ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel vs ipso! International School

	E ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel Basel, Switzerland	I ipso! International School Basel, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 23,800 - 28,800	Fees / year CHF 21,520 - 27,720
Age range	Age range 0 - 16 years	Age range 1 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 360	Pupils 140
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German, French	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened 1993	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ELABasel is located in Basel, Switzerland, with two campuses in Basel's historic centre. The address Gartenstrasse 93, 4052 Basel is listed for the school. Basel is a family-friendly, well-connected and international city; the campuses are within walking distance or a short tram ride from Altstadt Grossbasel and other inner-city areas, and the Early Years site is near Basel SBB.	Location The school is located in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, at Bahnhofstrasse 26, CH-4310 Rheinfelden, adjacent to the old town. It is within a few minutes' walk from the SBB train station or bus station, accessible via the quiet Schützenweg. It is in a convenient location with optimum connections to public transport services near the playground and sports field next to the Schützenmatt school building.
Stages	Stages Early Years (3 months – 4 years); Primary School (Aged 4 – 12); Secondary School (Aged 12 – 16).	Stages Early Childhood Center for ages 1.5–4; bilingual all-day school for ages 4–16, including Preschool, Primary School, and Secondary School. The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at kindergarten and primary level; secondary level I offers bilingual tuition according to cantonal curriculum.
School type	School type International Kita, Primary and Secondary school; not-for-profit association.	School type Bilingual ECCE and all-day school; IB World School.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 360 pupils from 35 countries.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Inclusion programme removes barriers and provides personalised support using a graduated ‘waves' model. Wave 1: for all students and included in standard fees; high quality teaching and reasonable adjustments. Wave 2: for some students and included in standard fees; additional short-term support sessions in small groups by a Learning Support Teacher to accelerate progress in academics, language, social, emotional or physical skills. Wave 3: for a small number of students and included in standard fees; long-term targeted and personalised support in small groups or 1:1 by a Learning Support Teacher; collaborative team with teachers, Learning Support Teachers, external specialists and parents; Personalised Learning Plan and Pupil Passport. Wave 3+: additional fee; 1:1 support and external therapies through partnerships. Types of support include: Academic skills; Social and emotional; Speech and language; English as an additional language (EAL); Motor skills and Physical & Sensory; Talented and more able.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure ELABasel operates 50 weeks per year. After-school and enrichment programmes run from 15:30–18:00.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees and deposits - Early Years: no registration fee or deposit is required for Early Years families. - Primary (paid before the child's first day): Registration fee — CHF 500 per child (one-time, non-refundable). - One-time Development Fund donation at Primary contract signing: CHF 1,500 for the first child; CHF 1,000 for each additional child (one-time, non-refundable; tax deductible). - Association membership (verein) administrative fee: CHF 75 per member per year (annual, non-refundable). Tuition fees — Early Years (applicable from August 2025) - Full-time monthly fees (full-time = 100% enrolment): - Infants up to 18 months: CHF 3,750 per month. - Children 18 months to 4 years: CHF 2,800 per month. - Minimum attendance: 40% per week. Fees are calculated pro rata by enrolment percentage (example: 62% enrolment = CHF 2,800 x 62% = CHF 1,736). Specific example enrolment-percent fee bands are published (for example, 40% = CHF 1,120–CHF 1,500; 100% = CHF 2,800–CHF 3,750 depending on age). - Extra session rates (per session / per day when adding to contracted schedule): - Morning session (until 12:00): CHF 80 (children >18m) / CHF 105 (children ≤18m). - Morning + midday/lunch (until 14:00): CHF 110 / CHF 145. - Morning + midday + afternoon (until 16:00): CHF 130 / CHF 170. - Whole day (pick up by 18:30): CHF 160 / CHF 210. - Extra hours extending the day: CHF 20 / hour (children >18m) and CHF 22 / hour (children ≤18m). - What Early Years fees include: all meals and snacks (including infant powder milk formula where applicable), outings, curriculum materials, resources and hygiene products (wipes, nappies, etc.). The Basel-Stadt subsidy for city residents is deducted where applicable. Tuition fees — Primary School (applicable August 2025 – July 2026) - Registration and donation at contract signing: Registration fee CHF 500 per child; one-time Development Fund donation CHF 1,500 for first child and CHF 1,000 for each subsequent child. Association membership CHF 75 p.a. also applies. - Full-time Primary (5 days) tuition: Semester fee CHF 13,000 (CHF 26,000 per year). Quarterly fee CHF 6,640 (equivalent to CHF 26,560 per year when paid quarterly). Parents may choose catering (morning snack and hot lunch) on a semester basis at CHF 1,000 per semester for 5 days/week. - Family discounts (applied to contracted base fees): 10% discount on the second child's fees and 15% discount on the third child (and any further children) for families privately funding fees. No family discount is given where any portion of fees is invoiced directly to an employer or covered by Basel-Stadt. Discounts do not apply to lunch or after-school fees. - What Primary tuition covers: exercise books, laboratory practicals, school laptop, local transport (BVB) for class trips and excursions, weekly swimming lessons with qualified coaches, curriculum materials and the majority of curriculum-related excursions. What it does not cover: textbooks indicated in the book list, school lunch (if not enrolled in catering), after-school care, trips/camps that are charged separately, replacement cost for lost/damaged materials (including laptops). Tuition fees — After School and Vacation Programmes (applicable August 2025 – July 2026) - After School Programme (semester fees per day): - Basic (15:30–16:30 Mon–Thu): CHF 285 per semester (per day rate multiplied by number of days per week contracted). - Extended (16:30–18:00 Mon–Thu): CHF 380 per semester. - Enrichment 1 hour (15:30–16:30): CHF 500 per semester. - Enrichment 1.5 hours (15:30–17:00): CHF 625 per semester (care through 18:00 included). - Enrichment 2 hours (15:30–17:30): CHF 850 per semester (care through 18:00 included). - Instrument lessons (15:30–17:30 Mon–Thu), half-hour lessons charged at CHF 47 (individual) / CHF 42 (pair) / CHF 35 (group). - Friday programmes: CHF 850 (Friday full programme 14:00–16:00) and CHF 350 (Friday after-school 16:00–18:00) as applicable. The After School Programme fees include materials and an added afternoon snack. Semester-payment model applies; per-day rates scale simply for multiple contracted days (e.g., 3 days × CHF 285 = CHF 855). - Vacation Programme: fees vary by programme and are charged separately; programmes run Monday–Friday for primary-aged children (4–12) during most school holidays. Tuition fees — Secondary School (note on available published schedules) - The school publishes detailed year-group fee schedules covering Reception/Year 1, Years 2–7 (Primary) and Secondary (Years 8–9) for its 2026/2027 fee tables; the Primary and Early Years tuition figures above are those published for the current academic year (Aug 2025–Jul 2026) and the school's published year-group payment options and sibling discount frameworks apply as shown. For the published year-group breakdowns that the school provides for the forthcoming 2026/2027 cycle, monthly, quarterly, semester and annual instalment options and sibling discounts are set out in a separate year-group table. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing options and timing for tuition: payment is due per semester; for Primary a quarterly split is available for a small premium. For other levels the school offers a standard payment plan of 10 monthly instalments (August–May) with payments due on the 30th of each month. Early-payment discounts are offered: 5% for full annual payment by 31 May (Early Bird), 4% for full annual payment between 1 June and 30 August, 2% for semester payments (two instalments: 30 August and 30 January), and 1.5% for quarterly payments (four instalments: 30 August, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May). - If a newly enrolled student does not take up the confirmed place on the agreed start date, 25% of the annual tuition fee becomes immediately due and payable. Families requesting bespoke payment plans must sign a formal payment schedule agreement. Overdue balances may incur an annual interest charge of 5% plus collection fees. Withdrawals and refunds - Registration fees and the one-time Development Fund donation are non-refundable. - If a newly enrolled student does not take their confirmed place, 25% of the annual tuition fee is payable immediately. - Withdrawal during the school year requires notice equivalent to three months of tuition fees. The contract renews automatically for the following academic year unless written notice of termination (with signed withdrawal form) is received and confirmed before 31 March of the current academic year. Overdue balances may attract interest and collection fees. Boarding - Boarding is not provided; there are no boarding fees. ELABasel operates as day care, Early Years (Kita), Primary and Secondary day provision with two city campuses. Other costs and charges - School lunch / catering: optional catering (morning snack + hot lunch) is charged at CHF 1,000 per semester for full-time Primary (5 days/week). A separate school lunch payment option is published as CHF 1,050 payable in two instalments (August & January) for those who opt into the School Lunch programme. - Textbooks indicated on the book list, after-school care (if not contracted), certain trips, outings and camps, and replacement costs for lost, stolen or damaged school materials (including school laptops) are not included in tuition and are charged separately. Instrument lesson charges and after-school programme charges apply as noted above. - Uniform: no compulsory uniform fee is listed in the published fee schedule; uniform costs are not specified as a school-charge in the published fee material. Textbooks and some programme costs remain the family's responsibility. Fee payment options (mechanics and conditions) - Instalment options: semester payments, quarterly payments, and a 10-instalment monthly plan (August–May) are offered depending on the level and option chosen. Early-payment discounts apply for full-year, semester or quarterly pre-payments as above. Families requesting tailored payment plans sign a formal payment schedule. Overdue balances can incur 5% interest and collection fees. - Specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer or card) are not itemised in the published fee schedule; the school indicates alternative payment methods may be available and that invoicing and payment mechanics are arranged through the finance office. For detailed method options, invoices and payment instructions are provided with enrolment documentation. Summary of key headline figures (CHF) - Early Years (full-time monthly): Infants ≤18m CHF 3,750; children 18m–4y CHF 2,800. - Primary (full-time 5 days): Semester CHF 13,000 (CHF 26,000 per year); Quarterly CHF 6,640 (CHF 26,560 per year). Catering per semester CHF 1,000. Registration CHF 500 per child; Development Fund donation CHF 1,500 / CHF 1,000 thereafter. Family discounts: second child 10%, third+ 15% (private-pay families). Withdrawal: three months' tuition notice; failure to take a confirmed place: 25% of annual tuition payable. Overdue balances: possible 5% annual interest plus collection fees.	Fee details Application / registration fee - Registration fee (non-recurring): CHF 600.00. The registration fee is due at the time of registration for all programmes. Tuition fees (by programme / year group) - Early Childhood Center (full-time place, ages 1.5–4 years): CHF 27,720.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 13,880.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 2,330.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Registration fee: CHF 600.00. Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice starting from enrolment of a second child. Annual fees are invoiced pro rata if a child starts during the year. - Early Childhood Center (part‑time places, ages 1.5–4 years): - Minimum occupancy options and annual fees: - Five mornings per week: CHF 18,900.00 per year. - Two full days + one morning per week: CHF 16,380.00 per year. - Registration fee is due at registration; annual fees invoiced pro rata for mid‑year starts. - Preschool (full‑time place, ages 4–6 years): CHF 21,520.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 10,780.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 1,813.35 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Registration fee: CHF 600.00. Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice from the second child. Limited reduced attendance reduces fees accordingly. - Primary School (Years 1–6): CHF 23,520.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 11,780.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 1,980.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Ancillary costs: registration fee CHF 600.00; after‑school activities, longer trips and external examination fees are invoiced separately. Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice from the enrolment of a second child. Annual fees invoiced pro rata if a student starts during the year. - Secondary School (Years 7–9 / Secondary Years SY1–SY3): CHF 24,520.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 12,280.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 2,063.35 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Ancillary costs: registration fee CHF 600.00; after‑school activities, trips and external examination fees are invoiced separately. - Optional programme add‑on: ipso! Booster (personal coaching) CHF 1,800.00 per school year (optional). - The programme requires students to provide their own laptop (BYOD). Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice from the enrolment of a second child. Annual fees invoiced pro rata if a student starts during the year. Billing schedule and payment terms - The registration fee is due at the time of registration. Annual tuition fees are invoiced and, if a student starts during the school year, will be invoiced pro rata. - Instalment options are published for each programme (commonly 2 instalments per school year or 12 instalments per school year) with a small surcharge (CHF 20.00) applied to instalment plans. Amounts for the instalment options are shown next to each programme above. - Additional services (early drop‑off, after‑school care, clubs, private lessons) are billed separately according to the registration/additional‑services form; many of these items are payable at the beginning of the school year or on receipt of invoice if joining later, and are stated as non‑refundable on the additional‑services registration form. Boarding fees - No boarding provision is listed for ipso! International School; the school operates as a full‑day/part‑time bilingual day school and early childhood centre, so boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and typical ancillary fees - After‑School Care (ASC) options and example prices (from the additional‑services registration form): - ASC semester/year examples (1 hour/week): CHF 170.00 per semester / CHF 340.00 per year; 1 hour/day options and multi‑day options are listed with semester and annual rates; single bookings are charged per hour. Private lesson example rates: CHF 85.00 per 45‑minute lesson for one child, with scaled prices for multiple children. ipso! Booster (Secondary): CHF 1,800.00 per school year. Early drop‑off (½ hr) example: CHF 90.00 per semester / CHF 180.00 per year for one day per week; single bookings per ½ hour CHF 7.50. Many club and ASC items are billed semester or yearly and are non‑refundable when payable at the start of the year. - Lunch: a sample lunch booking charge is CHF 10.00 (bookable by quarter) for preschool; lunches are arranged via the school's catering provider and are billed separately. - Excursions and multi‑day camps: day excursions are included in tuition; camps and excursions lasting several days are invoiced separately. External examination fees are not included in the listed school fees and are charged separately. - Uniform: no compulsory uniform fee or uniform charge is listed among the ancillary costs on the programme fee pages; ancillary costs listed on the programme pages explicitly include registration, after‑school activities and external examination fees but do not list uniform charges. Refund information - Annual fees will be invoiced pro rata if a student starts during the school year. The registration fee is charged at registration; additional‑services amounts (for example ASC, clubs, private lessons) that are payable at the start of the school year or on receipt of invoice are stated as non‑refundable on the registration/additional‑services form. Cancellation of automatic re‑enrolment must be submitted in writing and registered by the school's stated deadline (cancellation by 30 April for the following school year is referenced on the enrolment form). Specific tuition‑refund schedules for mid‑year withdrawal are not listed on the programme fee pages; the enrolment/contract documentation describes automatic re‑enrolment and the April deadline. Fee payment options (invoicing, instalments and methods listed) - The school issues invoices and offers instalment schedules for the published annual fees (commonly 2 instalments or 12 instalments with a CHF 20.00 surcharge for instalment plans). Amounts and instalment figures are shown above for each programme. - The programme pages and registration forms show invoices and instalment plans but do not list explicit payment method types (for example “credit card” or “bank transfer”) on the public fee pages; invoices and the school's registration documentation indicate amounts are payable on receipt of invoice or at the start of the school year. Parents should expect to receive formal invoices that set the payment terms.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements ELABasel is open 50 weeks a year. It offers wrap-around care from 07:30 to 18:00 at the Primary School and 06:30 to 18:30 at Kita/Early Years. Before-school Booster classes in Maths, English, German and French are available, and an After-School Programme runs from 15:30 to 18:00 each day, with over 25 enrichment programmes.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options ELABasel has its own kitchens, staff, and dining rooms. Healthy and delicious menus are created with advice from a child nutritionist. Morning snack and a hot lunch are served daily for all children. Afternoon snack is provided for children in the extended day and after-school programme.	Food options —
House system	House system In the Primary School all children are part of a House, with House Captains elected each semester. House points are awarded for effort or achievement and announced in weekly assemblies. Houses participate in events such as the annual Swimming Gala and Basler Stadtlauf Run. The House system originated in British schools.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Board of ELABasel International School AG provides strategic and professional leadership. A corporate structure (AG) was adopted in late 2025. ELABasel is Cambridge International Accredited, Basel-Stadt Approved, and a COBIS and SGIS member; the school maintains a parent voice through the Friends of ELA (FELA) association. Daily operations are led by the General Manager and Leadership Team, with Class matters raised via the Parent Class Representative; governance inquiries may be directed to the board at board@ela-basel.ch.	Governance and ownership The school is owned and operated by ipso Bildung AG in Rheinfelden, Switzerland. It is state-approved and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at kindergarten and primary level. In secondary level I, bilingual tuition is provided according to the cantonal curriculum.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ELA Basel follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, adapted for its international character and Swiss affiliation. The Cambridge pathway is taught primarily in English and prepares students for entry to schools and universities worldwide. German is taught from Pre-School to Year 7 and French is introduced in Year 3. Families may also choose a bilingual Swiss stream that follows the Swiss Lehrplan 21, enabling direct transition into the Swiss system. In the bilingual pathway, pupils may progress to Year 11 after Year 10, with dual Swiss and international accreditation; the Cambridge stream progresses through IGCSE to A-Levels. Upper Primary covers English, Mathematics, Science, German, French, Geography, History, Music, Computing, Personal Social Health and Cultural Education, Design and Technology, Art and Design, and Physical Education (including weekly swimming).	Curriculum details ipso! ISR is a bilingual ECC for children aged 1.5 to 4 years and a bilingual all-day school for children aged 4 to 16 years. The German-English early childhood support and education programme is unique in Switzerland and offers a combination of international and local curricula and a family atmosphere. It is state-approved and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at kindergarten and primary levels. In Secondary Level I, bilingual tuition is provided according to the cantonal curriculum. This arrangement allows a change to and from the state school system locally and internationally. The school is accredited as an IB World School and undergoes regular IB assessments.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio High adult-to-student ratio with class teachers supported by teaching assistants enabling personalised teaching.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results 60% of children achieve above-average results in English, Maths and German on internationally benchmarked tests.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates transition to a variety of secondary schools in Basel and Germany; ELA Basel holds a Basel-Stadt Secondary Transition Agreement, allowing Year 7 reports to be accepted by public secondary schools without entrance tests. Destinations include Hüslimatt Sekundarschule Oberwil; Freies Gymnasium Basel; Sekundarschule Binningen-Bottmingen; Regionales Gymnasium Laufental-Thierstein; Freie Evangelische Schule Lörrach; Sekundarschule Allschwil; Holbein Sekundarschule (Basel-Stadt); Hans-Thoma Gymnasium Lörrach; Bezirksschule Möhlin; Sekundarschule Sandgruben; ISB, SIS, Minerva and Academia; Sevenoaks School (UK); Tanglin Trust School (Singapore).	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Enrichment Programme provides more than 30 activities outside the standard curriculum; after-school and enrichment offerings include sports, crafts, STEM, music and language lessons, with structured activities designed to broaden knowledge and skills beyond the standard curriculum. Targeted 1:1 or small-group support for additional needs is available at additional cost.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school values the whole child and provides a well-rounded education that supports academic, social and emotional growth. Pastoral care and the House System foster social development and leadership across age groups. A dedicated, highly qualified staff create a supportive environment where children feel empowered in their learning. The school emphasises that happy children learn best and prioritises well-being in daily life. Families are invited to engage in class activities, curriculum nights and community events to support children's social development.	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school uses a tiered system of learning support led by inclusion specialists. Interventions may be delivered in the classroom by the teacher and teaching assistant. Where needed, additional support may target mathematics, English, social and emotional development, speech and motor development. For students with little or no English, targeted English support is provided. A Personal Learning Plan may be developed with goals agreed with the child, parents and class teacher, and 1:1 or small-group support can be offered for an additional charge.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers a bilingual German-English Programme with a strong emphasis on French. German language pathways are designed to support every child with Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner tracks and progression through CEFR levels. From Reception onward, Beginner and Intermediate groups are taught separately to tailor instruction, with progression to Advanced as language progress develops. From Year 2, learners enter the Intermediate Programme and the Advanced Programme is available for higher proficiency. French is taught as a third language, with two hours per week, and a dedicated pathway exists for native French speakers. Language enrichment activities and outings supplement core language learning.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school values the whole child's emotional and social development in a nurturing environment. Care and Well-Being focus on safeguarding, safety, welfare and well-being as a central priority. Pastoral care and the House System promote social development and a sense of belonging, supported by a dedicated staff team. Happiness is central to learning, with staff ensuring children feel supported and empowered in their daily experiences. Family engagement through events and activities further supports students' social and emotional wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The safeguarding and child protection statement prioritises the safety, welfare and well-being of children. All staff must undergo safeguarding training, and their ongoing training is required. Applicants must provide original police checks for all countries of residence for the previous ten years. Every three years staff sign a self-declaration form and complete an enhanced Swiss Police Check as part of our licensing agreement with Canton Basel-Stadt. Applicants for advertised posts must complete an ELA Basel application form.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ELABasel is situated on two campuses in the historic centre of Basel at Gartenstrasse 93, 4052 Basel. It serves Kita, Primary and Secondary students and delivers the Cambridge curriculum with instruction in English, German and French. The curriculum places emphasis on STEM alongside the arts and music. The Scala Theatre Basel hosts the annual Scala performance and music lessons take place on campus. Afterschool and Enrichment Programmes run from 15:30 to 18:00 with activities including coding languages and sports.	Facilities overview ipso! ISR Rheinfelden is a bilingual all-day school offering an Early Childhood Center for children aged 1.5 to 4 years and a bilingual program for children aged 4 to 16 years. The German–English early childhood program combines international and local curricula in a family atmosphere. The school is state-approved and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at preschool and primary levels and is an IB World School. Regular study trips abroad (England, France, Germany) support this process and aid transitions between the public education system and international paths. Language development covers German, English and French across the curriculum. A 360° Virtual Tour is available for prospective families.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sport and Health places sport and physical activity at the center of education. A dedicated movement and fitness area hosts weekly classes, including German language sessions. Through PE, swimming and orienteering, students develop fitness, teamwork and confidence. The school also uses Basel's local sports fields and recreational spaces and participates in inter-school competitions and sports days.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ELABasel emphasises hands-on STEM learning with science room resources and a hands-on approach across year groups. The STEM program includes a Science Fair and STEM Week where students design investigations, collect and analyse data, and reflect on findings. Older students have experiences such as organ dissections guided by guest professors. The Cambridge curriculum underpins learning and emphasizes inquiry and problem solving.	Academic facilities The languages used in teaching are German and English; some subjects are taught bilingually, others only in one language, and French is taught as a foreign language. Language skills in German, English and French are developed across the programme. The curriculum emphasizes digital skills and 21st‑century competencies through digital learning, information technology, robotics, gamification and programming, with tech labs enriching the school day. Regular study trips and cross‑curricular work support learning and the development of MINT subjects (mathematics, informatics, natural sciences and technology).
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Afterschool & Enrichment Programme offers more than 30 activities open to ELABasel families and external families. After-school sessions run from 15:30 to 18:00 with a mix of sports, reading and structured play. Enrichment activities cover sports, crafts, coding, language lessons and music and change each semester. Music education includes instrument lessons, choirs, private lessons on campus, opportunities to perform at assemblies and at the Scala Theatre Basel, and ABRSM exams; Vacation Programmes are also offered.	Extra curricular facilities After‑school activities (optional subjects) include homework help, tech labs (programming), drama, chess and ballgames. A broad selection of clubs is offered for ipso ISR students and external participants, including Art, Jr. STEAM Lab, Sewing, French Starter, Little Bakers, TechLabs, Digital Explorers, Cooking and French – Advanced Conversation. English‑language clubs are available alongside bilingual offerings, with details on registration, schedules and fees published. The clubs run in Semester 2 with specific registration deadlines and a minimum participant requirement.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 1993 as Tiny Tots, ELABasel began as a small English-speaking childcare centre and has grown into ELABasel – The Swiss British School, offering Early Years through Secondary education. It is an independent, not‑for‑profit organisation with two central Basel sites, Gartenstrasse 93 and St. Alban‑Vorstadt 32, renovated to provide modern, child‑centred learning environments. The Gartenstrasse site, Ulmenhof, dates back to 1893; ELABasel moved in in 2008 and a new playground was added in 2019. In 2013 ELABasel moved its primary school to St. Alban‑Vorstadt 32, and in August 2022 expanded to Wildensteinerhof at St. Alban‑Vorstadt 32, marking a new chapter in the school's history. Gartenstrasse accommodates over 200 children in Early Years and Lower Primary, while the Primary section at St. Alban‑Vorstadt serves over 150 children aged 5–12.	History The ipso! International School began in 2014 in Rheinfelden with nine students. It includes a bilingual Early Childhood Center for children aged 1.5 to 4 years and a bilingual all-day school for children aged 4 to 16 years. The school is state-approved and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for kindergarten and primary levels, with bilingual tuition in secondary Level I under the cantonal curriculum. The school is accredited as an IB World School. Under the leadership of Sabina Sümegi-Schärli, the school grew from a pioneering bilingual institution; founder Georg B. Weibel helped establish bilingual education in the region.
Community	Community ELABasel welcomes new families all year round and is a vibrant, diverse community. Parents are invited to participate in class activities, curriculum nights and other community events, and staff organise regular family events to foster connections. The school hosts an international community with families from over 35 nations, and a strong partnership with parents supports the learning journey.	Community The school has a familial atmosphere and cross-stage student support. Its curriculum blends local and international perspectives. Community life is reinforced through events, news, and parent testimonials. In June 2024, ipso! ISR celebrated its 10th anniversary with exhibitions, speeches, and activities for students and families.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Friends of ELABasel (FELA) is the parent association that supports and fosters a sense of community among parents and carers of ELABasel children. FELA schedules events throughout the year for Early Years and Primary families, including Family Game Night, Movie Night, Pre‑Stadtlauf Reception, and Winter Fayre and Market. It is run by volunteers, with involvement ranging from baking for events to helping plan and run them. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday during term time at 8am, and information is available by contacting FELA via FELA@ela-basel.ch.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ELA Basel offers two curriculum pathways: the Cambridge International Stream and the Swiss–International Bilingual Stream. The Cambridge Stream uses the Cambridge International Curriculum and leads to IGCSE qualifications and A levels. German is taught from Pre-School to Year 7 and French is introduced in Year 3; the bilingual stream aligns with Lehrplan 21, allowing direct transfer into the Swiss system up to Year 11 after Year 10. The pathways provide flexibility for families to plan long term across local and international education settings.	Academic & intellectual 21st-century skills such as creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking are fostered across all subjects through interdisciplinary, project-based learning and explorations. The Creaviva program combines artistic activities with foreign-language practice, including cooking, creative design and music. The ipso! Sciences module encourages exploratory learning through practical research projects and building technical objects, including robotics and electrical engineering, with visits to the Experio Roche laboratory. A strong emphasis on digital skills and STEM is integrated through media and computer science, IT skills, and tech labs.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Music and Performing Arts are part of the core program. The Music curriculum teaches instruments such as ukulele, keyboard, and guitar, includes choirs and weekly assemblies, and features an annual Scala musical show at Scala Theatre Basel. Students may take private or small-group lessons on campus, and ABRSM exams are offered. An annual Scala production combines music, drama and creativity for the school community.	Arts & creative The Creaviva program blends artistic activities with language practice, including cooking, creative design and music. Art and music are emphasized as core creative subjects contributing to personal development. Drama and other arts-based activities are available as after-school options.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language ELA Basel runs a bilingual German-English programme with a strong emphasis on French. German is taught from Reception to Year 7 with Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced pathways, and French is introduced in Year 2 as a third language, following CEFR guidelines. Heritage language classes and language outings enrich the program, including events such as Language Flea Market and Winter Theater. A bilingual playgroup, Groupe de jeux anglais franais, supports young learners in bilingual play.	Cultural & language German and English are the languages used in teaching, with French taught as a foreign language; some subjects are taught bilingually and language skills in all three languages are developed across the curriculum. History and geography are taught bilingually as part of social sciences. Regular study trips abroad to England, France and Germany support language development and cultural exposure.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ELA Basel offers an Afterschool & Enrichment Programme with over 30 activities, covering sports, crafts, STEM and music. The after-school programme runs in two parts: a 15:30–16:30 session with supervised activities and a 16:30–18:00 session with structured clubs. Year-group enrichment includes activities such as board games, art and painting, sport, sewing, cooking, and Friday football. These clubs foster teamwork, reading, creativity and social interaction.	Social & hobbies After-school activities include drama, chess and ballgames. Social internships and projects develop social competence and empathy by exposing students to diverse living conditions. These experiences support collaboration and community awareness.
Community & service	Community & service The School Council selects school charities and guides fundraising with teacher supervision. ELA Basel contributes regularly to charities and shares updates with students. Charities include The Holee Children's Home, the Swiss School for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Sternschnuppe, and the Basel Regional Animal Welfare Association, among others; additional donations have supported the Roger Federer Foundation, Save the Children, and local causes.	Community & service Social internships and projects promote community engagement and social responsibility, enabling students to experience the living conditions of others and develop empathy.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional In Primary, a House System assigns children to houses with vertical-age groups; House Captains are elected each semester and house points are tallied in weekly assemblies, with events like Swimming Gala and Basler Stadtlauf. The School Council leads in planning fundraising and community initiatives, providing student leadership opportunities.	Leadership & professional Career coaching, tasters days and intensive application training prepare students for apprenticeships and studies, and teach them to present themselves confidently for applications and interviews. In the Career module, students choose from focal points: Career (apprenticeships and career planning) and Studies (preparation for grammar school and upper secondary paths such as economics). Instructors, specialists and managers from diverse industries collaborate to broaden opportunities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport and Physical Education are central to the curriculum, emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle. The program includes orienteering, swimming, movement and fitness, and German-language PE to support language immersion; enrichment clubs supplement PE, and inter-school competitions and annual Sports Days promote participation and community.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Life module emphasizes practical life skills to prepare for independent living, including design technology, textiles and cookery. Students also explore and learn about the natural environment through projects in natural surroundings or in the classroom. Social internships and projects build empathy and awareness of others and their living conditions.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction. German is taught from pre-school onwards with a strong emphasis on the language. French is offered from Year 3. Languages taught include English, German and French.	Language provision The school teaches German and English. The German-English early childhood support and education programme is offered; kindergarten and primary levels follow IB Primary Years Programme, and secondary Level I provides bilingual tuition according to the cantonal curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school provides bilingual German-English instruction across the Early Childhood Center and the bilingual all-day school. In Secondary Level I, bilingual tuition is provided according to the cantonal curriculum.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge International School affiliation; Cambridge curriculum delivers a rigorous, internationally recognised education and prepares students for global higher education pathways. As a Cambridge school, the curriculum is valued for its academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking. COBIS Patron's Accreditation awarded January 2022; next inspection planned for 2026. SGIS member, the Swiss Group of International Schools. Licensed to operate as a childcare centre and school by the Canton Basel-Stadt Education Department; Basel-Stadt Secondary School Transition Agreement enables Basel-Stadt Year 7 transfer without entrance examinations.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Discover: ELABasel accepts applications year-round and processes them on a rolling basis as soon as they are received. Families relocating during the year can discuss details by calling Primary & Secondary School on +41 61 5000 653 or emailing. Applications should be submitted as early as possible to ensure timely processing. 2. Visit us: Come to visit ELABasel. A warm welcome awaits. Book a visit using the provided Calendly link. Early Years, Primary School, and Secondary School tours are available; you can also take a virtual tour of the campuses. 3. Apply: When you are ready to apply, click on the 'Apply now' button to be taken to the relevant application page. Applications are accepted year-round and are processed on a rolling basis as they are received. Read the admissions policy and related information on the page, and use the 'Apply here' link to start your application.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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