FAQ

Founded in 1962, ISL is a not-for-profit, English-language day school providing international education to students from 3 to 18.

Our students come from some 50 countries. 22% of them are American and 15% British. The rest of Europe is very well represented with 50% (UK not included) of our student body, among them 13% are from Switzerland. Latin America, Australia, Asia and Africa represent 13%. The families of our students are posted in Switzerland by international companies, although the proportion of long-term residents, Swiss or foreign, has increased considerably over the past few years.

ISL enrols just over 600 students, which is equivalent of two parallel classes at each year level. This is currently the maximum capacity of the school.

In order to enable the school to offer a stimulating, caring and positive environment, class sizes are limited to the following: (US and CH: subtract 1 year for equivalent grade)

 

R3                    16 students

R4, Y1 – Y3      18 students

Y4 – Y6            20 students

Y7 – Y9            22 students

 

Class sizes will be exceeded under no circumstance.

Y10-13: there is the possibility for larger numbers, since subjects are taught at different levels to small groups.

We have currently 108 teachers and staff representing 16 nationalities. They share their broad international teaching experience and offer a wide variety of extracurricular skills. All teachers at ISL are fully qualified; many hold advanced degrees and have taught overseas.

The school has a new purpose-built campus since 2005. It comprises a central building for the administration, 2 libraries, IT rooms and a multipurpose auditorium, which serves as a cafeteria and theatre (with stage). A wing to the east hosts the Early Childhood Centre and Primary school. A west wing hosts the Secondary school. An additional building houses a magnificent double Sports Hall. The grounds also include a soccer pitch, a basketball court, a multi-sport arena and ample playing areas.

Cafeteria services are available at ISL with hot meals provided at lunch time. A local catering company of excellent repute provides nutritious, well-balanced meals at competitive prices. Students also have the possibility to bring their own packed lunch, and will eat with their classmates in the cafeteria.

ISL operates a daily bus service for students from 6 years old and older using external bus companies. There are currently six routes available. The school Transportation Service is not a “door to door” system. Stops are chosen for safety, location, and for the convenience of the greatest number of students. Please visit the transportation link on our website or write an e-mail to transport@isl.ch.

The Lausanne public transports (http://www.t-l.ch/) can easily take you to the School as we are located just behind the terminus of bus 22 “Clochatte”. The Swiss transport company SBB has an online timetable tool on their website that can help you find the easiest way to come to ISL. Simply enter your address or bus/train stop in the “From:” field and "Lausanne, Clochatte" in the “To:” field.

In the Primary School, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) is in place and in the Middle School, we introduced the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) curriculum. Students in Years 12 and 13 follow the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). ISL is proud of their excellent results achieved by its IB Diploma students.

English is the educational language of the school. Since Year 1 French is taught daily as the first “foreign language”. German and Spanish are taught in the Secondary School. The school also provides a strong support for non-English mother-tongue students with a programme called English as an Additional Language. Mother-tongue support and development is facilitated by the school when possible. Supplementary education in Swedish is offered as well from Year 1.

While homework does not take the place of effective teaching, ISL believe that it contributes to the progress of students by enriching their programme and their learning experience. Reading is an essential and on-going component, in which parents with small children can take an active role. Students from Year 3 onwards are required to keep homework diaries and are expected to complete assignments on time. As they get older, Secondary School students, especially IB Diploma students may spend more time on their homework and must also count on some weekend assignments / homework.

Many co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are offered to enhance the physical education programme. These include basketball, volleyball, football, cross-country running, softball, swimming, track and field, gymnastics, skiing and ice skating, amongst other activities.

In our aim to develop the individual potential of each student, we offer a diverse extra-curricular programme after school hours. Soccer, basketball, cross-country, swimming, softball, track and field, rock climbing and abseiling, art and craft, drama, yearbook, technology, film-making, stage band and choir are among the many activities that are on offer.

The School respects the beliefs of any organised denomination that conforms to the laws of Switzerland. However, instruction of the virtues of a particular religion, group, sect, faith, creed, persuasion, denomination, cult church, political party or socio-political group may not be introduced to the school by any individual or group of individuals.

The IB Diploma is accepted world-wide as a superior pre-university qualification for students between the age of sixteen and nineteen. It gives students access to college and university study throughout the world, and universities rightly perceive that a student who has completed the requirements of the IB Diploma is well prepared for the demands of higher education. University requirements vary significantly and it is always best to check the individual university website to determine the specific requirements. Please see link: http://www.ibo.org/

 

Swiss university requirements vary significantly as well. Certain subjects including Visual Arts and Math Studies are not accepted at most Swiss universities and may prevent a student from gaining an offer. Often the individual university will examine each student’s application case by case. Please see link: http://www.ibo.org/country/CH/index.cfm

ISL has an open admissions policy and does not require an entrance exam. However, admission to the School will be determined by the Director, with the advice of the teaching staff, based on information obtained with respect to the potential of the applicant to benefit from the educational services available and the capacity of the School to meet the educational needs of the applicant.

The following tours have been set up (not during school holidays):

• Mondays at 11.15* - conducted by Secondary School Principal, Mr John Ivett
• Wednesdays at 10.00* - conducted by Primary School Principal, Mr Edward McBride
• Fridays at 10.00* - conducted by Primary School Principal, Mr Edward McBride

 

They will be happy to answer your questions and show you around the campus.

In case of interest please inform us of your presence at least a day in advance:

+41 21 560 02 02 or info@isl.ch.

During school holidays, please note that the school is closed and no visits are organised.

*Times are subject to change during the academic year, please verify with our reception before booking.

Whenever possible, the applicant will be interviewed by the Director or a Principal prior to acceptance. In some cases, as determined by the Director, a Principal or Assistant Principal, an interview may be required before admission.

Tuition fees start from CHF 23’650 (R3) to 32’500 (Y13), depending on the class year of the student. A single acceptance fee of CHF 5’000 per student is due when the school offers a place and the place is accepted.

Yes, ISL presently has considerable waiting lists.

No. A child’s name will only be placed on the waiting list if a complete application is received:

• Application form
• Past two years of school records in English or translated into English
• Confidential ISL recommendation forms for students applying for Years 1 to 13
• Photocopy of child’s passport in colour

References from child’s current teachers (subjects covered and a character reference), in English or translated into English, would be necessary for assessment purposes. If more is needed, the school will inform you.

No. Places are not guaranteed as turnover varies from year to year and it is difficult to predict the outcome of the admissions process in advance.

Please contact Marcel Rieder, the ISL Development Coordinator: +41 21 560 02 08 or development@isl.ch. The number of ISL Sponsors is limited in order to secure enough places for the existing ones.

Yes, a significant proportion of our students are not from the sponsoring companies. However, it is necessary to provide the complete information in advance. Since our global turnover is 20-30% each year, new students have a chance of being admitted depending on the waiting list.

No, there is no special treatment for former students.