Frequently Asked Questions

We accept applications throughout the year; there is no deadline to submit an application. Once you know you are moving to Basel, we strongly suggest that applications be submitted. Our classes do fill up and it is best to avoid a waiting list situation.

The average class size at International School Basel varies along our grades. See below the number of students per class on each Division.

In Junior School

• Early Childhood 1: up to 16 students
• Early Childhood 2 – 3: up to 18 students
• Grade 1 – 2: up to 20 students

• Grade 3 – 5: up to 22 students

In Middle & Senior School

• Grade 6 – 12: up to 24 students

Children can join our school when they turn three (3) years old if they are toilet trained. As a rolling admissions school, we have many children joining us throughout the year once they turn three.

German is taught as a second language. German lessons are compulsory for all students from Early Childhood. The frequency of the lessons depends on the grade level. For more information, please visit the appropriate school section under Learn.

Yes, Swiss universities generally accept the IB Diploma offered by ISB as a valid university entrance qualification. Indeed, Switzerland was the third largest University destination by our Class of 2024 (10% of graduates), after the UK (36%) and The Netherlands (29%).

Specific IB recognition criteria vary between institutions and programs, and can include minimum score requirements, specific subjects and levels, and/or proficiency in the language of instructions. Check the link below to find out the specific criteria in each university.

IB Recognition Criteria in Switzerland

ISB has a dedicated team of University Counsellors who provide individual advice to each student about the required subjects and levels required in the university of their choice, whether in Switzerland or anywhere in the Word. This ensures that student in the final years of their IB programme  choose the right courses to apply to their preferred university.

Study in Switzerland

Higher Education Programmes in Switzerland

The After School Programme for Inspiration, Recreation and Enrichment (ASPIRE) provided by International School Basel supports young students and their parents after the school day has ended and during extended school holidays.

Learn more about ASPIRE

At ISB, we follow the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB), which requires schools to ensure that students:

• Understand what is expected of them
• Receive clear feedback on their progress
• Know what steps to take to improve

Our ISB Assessment Beliefs guide all assessment practices at the school.

Parent Teacher Student (PTS) conferences are organised during the academic year, providing parents with a valuable opportunity to discuss with each teacher the individual progress of their child.

Twice a year, students reports are published on the online Parent Portal. In addition, two digital platforms allow parents to track their child's progress and overall performance.

• Seesaw (for EC1 – Grade 6)
• Veracross Gradebook (for Grade 6 – 12)

International School Basel Bank Account Details

Bank: Bank CLER
Address: Aeschenplatz 3, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
Account Name: International School of the Basel Region AG
IBAN: CH79 0844 0697 0092 9000 0
SWIFT CODE: BCLRCHBB
Account: 697009.290000-3
BC: 8440

Yes! ISB provides a welcoming and supportive environment for students with little or no prior knowledge of English.

Students who need additional English support enroll in our English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme, which includes three learning stages:

• Emerging – Building basic communication skills
• Developing – Strengthening language understanding
• Consolidating – Enhancing fluency and academic English

English competency is evaluated during the admissions process and regularly afterward. This helps determine the best placement and level of support needed. Expectations vary depending on the school section and programme your child is entering.

Applications for admission need must be completed in English; any documents that are not written in English need to be officially translated. When applying, please attach the original documents to the translations.

Applications are considered in view of the following factors:

• Completion of all application forms; 
• Outcomes of additional assessment, if appropriate;
• Availability of space in classes and option groups offered;
• Level of English/Learning Support needs;
• Availability of places for siblings;
• Appropriateness of programmes;
• Discretion of the Director and the appropriate Principal.

The processing of the application takes 1 to 2 weeks. Our Head of Admissions will contact you, via email, to confirm receipt of your application once we receive all the required documentation.

No, ISB does not require a formal entrance exam. However, in some cases, additional assessments may be needed based on the application documents or interview process.

Further evaluation may be necessary in the following areas:

• English as an Additional Language (EAL);
• English proficiency;
• Mathematics skills;
• Learning Support needs.

What does the assessment process involve?

• Applicants may be asked to spend time in their respective school section for evaluation.
• If additional testing is needed, it will be scheduled as part of the school visit.

In Senior School:

• Applicants typically have an interview with the Senior School Principal.
• Depending on their background, students may be asked to complete assessments in:
  • English proficiency
  • General subject knowledge
  • Suitability for specific Senior School programmes

Yes. While we encourage all students to start the new school year in August, we accept students throughout the academic year, providing there is space in the relevant grade.

ISB does not provide financial assistance. However, we do offer several payment options for private payers. Please read the ISB Financial Regulations for more details.

No, but we do require a copy of your child’s vaccination record and the ISB health forms to be completed during the application process.

You are welcome to contact the Head of Admissions to arrange for a school tour or visit. In addition, at the beginning of every school year, there is a New Family Event Day for new families and students where you can familiarise yourselves with the buildings and teachers.

Students are placed in the year level according to their birth year following the entrance placement table below.

Your will receive login credentials for the school website portals with the acceptance letter from Admissions.

We accept applications throughout the year; there is no deadline to submit an application. Once you know you are moving to Basel, we strongly suggest that applications be submitted. Our classes do fill up and it is best to avoid a waiting list situation.

Children can join our community when they turn three (3) years old if they are toilet trained. As a rolling admissions school, we have many children joining us throughout the year once they turn three.

International School Basel Bank Account Details

Bank: Bank CLER
Address: Aeschenplatz 3, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
Account Name: International School of the Basel Region AG
IBAN: CH79 0844 0697 0092 9000 0
SWIFT CODE: BCLRCHBB
Account: 697009.290000-3
BC: 8440

We currently have 1,200+ students at our three campuses.

This varies greatly but the average span is about four years. We have a growing number of families who are making Basel their home; this offers a great deal of stability to the student population.

Although students at ISB are not required to wear a school uniform, there is a student dress code. Students are expected to dress appropriately on campus and at all school activities. This means that a student’s appearance should be:

• Suitable for a workplace;
• Conducive to learning;
• Not distracting to others.

Yes, Swiss universities generally accept the IB Diploma offered by ISB as a valid university entrance qualification. Indeed, Switzerland was the third largest University destination by our Class of 2024 graduates, after UK and The Netherlands.

Specific IB recognition criteria vary between institutions and programs, and can include minimum score requirements, specific subjects and levels, and/or proficiency in the language of instructions. Check the link below to find out the specific criteria in each university.

IB Recognition Criteria in Switzerland

ISB has a dedicated team of University Counsellors who provide individual advice to each student about the required subjects and levels required in the university of their choice, whether in Switzerland or anywhere in the Word. This ensures that student in the final years of their IB programme  choose the right courses to apply to their preferred university.

Study in Switzerland

Higher Education Programmes in Switzerland

ISB offers learning support services to students with a range of learning profiles (mild, moderate, intensive) . When prior evaluations and documentation indicate a learning disability or learning challenge, our Admissions Team will determine the appropriate placement, program, and resources needed to meet the student’s individual needs.

If the school is unable to coordinate the necessary resources to meet a student’s intensive academic, cognitive, physical, emotional and/or behavioral needs, the application will not be accepted.

Learn about student Support

German is taught as a second language. German lessons are compulsory for all students from Early Childhood. The frequency of the lessons depends on the grade level. For more information, please visit the appropriate school section under Learn.

At ISB, we follow the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB), which requires schools to ensure that students:

• Understand what is expected of them
• Receive clear feedback on their progress
• Know what steps to take to improve

Our ISB Assessment Beliefs guide all assessment practices at the school.

Parent Teacher Student (PTS) conferences are organised during the academic year, providing parents with a valuable opportunity to discuss with each teacher the individual progress of their child.

Twice a year, students reports are published on the online Parent Portal. In addition, two digital platforms allow parents to track their child's progress and overall performance.

• Seesaw (for EC1 – Grade 6)
• Veracross Gradebook (for Grade 6 – 12)