Senior leadership team

James Stenning, Principal

James joined ISZN in November 2022 following four years as Principal of North Bridge House Prep School in central London, a school of approximately 420 pupils aged 7 to 13.

Under his leadership, James oversaw the expansion of the school to include an Early Years section and he developed and expanded the co-curricular offering, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to develop skills and talents beyond the academic programme, whilst ensuring the highest possible academic outcomes. Prior to this, James was Deputy Principal of North Bridge House Secondary School and has taught Economics and History in both independent and public schools in the UK. James studied Economics and Spanish at University.

James grew up in Nairobi, Kenya and is a keen runner and cyclist.

Thomas Sardi, Operations Director

Thomas has been working as Operations Director at ISZN since the beginning of 2020. His experience in international education dates back to his childhood in Papua New Guinea.

Back in Switzerland, Thomas studied aviation and worked for the Swiss Air Force, during which time he acquired his helicopter and airplane flying licenses. After leaving the Airforce he worked primarily in the agricultural industry as a mechanical engineer, before joining the ISZN community just in time for the arrival of Covid-19!

Thomas lives with his wife and 3 children in the beautiful Zurich Oberland.

Dermot Kelly, Head of Student Welfare and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Dermot has been at ISZN since 2009 and has seen and overseen many positive changes in the school since then. Originally from Ireland, Dermot gave up a career in Mechanical Engineering to teach and play Music.

Since moving to Switzerland to teach at ISZN he has taught Math and Physics as well and has been the A Level Physics teacher since they were introduced in the school in 2016.

Dermot introduced the Safeguarding and Child protection and Pastoral Care systems soon after Cognita took over the running of the school and his role is to ensure that the safety of all students at ISZN is to the forefront of every member of staff in the school.

Location and facilities

ISZN is located in two modern buildings with bright classrooms and great facilities to support our inspiring curriculum.

Our two buildings are only a five-minute walk away from each other. With spacious, bright rooms, modern IT labs, our Maker Space and individually designed home rooms, our school is an innovative learning environment with good amenities to foster our student's individual strengths.

Our private driver takes students out to the modern public multi-purpose hall of Wallisellen and the local swimming pool which are ideal complement to our own facilities.

Maker space

Unlimited possibilities to think, plan, create and build. A place where ideas come to life and boundaries are pushed.

In our Maker Space, our students are encouraged to develop ideas and bring their imaginations to life. As a place beyond the classroom, the Maker Space plays a very important role in educating students in creativity, motor skills, communication and problem-solving skills.

From science tests to making their own board games, our Maker Space teachers always have new ideas to challenge our students' inventiveness.

Take a virtual tour

Take a look around ISZN with our virtual tour and see for yourself the outstanding environment we have created for our students.

Upcycling

Upcycling is the activity of creatively making new furniture, objects and more out of old or used things or waste material.

In today's world of climate change and polluted air and oceans, it is a priority to act as environmental-friendly as possible - something we as a school community feel very passionate about.

We encourage our students to pay attention to the environment, they learn at a very early stage that not everything that looks useless at first sight has to end up in the trash. It's our aim to give everything a second chance.

Global outlook

As an International School, it is a matter of course to foster a global way of thinking amongst all of our students. With more than 25 nations represented within the school, a global mindset is the foundation of our identity.

By teaching in English and offering EAL lessons as well as German and French, we break down language barriers and our international curriculum offers diverse opportunities to pursue worldwide destinations.

Wraparound care

Our wraparound care is there for when the work day doesn't align with the school day. Our Wraparound Care operates from 8am to 6pm. For our youngest students in Nursery, we offer provision from 7.30am.

Early bird care

Early Bird club starts from 8am (Monday to Friday) for children up to 11 years of age and is supervised by a specialist teacher.

Pupils can use this time to work on school projects, practice a musical instrument, or simply pass the time with their friends or the teacher.

After school care

After School Care (ASC) is available for children up to the age of 13, after the regular school day ends at 3.20pm.

A PYP Home Learning Club runs in conjunction with After School Care, where PYP students in Grades 2-5 can be supervised whilst completing their Home Learning.

Next up: Curriculum

One of the key strengths of an education at ISZN is our unique and varied curriculum.

Admissions: +41 (0) 44 830 7000