Our history

Where it all started

In recent years, Bodø has experienced an increasing international presence, coupled with a growing need to remain attractive to families from around the globe. Although the idea for its establishment emerged as early as 2020, it wasn’t until 2023 that Bodø International School took shape and received approval from the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training to provide private education.

Bodø International School was established by two founders - the Bodø Region Development Company (BRUS) and Bodø Business Forum to address a critical need arising from the region's economic and demographic landscape and to enhance its appeal to international families.

Bodø International School opened August 2025.

Growing international community

Ambitions in Bodø Municipality

The ambitions of Bodø Municipality, particularly regarding the development of the new Bodø airport and urban expansion in the same area, along with the need for a more strategic shift towards international recruitment, are elevating Bodø to a new level of opportunities.

Relying solely on domestic talent to move to Bodø will not suffice to meet these growth plans, especially with the rising international culture in the city.

Recruitements of specialist and experts to the region

Nordland Hospital has a continuous need for recruiting medical specialists and, in recent years, has welcomed professionals from multiple nationalities. Feedback has indicated that the absence of an international school is a barrier for some. Professionals often prioritize locations where international schooling options are available for their families, putting regions like Bodø at a disadvantage in retaining talent.

Both Nord University and the University of Tromsø emphasize the critical importance of an international school in their efforts to recruit professors and other academic professionals, along with their families. They are therefore highly supportive of the establishment of Bodø International School.

International workforce all over

Across various sectors and industries, there is a pronounced shortage of workforce possessing the requisite expertise. Statistics from NAV in the fall of 2023 indicate that Nordland alone could potentially employ an additional 4500 individuals if the right skills. This shortage is particularly acute in fields requiring specialized knowledge. 

With Bodø city boasting some of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 1.3% and 1.7% respectively in Nordland county, the pressing challenge lies in the scarcity of skilled international forces.

Why a privat international School? 

Although existing legislation does not allow for the establishment of international schools under public auspices, there is a strong and coordinated effort among businesses and community leaders to establish Bodø International School. This initiative aims to ensure that Bodø remains an attractive destination for international talent and families.

The importance of an international school goes beyond economic considerations; it facilitates smooth relocations to Bodø by offering continuity in education for students from IB schools worldwide. Additionally, it significantly enhances the quality of life and helps retain the population in the region, fostering community vitality and cohesion.

Sponsors and partners

  • SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge contributed 3 million NOK through the Samfunnsløftet-initiative to support the startup- and establishment phase of Bodø International School.

    Recognizing the significance and demand for an international school in Nordland County, the bank emphasizes its commitment to this educational initiative for making Northern Norway attractive for all.

  • Bodø Business Forum is providing capital to secure the startup phase, leveraging its strength in the local business community with 570 member companies, and as the founding entity of Bodø International School – a mandate entrusted to them by their members.

    The funds will contribute to securing financing for critical investments.

  • BRUS - Bodø Region Development Company contributes resources and management expertise to ensure the startup and establishment phase.

    With 47 owners and a clear mandate recognizing the need for an international school, BRUS is one of the founding entities of Bodø International School.

    They commit specific resources and funds towards its realization, laying the foundation for the project.

Strong Community Backing:

Bodø Municipality

Nordland County Municipality

Nordkontakt

NNL

High North Center

Innovasjon Norge

Parkenfestivalen

JB Reklame

Nordlandsforskning

Nord University

Essensi

Nordland Betong

Vartdal Plast

Dahl Fiskeri

Gnist Arkitekter

Storvik Salong

Møllefoss

Indira Bodø AS

Rambøll Norge, avd. Bodø

Starco Nord-Norge

University of Tromsø

Østbø

Indre Salten Energi

Nexans Rognan

Elkem Salten

Fauske Business Forum

FK Bodø/Glimt

Bodø Municipality Nordland County Municipality Nordkontakt NNL High North Center Innovasjon Norge Parkenfestivalen JB Reklame Nordlandsforskning Nord University Essensi Nordland Betong Vartdal Plast Dahl Fiskeri Gnist Arkitekter Storvik Salong Møllefoss Indira Bodø AS Rambøll Norge, avd. Bodø Starco Nord-Norge University of Tromsø Østbø Indre Salten Energi Nexans Rognan Elkem Salten Fauske Business Forum FK Bodø/Glimt