A-LEVELS & BEYOND

Preparing Students for the Future—With Confidence, Direction, and Global Options

At ISZN, students don’t just prepare for exams, they prepare for the future.

Our A-Level programme combines the academic rigour of the British curriculum with the care, flexibility, and global perspective that define ISZN. Whether aiming for Swiss universities or international destinations, our students graduate with confidence and direction.

Delivered over Grades 11 and 12, the A-Level pathway allows students to specialise in the subjects they are most passionate about—developing deep subject knowledge, critical thinking skills, and independent study habits that mirror the university experience. With personalised support every step of the way, our students are equipped not only for academic success, but also for meaningful futures in a changing world.

OUR APPROACH

ISZN’s Sixth Form (Grades 11–12) is designed to offer each student a deeply personalised academic experience. Students are taught by subject specialists with international experience in education, research, and industry, while small class sizes allow for individual attention and mentoring.

ISZN has a dedicated Head of Sixth Form, responsible for guiding each student through their A-Level studies and university preparation. This role complements the broader support from our academic leadership, pastoral staff, and the Cognita Sixth Form network—a global community of professionals who provide additional insight into university admissions processes worldwide.

What Sets our Approach Apart

  • Focused academic mentoring and regular progress reviews

  • Expert university and career guidance, including tailored support for Swiss, UK, EU, US, and other international applications

  • Leadership and enrichment opportunities, including student roles, service projects, and international experiences

  • A school culture that values wellbeing, independence, and global readiness

Curriculum

At ISZN, A-Level students typically study three to four subjects over two years, choosing a combination that aligns with their academic interests and university goals.

This depth allows them to build real subject mastery and develop analytical and communication skills essential for higher education and beyond.

A-Level subject choices span sciences, humanities, mathematics, languages, arts, and business. We work closely with students and their families during the subject selection process to ensure each student’s choices reflect both their strengths and future pathways.

Alongside their A-Levels, students complete the International Project Qualification (IPQ)—a research-based, independently guided project on a topic of personal interest. The IPQ develops university-level skills such as academic writing, critical analysis, and independent learning. It also builds on ISZN’s Grade 8 Challenge Programme, ensuring a coherent development of inquiry skills throughout secondary school.

A-Level subjects at ISZN are examined through Cambridge Assessment International Education and Pearson Edexcel, two of the most widely recognised international boards. Examinations are sat at ISZN and graded externally, ensuring transparency and global credibility.

Assessment at ISZN includes:

  • Formative tasks and mock exams to track progress

  • Timetabled revision and exam preparation workshops

  • Three formal grade reports per year and two parent-teacher conferences

 

 

ISZN A-Level students have gone on to leading universities all over the world including countries such as:
Germany
Switzerland
Belgium
USA
Japan
Netherlands

University destinations:

ISZN students go on to study at leading universities in Switzerland and around the world. Our recent graduates have been accepted to institutions including:

Personalised University Application Support

From Grade 9 onward, we help students explore their interests and identify suitable subject pathways. In Grades 11 and 12, this transitions to a structured university application programme, including:

  • One-on-one counselling and academic planning

  • Guidance on UCAS, Common App, and Swiss university systems

  • Essay and personal statement support

  • Alumni insights and career exploration workshops

A-Levels and Swiss University Access

While A-Levels are often associated with UK university admissions, they are in fact a globally recognised qualification—well respected by universities in Switzerland and around the world.

Example requirements:

  • Most Swiss universities require three A-Levels with grades A–B

  • ETH Zurich requires three A or A* grades, including a language, Maths or a Science, and one additional subject

  • Five passes at IGCSE level are also expected

Our guidance team ensures students meet these requirements through careful subject selection and documentation.

If you’re considering A-Levels for your child, our Admissions Team is here to help you explore what this pathway could look like at ISZN.

Looking Ahead

Choosing a Sixth Form pathway is an important milestone—for students and families alike. At ISZN, our A-Level programme offers a distinctive combination of academic depth, individual support, and global opportunity. With small class sizes, expert teachers, and a strong focus on wellbeing, we help each student thrive—not just in exams, but in the life that follows.

My daughter adjusted very well and in a very short period of time due to the super friendly and accepting teachers and school policies. She is also doing well academically.

– ISZN Parent

Join us for a Personal Tour

We warmly welcome families throughout the year, offering tailored personal tours on a day that suits you, including school holidays.

BEGIN AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE

We welcome students into our Nursery from the age of 3 months and accompany them through all stages of their learning until their graduation after grade 12.

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3 months - 6 years

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6 - 12 years

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12 - 14 years

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14 - 16 years

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16 - 18 years

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5 easy steps

LEARN MORE

Primary & Secondary British International School In Zurich – ISZN

Admissions : Kontaktdaten: +41 44 830 70 07