ICS Admission Policy
The Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS) is dedicated to providing the finest international education, enabling students to reach their potential in an atmosphere of respect and mutual understanding. We offer the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes of the International Baccalaureate to students aged from three to 19.
A non-sectarian, non-denominational school, we welcome students of all nationalities. In our admissions policy we aim to maintain the diversity of students and encourage the multicultural atmosphere within the School. ICS is non-selective: there is no admissions test, but previous school records are required.
Conditions
If there is a place available a student will generally be accepted, subject to certain common sense conditions. For example, the language of instruction is English. Therefore for entry to Grades 11 and 12, when students study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, we require a certain level of competence in the English language since all examination level courses are taught in English. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department interviews and tests students to establish their competence. (This competence requirement does not apply to younger students.) Similarly an applicant with a special needs history (for example, dyslexia, ADHD, medication intervention) will meet with the Learning Support Department for assessment in order to establish that ICS can offer a valid educational programme to that student.
Admissions priorities
The priorities for admission if a grade is oversubscribed are as follows. 1. Students with parents who are employed by a company that has a Co-operation Agreement with the school (including staff children). 2. Students with siblings in the school. 3. Students with a parent who is an ICS alumnus/alumna. 4. Non-Swiss nationals. 5. Students for whom the alternative of a Swiss school is unrealistic (for example, someone having already attended English speaking schools). 6. Students entering in September and committing to remain for at least one academic year. 7. Students with the earliest application date.
Contact Admissions
If you have any further questions, please contact Annina Caveng or Danielle Lapidoth in the Admissions Office, by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Key facts
The Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS) is just 15 minutes by direct transport link from Stadelhofen station and the centre of Zurich. An independent, co-educational international day school, we welcome students of all nationalities, from age 3 up to 19.
Our language of instruction is English. We also support students with limited English through our English as an Additional Language programme. ICS is non-selective: there is no admissions test, but previous school records are required.
Directions, questions and admissions timeline
The campus is situated in the village of Zumikon, 11 kilometres from the centre of Zurich on the north side of the lake. If you would like to arrange a visit, details of how to find us can be found here
We accept applications throughout the year. There is more information in our Admissions Timeline document about how and when applications are processed. Application forms can be downloaded from the Application page