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Welcome to ELA Basel - The Swiss British School
We are a vibrant and nurturing International and Bilingual Day care and Primary school in the heart of Basel. We pride ourselves on creating a family environment to support our children’s development and growth.
We blend the best of the Swiss and British education programmes with a focus on science, the arts and technology.
Learning at ELA Basel
Parents tell us that their children thrive at ELA Basel. The combination of a creative curriculum, small class sizes and dedicated, highly qualified staff create the ideal environment for children to succeed. Our mission is to nurture, care for and educate the 'whole child' and to support the children on each step of their learning journey. At ELA Basel, the children enjoy coming to school and as we all know, happy children make the best learners.
ELA Basel is situated on two campuses in the historic centre of Basel. Discover our two convenient locations.
Latest News
ELA Basel Theatre School
Starting in January 2025, we are launching ELA Basel Theatre School—our new Saturday morning performing arts workshop. Led by our own Tina Corrigan, the programme will run for 15 weeks. Click here to find out more.
ELA Basel Gartenstrasse looking towards St Albans-Vorstadt and the Rhein
Latest News
ELA Connect - Autumn 2024
We are delighted to introduce ELA Connect, our new termly bulletin designed to shine a spotlight on the significant events, achievements, and news from across the ELA Basel community. Click to download the first issue.
ELA Basel aspires to nurture future citizens who will make a positive contribution to the world
Our community
At ELA Basel we understand the importance of a strong home-school partnership. We are committed to engaging with our families to deliver our mission of valuing and nurturing each individual child. Together we form a caring, diverse and thriving community of 360 children and 90 staff from 35 different countries. Parents can get involved as volunteers, become class parent reps and attend regular curriculum information meetings. All families are members of our unique not-for-profit verein which gives everyone a real sense of belonging and agency within our community.
About ELA Basel
ELA Basel, the Swiss British School is recognised as the leader in international primary education in Basel, Switzerland. Established in 1993 and centrally located in the heart of the city, we are proud to be a not-for-profit verein.
Early Years
ELA Basel Early Years is proud to be described as a ‘home away from home’ by our families who entrust us with their children each day. Our mission is to provide children aged 3 months to 4 years with all the personal support and care they need as they grow and learn each day.
Primary School
Our Primary School follows the creative and forward-looking English National Curriculum, which we have adapted to incorporate our international ethos and Swiss setting.
Eating well
We encourage a healthy lifestyle and recognize that eating together is an important social activity. Aligned with guidance from Swiss nutritionists, our seasonal menus provide freshly prepared healthy snacks and a hot lunch each day.
Hier lernen wir Deutsch
Whilst English is the official language of instruction at ELA Basel, learning German is an integral part of our curriculum and school offer. German tuition starts in Pre-School with specialist lessons taught by qualified, native-speaking teachers.
Secondary Transition Agreement
The quality of our German language provision is recognised by the Cantonal Education Department. We are the only English language school to be awarded the prestigious Basel-Stadt Secondary School Transition Agreement.
Living in Basel
Basel is a family-friendly, well-connected and international city. There is a huge variety of cultural, sporting and outdoor activities on offer to keep children engaged and entertained.
After-School Programme
Children can be enrolled in our popular After-School Programme from 15:30 to 18:00 each day. In addition to afternoon snack they take part in a variety of fun activities including arts and crafts, drama, sport, German and French and homework clubs.