Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz

Since 2023, Oliver Hartwright BA (Exeter) PGCE (East Anglia) and master’s in education (University of Bath). Following roles as a history teacher and sports coach in private schools in the UK and Portugal, has been leading schools in Bavaria, Germ

Year-round rolling admissions, with families encouraged to apply early. Theoretically, waitlists can be in place but in practice most families prefer to have certainty in advance (especially for boarding). A culturally diverse school, attention pa

Two experienced university counsellors ‘have good knowledge and are very accessible’ to the students, acting as guides through the exit process, (and before with eg support for final subject choices), with information, advice, arranging university

Thirty out of forty-two IB candidates received the full diploma in May 2023. The average score was 30, while highest was 39 (steady from average of 30 and high score of 40 in 2022, but down from an average of 34 and high score of 44 in 2021 (teach

Two pathways on offer (with an approximate 50/50 split): the first is an international section with school adapted pre-IGCSE program in years 1-2 (ages 12-14), delivered in English, followed by an IGCSE program in years 3-4 (ages 14-16), and onto

External specialists support students with mild to moderate learning needs (dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc). A small learning support team (with dual roles within the school) organise external assessment and support (at an additional cost), as well as

Students are assessed on entry. If additional language support is required (at extra cost), an EAL coordinator arranges this for students completing the international pathway, while those students studying for the Matura whose first language is no

‘Super strong,’ say parents. The music and theatre teacher picked out as ‘loving and inspiring the kids’ and ‘the visual arts department produces excellent work’. An impressive selection of student art, as well as creations by visiting professiona

An enviable range of sport tying in with school’s motto of ‘mens sana in corpore sano’ (a healthy mind in a healthy body), and the reason many choose the school. This includes: in winter, ice-hockey and figure skating (some of the (six!) tennis co

The majority of students are boarders who are allocated into five boarding houses by age and gender: Spencer House, Kleinhaus and Grosshaus for boys, and Chesa Arpiglia and Chesa Urezza for girls. In grades 7-8, double rooms are on offer, while se

Students well looked-after by attentive staff, a psychologist on site, as well as a health centre for any sick and injured students. Transparent and well-understood school rules, with parents saying that any issues are handled well - school listen

Around 41 nationalities are represented, with Swiss being the largest group (around a third) and German the predominant language spoken outside the classroom. Around 10 per cent are Chinese, approximately six per cent are Russian, and the rest fro

School is independently funded, governed by a board of directors and publishes an annual report (freely available). Operating costs are funded through school fees, which are deemed reasonable by most parents.

Families looking for a haven in a magnificent natural setting will enjoy this school with its five-star service and low-key attitude. Especially appealing to sporty and active children, and boarders thrive in its homey atmosphere. A well-appointed