International School - Zurich North (ISZN)
Industriestrasse 50, 8304 Wallisellen, Switzerland
- Ages
- 0-18 yrs
- Curricula
- AS & A-Level, IGCSEs
- Type of School
- Day School
- Main Language
- English
About
Located just minutes from the heart of Zurich, the International School Zurich North (ISZN) has been part of the Wallisellen community since 1999. What began with just 17 students and five teachers has grown into a thriving international school of more than 240 students and nearly 50 dedicated educators and staff. Today, ISZN welcomes families from over 35 nationalities and a faculty representing more than 20 countries, creating a community rich in cultures, perspectives, and shared experiences.
At ISZN, our vision is to empower students to think boldly, lead with heart, and drive positive change in the world. Our mission is to provide a nurturing and challenging international education that builds resilience, respect, and kindness, preparing every student to find their place in the world.
In the Early Years, children benefit from a dual-language English–German foundation and a play- and inquiry-based approach that nurtures curiosity and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Our Primary School (Kindergarten 2–Grade 5) builds strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The programme is grounded in the British National Curriculum and supported by trusted frameworks such as White Rose Maths, Read Write Inc. for literacy, and Oak Academy for science. This ensures a coherent and engaging learning pathway, where small class sizes and close teacher–student relationships help every child develop confidence, self-motivation, and resilience — ensuring a smooth transition into the Middle Years.
The Secondary School continues this progression, offering a clear British academic pathway through Cambridge IGCSEs and Edexcel International A Levels. ISZN students consistently achieve excellent results: recent graduates celebrated top marks in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry — among the highest in Switzerland. At IGCSE, students exceeded baseline predictions, earning ISZN recognition as the top Cognita school in Europe for value-added results. These internationally respected qualifications open doors to leading universities in Switzerland, the UK, Europe, and beyond. With small classes, dedicated subject specialists, and personalised guidance, our Secondary School prepares students not only for academic success but also to embody kindness, respect, and resilience as they step into the wider world.
ISZN is more than a school — it is a close-knit, international community where every student is valued as an individual. By combining strong academics with wellbeing, performing arts, sports, and co-curricular opportunities, we help young people grow into confident, compassionate, and capable global citizens.
At ISZN, our vision is to empower students to think boldly, lead with heart, and drive positive change in the world. Our mission is to provide a nurturing and challenging international education that builds resilience, respect, and kindness, preparing every student to find their place in the world.
In the Early Years, children benefit from a dual-language English–German foundation and a play- and inquiry-based approach that nurtures curiosity and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Our Primary School (Kindergarten 2–Grade 5) builds strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The programme is grounded in the British National Curriculum and supported by trusted frameworks such as White Rose Maths, Read Write Inc. for literacy, and Oak Academy for science. This ensures a coherent and engaging learning pathway, where small class sizes and close teacher–student relationships help every child develop confidence, self-motivation, and resilience — ensuring a smooth transition into the Middle Years.
The Secondary School continues this progression, offering a clear British academic pathway through Cambridge IGCSEs and Edexcel International A Levels. ISZN students consistently achieve excellent results: recent graduates celebrated top marks in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry — among the highest in Switzerland. At IGCSE, students exceeded baseline predictions, earning ISZN recognition as the top Cognita school in Europe for value-added results. These internationally respected qualifications open doors to leading universities in Switzerland, the UK, Europe, and beyond. With small classes, dedicated subject specialists, and personalised guidance, our Secondary School prepares students not only for academic success but also to embody kindness, respect, and resilience as they step into the wider world.
ISZN is more than a school — it is a close-knit, international community where every student is valued as an individual. By combining strong academics with wellbeing, performing arts, sports, and co-curricular opportunities, we help young people grow into confident, compassionate, and capable global citizens.
James Stenning
Headmaster
James Stenning took over as Executive Principal of Four Forest and ISZN in December 2023. He moved to Switzerland in late 2022, having previously been Head Teacher of North Bridge House Prep School in London. Following a degree in Economics, James worked in a number of different schools in London before joining North Bridge House. James was raised in Kenya, east Africa, and is an avid runner and triathlete.




