International schools
Exams and Diplomas
International schools offer students either nationally or internationally recognised qualifications. The IB and GCE (A- Levels) are both internationally recognised and are almost always prerequisites for entry into any of the top universities.
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and GCE (A Levels)
The IGCSE is a UK-based qualification administered by different exam boards such as EDEXCEL, OCR, AQA, WJEC and CIE. It is equivalent to school years 10 and 11. IGCSE requires students to study and take exams across a range of subjects including maths, English, sciences and humanities. Students who complete IGCSEs have the option of studying for their A-Levels (GCE) which are recognised by universities in the UK, North America and Europe
The International Baccalaureate diploma (IB)
The International Baccalaureate originated at the International School of Geneva, and today over 1,700 schools in over 120 countries offer this diploma. It is considered equivalent to the British system of A-Levels, and caters to students aged 16-19. The diploma requires students to study six subjects within two years, as well as additional academic courses in philosophy, creativity and service, and writing a final essay.
Switzerland has 38 international schools, which together form the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS). With a reputation for high teaching standards and strict discipline, Swiss international schools are among the best in the world.
Switzerland has a wide selection of bilingual and international schools. The demand, however, for places in these schools is very high. To avoid long trips back and forth to school, we recommend that parents secure a place in a school first, before looking for a home.
Locations
The main international schools are part of the The Swiss Group of International Schools. Check-out its members.
Zurich area
English International Schools
- Left Bank: Zurich International School ( Kilchberg, Wädenswil, Adliswil )
- Right Bank: Inter-Community School of Zurich ( Zumikon )
- Northern Zurich: Zurich North ( Wallisellen )
- Various locations: Swiss International Schools
Here you find a great overview of all international schools in Zurich/Baar: International Schools Database
Schaffhausen
Zentral Switzerland