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Geneva English School - Primary Campus

Switzerland, Geneva

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CHF 19,000 - 34,250
Ages 3 - 11 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1961
Bus Service Yes
Part of
Geneva English School
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages French, German, Spanish
Strengths Languages, Sport, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

Geneva English School (GES) Primary Campus offers an engaging educational experience rooted in the British National Curriculum and EYFS framework. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva in Genthod, the campus overlooks Mont Blanc and provides a calm, modern setting for young learners. The school incorporates unique instructional strategies, most notably "The Literary Curriculum," which connects core subjects like Humanities and Science through a thematic, book-based approach.Students participate in specialized programs such as a STEAM Carousel, weekly Drama, Art, and Music lessons, and an extensive outdoor education initiative. A notable feature is the Science Ambassadors program, which empowers primary students to lead projects, complete scientific enquiries, and represent their peers. Bilingual Pre-school options and immersive French instruction ensure students integrate into the local francophone community while developing strong English literacy, creativity, and collaboration skills tailored for their progression to secondary education.

This campus is part of Geneva English School

Rte de Malagny 36, 1294 Genthod, Switzerland

The Essentials

Geneva English School - Primary Campus has instruction in English.

Location
GES Primary occupies a parkland site in the commune of Genthod, less than 10km from central Geneva. The Primary campus sits in Route de Malagny 36, 1294 Genthod; it features an elegant historic main building and newer facilities, with views over Lake Léman towards Mont Blanc. GES Secondary occupies part of the Modulis Building near the lake in Versoix, just a few minutes from the Primary campus, at Route de Suisse 160, 1290 Versoix. The two campuses are set in close proximity to Geneva and offer access to local amenities and community links.

Stages
GES has two main stages: Primary (Early Years to Year 6) and Secondary (Year 7 to Year 13). Early Years entry includes Pre-School 3 and Reception; Primary covers Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2; Secondary covers Key Stage 3 to Year 13, with GCSE/IGCSE offered at Year 10 and A Levels at Year 13.

Type
The school is an international school delivering a British curriculum.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Pupils come from over 60 nationalities.

Additional learning support
The school has a Director of Inclusion (SENCO) and Learning Assistants to support pupils with Additional Learning Needs and provide Learning & After-School Support.

Country affiliation
The school is a British-curriculum international school delivering GCSE and A Levels.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school does not have a formal school uniform. Pupils dress suitably for the school day, with a GES P.E. kit required for sport. The P.E. kit includes a P.E. top, a House top and P.E. shorts (CHF 85). For colder weather and school trips, parents can purchase other GES branded clothing, such as: Primary navy blue sweatshirt (CHF 30); Fleece jacket (CHF 55); Sports rain jacket (CHF 50); Tracksuit bottoms (CHF 50); Sports leggings (CHF 50).

Food Options
Hot lunches are provided five days a week by Novae. Meals are nutritious, varied and nut-free, with vegetarian options available every day. Pupils can also bring a healthy packed lunch from home. Pupils eat in the Dining Room (Primary) or the Grand Café (Secondary).

House System
Four houses: Léman, Rhône, Dôle, Jura. The school hosts an Inter-House Cross Country Race each year, with house teams competing.
Fees

Annual tuition at Geneva English School - Primary Campus ranges from CHF 19,000 to CHF 34,250 for 2026/27.

Application and registration fees
- Application fee: CHF 250 (non-refundable), payable on submission of an application.
- Registration fee: CHF 1,500 (non-refundable), payable to complete enrolment; valid for re-entry within one year of leaving. GES does not charge an annual administration fee.
- Capital development fee: CHF 2,000 at registration and a further CHF 2,000 after one year (non-refundable); valid for re-entry within two years of leaving.
- Tuition fee deposit: CHF 3,000, held by the school and refunded following the student's final term provided all fees are up to date and school equipment is returned in good working order; parents may opt to donate the deposit to the GES Development Fund when leaving.

Tuition fees (academic year 2025–2026) — annual and per-term amounts (all amounts in CHF)
- Pre-school (full-time): Annual CHF 19,000. Term payments: Payment 1 CHF 4,750; Payment 2 CHF 3,800; Payment 3 CHF 6,080; Payment 4 CHF 4,370. Annual-payment amount with 2% discount CHF 18,620. Monthly payment plan amount (with 2% admin fee) CHF 1,938 per month.
- Reception: Annual CHF 23,000. Term payments: Payment 1 CHF 5,750; Payment 2 CHF 4,600; Payment 3 CHF 7,360; Payment 4 CHF 5,290. Annual-payment amount with 2% discount CHF 22,540. Monthly payment plan CHF 2,346 per month.
- Year 1 – Year 6: Annual CHF 28,500. Term payments: Payment 1 CHF 7,125; Payment 2 CHF 5,700; Payment 3 CHF 9,120; Payment 4 CHF 6,555. Annual-payment amount with 2% discount CHF 27,930. Monthly payment plan CHF 2,907 per month.
- Year 7 – Year 9: Annual CHF 33,000. Term payments: Payment 1 CHF 8,250; Payment 2 CHF 6,600; Payment 3 CHF 10,560; Payment 4 CHF 7,590. Annual-payment amount with 2% discount CHF 32,340. Monthly payment plan CHF 3,366 per month.
- Year 10 – Year 11: Annual CHF 34,250. Term payments: Payment 1 CHF 8,563; Payment 2 CHF 6,850; Payment 3 CHF 10,960; Payment 4 CHF 7,877. Annual-payment amount with 2% discount CHF 33,565. Monthly payment plan CHF 3,494 per month.
- Year 12 – Year 13: Annual CHF 35,800. Term payments: Payment 1 CHF 8,950; Payment 2 CHF 7,160; Payment 3 CHF 11,456; Payment 4 CHF 8,234. Annual-payment amount with 2% discount CHF 35,084. Monthly payment plan CHF 3,652 per month.

Pre-school programme options and fees (2025–2026)
- Full time (5 mornings and 4 afternoons — same as other Primary classes): Annual CHF 19,000; term split as above.
- 5 mornings and 2 afternoons (Tues & Thu): Annual CHF 14,440; Payment 1 CHF 3,610; Payment 2 CHF 2,888; Payment 3 CHF 4,621; Payment 4 CHF 3,321.
- Mornings only (5 mornings): Annual CHF 11,400; Payment 1 CHF 2,850; Payment 2 CHF 2,280; Payment 3 CHF 3,648; Payment 4 CHF 2,622.

Late joiners (term charges for students joining mid-year, amounts in CHF)
- Second term (due by 19 December 2025) and third term (due by 27 March 2026) charges per year group:
- Pre-school (full-time): Term 2 CHF 6,333; Term 3 CHF 5,278.
- Reception: Term 2 CHF 7,667; Term 3 CHF 6,389.
- Yr 1–6: Term 2 CHF 9,500; Term 3 CHF 7,917.
- Yr 7–9: Term 2 CHF 11,000; Term 3 CHF 9,167.
- Yr 10–11: Term 2 CHF 11,417; Term 3 CHF 9,514.
- Yr 12–13: Term 2 CHF 11,933; Term 3 CHF 9,944.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard term due dates for the 2025–2026 academic year: Payment 1 due by 27 June 2025; Payment 2 due by 26 August 2025; Payment 3 due by 19 December 2025; Payment 4 due by 27 March 2026. These dates form the published billing schedule for the year.
- Annual payment plan: a 2% discount applies when the annual tuition is received in full by 27 June 2025.
- Monthly payment plan: available by request and subject to agreement with the Director General; structured over 10 months from August to May, administered by standing order with each monthly payment due no later than the 26th of the month in which payments are due. The monthly plan carries a 2% administration fee.

Notice periods and withdrawal without financial penalty
- Fixed withdrawal dates (from academic year 2025/2026 onwards) allowing students to leave without financial penalty: 26 August 2025 to leave at the end of Term 1; 12 December 2025 to leave at the end of Term 2; 2 April 2026 to leave at the end of Term 3 (which avoids paying fees for Autumn term 2026–2027).

Other costs and optional services
- Sport and PE kit: approximately CHF 85 depending on items chosen.
- Annual residential camp for Primary (Year 2–6): CHF 250 to CHF 650 (depending on location and duration). Payment may be spread over time on request.
- Residential trips for Secondary students: CHF 500 to CHF 850 per trip (depending on location and duration). Payment may be spread over time on request.
- External exam entries (GCSE, AS and A Level): fees charged separately and must be paid in full before examinations start (usually by 1 May).
- Hot lunches: CHF 600 to CHF 2,990 per year, depending on number of days per week. Prices are subject to inflation.
- School bus (children aged 5 or over): CHF 3,600 to CHF 4,430 per year depending on home address, or CHF 20 for a one-off ride.
- After-school care (Primary): CHF 25 per hour (termly packages available).
- Ski camp or other optional residential trips: CHF 600–900. Off-site sports fixtures and tournaments: CHF 20 (some activities such as skiing may cost more). Extra-curricular activities led by external teachers and individual music lessons are charged separately; music lesson costs are available on request.

Sibling discounts
- Discounts (available on request and subject to Director General approval for families paying privately): 5% discount on tuition fees for the first two children, 10% discount for the third (youngest) child, and 15% discount for the fourth and subsequent (youngest) child(ren).

Refunds and non-refundable items
- Non-refundable items: Application fee (CHF 250), Registration fee (CHF 1,500), and both installments of the Capital development fee (CHF 2,000 + CHF 2,000) are non-refundable.
- Refundable item: Tuition deposit (CHF 3,000) is refundable after the student's final term provided all outstanding fees are paid and school equipment is returned in good condition. Parents may elect to donate this deposit to the school's Development Fund instead of receiving a refund.

Fee payment options and practical notes on payment methods
- Monthly payment by standing order (bank transfer) is explicitly supported for the monthly plan; standing order is the mechanism the school uses to collect monthly payments.
- If online payment is not possible, bank transfer is an accepted alternative (parents are encouraged to pay via bank transfer in such cases).

Summary of essential figures (CHF):
- Application fee: CHF 250 (non-refundable). Registration fee: CHF 1,500 (non-refundable). Capital development fee: CHF 2,000 + CHF 2,000 (non-refundable). Tuition deposit: CHF 3,000 (refundable on leaving subject to conditions). Annual tuition by year group: Pre-school CHF 19,000; Reception CHF 23,000; Yr 1–6 CHF 28,500; Yr 7–9 CHF 33,000; Yr 10–11 CHF 34,250; Yr 12–13 CHF 35,800. Term dates and term-payment due dates follow the published schedule above.
Academics

Geneva English School - Primary Campus teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 3 to 11.

Curriculum
GES broadly follows the English National Curriculum; there is a strong emphasis on languages due to its French-speaking Swiss location, with immersive French in class and French integrated into daily life from Pre-School onwards. The curriculum covers The Arts, Computing, English, French, German & Spanish, History & Geography, Mathematics, PSHCE, Science, Sport & PE, and Academic Support.

Exam Results
2025 A Level results: 25 students; 99% pass rate; 51% A*/A; A Level results place GES in the top 5% of worldwide schools. 2025 GCSE results: GCSE Grades 9-7 2025: 66% (UK average 22%). 2025 Primary results: 70% of Year 6 exceeded benchmark in Science, 60% in English, 44% in Maths. University destinations (2023-2025) include Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, ETH Zürich, Bocconi University, University of Geneva, among others.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have gone on to study at leading universities worldwide, including University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, ETH Zürich, Bocconi University, University of Geneva, and more.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
GES delivers a PSHCE programme with themes including Lifelong Learning, Getting On and Good Relationships, Health and Wellbeing, Living in the Wider World, Health and Relationships, and Responsible and Inquisitive Citizens. The programme is revisited and developed each year and is supplemented by external speakers, assemblies and cross-year and whole-school events. The wellbeing-focused curriculum incorporates current research on wellbeing, including learning about the brain, thoughtfulness, acts of kindness, exercise, meditation, optimism and gratitude. Pastoral care and wellbeing provide individual attention and personalised support; social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is embedded throughout school life, with student voice and house systems reinforcing community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) team ensures that all students have the right to learn and realise their intellectual, social and physical potential, with English as the primary language of instruction and fluency required to access the curriculum. The school supports learners with SEND or neurodivergence and works with families to provide flexible, tailored support across the curriculum. Some dyslexia/ADHD cases take part in a morning half-day programme with Oak Hill School in Nyon while continuing at GES, and the school's SEND offer is reviewed regularly to reflect an inclusive ethos.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the primary language of instruction, with a strong emphasis on English fluency to access the curriculum. The curriculum integrates immersive French from Pre-School onwards and daily usage of French to support bilingual development and integration into the francophone community. The A Level pathway includes the opportunity to achieve a high level of French, enabling study at universities in Geneva, France, the UK and beyond. After-school provision includes English- and French-speaking staff to support language needs.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a central thread of the curriculum and pastoral care, with PSHCE themes focused on Health and Wellbeing, Living in the Wider World and Health and Relationships. The programme draws on current research about wellbeing and includes activities such as exercise, mindfulness and gratitude, supported by external speakers and whole-school events. Individual attention and personalised support are emphasised within the pastoral framework to help pupils feel happy, safe and confident.

Safeguarding
GES is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, with all staff undergoing rigorous vetting and child protection checks, including checks with past employers and appropriate prohibition and criminal records checks. The school has a designated safeguarding lead who is the school psychologist, as well as a school doctor and a nurse. Safeguarding policies reference the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the full policies are available in the policies section.
Parent Experience

History
Geneva English School was founded in 1961 by a small group of parents who wanted a British education for their children. A church hall at 14 rue Baulacre in Geneva was rented, a teacher was hired and the school started to grow. By 1963, the number of pupils had expanded to 40 and the school relocated to larger premises at the Ecole Migros in rue du Prince. With demand for places continuing to grow, the school moved to a large house at 39 bis route de Malagnou and then, in 1967, to empty village school premises in Vésenaz. In 1972, Denis Unsworth was appointed as Head, a role he held until his retirement in 2007. A long and difficult search for new premises in the early 1980s eventually led to the identification of the magnificent ‘Petit Malagny' site in Genthod, on the opposite side of the lake. In total, some six years were spent negotiating the final purchase, securing the loan, obtaining approval for the building's use as a school, agreeing plans for refurbishment and additional buildings and, finally, carrying out the building work. In 1989, for the beginning of the summer term, the school moved to Genthod and was officially opened on Sports Day. A fourth building, the Salève, opened in April 2013, providing a dining hall and dance studio in addition to the classrooms needed to facilitate an expansion to two classes per year group. After over 50 years as a preparatory or primary school, our secondary campus was opened in September 2017 in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Versoix, just a few minutes from the primary site. The secondary school is growing organically year-on-year and welcomes students in Years 7 to 13.

Community
Geneva English School is based a short drive from the centre of Geneva and the United Nations, on the shores of Lac Léman and overlooking Mont Blanc. It is an inclusive, friendly and thriving community with students following the English National Curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage, through the Primary years, to GCSE and A Levels. The school community is diverse and international — and we celebrate this diversity. The A Level pathway includes the opportunity for students to achieve a high level of French, enabling study at universities in Geneva or France, the UK, Europe, North America or beyond.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
GES was founded by parents and has always had parents at the heart of its structure. New families are made to feel welcome and are encouraged to be involved in the life of the school. Parent class representatives help to bind the community together and our Planning Team organise events such as the Christmas and Summer Fairs that are hugely popular and exemplify the spirit of GES.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Geneva English School operates two campuses: Primary at Route de Malagny 36, 1294 Genthod, and Secondary at Route de Suisse 160, 1290 Versoix. It is located near Geneva, on the shores of Lac Léman and overlooking Mont Blanc. The school follows the English National Curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage through GCSE and A Levels. Students are provided with an iPad to assist their studies, and Google Classroom and G Suite are used to keep students connected in and out of the classroom. Educational visits and residential trips supplement the curriculum and help develop confidence and teamwork.

Sports Facilities
GES uses local sporting facilities to support PE lessons, including the local Country Club, UEFA headquarters football pitches, and Lake Geneva. The Sports Academy offers football, netball, paddleboarding, skiing, sport leadership and athletics. The program aims to increase participation and skill development from Year 3. Through these arrangements, students have access to organised team sports and a range of athletic activities.

Academic Facilities
English National Curriculum is followed for Early Years through GCSE and A Levels. The school operates on two campuses, Primary in Genthod and Secondary in Versoix. Each student is issued with an iPad to support studies, and Google Classroom and G Suite are used to stay connected in and out of school. The Secondary campus opened in September 2016 in Versoix.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Extra-Curricular programme includes a wide range of activities at lunchtime and after school, with many offered at no cost and some by external teachers such as street dance, ballet, judo, playball and golf. Examples include Choir, Art & Craft, Spanish, German, Orchestra, Athletics, Performing Arts, Stop Motion Animation, Ballet, Street Dance, Chess, Watercolour, Gardening, Yoga, STEAM, Sewing, Dodgeball, Board Games, Recorder, Poetry, Cooking, Robotics, Magic, and Storytelling. The Sports Academy offers Football, Netball, Paddleboarding, Skiing, Sport Leaders and Athletics. There are 11+ and 13+ exam preparation classes, and Educational Visits supplement the curriculum with trips to sites such as the Juraparc, Art and History Museum, Natural History Museum, and local venues; residential trips run from Year 3 onwards.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Extensive lunchtime and after-school activities provide academic enrichment, with examples including choir, orchestra, chess, robotics and STEAM. The school runs 11+ and 13+ exam preparation classes to support applications to independent or boarding schools. GCSE and A Level results in 2025 were strong, with 70% of A Level grades at A* or A and 66% of GCSE grades at 7 or above. Educational visits and residential trips add real-world context to learning.

Arts & Creative
An extensive arts program includes choir, orchestra, art & craft, performing arts, stop-motion animation, ballet and street dance. Visual arts are supported by watercolour, and storytelling and poetry provide expressive writing opportunities. Other creative activities include cooking, gardening, sewing and board games.

Cultural & Language
In Years 5 and 6, German and Spanish are studied for half a year each, taught by Secondary specialists; in Secondary, students select one as their second Modern Foreign Language alongside French. French is studied to GCSE level and a second modern foreign language is also studied. All lessons are taught in English, a bilingual Pre-school is offered, and students are supported in gaining formal qualifications in German and Spanish.

Social & Hobbies
A wide range of clubs and activities runs at lunchtime and after school, including choir, orchestra, art & craft, Spanish, German, performing arts, stop-motion animation, ballet, street dance, chess, watercolour, gardening, yoga, STEAM, sewing, robotics, storytelling and more. The Sports Academy offers organised team sports coached by GES staff and external coaches, including football, netball, paddleboarding, skiing and athletics. There are 11+ and 13+ exam-preparation classes to support selective school applications. Educational visits and residential trips bring learning to life outside the classroom.

Community & Service
GES emphasizes community and parental involvement; new families are welcomed and parent class representatives help to bind the community, with the Planning Team organizing events such as Christmas and Summer Fairs.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and professional development are supported by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award in the secondary program, and the A Levels pathway includes the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Students benefit from local sporting facilities and world-class PE lessons, supported by a strong outdoor education programme. Almost all students work toward the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, with regular camps, trips and outdoor activities across Switzerland. The school also maintains a broad sports and wellbeing program through its activities and facilities.
Languages

Language Provision
French is taught across the school and to GCSE level in secondary. A second modern foreign language (German or Spanish) is studied in secondary. Languages spoken at home are supported within the school.

Bilingual Teaching
Not bilingual. French is taught throughout the school and students study a second modern foreign language (German or Spanish).

Immersion Programs
An immersion French program is delivered in class and French is integrated into daily school life from Pre-School onwards. The bespoke French curriculum supports integration into the francophone community and prepares students for secondary education.
Admissions

Admissions
The school's admissions process includes the following stages: initial enquiry and confirmation of each student's details; reports from the previous school or nursery; a visit to GES and/or a discussion via telephone or online video call; submission of a completed Application form; consideration of the application along with supporting documentation; the offer of a place or guidance if a place cannot be offered. Applying to join Pre-School: children are invited to attend two tasters before joining; pupils applying to other year groups at Primary and Secondary may also join a taster session. Applying for A Levels: students are asked for their preferred subjects and their most recent school report and, where relevant, projected GCSE grades; they will then interview with a member of staff to assess suitability for the courses requested, which may include a written exam. Applications are accepted throughout the year and processed in the order they are received; if a year group is full a waiting list is maintained.

Waitlist
If a year group is full a waiting list is maintained.
School Events
The school has not added events
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