Admissions Policy
The International School of Berne (ISBerne) welcomes children without discrimination of gender, orientation, race, religion, or nationality. We welcome international students, local students with an international background, and local students of non-obligatory school age. Students are invited to join ISBerne if:
- The student can benefit from the educational services provided
- Our school is able to meet the educational needs of the student
- Places are available
Admissions Process
Students are welcomed throughout the school year, on a rolling basis, up to Grade 10. Grade 11 students are welcome to join until the October Break. Grade 12 students may join the school if they are transferring from an IB school and their option choices are compatible.
ISBerne requests the following documentation to process an application:
- A completed, signed Application Form including:
- a photograph of the student
- copies of the student’s passport and parents’ passports
- the signed Privacy Policy Form
- the signed Financial Regulations Form
- School records/reports for three previous years
- Copies of Individual Educational Plans, if applicable
- A completed Confidential Reference Form
- Copies of any standardized tests and/or diagnostic educational assessments
The school requires student records in English, German or French.
Once the the application and associated documents are received, then:
- The documentation will be collated by the office and reviewed by the relevant IB Programme Coordinator and the Director.
- Applications will be considered according to the date of application.
- A personal interview with the appropriate Coordinator is desirable and can be held face-to-face or virtually.
- The school reserves the right to contact the student’s previous school prior to acceptance.
Students will be assigned to grade level classes primarily based on their age, previous school records, and confidential references, as appropriate. In addition, students may be asked to sit tests in English and Mathematics to determine their levels in these subjects. ISBerne reserves the right to place students in grade levels according to the needs of the students. In exceptional cases, students may be placed in a grade below or above their age group.
ISBerne will communicate admissions decisions in writing. ISBerne may offer conditional acceptance in some cases. Admissions are subject to the final decision of the Director. The school reserves the right to deny admission or re-enrolment of a student if this would be in the best interests of the child.
Once the Director approves the application, payment of an application fee and a non-refundable Capital Fund Fee will reserve a child’s place at ISBerne. You can find details about the Tuition and Fees in the Financial Regulations section of the ISBerne Application Forms.
Learning Needs
ISBerne welcomes students with mild-to-moderate learning needs. We are unable to cater for moderate-to-severe learning needs. The school will request additional information and may require diagnostic educational testing. Admissions of students with mild-to-moderate learning needs will depend on the school’s ability to meet the child’s educational needs. Should additional specialized services, such as speech therapy, exam readers, or one-to-one tutoring be required, this is the financial responsibility of the family.
The campus is wheelchair accessible. Learn more about ISBerne's Learning Support Services.
English Language Requirements
The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students up to and including Grade 10. It is desirable that students joining in Grade 10 have a B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: CEFR) in English. To join the ISBerne Diploma Programme in Grade 11, a B2 level in English is required. To join the full IB Diploma in Grade 11, students require a C1 in English. Exceptions may be made in some cases and are subject to the decision of the Director. Learn more about ISBerne's EAL Support Services.
Technology Requirement
ISBerne has a 1:1 laptop programme. All students in Grades 6 – 12 must have a MacBook laptop or an iPad with a keyboard and an apple pencil (an iPad mini is not suitable) to enroll.
Ski and Skate Fridays
For more than thirty years, 'Ski and Skate Fridays' have been a special tradition at the International School of Berne. Over seven weeks during the Winter, students in all grades participate in skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating.