ISL About Us

About Us

Welcome to the International School of Lausanne

We are a non-profit, independent, International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Since 1962, we have grown to almost 1000 students, aged 3 to 18 years, who come from more than 60 nations. We believe in strong values, the courage to think independently, and cooperation across cultural boundaries–ideas that form the heart of a progressive approach to learning.
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ISL Video – A new perspective on life.

Our vision and mission

Vision

ISL will be a world leader in international education. We will be acknowledged for our genuine care for the well-being of all members of our community, and for providing a challenging, innovative, holistic, values-based education that develops in young people the knowledge, skills and disposition to bring about positive change.

 

Mission

The International School of Lausanne is committed to excellence in education. We strive to recognise the unique potential of each student, and to equip them to play an active and responsible role in a complex, multicultural world.

Values

Honesty

At ISL, we believe in gaining trust from others through integrity, authenticity, and ethical actions.

 

  • We act with honesty and integrity.
  • We are open-minded and truthful in our approach.
  • We model expected behaviour and approaches.
  • We show consistency, follow through, and admit mistakes.
  • We collaborate to support the school’s best interest.
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Respect

At ISL, we believe in treating people with respect and acting with diplomacy and tact.

 

  • We advocate for respect and the upholding of human dignity.
  • We respect the privacy of others and the confidentiality of information.
  • We use discretion and professional judgement in our language and tone.
  • We engage in interactions that are free from over-familiarity, and sexual and physical innuendo.
  • We engage in interactions that are free from any inappropriate jokes or comments based on identity, including, but not limited to nationality, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion, etc.
  • We engage in interactions that are free from harassment or discrimination.
  • We are punctual.
  • We respect our premises and facilities.
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Self-control

At ISL, we believe in regulating reactions and emotions and having a balanced approach in our interactions.

 

  • We believe that self-regulation at school supports our collective well-being, health, and safety.
  • We ensure our personal and general presentation is clean, tidy, and appropriate.
  • We are approachable.
  • We understand that speaking about others without their consent may be damaging.
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Equity

At ISL, we believe in treating people equally regardless of differences.

 

  • We are committed to equality, inclusion, and accommodating diversity of identity, including but not limited to gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical ability, ethnicity, nationality, status, etc.
  • We support equal opportunity and fair treatment.
  • We seek to understand different perspectives and cultures to avoid bias.
  • We show consistency, follow through, and admit mistakes.
  • We value and engage with the diversity of backgrounds that exist in our community.
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Care and Concern for Others

At ISL, we believe in positive relationships through showing kindness, understanding, empathy, and behaving in a constructive manner.

 

  • We value collaboration.
  • We continuously motivate, inspire, and celebrate important success.
  • We use a tone and manner that is professional, fair, and courteous.
  • We seek to understand and assume the positive intent of others.
  • We create space for others to voice their opinions.
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Accreditations

923

Students

167

FACULTY AND STAFF

60

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

More key facts
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School Year 2019-2020 photo with more than 1000 people

Find out more about our values and code of behaviour here.

One campus, four buildings

Our modern and open campus was designed with student well-being in mind–to encourage interdisciplinary learning and creativity. We are close to the city and nature.
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Our Director

Frazer Cairns joined ISL as its Director in 2017. With a background in management consultancy and journalism, he has worked as a science teacher and as a school leader in the UK, Indonesia, Switzerland, and Singapore. Frazer holds masters and doctorate degrees in education, his research focusing on the place of bilingualism in international education, and an MBA from Warwick Business School. Frazer is also the Chair of the Board of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS).
ISL About Us - History

History

The English School of Lausanne opened with seven students in the rehearsal rooms of the Municipal Theatre in 1962. The following year the school was renamed The Commonwealth-American School. It grew within five years to over 100 students from nine different countries. The school was finally renamed the International School of Lausanne (ISL) in 1997. We now welcome close to 1000 students.
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Jobs and careers

Are you looking for a new challenge? One of our key aims is to attract the very best people and help them grow further. ISL has a superb reputation and a track record of academic excellence. Our teaching staff seek to provide children with an outstanding education that builds confidence, curiosity, and adaptability in a fast-changing world. Our administrative and support staff work hand in hand with teaching staff to provide the best operational support to ensure the smooth running of the school.
ISL Sustainability

Sustainability at ISL

The ISL students and staff believe we should respond collectively, as a school, and individually, to the many environmental crises happening worldwide.

 

Find out about ISL goal to become plastic-free, the eco society committee and the implementation of sustainability into the school’s curriculum. More information on our approach to sustainability can be found here.
ISL Campus Map

Campus map

Discover our annual report

Click on the link below to read our 2022-2023 annual report.