Welcome
We are a non-profit, independent, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Since 1962, we have grown to almost 1000 students, aged 3 to 18 years, who come from more than 60 nations. We believe in strong values, the courage to think independently, and cooperation across cultural boundaries–ideas that form the heart of a progressive approach to learning.
Our vision and mission
Vision
ISL will be a world leader in international education. We will be acknowledged for our genuine care for the well-being of all members of our community, and for providing a challenging, innovative, holistic, values-based education that develops in young people the knowledge, skills and disposition to bring about positive change.
Mission
The International School of Lausanne is committed to excellence in education. We strive to recognise the unique potential of each student, and to equip them to play an active and responsible role in a complex, multicultural world.
Values
honesty
respect
self-control
equality
care
Accreditations
IB World School

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Council of International Schools (CIS)


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923
Students
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167
Faculty and Staff
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60
Languages spoken

Find out more about our values and code of behaviour here.
One campus, four buildings

Our Director
Frazer Cairns joined ISL as its Director in 2017. With a background in management consultancy and journalism, he has worked as a science teacher and as a school leader in the UK, Indonesia, Switzerland, and Singapore. Frazer holds masters and doctorate degrees in education, his research focusing on the place of bilingualism in international education, and an MBA from Warwick Business School. Frazer is also the Chair of the Board of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS).

History
The English School of Lausanne opened with seven students in the rehearsal rooms of the Municipal Theatre in 1962. The following year the school was renamed The Commonwealth-American School. It grew within five years to over 100 students from nine different countries. The school was finally renamed the International School of Lausanne (ISL) in 1997. We now welcome close to 1000 students.
Jobs and careers


Sustainability at ISL
The ISL students and staff believe we should respond collectively, as a school, and individually, to the many environmental crises happening worldwide.
Find out about ISL goal to become plastic-free, the eco society committee and the implementation of sustainability into the school’s curriculum. More information on our approach to sustainability can be found here.

Discover our annual report
Click on the link below to read our 2021-2022 annual report.
Explore our approach to learning