ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel vs Saint Charles International School

	E ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel Basel, Switzerland	S Saint Charles International School Basel, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 23,800 - 28,800	Fees / year CHF 15,300 - 74,500
Age range	Age range 0 - 16 years	Age range 8 - 20 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 360	Pupils 259
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German, French	Instruction language English, French, German
Opened	Opened 1993	Opened 1897
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
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 Saint-Charles International School is in Porrentruy, Jura, Switzerland at Rue du 24-Septembre 1, 2900 Porrentruy. The campus is less than two hours from Zürich and about one hour from Basel, and is easy to reach by car or train. From Zürich Airport, trains to Zürich Main Station and then to Porrentruy take about 2 to 2.5 hours; from Basel Airport, direct trains to Porrentruy take just over an hour. On arrival in Porrentruy, the campus is minutes away from the train station, with a six-minute walk for travelers without luggage.
Stages	Stages Early Years (3 months – 4 years); Primary School (Aged 4 – 12); Secondary School (Aged 12 – 16).	Stages Swiss Programme from primary through middle school and high school (Maturité), with instruction in French, English, and German.
School type	School type International Kita, Primary and Secondary school; not-for-profit association.	School type The school is private and offers day schooling and boarding; boarding is available for students from age 10.
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 Recognised by the Swiss Confederation and authorised to prepare students for the Maturité exams.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian; founded with Christian roots and supported by the Diocese of Basel.
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 The day includes standard classroom instruction with after-school Devoirs accompagnés (supervised study) available for students after class.
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 Admission & Application Fees: - Day students (day-school admission): CHF 500 (one-time, non-refundable). - Boarding students (boarding admission): CHF 3,000 (one-time, non-refundable). Tuition fees (annual and per-term / per-semester equivalents): Note: Tuition is quoted as an annual amount. Billing may be processed by semester on request; where a per-term amount is shown below it is the annual figure divided by two (per-semester). - Primary School (Swiss curriculum): - Annual: CHF 6'600 (families in the Canton of Jura) / CHF 14'400 (outside the canton). - Per semester (billing-by-semester equivalent): CHF 3'300 / CHF 7'200. - Middle School (Collège, Swiss curriculum): - Annual: CHF 7'200 (Jura) / CHF 18'000 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 3'600 / CHF 9'000. - Swiss Lycée – Maturité (French): - Annual: CHF 9'600 (Jura) / CHF 20'400 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 4'800 / CHF 10'200. - Bilingual Lycée (English–French) – Maturité: - Annual: CHF 12'000 (Jura) / CHF 24'000 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 6'000 / CHF 12'000. - International Section (IB MYP and DP): - IB MYP 3: Annual CHF 20'000 (Jura) / CHF 23'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 10'000 / CHF 11'500. - IB MYP 4: Annual CHF 22'000 (Jura) / CHF 33'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 11'000 / CHF 16'500. - IB MYP 5: Annual CHF 22'000 (Jura) / CHF 33'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 11'000 / CHF 16'500. - IB Diploma Programme (DP): Annual CHF 25'000 (Jura) / CHF 33'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 12'500 / CHF 16'500. Boarding fees (packages, inclusions and exclusions): - 5-day boarding package (board and school week activities): CHF 32'700 per year. Included elements listed for the package: full board during the week, the boarding programme, supervised homework, on-site extracurricular activities, day trips, certain sports outfit items, and some cultural/outings; certain items are excluded (residence permit fees, books and school supplies in some circumstances, certain exam and activity costs, travel, pocket money, occasional laundry, airport transfers and some camps/trips). - 7-day boarding package (full weekly boarding including weekends): CHF 47'000 per year. The 7-day package includes weekend activities, laundry and additional weekend services; a number of items remain excluded (travel, some lessons/activities charged separately, pocket money, airport transfers, certain exam fees and specialist activities). - Day-board / lunch options (annual lunch plans): - 1 lunch per week: CHF 390 (annual). 2 lunches: CHF 780. 3 lunches: CHF 1'170. 4 lunches: CHF 1'560. 5 lunches: CHF 1'950. Other recurring fees and one-off academic/exam charges: - General / annual fees (covers textbooks, school supplies, school outings, ski/green camp, graduation trips and administrative costs): billed in two instalments (at the start of the school year and at the start of the second semester). Amounts vary by programme: - Primary: CHF 1'000 per year. - Middle School (Collège): CHF 1'500 per year. - Swiss Lycée / Bilingual Lycée: CHF 1'500 per year. - International Section MYP levels: CHF 1'500 per year. - IB DP (final years): CHF 2'500 per year. - Support / tutoring and extra academic services (examples): - Private 45-minute lessons: CHF 100 per lesson. - Semi-private (max 3 students) 45-minute: CHF 60 per lesson. - Group (4+ students) 45-minute: CHF 30 per lesson. - Language-exam preparation courses: approx. CHF 1'000 per semester (charged when organised). - Language examination fees: generally between CHF 400 and CHF 750. - IB DP examination fees: CHF 2'980. - Extras commonly excluded from package fees and billed separately: specialist lessons (horse riding, music, golf, aviation), certain travel and airport transfers, replacement of lost/damaged books or licences, some medical or insurance costs beyond those listed, pocket money and occasional laundry/dry-cleaning. Billing schedule and payment terms: - Invoices are issued in advance and are payable within the stated payment term; billing may be processed by semester on request. Payments are to be made in Swiss francs (CHF). Payments in cash are not accepted. Late payments incur interest at 1% per month; administrative reminder fees apply (typical reminder fees: CHF 20 / CHF 50 / CHF 100 for successive reminders). No place reservation is processed before payment of the registration/admission fee; students may not attend classes until invoices are paid. Cancellation, refunds and contractual penalties: - For new applicants: if registration is cancelled before 30 June, a cancellation fee equal to two months of tuition (and boarding, where applicable) is charged; if cancelled after 30 June a cancellation fee equal to three months of tuition (and boarding where applicable) is charged. - For current students: withdrawal before the end of the school year makes all expenses for the current trimester and the following one payable. Unless written notice is given by parents before the specified deadline for re-registration (28 February), students are automatically entered for the following school year; cancelling after that date creates a financial obligation (example: tuition for the first three months may be payable as compensation). Uniform / clothing and included clothing items: - No separate general uniform fee is listed. For boarding students a sports outfit (t-shirts, leggings or jogging pants) is listed among included items in the boarding packages; additional specialist sports or activity clothing or equipment may be charged separately. Fee payment options: - The school accepts international payments via Flywire (enables bank transfers and local payment methods in many currencies) and invoices are payable by bank transfer. Payments in cash are not accepted. Specific payment instructions and the school's Flywire payment portal are used for international transactions. Summary of the key amounts at a glance (examples): - Admission fee (day): CHF 500; Admission fee (boarding): CHF 3'000. - Typical annual tuition (examples, Jura / outside canton): Primary CHF 6'600 / 14'400; Middle CHF 7'200 / 18'000; Swiss Lycée CHF 9'600 / 20'400; Bilingual Lycée CHF 12'000 / 24'000; IB MYP/DP ranges CHF 20'000–25'000 (Jura) and up to CHF 33'000 (outside). Per-semester equivalents are half the annual amounts. (End of fees overview.)
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 Saint-Charles offers 5-day boarding and 7-day boarding. Two separate boarding houses accommodate up to 70 students, each supervised by a dedicated staff team. The 5-day boarding includes boarding school management, full board, residence permit fee, books and school supplies, KVG/LAMAL and private health insurance, and other related costs. The 7-day boarding includes boarding school supervision including weekend activities, full board, residence permit fee, books and school supplies, KVG/LAMAL and private health insurance, and other related costs.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement A sports uniform is provided for boarders, consisting of a t-shirt and leggings or jogging pants.
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 Charly's Corner on campus provides breakfast, lunch and dinner for boarders; day students have lunch. The menu is varied daily with vegetarian options, and fresh fruit is available throughout the day. The kitchen holds the Fourchette Verte label and Saint-Charles is a member of the Healthy Schools network; menus are updated daily.
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 Up to 70 students are accommodated in two separate boarding houses, each supervised by a dedicated staff team.
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 Saint-Charles International School is governed by a Board of Directors and a management team. The Board comprises five members: Didier Membrez (President), Josiane Sudan-Girardin, Anne Seydoux-Christe, Pierre-Alain Berret, and Abbé Jean-Jacques Theurillat; Esmond Tweedie serves as Executive Director and heads the management team.
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 Saint-Charles offers two curriculum pathways: the Swiss Programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The Swiss Programme covers primary through maturité and uses instruction in French, English and German; Primary is taught in English and French, and the Middle School is multilingual in English, French and German. The Swiss Maturité is bilingual French-English and is recognised by the Swiss Confederation, with the school authorised to prepare students for maturité examinations. The IB Programme is taught in English, offering the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, with English as the language of instruction for all subjects and ESL support available. Immersion language teaching introduces English and German from early years through 'language islands' where other subjects are taught in additional languages, laying the foundation for bilingual Matura or the IB Diploma Programme.
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 IB Diploma Programme class of 2025 results: 17% entering a top 25 institution; 1 in 3 graduates joined a top 100 university; 30% were recognised for excellence in their subject areas.
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 University preparation and guidance are core at Saint-Charles. A dedicated University Support Team helps identify universities and coordinate applications, with university talks and fairs accessible to students. From the Middle Years Programme, students take part in regular guidance lessons and receive tailored advice on IBDP subject selection in MYP5; in the Diploma Programme, guidance becomes more personalised with one-to-one meetings and university representation is facilitated by the school, supported by a University Library.
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 Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to Saint-Charles. The school fosters mental, physical, social, and academic wellbeing to help students grow. A dedicated Wellbeing Team coordinates pastoral care; the team is led by Esmond Tweedie, Executive Director and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Boarding is supported by Head of Boarding José Miquelino, with round-the-clock support, while Antonella Galioto supports day students. A confidential listening ear is available from Paulina Tkaczyk, and an external nurse supports day students. Students' rights are upheld; they can turn to staff with concerns and are cared for in a safe and respectful environment.
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) Study support and mentoring help students manage their learning. A dedicated Wellbeing Team coordinates care for all students. ESL (English as a Second Language) assistance is available for students who require language support. Boarding students receive guidance with personal matters, organization, and daily routines, with weekly progress monitoring by the boarding staff and teachers. These measures support students across their academic journey.
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 IB programmes are taught in English. English proficiency is emphasized and ESL support is available for students who require it. Language Acquisition includes French and German; Group 2 offers foreign languages from beginner to advanced. From Grade 9, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is taught entirely in English. Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature are usually taken in the student's mother tongue, while Group 2 Language Acquisition covers foreign languages from beginner to advanced; English is the language of instruction for most subjects.
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 Student wellbeing is central to the mission. Pastoral care nurtures mental, physical, social, and academic wellbeing. The Wellbeing Team coordinates this care, led by Esmond Tweedie. Boarding staff provide 24/7 support; a confidential listening ear from Paulina Tkaczyk and a nurse are available to support health needs. Students' rights ensure safety, care, respect, privacy, and a voice to raise concerns.
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 A designated safeguarding lead oversees safeguarding within the Wellbeing Team. Boarding staff provide round-the-clock protection and support for students. Students' rights protect privacy and ensure a voice to raise concerns. The school upholds the rights of the child under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Staff are available to discuss safeguarding concerns and to provide support.
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 The school has on-campus facilities including a swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, music rooms and a private movie theatre. The on-campus dining hall serves meals with vegetarian options; day students have lunch at Charly's Corner and boarders are offered breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining hall. Off-campus, Saint-Charles provides equestrian training at two world-class partner riding centres and opportunities to join local football or ice hockey clubs, with nearby options for ice skating and climbing. Cultural enrichment is supported by access to a Children's Music Conservatory minutes from the school.
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 Saint-Charles has on-campus highlights including a swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, music rooms and a private movie theatre. The co-curricular programme features sports and athletics such as horse-riding, ice hockey, football, basketball, tennis, padel, swimming and volleyball, plus fitness and martial arts options including kickboxing, judo, karate, yoga and pilates.
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 Saint-Charles offers a comprehensive curriculum in French, English or a bilingual programme. The academic programme is organized into three pathways: the Swiss curriculum, the International Baccalaureate and the Saint-Charles High School Diploma. The school emphasises small class sizes and personalised guidance to support each student.
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 Saint-Charles offers a wide range of co-curricular activities in sport, music, arts and academics. Sports and athletics include horse-riding, ice hockey, football, basketball, tennis, padel, swimming and volleyball. Fitness and martial arts include kickboxing, judo, karate, yoga and pilates. Arts and performance include ballet, dance, drama, music and photography. Academic, innovation and language clubs include AI Club, Business Club, Model United Nations, STEAM Club, robotics, chess and a variety of language clubs.
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 Saint-Charles International School was founded in 1897 by Ernest Daucourt as a Catholic boarding school, known as the Catholic Institute. By 1901 primary and secondary classes were established, and enrolment growth led to the search for a larger home. In 1915 Abbot Charles Humair renamed the institute the Saint-Charles Institute; in 1918 it acquired neighboring watchmaking and gilding workshops to expand, and in 1925 it became Collège Saint-Charles with capacity for 300 students. From 1939 to 1977, final-year students could complete the baccalaureate through an agreement with Saint-Maurice; in 1975 the school welcomed its first female students and, in 1978, was authorised to award its own high school diplomas. In the late 20th century the school continued to develop, and in 2020 became a recognised IB World School offering the Diploma Programme and the Middle Years Programme; today over 8,000 alumni worldwide carry forward its humanistic spirit and the school educates around 250 students.
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 Life at Saint-Charles extends far beyond the classroom, with a supportive community where learning, wellbeing, and personal growth go hand in hand. From pastoral care and boarding to co-curricular activities and daily routines, every aspect of school life is designed to help students feel at home, discover their strengths, and build the confidence to thrive. A sense of belonging unites day pupils and boarders, with strong relationships among students, house teams, teachers, and the wider school community. The day balances focused learning with time for reflection, creativity, physical activity, and social life.
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 Academic, Innovation and Language Clubs inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. The clubs include AI Club, Business Club, Model United Nations, STEAM Club, Robotics, Chess, and a variety of Language Clubs. Students explore new ideas, strengthen collaboration, and develop leadership through these activities.
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 Arts and Performance nurture creativity and self-expression through Ballet, Dance (Hip-hop/Modern), Drama, Music, and Photography. Students develop performance and technical skills and can showcase their work in school productions and exhibitions. The programme fosters confidence, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in a supportive environment.
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 Academic, Innovation and Language Clubs include a variety of Language Clubs, expanding linguistic horizons. Model United Nations and other clubs foster cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives. Students engage in collaborative projects that connect language learning with real-world contexts.
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 Sports and Athletics offer a wide range of activities: Horse-Riding, Ice Hockey, Football, Basketball, Tennis, Padel, Swimming, and Volleyball. Fitness and Martial Arts include Kickboxing, Judo, Karate, Yoga, and Pilates. The programme emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and balanced development.
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 Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) are part of the IB Diploma Programme core, inviting students to engage in purposeful activities beyond the classroom and to give back to the community. This core develops responsibility, empathy, and community engagement.
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 Academic, Innovation and Language Clubs inspire leadership and collaboration; Students explore new ideas, strengthen leadership skills, and expand their global perspective.
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 Sports and Fitness programs encourage physical health and balance with academic life. The gym, swimming pool, and relaxation areas support well-being during boarding and after-school hours.
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 French is the main language of instruction. The lycée teaches French, English, German, Italian and Spanish, with German prioritized as a national language. The International Baccalaureate is taught in English in the International Section.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual French-English Maturité in the Lycée. Primary classes include bilingual instruction, introduced in 2019.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Language islands provide English and German within other subjects; Primary and Secondary pupils have 2 hours per week of English and 5 hours per week of German. The International Section focuses entirely on the International Baccalaureate, taught in English.
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 Three steps are required for enrolment: schedule an appointment with the school headmistress; during an interview, all aspects of the curriculum and admissions are discussed, with the child present. The parents complete the enrolment application and send it to the secretariat and pay the enrolment fee, after which enrolment is confirmed. For primary school, motivation to learn in a multilingual environment is sought; for secondary school, candidates must pass entrance tests in French, Math, and German. Saint-Charles offers two high school streams, one in French and one bilingual French-English, both recognised by Swiss educational authorities. Appointments can be booked online or by contacting the school secretary. The admission process includes providing documents (school reports for the last two years, a letter of recommendation, and a color scan of the passport), an interview and admissions testing, and language assessments (IB Diploma: English Proficiency; Swiss Matura: English and French Proficiency) plus a Maths assessment. The Head of Admissions reviews applications and responds in roughly 10 days. Possible outcomes are admittance with a welcome package and visa procedures; provisional acceptance after a language-study period; waitlist; or non-acceptance.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships A scholarship fund for Jura-based students exists and allows residents of the canton to attend Saint-Charles. The school administration is available to answer questions in complete confidentiality.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waitlist: if there is no space in the desired program, a place on the waitlist may be offered until space becomes available.
	View full profile →	View full profile →