Welcome to ELA Basel
Welcome to ELA Basel – The Swiss British School. Basel’s foremost international primary school, we offer a nurturing, family environment for children aged 3 months to 12 years.
Located in two convenient city-centre locations, our 'not-for-profit' school is a family oriented, international community of 350 children from 35 different countries. Open 50 weeks of the year, we offer daily ‘wrap-around’ care from 07:30 to 18:00. An ELA Basel education promotes learning for life and includes a well-rounded programme of sports, music, clubs, swimming and the performing arts.
With average enrolment of over 8 years, families choose ELA Basel for the high levels of care and personalised attention we offer each child in small class sizes. Whilst English is our main language of instruction, specialist German teaching is woven throughout the curriculum so that entry into the Swiss secondary school system at age 12 is an established pathway for many of our senior students each year. In 2022, nearly 70% of our primary graduates will attend German-speaking schools for their secondary education.
Our talented and committed team of staff make the happiness, well-being and personal development of each child their priority. Working together with our Board and parent volunteers, we strive to build a caring community where happy children thrive.
In January 2022 ELA Basel was awarded Patron's Accredition by the Governing Body of COBIS, the Council of British International Schools with a total of ten commendations across 9 different standards. We are the only international school in North-West Switzerland to hold this prestigious award. You can read the summary report on our Accreditation and Affiliations page.
This August will see an exciting new development as our upper primary school relocates to the magnificent Wildensteinerhof property on St. Alban-Vorstadt. You can learn more about the property by watching this short film. For optimal viewing quality, please adjust your settings to 1080pHD.
We have now developed a fantastic addition to our digital tools for you to be able to visit us virtually. Our virtual tour will enable you to visit our premises from wherever you are in the world at any time you wish.
I trust you will find our website helpful in learning more about us. On behalf of our team, I am delighted that you are considering ELA Basel for your child’s early years and primary education.
Please join us for a tour of our two campuses to meet key staff and learn more about our programme. You can register your interest by emailing the school office at:
We look forward to welcoming you in person to ELA Basel - the Swiss British School.
Best wishes,
Nick
Nicholas Owlett M.Ed, NPQH
Executive Director
What our students say
"ELA Basel has taught me not just a lot of things for life, but also not to stress too much about life and enjoy my experiences."
Primary 8 Student
"Our teachers are kind, helpful, generous and supportive."
Primary 8 Student
"I have experienced friendship, knowledge, and creativity. I have also learnt to stand up for what I think is right and how to be myself."
Primary 8 Student
"I am excited and prepared for secondary school.".
Primary 8 Student
"I hope my new school will provide the same knowledge and kindness - nothing could compete with ELA Basel's atmosphere and teaching."
Primary 8 Student
"I will always cherish the friends I have made."
Primary 8 Student
"ELA Basel has helped me to grow-up, to be happy, mature, thoughtful, and independent."
Primary 8 Student
"The teachers are very caring and treat us like family."
Primary 8 Student