Switzerland has several international schools offering A Levels, giving local and international students a recognised route towards university, especially in the UK but also internationally. Families may choose A Levels because students can concentrate on subjects that match their academic strengths, interests and future study plans. This can be particularly helpful for students who prefer to specialise in a smaller number of subjects.

This guide looks at A Level schools in Switzerland across Geneva, Zurich and Basel, helping parents understand what this particular programme can offer.

Best A Level Schools in Switzerland

Students can study A Levels at several international schools across Geneva, Zurich and Basel. Each school differs in their locations, academic environments, curriculum pathways, class sizes and subject choices.

The schools covered in this guide include:

International School Zurich North (ISZN)
British School of Geneva
Academia International School Zurich
Hull’s School Zurich
Academia International School Basel
Geneva English School

Understanding the differences between them will help you as a parent identify options that align with your child’s academic goals and preferred learning environment.

International School Zurich North (ISZN)

International School Zurich North is located in Wallisellen, within easy reach of central Zurich. Part of the Cognita group, the school educates children from infancy through to age 18 and has a community representing more than 35 nationalities.

Secondary students progress through Cambridge IGCSEs in Grades 9 and 10 before moving to Edexcel International A Levels in Grades 11 and 12. An Accelerated Pathway with intensive iGCSEs is available for those entering the school in Grade 10 who want to obtain A Levels within three years. A Level German is offered so students can satisfy Swiss higher education entrance criteria. The school combines an international environment with relatively small classes and facilities for science, technology and performing arts.

British School of Geneva

Founded in 2005, the British School of Geneva is close to central Geneva and around ten minutes from the United Nations offices. The school follows the English National Curriculum and takes students from the early years through to International A Levels. Its community represents more than 70 nationalities.

Students can follow a continuous British curriculum without changing education systems before Sixth Form. Its relatively small community also supports a personalised approach during International A Level study and preparation for university applications.

Academia International School Zurich

Academia International School Zurich is close to Zurich Oerlikon railway station and educates students aged around 12 to 18. Its pathway includes Pre IGCSE, IGCSE and International A Level study, while younger secondary students also encounter elements of the Swiss curriculum.

Classes are generally small, with around 8 to 15 students. Learners also receive support from personal learning coaches and take part in regular goal setting. The school places emphasis on developing English and German language skills, reflecting Zurich’s multilingual professional environment.

Hull’s School Zurich

Hull’s School is an English language college for teenagers in central Zurich. Its programme lasts four years, covering UK Years 10 to 13, and prepares students for IGCSE and A Level examinations. Lessons are taught in English, apart from modern languages, across three academic buildings located near Zurich Opera House.

Around 85% of students are native German speakers, while approximately 90% are Swiss nationals. This creates an unique setting in which students follow an English language academic pathway within a predominantly Swiss community. The school reported that 90% of A Level grades awarded in 2025 were A* to C, with several students achieving the highest marks in Switzerland in individual subjects.

Academia International School Basel

Academia International School Basel is located in central Basel and follows a British international curriculum for students aged around 12 to 18. The school has approximately 180 students, creating a relatively small secondary environment.

Students work towards IGCSE qualifications in Years 9 and 10 before progressing to International A Levels in Years 11 and 12. A Level students typically concentrate on three or four subjects. The school also encourages independent learning and the development of cognitive and metacognitive skills.

Geneva English School

Geneva English School is a non-profit international school serving students from age 3 to 18 in the greater Geneva area. Its community includes more than 60 nationalities, with almost 50 languages spoken across the school.

At Key Stage 5, students normally study three or four A Levels over two years. Subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Literature, French, German, Geography, History, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Sociology and Spanish. Students can also continue language learning and receive university and careers guidance.

Each of these schools offer a distinct approach and context to A Level study, giving students different options based on their academic goals and preferred learning environment.

Features of Studying in A Level Schools in Switzerland

A Level study in Swiss international schools usually allows students to concentrate on a smaller selection of subjects during their final years of secondary education. Although programmes differ, several features are common.

Two year study format. Students generally complete their A Levels over two academic years, usually beginning at around age 16.
Fewer subjects studied in greater depth. Most students take three or four A Levels, giving them more time to develop their knowledge in each area.
Subject specialisation. Students can select subjects that reflect their strengths and support their intended university course or career direction.
English language education. Teaching at the schools in this guide takes place primarily in English, while level of exposure to French or German varies depending on the school.
International learning environments. Students often learn alongside classmates from a wide range of national and educational backgrounds.
Different subject combinations. Options aren’t identical at every school. Students should check the current subject list, particularly when a university course requires specific subjects.
University preparation. Schools commonly offer university and careers guidance to help students research courses, understand entry requirements and prepare applications.

This structure combines a British style qualification with focused subject study in an international Swiss school environment.

Advantages of Studying in A Level Schools in Switzerland for International Students

For parents considering Switzerland as a study destination, A Level schools can offer continuity within a widely recognised academic system while giving students experience in an international and multilingual environment.

Several advantages may be particularly relevant to international students:

Widely recognised qualifications. A Levels and International A Levels are used for university applications in the UK and many other countries. Individual universities and courses, however, do set their own subject and grade requirements.
Academic continuity. Students moving from another British or international curriculum can continue along a familiar academic pathway.
International communities. Many schools bring together students from numerous nationalities and educational backgrounds, which can support the transition for those arriving from abroad.
Multilingual exposure. Living and studying in Switzerland can give students experience of a multilingual setting, while some schools offer opportunities to continue French, German or other languages.
Preparation for different university systems. Guidance can help international students understand application processes in Switzerland, the UK and other countries.
Different study arrangements. The schools in this guide are primarily day school options, while some schools elsewhere in Switzerland combine secondary education with boarding.

Students hoping to attend a Swiss university should research entry requirements early. Institutions often have specific requirements for applicants with A Levels or International A Levels. These can include particular subjects, minimum grades and supporting GCSE, IGCSE or equivalent qualifications.

Reviewing these requirements in advance can help students select A Level subjects that align with their intended university pathway.

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for A Level programmes vary between schools. Parents should check each school individually rather than assuming that one set of criteria applies across A Level schools in Switzerland.

Schools may consider the following:

Previous academic records. Applicants are commonly asked to submit recent school reports, transcripts and relevant examination results or predicted grades.
Age and previous study. Students normally begin A Levels at around age 16 after completing GCSEs, IGCSEs or an equivalent level of secondary education.
English proficiency. Schools may assess whether applicants have sufficient English skills to participate successfully in the programme.
Interview or assessment. An admissions interview, academic assessment or written test may form part of the process.
Subject requirements. Schools may expect particular previous grades or knowledge for certain courses, especially Mathematics and science subjects.
Supporting documents. International applicants may need school reports, identification documents and other important materials specified by the school.
Application timing. Deadlines differ, and availability may depend on places within the relevant year group and subject classes.

Geneva English School, for example, asks A Level applicants to submit their preferred subjects, most recent school report and projected GCSE grades where relevant. Applicants then attend an interview, which may include a written assessment. This illustrates one admissions process, as requirements differ between schools.

A quick check with the school’s admissions team can clarify the academic requirements, necessary documents and application deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions About A Level Schools in Switzerland

How many A Level subjects do students usually take in Switzerland?

Most students study three or four A Levels. The exact number depends on the school and the student’s academic programme and future plans.

Are A Levels taught in English at Swiss international schools?

Yes. A Level teaching at the schools covered in this guide is primarily in English. Students may also continue languages such as French, German or Spanish alongside their main subjects.

Are there boarding schools in Switzerland that offer A Levels?

Some schools combine secondary education with boarding, although the schools covered here are primarily day school options. Parents looking for boarding schools in Switzerland should check whether individual schools currently offer A Levels and residential accommodation.

Can students who study A Levels in Switzerland apply to universities abroad?

Yes. A Levels and International A Levels are widely used for university applications internationally, although individual institutions set their own requirements for subjects, grades and supporting qualifications.

Can a student change A Level subjects after starting the programme?

This depends on the school, timetable and how far the student has progressed. Changes may be possible early in the programme, but switching later can be difficult once substantial course content has been covered.

At what age do students usually begin A Levels in Switzerland?

Students normally start A Levels at around age 16 after completing GCSEs, IGCSEs or an equivalent qualification. The programme usually lasts two academic years, taking students through to around age 18.

Do all A Level schools in Switzerland offer the same subjects?

No. Subject availability differs between schools and can change between academic years. Students should review the latest curriculum information, particularly if they need Mathematics, sciences, languages or another specific subject for their intended university course.

A Level Schools in Switzerland | International School Guide