medium education. Contact the school for current enrolment breakdown.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.