Custom Class: header-utility-wrapper

Custom Class: header-breadcrumbs

Home

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.

DirectorSallyHirschwelcomesStudentsatELABaselsPrimarysite.jpg
Director Sally Hirsch welcomes Students at ELA Basel's Primary site

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.

Exterior image of a building at a german language school in switzerland

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

Two images of a group of school children sitting on stairs at a private school in switzerland

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.
Students and staff approach the Primary building at a private primary school in basel
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.

Learn More

Close up image of a young girl at a private kita in switzerland
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.

Learn More

A student works at a desk in class
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. 

Learn More

Two students laugh as they chat at lunchtime
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.

Learn More

A student presents German grammar on an interactive whiteboard to her peers
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. 

Learn More

ELA Basels students working on computers
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. 

Learn More

Three students sit close to a tow-centre fountains and chat
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. 

Learn More

This is a placeholder image for the ELA Basel After-School Programme
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. 

Learn More