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Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Swiss Curriculum
Taught languages German, French
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
ELABasel – The Swiss British School Basel is a not-for-profit, two-campus international school serving Kita, Primary and Secondary students from ages 0 to 18. It offers two curriculum pathways: the Cambridge International Curriculum (leading to IGCSE and A-Levels) taught mainly in English, and a bilingual Swiss stream aligned with Lehrplan 21 for direct transfer into the Swiss system. German is taught from Pre-School to Year 7 and French from Year 3, while the Cambridge stream provides an internationally portable qualification. The school's Basel locations, Gartenstrasse 93 and St. Alban‑Vorstadt 32, host modern, child-centered learning spaces, including a dedicated STEM emphasis, arts facilities, and the Scala Theatre Basel for performances. An extensive Afterschool and Enrichment Programme runs until 18:00, with activities in coding, sports, music, and language. Distinctive features include the annual Scala musical, ABRSM music exams, and a bilingual program that supports long-term planning across local and international settings for families.
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel has 360 pupils, instruction in English, German, French.
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.
Stages
Early Years (3 months – 4 years); Primary School (Aged 4 – 12); Secondary School (Aged 12 – 16).
Type
International Kita, Primary and Secondary school; not-for-profit association.
Pupil Nationality Mix
360 pupils from 35 countries.
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.
Country affiliation
Switzerland
School day structure
ELABasel operates 50 weeks per year. After-school and enrichment programmes run from 15:30–18:00.
Fees
Annual tuition at ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel ranges from CHF 23,800 to CHF 28,800 for 2026/27.
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.
Academics
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Swiss Curriculum for students aged 0 to 16.
Curriculum
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).
Student Teacher Ratio
High adult-to-student ratio with class teachers supported by teaching assistants enabling personalised teaching.
Exam Results
60% of children achieve above-average results in English, Maths and German on internationally benchmarked tests.
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).
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.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.
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.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQs
What curriculum does ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel offer?
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel offers IGCSE, Cambridge, British, French curriculums. 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.
What age range does ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel cater for?
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel accepts students from age 0 to 18. Early Years (3 months – 4 years); Primary School (Aged 4 – 12); Secondary School (Aged 12 – 16).
What are the fees at ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel?
**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).
Where is ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel located?
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel is located in Switzerland. 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.
Is ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel co-educational?
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel is a co-educational school. International Kita, Primary and Secondary school; not-for-profit association.
How do I apply to ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel?
The admissions process at ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel: 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.
Does ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel offer boarding?
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.
What learning support does ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel provide?
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel provides learning support services. 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.
Does ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
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.
What facilities does ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel have?
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 mus Sports facilities include: 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.
What extra-curricular activities are available at ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel?
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel offers a range of extra-curricular activities. 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.
What languages are taught at ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel?
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.
Who is the head of ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel?
The head of school at ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel is Dr Sally Hirsch.
How many students attend ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel?
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel has approximately 360 students. The school serves students from age 0 to 18.
When was ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel founded?
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel was founded in 1993. 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.
What accreditations does ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel hold?
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.
Where do graduates of ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel go to university?
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.
What is the parent community like at ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel?
ELABasel welcomes new families all year round and is a vibrant, diverse community.
