Compare Pearson Edexcel IGCSE International Schools in Switzerland

Industriestrasse 50, 8304 Wallisellen.

All-through school for ages 3 months to 18 years. English is the primary language of instruction; German is taught for all German levels up to G10 with an option to study to G12, and French is compulsory in the middle years with an option to study to G12. The leaving qualifications are iGCSEs and A-Levels.

International day school.

Pupil body represents over 30 nationalities; staff are multicultural.

A strong wellbeing and learning support system is in place; a dedicated learning support team differentiates learning and intervenes to meet individual needs.

School hours are 8:30–15:30 with Enhanced Care from 7:30–18:00.

Lunch Programme is offered.

ISZN is part of the Cognita family of Schools.

ISZN follows the British Curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels. Early Years includes a Dual Language Programme in English and German. Primary School follows the British Curriculum with a German language component and enhanced provision in Mathematics and Literacy through White Rose Maths and Read, Write Inc. The Middle Years Programme leads to IGCSEs in Grades 9-10, followed by Cambridge and Edexcel International A-Levels in Grades 11-12. The school also offers Grade 11 with the Independent Project Qualification (IPQ) and supports a Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Graduation pathways include university study in Switzerland and internationally. English is the primary instruction, with a German curriculum for all German levels (compulsory to G10, with option to G12) and French in the middle years (compulsory with option to G12).

Graduates go on to study at ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, the London School of Economics, and other leading universities worldwide, including institutions in Amsterdam, the USA, the UK and Australia.

Grade Challenge Programmes develop research and critical-thinking skills; the Independent Project Qualification (IPQ) is available after Grade 11; the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered to students.

ISZN has a strong pastoral system to identify hurdles in a student's life at an early stage. Every staff member helps ensure students feel safe and know who to talk to about their feelings. Regular wellbeing check-ins provide insights into how students are doing beyond academic performance. Character education focuses on understanding each student's background, goals and needs. Through a broad range of curricular and co-curricular opportunities, students develop confidence, kindness, respect and resilience. Opportunities include School Council, House Captain, Wellbeing Ambassador and Digital Champion.

Progress of each student is monitored, measured, and evaluated regularly in an age-appropriate way. This allows teachers to differentiate learning in the classroom. The learning support team intervenes in a timely manner when a student requires additional support or an alternative approach to boost learning. Support may involve scaffolding learning or extending challenges, targeting the area of need and building on the student's strengths. The approach aims to enhance the student's learning experience by addressing diverse needs.

ISZN teaches in English and offers EAL lessons as part of the curriculum, in addition to German and French. EAL support helps students access the international curriculum and communicate effectively in class. The Dual Language Programme in Early Years builds strong foundations in English with daily German exposure, supporting communication and belonging. The World Ready framework confirms the multilingual approach and the aim to break down language barriers. This emphasis on language supports opportunities for study and study destinations worldwide.

Wellbeing and Pastoral Care is central to ISZN. The pastoral system is designed to identify hurdles early and support students throughout their school life. All staff work to ensure students feel safe and know who to talk to about their feelings. Regular wellbeing check-ins provide insights into students' wellbeing beyond academic progress. The school fosters a safe, positive atmosphere and emphasizes character development to help students grow resilience and confidence.

Safety and the wellbeing of students is the priority at ISZN. The school follows a range of policies and procedures to ensure a happy, healthy and fulfilling experience for every child. The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedure sets out responsibilities for staff and the steps to report safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy. Staff training covers safeguarding, information sharing, online safety and early help processes. The policy also addresses safeguarding concerns about staff, whistleblowing, and referrals to external agencies when needed.

ISZN has rolling admissions and flexible start dates that allow families to join year-round. 1. Enquire through our website, by phone, email, or in person. 2. Connect via a video call, a campus visit and a taster day to see our students and teachers in action and experience the school's ethos firsthand. 3. Apply by submitting your application through our website. 4. Join with quick, clear communication and a prompt response as we determine the best place for your child within our school community.

IBEXEPTIONAL TALENT SCHOLARSHIP (Athletics) – Basketball. Financial assistance towards school fees, Nike performance kit, full access to facilities including the strength and conditioning centre, weekly conditioning sessions with the Head of Sport, and flexible timetabling to work around training. A commitment to communication between school and external coaches. Access to numerous competitions, including SGIS. How to apply: Students must meet the scholarship criteria; contact admissions@iszn.ch to receive the criteria. The application must include latest two school reports and an application letter and should be sent to admissions@iszn.ch until 12 April 2024.

Park 8, 6039 Root D4, Switzerland. Visit our campus by appointment.

Grades 10–12 (Sophomore, Junior, Senior) with typical ages 15–19. Students can be admitted into Grades 10–12 after Swiss compulsory schooling; ages given are typical examples.

International high school

Accommodations during exams for students with special educational needs, including extra time, computer use, or a scribe; the school supports moderate to mild special educational needs.

British/United Kingdom curriculum; accredited by Pearson Edexcel, AQA, and OxfordAQA.

Lunch options are available at the D4 Business Village canteen and restaurant, with a weekly menu available online.

Founded by Kamran Baig and John Häggström. Kamran Baig is Founding Director. Markus Schmidli serves as External Business Manager; he is Owner and Managing Director of CFO Treuhand AG.

The school follows the British Curriculum, offering IGCSE and A Level qualifications; these are accredited by Pearson Edexcel, AQA, and OxfordAQA and are recognised for university entrance worldwide.

The school has small class sizes.

The school provides pathways to Swiss and international universities. IGCSEs and A Levels, administered by Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OxfordAQA, are accepted by universities worldwide. Swiss university entry can be met through the programme, with typical routes requiring 3 A Levels (grades B, B, and C) and 3 IGCSEs (grade B) in specified subjects.

In-house experts provide academic, personal, social, and emotional guidance to support students' overall development.

The school welcomes students with moderate to mild special educational needs. IGCSE and A-Level courses allow for exam accommodations; each case is evaluated individually to determine the best support.

Targeted English and German language support, together with individualized tutoring and flexible programme design, helps students develop language skills rapidly while pursuing advanced subjects.

Mental wellbeing is supported through holistic guidance from in-house experts addressing academic, personal, social, and emotional needs.

Join Anytime During the Academic Year
Lucerne International School accepts students throughout the school year, with a blended-learning programme that combines in-person classes and online learning materials. Students progress at their own pace, with options for fast-track progress and multiple exam dates.

Next Steps:
1. Schedule a Meeting: Book a face-to-face meeting or call with our Admissions Team to discuss your child's needs and determine the best path for them at Lucerne International School. The meeting helps clarify intake timing and the most suitable programme for your child.
2. Complete the Application: Submit the online application form along with the latest school report and a reference contact. Once submitted, the Admissions Team reviews the information to determine eligibility and next steps.
3. Secure a Spot: A reservation fee of CHF 3,000 is required to secure your child's place at our school. Tuition is structured by programme duration: CHF 36,080 for a one-year programme, CHF 30,250 per year for a two-year programme, CHF 29,100 per year for a three-year programme.

Ready to Learn More?
Click the Admissions FAQs or the Express your interest form to continue.

The City Campus is located in Winterthur, Switzerland, at Grüzefeldstrasse 34, 8400 Winterthur. It is about 20 minutes from Zurich Airport and just under 30 minutes from Zurich city centre.

The school offers International A Levels (upper secondary).

Boarding school.

Switzerland

A typical day starts at 7:15 with breakfast. 8:00–12:00 classes; 12:00–13:00 lunch; 13:00–14:35 classes; 14:35–14:50 afternoon snack; 15:00–16:00 classes; 16:00–17:00 supervised study time; 17:00–18:30 extracurricular activities; 18:30 dinner; 19:30–22:00 supervised study time/leisure (late snack); lights out around 22:00.

En-suite single rooms with their own shower and toilet; individual rooms have connecting doors. Boys and girls are accommodated separately, with a staff member on-site at all times. The City Campus boarding is open 44 weeks per year, closed for six weeks in summer and two weeks over Christmas.

All meals are freshly prepared daily; learners have a healthy and balanced diet.

Partnership with Academia Group and the Swiss Academy Zurich; City Campus located on the WIN4 site in Winterthur.

City Campus offers IGCSE (Years 9–10) and International A Levels (Years 11–12). English is the language of instruction, with all language classes taught by native speakers. Students study three to four subjects in depth, with a core set including English, German, Mathematics, Biology, History and Geography, and electives such as Sports, Art & Design and Life Skills. Teaching is delivered in small classes by teachers from around the world, and a Head of Academics creates tailor-made learning plans while each student has a personal learning coach.

Exams are taken in IGCSE and AS/A Level subjects, with up to three examination sittings per year. The highest IGCSE grade is 8/9 and the highest A Level grade is A & A. Some students have won Pearson Edexcel prizes for top marks in Advanced German, Science, Advanced Maths and English.

University destinations at Switzerland include ETH Zurich, University of St. Gallen, Lausanne Hotel Management, and the Universities of Basel, Bern and Zurich. Worldwide destinations include the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, University of Massachusetts, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Sorbonne Université.

A Head of Academics creates tailor-made learning plans; a personal learning coach supports each student; teaching occurs in small classes and electives such as Sports, Art & Design and Life Skills are offered.

Flexibility and individual support are core at the city campus. Teaching methods encourage learners to reach their full potential. In addition to academic knowledge, personal competencies and learning techniques are taught. Independence is promoted and an environment that enables holistic development is created. Learners study in small classes with experienced teachers and benefit from cutting-edge facilities. The aim is to help learners become well-educated, responsible people who can feel at home anywhere in the world.

The language of instruction is predominantly English. German and English are used for social interactions, and lessons are offered in other languages.

The well-being and health of the young people entrusted to us are top priorities. A family-like atmosphere is maintained and staff are available around the clock, on-site or by telephone. The boarding school also has a security service. If ill, the medBase health centre is located in the neighbouring building, with a GP nearby and Winterthur Cantonal Hospital only 10 minutes away.

The safety and safeguarding framework prioritizes the well-being of learners. Staff are available around the clock, on-site or by telephone, and a security service is in place. Medical facilities are nearby, including the medBase health centre in the neighbouring building, a GP in the vicinity, and Winterthur Cantonal Hospital about 10 minutes away.

1. Contact us for a non-binding consultation by phone, video call, or in person on campus. We admit learners only after an in-person meeting or a successful interview with the Head of School. The consultation helps determine whether Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich is the right choice for your child.

2. If you wish to proceed, fill in the application form we send and return it with the required documents. This starts enrollment and shows your child's profile. We will confirm receipt and note any missing items.

3. Placement tests may be necessary depending on subject choice and prior education. On entry, English language level is generally expected to be B1. If B1 is not yet reached, students can begin with a reduced range of subjects while improving language skills and building vocabulary.

4. An in-person or online interview with the Head of School completes the evaluation. The interview provides an opportunity to learn more about the student and confirm alignment with the program. The outcome is a decision about admission.

5. If accepted, we send the Letter of Acceptance and the contract. We provide all documents needed for the visa application. Visa processing can take up to two months, so plan accordingly.

6. Admission usually occurs in August at the start of the school year. If places are available, admission can occur at other times after consultation with school management. Parents should coordinate with the admissions team to ensure timely enrollment.

Location: Sperlisacher 2, 3075 Rüfenacht, Switzerland. The school sits in the Bern region, in the village of Rüfenacht. It operates as an English-speaking international day school for pupils aged three to eighteen. The address and contact details are provided on the site.

Levels: Early Years (Preschool and Reception), Primary (Key Stages 1 and 2), and Secondary.

The school is a private, English-speaking international day school. It follows the British Curriculum. It is privately owned and woman-owned.

United Kingdom (British curriculum)

The school is a day school.

Rising Stars Extended Day Program provides a light, healthy snack from 15:30 to 17:30. Pupils may also bring their own.

The school is privately owned by Aisha Osman. It is woman-owned.

British School Bern offers three curricula: the British International Curriculum, the American Curriculum, and the Portuguese National Curriculum. Choose from the international British, the US High School, or the Portuguese Secondary curricula to fit your needs. British International Curriculum is accredited by Pearson-Edexcel and includes Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3), International GCSEs, and A-Levels. The American Curriculum is delivered in partnership with Forward International Academy (FIA) and provides a US high school diploma; it is Cognia accredited, recognised by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and carries the College Board code 917141. The Portuguese National Curriculum (Portuguese+) covers Grades 7–12 with pathways in Science and Technology and Social and Economic Sciences; instruction is entirely in Portuguese, and students can combine it with International GCSEs and A-Levels.

Maximum of 15 students per teacher; small classroom sizes.

Internationally recognised education with access to all major universities.

Flexible subject choices and the Unique Pathway accelerated university program through Brave Generation Academy; Upper Secondary offers 16 iGCSE and 12 iA-Level subjects.

Every child is valued in a welcoming, inclusive community. The school provides an education while nurturing social, emotional, physical, and creative growth. The core values are communication, respect, integrity, responsibility, resilience, and empathy. The mission aims to spark curiosity, empower students, and cultivate compassionate, well-rounded individuals who can make a positive impact. The learning environment promotes teamwork, a sense of community, and social and emotional well-being across all year groups.

The school acknowledges that some students may have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). The school is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students receive a high-quality education in a supportive, safe, and respectful setting. Communication with families, such as parent–teacher conferences, helps tailor support to individual needs. The curriculum is flexible and designed to cater to each student's needs.

Dive into English offers English language classes for students not currently enrolled at the school. The sessions take place on Wednesday afternoons from 13:30 to 15:00. The program is engaging and interactive. Fees are charged per term, including a CHF 50 non-refundable registration fee; Term 1 CHF 450; Term 2 CHF 390; Term 3 CHF 250.

The school's mission is to nurture the mind, body, and well-being. It emphasizes self-worth, respect, and a sense of community, and the environment promotes inclusion, teamwork, and healthy relationships that support mental well-being. Staff use care and respect to help students grow into confident, well-rounded individuals. The approach includes fostering curiosity and resilience as part of a holistic view of well-being.

1. Reach out to the admissions team for guidance. They provide guidance on the enrollment process. They help plan the next steps. This initial contact starts the journey toward enrollment.
2. Schedule a visit to explore our campus and programs. The visit allows you to see the campus and learn about the programs. Staff are available to answer questions during the visit. The visit helps determine if the school is a good fit for your child.
3. Complete the admission form to apply. The form begins the application process. It collects essential information about the child and family. The completed form starts the evaluation of the application.
4. Submit the application and pay the administrative fee. The application will be reviewed after submission and the payment of the administrative fee. The review assesses the information provided in the form. The review leads to the next steps in the process.
5. You'll be warmly welcomed into our community and introduced to the class teacher, principal, and staff. The welcome connects you with the key members of the school. You begin your life as part of the British School Bern community.