The global schools group Cognita is delighted to announce that the International School – Zurich North (ISZN) is joining its family of schools around the world. The development marks an expansion of Cognita into Switzerland, where Cognita’s majority owner, Jacobs Holding, is based.

With provision from Nursery to Year 12, ISZN educates 205 children and young people of the international community in Zurich. The school offers the IB curriculum for primary students and the IGCSE and International Advanced Level courses for secondary students.

“ISZN will be Cognita’s 74th school”, says Stuart Rolland, Cognita’s CEO for Europe. “This is an exciting expansion within Europe, where we already have a strong presence in the UK and Spain, and our first school in the country where our majority owner is based.”

He continues: “Jacobs shares our long-term commitment to the development of young people and with ISZN now joining our global family, we look forward to the positive impact Cognita can have in Switzerland.”

ISZN’s founder, Daniel Sarbach, will remain at the school in a supporting role until the end of the calendar year to help ensure a smooth transition and continuity. He said that being part of Cognita will bring new opportunities for the school’s students and educators to connect and collaborate with peers across the world. “The three pillars of a Cognita Education – academic excellence, character development and a global perspective – fit very well with the culture and values that we’ve fostered in ISZN over the past 20 years. Being able to tap into the educational experience and expertise across the group will be a real benefit for our students and educators.”

Cognita has appointed Jonathan Taylor, one of its most successful and experienced international school leaders, as Head of ISZN and to support Cognita’s expansion in Switzerland. Currently Head of North Bridge House Senior School & Sixth Form Canonbury in London, Jonathan was previously Programme Director for Dulwich College International in Guangdong, China.

“Jonathan will play a key role in ensuring continuity for ISZN together with the current leadership as the school becomes part of the wider Cognita family,” explains Mr Rolland. “Each Cognita school has its own unique ethos and curriculum, reflecting the needs of the families it serves. We want to ensure ISZN retains its individual identity while joining in our common purpose to create an inspiring world of education that builds self-belief and inspires individuals to succeed.”

Commenting on his appointment, Jonathan says: “I’m excited to be joining ISZN as it embarks on a new stage in its history. The school’s mission to develop lifelong learners who are open-minded and globally aware is fantastic and I believe Cognita can help take ISZN from strength to strength.”

He continues: “Switzerland is a dynamic and successful country known for its high-quality education. I look forward to building our network in the country.”

To find out more, please visit International School – Zurich North (ISZN) on the Cognita School Finder.