The British School, Bern logo

The British School, Bern

Secular, Founded 1988

Updated July 2026

Co-edGender
DayType
For-profitOwnership

Languages

English flagEnglishGerman flagGermanFrench flagFrench

The British School of Bern is a private, women-owned, English-speaking international day school established in 1988. Recognized by the Canton of Bern, it serves students aged three to eighteen years with a personalized approach to education.

Term structure

Three terms

Teaching approach

The school emphasizes the unique worth of every individual, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that values cooperation and community involvement. Its educational approach blends academic mastery with real-life applications, encouraging independent thinking, scientific inquiry, and artistic expression within a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Programmes

The school follows the British Curriculum, with instruction provided in English. The academic structure includes Early Years, Primary, and Secondary stages, complemented by integrated German and French language classes. Progress is monitored through regular testing and continuous assessments, with formal reports issued in the third term.

Outcomes

The school aims to cultivate well-rounded, confident, and compassionate individuals who possess a lifelong love of learning. It focuses on preparing students to reach their full potential and make a positive impact in the world through the development of social, emotional, cognitive, moral, and physical skills.

Student support

EAL support
Included in fees
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school maintains an open-door policy for parents and provides additional support for students when necessary, such as English as an Additional Language (EAL) instruction. Teachers and administration work together to identify and implement support strategies, ensuring that students have the resources required to succeed.

Frequently asked questions(4)
What curriculum does The British School, Bern offer?
The British School, Bern offers National Curriculum (England).
Is The British School, Bern a day or boarding school?
The British School, Bern is a day school.
Is The British School, Bern co-educational?
The British School, Bern is a co-ed school.
Where is The British School, Bern located?
The British School, Bern is an international school in Bern, Switzerland.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

The admission process begins with an inquiry to the admissions team, followed by a campus visit. Prospective families must complete an admission form and pay an administrative and registration fee. Once the application is reviewed, successful applicants are welcomed into the community and introduced to the principal, class teachers, and staff.

Calendar

The school operates on an academic year schedule, with specific details regarding terms and events provided to the community. The school also hosts various seasonal camps, such as the Summer Camp, which includes activities like cooking, performing arts, and multi-activity sessions.

About the campus

Located in Rüfenacht, Switzerland, the school campus provides a setting for its international day school operations. The facilities support a range of academic and extracurricular activities, including dedicated spaces for sports and arts.

Co-curriculars

The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including a Sports Program and a Ski Program. Students may also participate in after-school programs, music lessons, and dance lessons. Additionally, the school provides a 'Rising Stars' extended day program.

  • Barbara Ann Bush, PhDSchool Principal

    Barbara earned a master’s in Intercultural Communication from California State University, Sacramento, and a doctorate in Communication from UC San Diego. Before moving to Switzerland in 2023, she worked in higher education, serving as a professor and department chair of Communication Studies at Big Bend Community College.