Upper School: Grades 11-12

Now enrolling local and international students for Autumn 2025

At the International School of Berne (ISBerne), your teenager will step into a dynamic environment designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare them for what comes next. As an International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School, our Grade 9 and 10 students build a strong foundation through the International Baccalaureate® Middle Years Programme. By Grades 11 and 12, they benefit from flexible curriculum pathways grounded in the IB approach, culminating in a fully accredited U.S. High School Diploma. They may also choose to earn the prestigious IB Diploma—offered in English or as a bilingual diploma—expanding their academic opportunities worldwide.

Throughout their journey, our caring, committed educators bring out the best in your child, ensuring that they graduate not only with leading academic credentials, but also with the confidence, curiosity, and global perspective needed to excel. At ISBerne, your family may select the pathway that best aligns with your child’s talents, strengths, and future plans.

At ISBerne, inclusivity is at the heart of our approach. We are a warm, vibrant community of over 50 nationalities, with around 55 to 60 students enrolled in our Diploma Programmes each year. Our school operates with a non-selective, open-enrollment admissions policy, and we welcome both local Swiss and international students to our Diploma programmes in Grades 11 to 12. For over sixty years, our school has welcomed transfer students of all ages and nationalities to our school with a diverse array of backgrounds, interests, needs, and talents. Your child will quickly feel integrated at our school and supported by our dedicated faculty and staff.

ISBerne's diploma pathways

International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP)

Most of our students decide to complete the International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme(IBDP), a comprehensive two-year programme for Grades 11 and 12. Students will explore three Higher Level and three Standard Level courses. Additionally, students engage in deep reflection through the Theory of Knowledge, complete an independent Extended Essay, and participate in projects involving Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) to enhance their learning experience.

Upon successful completion of the programme, students are awarded the prestigious IB Diploma. The IBDP is structured to enable students to develop into well-rounded adults through integrative, challenging, internationally focused courses. Our students consistently perform well above the world averages on their IBDP examinations. View our academic results.

The most prestigious institutions in 90 countries accept IBDP students — and the list grows every year. Since 1969, IBDP graduates have entered over 3,300 universities in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australia. See where ISBerne students have been accepted.

Students following the IBDP at the International School of Berne will also receive a US-accredited High School Diploma upon graduation.

Learn more

Bilingual International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme

A variation of the International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP), our Bilingual Diploma pathway is available to acknowledge and celebrate your child's proficiency in both English and German (or another language). The Bilingual IB Diploma maintains the rigorous academic standards of the IBDP, ensuring a broad and balanced education across various subject areas. This programme provides a comprehensive and challenging educational experience that not only sharpens academic abilities but also nurtures essential values and skills necessary for a meaningful and purposeful life.

Students following the Bilingual IBDP at the International School of Berne will also receive a US-accredited High School Diploma upon graduation.

Learn more

Diploma Courses Pathway

Our Diploma Courses Pathway offers students the flexibility to combine selected International Baccalaureate® (IB) courses with ISBerne coursework. This blended programme is less rigorous than the full IB Diploma Programme, providing a balanced approach for students seeking a more personalized educational experience.

Students in this pathway must take at least five subjects from the ISBerne coursework and at least one subject from the IB Diploma coursework. Participation in the IB Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme is required. While participation in the IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay components is optional, it remains available for those who wish to enrich their learning journey further.

Students following the Diploma Course Pathway at the International School of Berne will receive our ISBerne High School Diploma upon graduation along with any certificates earned for their IB coursework.

ISBerne High School Diploma Pathway

The International School of Berne offers a US-accredited High School Diploma programme, presenting a strong alternative to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This pathway is less rigorous than both the full IB Diploma and the IB Diploma Courses pathways, making it an ideal choice for students targeting universities in North America and select European institutions.

Students in this pathway must complete six subjects within the ISBerne coursework, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive education. Participation in the IB Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme is required.

Upon graduation, they will receive an ISBerne High School Diploma, fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Students who complete 2 Language A subjects will also receive a bilingual ISBerne High School Diploma.

Learn More about our Accreditations


International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP)	International Baccalaureate® Bilingual Diploma Programme (IBDP)	Diploma Courses Pathway	ISBerne Diploma Pathway
6 subjects in the IBDP, including 3 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level	6 subjects in the IBDP, including 3 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level	5 subjects in ISBerne Diploma Programme and at least 1 subject in the IBDP	6 subjects in ISBerne Diploma Programme Students who select 2 Language A subjects receive a bilingual ISBerne Diploma
Required: Theory of Knowledge Extended Essay Creativity, Activity, Service	Required: English and another language Theory of Knowledge Extended Essay Creativity, Activity, Service	Required: Creativity, Activity, Service Optional: Theory of Knowledge Extended Essay	Required: Creativity, Activity, Service Optional: Theory of Knowledge Extended Essay
Accepted by universities around the world			Accepted by universities in North America and some in Europe

Grades 11-12 in depth

School Day and Hours

Students in Grades 11 and 12 follow a ten-day cycle, with classes running Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:30. On Wednesdays, the school day ends earlier at 14:20. After dismissal, students may choose to participate in our After School Activities (ASA) and athletics programmes, which offers a variety of enrichment opportunities beyond the curriculum.

Students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme attend each Standard Level class six times over the ten-day cycle, and each Higher Level class seven times. Higher Level courses also include one additional extended period from 15:30 to 16:30 once per cycle.

Classrooms and Facilities

The modern, purpose-built campus at the International School of Berne celebrates and encourages learning. When setting up and adapting learning spaces, teachers are mindful of the unique needs of teenagers. Our students enjoy the following amenities and resources:

Inviting classrooms with access to additional technology resources
Well resourced library and media centre
State-of-the-art theatre and aula
Large indoor gym
Outdoor recreation areas
Fresh, healthy lunch service
Personal storage lockers
Easy access to one of the world’s best public transit systems

Watch a tour of our campus

Teachers

ISBerne has highly-qualified and internationally experienced educators dedicated to the High School:

Our teachers have a wealth of teaching experience, at minimum they hold a university degree in Education and receive on-going professional development.
Art, Music and Physical Education are taught by specialist teachers in learning environments dedicated to their subject.
Counsellors and Learning Support Specialists are available to provide support should there be a requirement.
A dedicated, full-time Principal oversees the programme.

Learn more

Programme Guides

University Guidance and Acceptances

At the lnternational School of Berne, we take university preparation seriously to ensure the best possible outcome for each student as they look towards continuing their education. Open communication is the key to successful applications and acceptance, as student and family desires are matched with realistic academic and social choices.

View where our students were accepted

Activities

We understand that this is an important time as your child will be making critical decisions about their future. Preparing your teen for adulthood requires more than just academics. You want them to have experience leading, problem-solving, working together as a team, and recovering from mistakes. At ISBerne, your child will also have the opportunity to grow through:

Arts
Athletics
Diploma Programme Retreat Week
Ski Fridays
Duke of Edinburgh International Awards
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) Programme
Weekly Advisory
Model United Nations
Youth Forum Switzerland
Villars Institute Symposium
Student Council

Through our advisory and counselling programmes, students and families are guided and supported as they navigate adolescence, grow in their academic understanding, contribute meaningfully to society, and plan for their future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out which diploma programme is right for my child?
To learn more about the diploma options available to your child and find the best fit, we encourage you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team. Schedule a consultation
How do ISBerne's programmes compare to the local schools?
Both the Swiss Matura and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are certifications of an excellent education. We congratulate you for being in the position to assess your options and choose the best path forward for your or your child’s education. Learn more
What level of English must my child have to join ISBerne?
At ISBerne, English is the primary language of instruction. New students may be required to demonstrate their English proficiency to ensure they meet the grade-level requirements. Many students join us with little proficiency in English, so we provide English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. EAL support is included in the school’s tuition fees and comes at no extra cost. Learn more about languages at ISBerne
What colleges and universities do ISBerne graduates attend?
At the International School of Berne, we pride ourselves on providing students with the academic preparation, hands-on experience, and global outlook necessary to stay competitive in their university applications. Our school’s primary goal is for our Grade 12 students to carefully evaluate their post-secondary options and gain admission to their programme(s) of choice. Learn More
How well do ISBerne students score on external exams?
Students at the International School of Berne consistently perform well above the world averages on external examinations. LEARN MORE
Can my child transfer from ISBerne to another High School internationally?
One of the most well-known and longest-running international education programmes is the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The IB curriculum is one of the most popular education systems globally and is based on well-defined standards, and holds students accountable for their work. It is highly transferable across countries and is recognized by top universities across the globe. The transferability of the two-year IB Diploma mid-way depends mainly on each school's policy. You have first to match up the courses as well as possible, and then it depends to some extent on the content and sequence of teaching in the courses. The IB courses offer a lot of flexibility in terms of content within the requirements and the teaching sequence of topics. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team to learn more. Schedule a consultation

Still have questions?

The Admissions Frequently Asked Questions page shows the most common inquires schoolwide. If you have any other questions or want to discuss any aspect of the process, please contact us by calling +41 31 959 1000 or by emailing office@isberne.ch.

Join our upcoming information events

We strongly encourage you to visit our school in person and experience what makes ISBerne such a special place to learn. You may either register for a private consulation or join an upcoming group event:

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12 Nov 2025

Open Morning: Grades 6-12, Grade 10 Bridging Year and Bilingual Diploma

Join us for a guided tour of Grades 6–12, including our unique Grade 10 Bridging Year and Bilingual Diploma Programmes. Led by our Principals, you’ll explore our purpose-built campus and see lessons in action.

We welcome both Swiss and international students, with flexible year-round enrolment.

Pre-registration is appreciated. Reserve your spot today!

3 Dec 2025

Schoolwide Open Morning

Discover the International School of Berne at our Open Morning! From our Early Learning Centre to the Bilingual Diploma Programme in Grade 12, you’ll experience the full journey we offer students aged 3 to 18.

Led by our Principals, you’ll tour our purpose-built campus, visit classrooms, and see our vibrant community in action.

We welcome both Swiss and international families, with flexible year-round enrolment. Children are welcome to join this family-friendly event.

Pre-registration appreciated — reserve your place today!

Getting started at ISBerne

Are you considering the International School of Berne for your child? We're thrilled to hear that! We want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your family.

To start exploring the admissions process, please visit the admissions section of the site. You'll find everything you need to know about scheduling a personal visit or trial day, making an online inquiry, and more. Remember, your child may join ISBerne anytime during the school year if space is available.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone directly, please contact us. You can email us at office@isberne.ch or call us at +41 31 959 10 00. We can't wait to hear from you!

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