sign in sign up
<<
Home , Arosa, Aubonne, Canton of Bern, Cologny, Flims, Founex

Swiss SCHOOL & LIFESTYLE GUIDE

A guide to the educational system in and the best locations to live, created in partnership with Carfax Consultants. Welcome letter

Switzerland remains one of the world’s most revered and sought after locations and it is no surprise as we explore on page 6; the country is consistently rated strongly for its high standards of living, excellent education, quality of life, a robust and stable economy and favourably low levels of tax, crime and poverty.

Private individuals who are drawn by this safe and dependable environment regularly approach Knight Frank to seek our recommendations and guidance from over 12 years working across this market.

The Knight Frank Swiss Schools and Lifestyle Guide was developed alongside Carfax Consultants and the collective knowledge from our network of over 13 offices spread strategically throughout the country to provide a comprehensive overview of the top private schools, plus a guide to some of the various lifestyle options available and information on how to purchase.

The guide considers both clients seeking permanent residence (see pages 4 & 5) as well as those who desire a holiday home or just to invest in Swiss real estate as a non-resident (see page 12).

The Benefits of a Swiss Education (see page 14) offers a unique insight by Carfax Consultants for those not so familiar with the variety of options on offer. The experience that Carfax can provide to help clients place their children within the right school is paramount to a successful relocation.

We hope you find the information useful and if you have any questions, or wish to find out more about how our team can help you find your dream home, with great educational options close by, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

Alex Koch de Gooreynd Partner, Swiss Residential Sales

[email protected] +44 20 7861 1109

2 3 aking a permanent move to Switzerland is an exciting prospect: European passport holder embracing the diverse, active lifestyle, discovering the location If you are a European passport holder, you can apply for Permits B and It’s A Lifestyle Mthat best suits your requirements, finding the most suitable linguistic C, a process which normally takes around two to four months. Once you region, and, if you’re moving with children, finding the right school. are in possession of a permit, there are no restrictions surrounding what Switzerland’s stringent property regulations and rules regarding all you may buy. Choice: making residential real estate, known as Lex Koller, may appear daunting upon impressions, however, with the right advice and guidance, the Non-European passport holder process can be seamless and rewarding. the permanent If you do not have a European passport, you can still apply for a Swiss The Swiss Federation is made up of 26 cantons, with each canton residence permit, but you can only apply for Permit B. This permit will governed by its own individual constitution and laws. Governments allow you to buy one property, with a maximum of 2,500 sq m of land. move to Switzerland of cantons set their own levels of taxation, run their own educational This process may take a little longer, around four to six months. systems and have different primary languages depending on their geographical location. When it comes to acquiring a property to be used as a permanent residence in Switzerland, the canton in which Switzerland is full of wonderful places to live, but finding a permanent you are buying will regulate the transaction. If you wish to relocate to location that fulfils lifestyle, work and education requirements can be Switzerland permanently, you must first apply for a Swiss residence challenging. Drawing on years of experience and unrivalled understanding permit. When applying for a residence permit, you will fall into one of of the country and market, we’ve picked our top areas for relocation. two categories:

The Canton of The Canton of

Overview Chêne-Bougeries Vieille Ville Overview La Côte The Swiss Riviera

A prominent global centre, the Exclusive and luxurious, Cologny A fantastic location for families, If you’re looking to immerse yourself Vaud is one of the largest Swiss La Côte is the region that stretches Founex is a typical example of a Running past La Côte from French-speaking city of Geneva offers its 5,000 residents a Chêne-Bougeries is the first town in the city centre, while living cantons and chief producer of along the shore of peaceful, green municipality in through and on to , is the second biggest city in sense of rural privacy while within outside of the main city of Geneva somewhere that retains a sense of wine for the country, bordering the from Geneva to Lausanne, filled with the region of La Côte, offering this beautiful stretch of Lake Switzerland (after Zurich) and a hub exceptionally easy reach of the city and has a wonderful sense of calm and community, the ‘Old Town’ north shore of Lake Geneva and farmland, vineyards, mountains and wonderful lakeside and Alpine Geneva’s shore is commonly referred for diplomacy and banking. Popular centre. Its beautiful lake views and community as well as a lovely, leafy of Geneva is the perfect location. encompassing the vibrant city of picturesque lakeside towns. There’s views with a high percentage of to as the Swiss Riviera. Enjoying a with working ex-pats, Geneva is villa-style architecture makes for green landscape. With a large Made up of cobbled pedestrian Lausanne. French-speaking and a host of renowned international foreign national residents. Its rural very agreeable microclimate thanks constantly growing and evolving, an idyllic and glamorous residential percentage of foreign nationals and streets and beautiful buildings within commutable distance from schools and universities dotted feel, combined with its proximity to to the protection offered by the with 90 new firms opening in 2019 base, with a number of highly- thanks to its close links to the city that date back to the 15th and 16th Geneva, Vaud has a number of throughout the area. It is often La Châtaigneraie campus of the surrounding mountains, the Swiss in the city alone. Taking a step away reputable schools nearby. and proximity to good schools such centuries, the Vieille Ville is the great residential locations that tick selected for its ease of access to prestigious International School Riviera boasts exquisite views, from the city centre, Geneva also as La Grande Boissière campus real historical centre of Geneva. all the boxes. the airport as well as the excellent of Geneva, as well as its proximity water-front properties and excellent has excellent public transport links of the International School of The rest of the city is within easy train network taking commuters to to the city itself, make for a popular transport links (approximately 75 to a number of highly-desirable Geneva, Chêne-Bougeries remains reach either via walking or public its two major cities. combination. minutes to the centre of Geneva locations along the left bank of its a popular choice for relocating transport, and the shore of Lake by train and around an hour from eponymous lake, close to some of families. Geneva is similarly accessible. the airport), this area is becoming the country’s best schools. increasingly popular with city workers who don’t mind commuting a little further.

4 5 Live life well in Switzerland

It’s easy to understand the lure of Switzerland. Home to its own portion of the featuring the iconic peak of the , the undulating Alpine region provides easy access to ski resorts while offering an exquisite backdrop to the low-lying lake areas, traditional towns and thriving cities.

It’s not just the landscape of Switzerland that The appeal of Switzerland is proven by recent offers variation, the socioeconomic factors figures from the Swiss Federal Statistical Acquiring a property Education – Investing in the future Culture, location and leisure – of the country share their own desirable Office that reveal almost a third of adult Finding your place topography of highs and lows: consistently residents were not born in the country. Switzerland is divided into 26 self-governing Universally acknowledged as one of the top rated high standards of living, education, Knight Frank’s recent Swiss Insight Report cantons, each of which regulate the scoring countries when it comes to providing How do you find your place in a country that quality of life and work, a strong, stable found that purchasing Swiss property holds transaction of property within their area. a first-rate education, Switzerland has has so much to offer? Public transport is clean economy and favourably low levels of tax, enduring appeal for overseas investors, There are two distinct markets when it the facilities, resources and opportunities and highly efficient, therefore commuting crime and poverty. Switzerland ranks as one of despite the highly regulated procedures comes to buying property in Switzerland, that make it the number one choice for from beautiful lakeside or rural areas to the the top 10 safest countries in the world, even involved. According to the report, education governed by a rigorous overriding law known parents looking to invest in the future of their major cities is a viable and popular option its major cities are consistently voted as some is a key demand driver for people relocating as Lex Koller. Lex Koller has a number of offspring. A thirst for education is woven into for working professionals. For those looking of safest places to live – an attractive prospect or purchasing real estate, hardly surprising restrictions and stipulations when it comes Switzerland’s culture: birthplace and HQ to invest in a second home, the alpine region for families with children who are growing up given that the named to distinguishing between categories of real of the International Baccalaureate, home offers the aspirational draw of mountains and and longing for independence and freedom. Switzerland as having the best education estate and purchasers. To relocate and buy to over 100 Nobel Prize winners, and snow sports, as well as proximity to a number system in the world. Excellent personal and a permanent residence in Switzerland, the historically famed for its finishing schools. of excellent schools for easy visitations and The Swiss lifestyle is one of cosmopolitan financial security, world-class education and buyer must hold a Swiss residence permit. vacations. In terms of culture, Switzerland’s elegance thanks to its globally connected With strong international connections and one of the most covetable lifestyles – investing Both EU passport holders and non-EU international outlook does not hinder its cities and multilingual society, unparalleled a respected seat at the centre of the global in Switzerland is synonymous with investing in passport holders can apply for a permit, but strong sense of cultural identity. leisure opportunities and a distinctive, quality- economy, there is no better place than the future. with differing results. For more information focused culture. Switzerland for broadening young minds and Known for a diverse range of products on buying a permanent residence, see page establishing a global outlook. The linguistic and services, from chocolate to cheese 5. Non-residents are also able to acquire benefits of growing up in a country where and watches to trains – the one overarching property, but only in certain areas known French, German and Italian equally share the feature they all have in common is quality. as ‘Holiday Zones’, primarily found in the status of national language is only rivalled From the cosmopolitan thrum of the large mountainous ski resorts and certain lakeside by the highly nurturing, individually-tailored cities of Zurich and Geneva and all that they towns. Stipulations surrounding acquisition of education that your child will receive. have to offer, the multitude of tranquil lakes property for non-residents are explained and aquatic activities, to the fresh air, open in further detail on page 12. skies and powdery snow of a weekend spent in the Alps – a life well lived is a life in Switzerland.

6 7

St Gallen 20

Davos

10 Lausanne 3 27 14 5 19 11 23 St Moritz 17 17 18 Montreux 26 Lake Geneva A selection of the top 2425 international schools 7 22 16 in Switzerland 6 9 One of the most important life decisions you will 12 9 1 ever have to make is the choice of education for 2 your children, below is our list of a selection of the 7 15 Villars Sion 4 top Swiss schools for your consideration. 7 Winterthur 8

St Gallen Zürich Geneva

Verbier 13 Key

Lausanne

St Moritz

Lake Geneva Gstaad 3-18 600 Leysin

Villars Sion 21 Geneva Boarding Day Co-Ed Age Number School School Group of pupils Lugano

1 3 Brillantmont 4 The British School 5 7 8 9 Geneva International School of Geneva Collège Champittet Ecolint International School of Geneva English School

9-18 375 13-18 100 4-18 160 3-18 600 3-18 1600 3-18 1500 3-18 360

IGCSE, IB British IGCSE, A Level and / or British Curriculum, IGCSE & A Levels Bilingual programme, French Diploma Programme, IGSCE, International Baccalaureate, Primary Years French Baccalaureat, British Curriculum, IGCSE & A Levels American High School Diploma Baccalaureat, IB, Swiss Maturité Program IB, Swiss Maturité Aiglon College was established on BSG operates on a modern, Originally a , they have the basis of creating an academy This small family-owned school has purpose-built site. It is the Collège Champittet is a French-Swiss This large school for linguists is based over three campuses and offers Originally a Catholic boys school, now established a secondary part to the that integrates education with the over 130 years' experience and a only school in the area to offer school, who pride themselves on lessons in various languages to support the mother tongue of the many Institut Florimont is now co-ed and establishment, at a different location. virtues of mountain lifestyle - a personalised learning approach, the cohesive English National their global outlook. They welcome student nationalities they represent. Extracurricular activities are wide- open to all from any religion. It is They offer a traditional British education holistic education - not only in class with outstanding pastoral support Curriculum from Year 1 through to international students and celebrate ranging, and there is a strong emphasis on humanitarian concerns. They are a large day school near Geneva, and intend to provide A-Levels in the but as a way of living. The open and care. The school encourages A-Levels. BSG recognises that all what they can offer the school in incredibly proud of their Model UN programme which they run in the actual multilingual, and offers exchanges final two academic years. The secondary campus is a small Alpine village at students to realise their potential in children are unique and, as such, terms of languages, cultures and UN building! Their guest speaker list is unrivalled. and partnerships with schools school is growing organically, and it La Grande Boissière campus location: Geneva. an altitude of 1’258m, which is safe, a supportive environment, where all keep their class sizes small enough experiences to enrich the community. worldwide. is recognised as being a very close La Châtaigneraie campus location: Founex. Location: Petit-. full of amenities and the main ski school community members share to provide each one with a tailored Due to its long history and reputation community school. Campus des Nations location: Grand-Saconnex. Lower School location: / Geneva. resort lift only 250m away ideas and listen to others' views. and well-rounded academic for academic excellence, it is often www.florimont.ch Senior School location: / Geneva. from campus. It is still owned by the same family. experience. considered locally to be Switzerland's www.ecolint.ch Location: Chesières. Location: Lausanne. Location: Vernier. "Eton". The school's bilingual lessons www.geschool.ch www.aiglon.ch www.brillantmont.ch www.britishschoolgeneva.ch are taught in French and English from Grade 4. Location: -Lausanne. www.nordangliaeducation.com

2 6 10 International School 11 La Côte 12 13 Beau Soleil Collège du Leman of Lausanne International School La Garenne School Lemania Verbier

11-18 260 2-18 2000 3-18 965 2-18 600 4-14 2000 3-15 60

Bilingual programme, IGCSE, IB, HSD, French Baccalaureate Bilingual programme, IB, Swiss Maturité, American High School diploma PYP/MYP/IB Diploma EYFS / Adapted National Intergration of IPC and English IGCSE and Brevet programmes or the French Baccalaureate Curriculum for England/MYP/ National Curriculum A top-rated not-for-profit school, IGCSEs/IB Diploma/Swiss Maturité One of the most flexible schools in Beau Soleil is one of the oldest Swiss boarding schools, providing exciting This international school has more than 100 nationalities in the student body. with high marks in the IB year-on- Experience, strong family values and Switzerland, located in the heart of experiences both inside and outside the classroom - from extended The college aims to shape students into globally dedicated citizens, eager year increasing its popularity. Nearly Nestled between vineyards and high academic standards make this Verbier, close to the ski lifts. It is possible curriculum days to educational trips across the world, full-school challenges to make a profound and long-lasting contribution to society. Their mission half its student body goes on to orchards, this school is within an school a popular choice amongst to board weekly or full-time with local and winter ski programmes. Their goal is to help students develop a greater is to help students embrace values that will help them succeed anywhere attend top universities in the UK, easy commute from Geneva and parents seeking an excellent private families. If you would like your child to understanding and appreciation of the world around them and develop skills, they wish to go, the confidence to discover and hone their talents, and the many head to the US for further Lausanne. The state-of-the-art . It offers an individual attend for one or two years or just a ski including teamwork, collaboration, and resilience. openness to explore and respect new languages and cultures. education. campus and peaceful location allows language programme and is a feeder term, the school is open to this also. Location: Villars-sur-. Location: Versoix. Location: Le Mont-sur-Lausanne. for healthy, safe and nurturing outdoor school for Beau Soleil and Aiglon. The sports on offer are excellent, and Location: Chesières. www.beausoleil.ch www.nordangliaeducation.com www.isl.ch play and educational activities. the pastoral care is outstanding. Location: . www.la-garenne.ch Location: Verbier. 8 9 www.nordangliaeducation.com www.verbierinternationalschool.ch/ International TASIS (The Ecole internationale 22 14 15 Institute of Notre 16 Le Régent Crans- 17 20 Institut auf dem 21 American School in Leysin American 23 du Haut Lac in Saint- Lyceum Alpinum -Dame du Lac Montana College Rosenberg Switzerland) School in Switzerland Légier

12-18 300 3-11 320 4-18 100 8-18 420 6-19 300 3-19 710 12-18 320 3-18 600

IBDP, IBCP, Swiss (in French National Curriculum IGSCE, IB Adapted National Curriculum for IB, IGCSE, A Levels, US High School American and Italian Sections for US HSD, IB Bilingual, IB US High School combination of German Abitur), England/French curriculum/IMYC/ Diploma & AP, preparation for Swiss grades 1-9*, American Diploma, Diploma, Swiss Bilingual Cycle Situated on the banks of Lake Le Régent College is situated on the LAS gives students an academically Bilingual Swiss Matura German/ French Bac/IB Diploma Matura, German Abitur, Italian Advanced Placement,Winterthur IB challenging setting, based on A relative newcomer, this day school English, Swiss Matura Italian/German Geneva, the school occupies a Haut Plateau of Crans-Montana, a Esame di Stato beautiful 18th century residence. well-known mountain resort. Four Le Rosey is one of the oldest, As the first American boarding realistic goals, to prepare them for has been open since 1993 offering a Overlooking the historical city of St. school in , TASIS seeks to The school encompasses Although the teaching is based on the school principles govern the school: most elite boarding schools in university and combines American truly international and bilingual (French Gallen, this school is located in the embody personal responsibility, philosophy and objectives of fair French National Curriculum, there are Courtesy, Compassion, Creativity, and Switzerland. It has two campuses, educational philosophy with the & English) curriculum to those in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, civility, compassion, justice, and St Gallen play, self-discipline, commitment, plenty of English language lessons Courage. The school treats children one at and the other in Zürich European educational system's rigour. area. It is also possible to pursue the truth by balancing the pursuit of 20 cosmopolitanism, and life learning. Gstaad. The school offers a under an hour from . It curriculum in just English, and they as well. A nurturing school for primary as individuals, supports them and knowledge with the love of wisdom. Located on two campuses in the In a remote & secure location in the combines rich tradition with a unique, aged pupils. expects them to achieve well in all demanding bilingual and bicultural It promotes the skills of lifelong Canton of Vaud, the Belle have an associated nursery school for Location: Cologny. contemporary and state-of-the-art Swiss Alps, students benefit from school life areas. Now managed by education with the language of learning, an appreciation for beauty, Époque Campus offers International the youngest ones. approach to education. Most families Location: Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz. many sports facilities; skiing, golf, www.notre-dame-du-lac.ch Le Rosey, this will link the two schools instruction being French or and the development of character, by Baccalaureate studies and the have entrepreneurial backgrounds tennis, and cricket to name closer together. English depending on the combining a challenging academic Campus for middle school, offers ESL www.haut-lac.ch and choose this boarding school a few. It has historically strong ties to Location: Crans-Montana. academic program. program with opportunities for artistic and U.S. High School Diploma studies. Château du Rosey location: Rolle. to enable their children to assume Location: Leysin. Eton and Cambridge and outstanding www.regentschool.ch endeavour, physical activity and Winter Campus location: Gstaad. future leadership roles, either in their academic results. service to others. www.las.ch Location: Zuoz. Location: Montagnola. www.rosey.ch family business or in fields such as www.lyceum-alpinum.ch philanthropy, investment or the arts. www.switzerland.tasis.com Location: St. Gallen. www.instrosenberg.ch

18 19 24 Collège Champittet 25 26 Institut Mont-Olivet 27 Ecole nouvelle à St George’s International School Montreux John F. Kennedy International School à Nyon Ecole Moser à Nyon à Vich Lausanne

3-18 400 2.5 - 14 65 3-10 950 8-18 400 3-16 210 4-18 600

Bilingual early learning, IGCSE, IBDP, HSDP IPC, IMYC Bilingual Trilingual, Swiss Maturité Bilingual Fr/Ger, Swiss Maturité IB Swiss Maturité St George's aims to enable pupils to achieve their full academic potential and JFK International School is a notable boarding school near Gstaad and is one of Part of the Nord Anglia group, it is a There is a huge emphasis on A family run school that has good The IB diploma programme at this provide a stable, secure environment where they are encouraged and guided to the top two junior school choices. They offer a unique family-oriented, educational day school for pupils up to the age languages at the school and the academics and amazing extra school is undertaken in English or theDavos exercise initiative and creativity, and develop physical fitness. The stimulation of environment where students are fully motivated to develop their talents and skills. of 10. They even have room for a pupils have the ability to study in curriculum. These range from pupils can also do the Swiss Maturite. intellectual curiosity is regarded as vital. It provides broader education that will Boarders learn how to live, work and play together, sharing experiences with Forest school where the pupils can French, English and German. Science robotics to street art and much in There are boarding facilities for 60

help acquire the personal balance of self-awareness and confidence needed to people from many different countries and cultural backgrounds. reconnect with nature. and innovation are valued highly between. There is a heavy emphasis pupils with lake and mountain views. Location: Gstaad. prepare for adult life. Location:Nyon. culminating in the Swiss maturité. on . The range of extra curricular activites Location: Clarens. www.jfk.ch www.nordangliaeducation.com Location: Nyon. Location: Vich. is truly astounding. www.stgeorges.ch www.ecolemoser.ch www.mont-olivet.ch Location: Lausanne. www.ensr.ch

10 Lausanne 3 27 14 5 19 11 23 St Moritz 17 17 18 Montreux 26 Lake Geneva Gstaad

2425 Winterthur Nyon 7 22 16 Leysin 6 9 20 12 9 1 2 St Gallen Zürich 7 15 Villars Sion 4 8 7 Geneva Key

Verbier 3-18 600 13

Boarding Day Co-Ed Age Number School School Group of pupils 21 Lugano

Davos

Lausanne 19 17 St Moritz 17 18 Lake Geneva Gstaad

22 Leysin 16

Villars 15 Sion

Geneva

21 Lugano BEST HOLIDAY 6 HOMES DESTINATIONS Investing in weekends to remember

MONTREUX LUGANO GSTAAD

A holiday home in Switzerland opens doors to a world of aspirational luxury. Montreux is the main town within the Lugano is also a lakeside town that has Gstaad is a town and popular An Alpine escape offers weekends spent in the mountains, skiing, beautiful Swiss Riviera (see page 7 for been designated as a holiday zone. in the canton of in the South West and enjoying après-ski, while lakeside retreats can provide a blissful sense more information) where non-residents Impressive views and pretty villages with part of the country. can purchase a holiday home. palm trees and cafés along the shoreline. of tranquillity. A popular destination amongst high society for Home to the world famous Montreux Jazz Located in the Italian-speaking canton of its discreet nature, the beauty of Gstaad has

A holiday home in Switzerland opens If you’re considering buying a property in Festival, this idyllic lakeside town embraces a , the city’s unique combination of Swiss driven many to describe this corner of the Alps doors to a world of aspirational luxury. An Switzerland purely as an investment and are café culture and the perfect base to explore and Mediterranean influence makes for a as a mountain resort opposed to ski. Home Alpine escape offers weekends spent in the interested in buying to rent as a long term let, the surrounding areas with its rich history vibrant environment, surrounded by both to the winter campus of the world-renowned mountains, skiing, snowboarding and enjoying then buying commercially is the best option. and wide open countryside. Visitors to the stunning lake and Alpine views. The American Institute Le Rosey and John F. Kennedy après-ski, while lakeside retreats can provide a Non-residents who acquire property for the region often see Montreux as the gateway to School in Switzerland, located in Montagnola International School, the area has long been blissful sense of tranquillity. Buying a property sole intent of active letting are not subject to the Alps while closer to home is the historical just outside of Lugano, is very popular amongst known for its prestigious schools. It’s a great in Switzerland as a non-Swiss resident has its any size regulations. However, the property town of Vevey and the neighbouring international residents, with a beautiful place to be year-round, with well-kept footpaths own set of stipulations and regulations to bear must offer facilities that will categorise it as a vineyards, a UNESCO World heritage site. Italianate campus. is easily assessible ideal for hiking through the glorious mountains in mind. Foremostly, non-residents can only ‘hotel style residence’, such as a concierge and from Lugano, Milan is around an hour drive or in the summer. Gstaad’s trendy shopping purchase property in designated areas known other facilities, such as a spa. train journey away. village is home to major brands, such as Louis as ‘Holiday Zones’. These zones are primarily Vuitton and . Investing in a second home in Switzerland found in the ski resorts, and certain lakeside is more than just a personal reward, it’s a towns such as Lugano & Montreux. Non- country in which the financial rewards remain residents can purchase a single property with steadfast. With the current negative interest a maximum of 200 sq m of official living space rates of -0.75% supporting the property market (must include a kitchenette and separate and the multi-billion-pound ski industry entrance and does not include balconies proving its finger is on the pulse with the or basement areas) per named individual recent roll out of 4G across the mountains – who is over 18 years of age. While the Swiss investing in Switzerland could be your best authorities will expect foreign buyers to use lifestyle choice yet. VILLARS CRANS-MONTANA VERBIER their property as a holiday home primarily, there are options to rent out the property for Villars is a family-orientated resort, Crans-Montana is a resort in the canton Verbier is the biggest resort in up to eight to ten months per year, depending with wide open slopes and plenty of of , situated on a sunny plateau Switzerland’s Four Valleys and on the canton. options for non-skiers. above the Rhône Valley. particularly popular with older children and teenagers thanks to its diverse Its blend of traditional Swiss village and Made up of two resorts, Crans and Montana, variety of winter sports and après-ski. modern ski facilities have made the resort the area combines both the feeling of an increasingly popular with international visitors idyllic alpine village with a bustling town From summer biking to winter sports, its exciting and is easily accessible from both Lausanne that offers the most extensive shopping for terrain makes it a highlight for adrenaline and Geneva. The reputable international miles around. In addition to snow sports, junkies, not to mention the popular range schools of Aiglon College, La Garenne and Crans-Montana has gained a reputation for of restaurants, bars, shops and clubs. The prestigious Collège Alpin Beau Soleil are all its golfing scene, five lakes and simplicity and speed of reaching the resort right in the centre, contributing to the resort’s panoramic walking trails. via public transport from Geneva International lively year-round appeal. Airport has placed it as a firm favourite for weekend visitors. 12 13 The Benefits of Swiss Network a Swiss Education

Who can resist the lure of fresh mountain air, chocolate and a luxury British university, then you might be swayed towards the A-Level system. Our London team work closely with a range lifestyle? Couple all of that with a first-class education, then surely Still, depending on your language abilities, you might choose a different of associate and preferred agents in Switzerland Switzerland is the place for you and your family. While you gaze at the curriculum that is more suited to higher education in your home country. who are carefully selected for their integrity, chalets and lakefront homes that Knight Frank have proposed, have you If you are thinking of relocating to Switzerland, then State education experience and professionalism. thought about the benefits of a Swiss education for your children? can be a superb route to choose. Each canton (area) has an education Switzerland has for many decades, provided top education not only department, and they might differ in the languages they wish to teach Geneva Office for its Swiss citizens but for the international community as well. The in, the syllabus they learn and the structure of the school day. This is Covering: The entire canton including the city centre, the Geneva countryside schools are extremely well established with good track records of getting a significant consideration when choosing which canton to live in as and the lakeside villages along both left and right banks their pupils into universities around the world. This guide outlines lessons will be in the language of that canton. However, it is a particularly some international private schools, but it is important to remember good option for primary age children who would have less experience in Nyon Office Covering: La Côte region between and that overall the Swiss state education system is excellent, as we describe another curriculum and, therefore, would find it easier to adapt to both further below. language and syllabus. It certainly immerses a child into Swiss life and Lausanne Office culture in the most comprehensive way. Covering: Lausanne city and the Vaudois countryside One of a kind education One of the notable benefits of a Swiss education that is deeply appealing One of the most beguiling facts about many Swiss schools is that many Vevey Office to many families is the prospect of enjoying a healthy outdoors life Covering: Swiss Riviera and region surrounding are family-run. Brillantmont in Lausanne, Le Rosey in Rolle between beyond the classroom. While you are less likely to find a cricket match or Geneva and Lausanne have both been in the same families for over a a rugby tournament, most schools offer an array of international sports Verbier Office hundred years. The familiarity, pastoral care and ethos of the Swiss Covering: The resort of Verbier and other key ski resorts across the Valais Canton such as , tennis and football, and seasonal sports such as school have always been a nurturing one. The boarding dormitories are skiing, ice hockey and sailing. The proximity to the mountains ensures usually very comfortable (perhaps more so than the reputation of their Villars Office that the skiing and winter sports opportunities are unmatched. Covering: The resort of Villars and neighbouring Chesières and British counterparts!). Beyond its superb location, Switzerland has a strong reputation as a safe and secure country – a factor that is a huge Several Swiss schools arrange superb summer camps. This can be an Gstaad Office consideration for many families. excellent opportunity for a pupil to get an authentic taste of life at a Covering: The Gstaad valley, , Schönried, Saanenmöser, , Swiss school for a few weeks. There will often be language courses in Turbach, Feutersoey, Gsteig, Rougemont and Château d’Oex Since the global Covid-19 pandemic, boarding schools are offering the mornings with adventures and activities in the afternoon. They are children a uniquely safe environment. Switzerland was perceived to globally representative, just like the school pupil body. Neuchâtel Office handle the virus outbreak well, and therefore its schools are seen as even Covering: The Lake Neuchâtel basin more attractive. The Swiss healthcare system is second to none, and this Each school offers something different; be it in the curriculum choice, is an attractive prospect for many parents. the language of instruction, the ethos of the school, location or the extra- Zurich Offices - Covering: The "Gold Coast" (right bank) and Zürichberg curricular opportunities. If you would like further information and help Küsnacht Swiss schools are truly international. However, many schools have a - Covering: "Silver & Platin Coast" (left bank), , and in choosing the right school for your child, then Carfax Consultants are Horgen strict quota of pupils from any one country. Therefore, the numbers are - Covering: The town of Zurich and the North of Zurich on hand to help you make that choice. Zurich-North never weighted too heavily towards one nationality. Pupils are likely to (Winterthur, ) find themselves amongst others who also speak more than one language and whose parents also travel a lot and live similar lifestyles. As a result, St Moritz Office Covering: The resort of St Moritz and the surrounding villages from the alumni networks of these Swiss schools are unrivalled as they boast Sophie Oakes to Zuoz a friend in almost every country around the world. Nevermore true is the Swiss Education Specialist saying, “the world is a village”. www.carfax-consultants.com Office Covering: The Graubünden resorts of Arosa, , Davos, Klosters, [email protected] More than just a classroom and Flims/ Geneva: +41 22 533 21 55 The wide range of curriculum choices in Swiss schools is impressive. London: +44 20 7927 6200 From the native Swiss Matura to the British system, US curriculum Lugano Office Covering: The Swiss side of the lake, the city and the villages of Morcote, and the International Baccalaureate; there is something for everyone. Montagnola & Caslano Many of the Swiss schools offer more than one curriculum. This allows pupils from a variety of different educational backgrounds to pick the curriculum that suits them the most. If you are determined to go to a

14 15 IMPORTANT NOTICE © KNIGHT FRANK LLP 2021 While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors it may contain. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Knight Frank LLP. Knight Frank LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England with registered number OC305934. Our registered office is 55 Baker Street, London W1U 8AN where you may look at a list of a of our members’ names.

Your partners in property for 125 years knightfrank.com/overseas-property