Who Owns International School Zurich North?

International School Zurich North was founded in 1999 by Daniel Sarbach, a Swiss educator who saw demand for an English-language international school in the Zurich Nord area. At the time, Zurich had a growing expatriate population but limited options for non-German-language education north of the city center. The school opened with a small enrollment, serving primarily children of international families relocated to the Zurich area for work.

In its early years, ISZN operated as an independent private school. It followed an English-language curriculum based on the English National Curriculum, which is structured around Key Stages from early years through secondary education. The school gradually built enrollment by serving families in the Wallisellen, Opfikon, and surrounding Zurich Nord communities.

ISZN's campus is located in Wallisellen, a municipality approximately 10 kilometers northeast of central Zurich. The school operates from a purpose-built facility that includes classrooms, science laboratories, a library, sports facilities, and performance spaces. The location is accessible by public transport, which is a practical consideration for families commuting from various Zurich suburbs.

The school expanded its curriculum over its first two decades. It became an authorized Cambridge International Examinations center, allowing students to pursue Cambridge IGCSE qualifications at age 16. For post-16 education, ISZN became an authorized Pearson Edexcel examination center, offering International A Levels that are recognized by universities worldwide. These qualifications provide pathways to both Swiss and international universities.

In June 2019, Cognita Schools acquired ISZN. At the time of acquisition, ISZN had approximately 17 students and 5 teachers. The acquisition marked Cognita's entry into the Swiss education market. Under Cognita ownership, the school underwent significant growth. Enrollment expanded from 17 students to over 240 students, and the teaching staff grew to nearly 50 educators. This growth trajectory reflects both Cognita's investment in the school and the broader demand for international education in the Zurich area.

The school's student body represents more than 35 nationalities. This diversity is typical of international schools in major Swiss cities, where expatriate families from corporate, diplomatic, and academic backgrounds seek English-language education for their children. ISZN's small class sizes, typically 15 to 20 students, allow for individualized attention that appeals to parents moving from countries with different education systems.

ISZN offers a continuous educational journey from nursery at 3 months through A Levels at age 18. The early years program follows the English National Curriculum's Early Years Foundation Stage. Primary education covers Key Stages 1 and 2, and secondary education covers Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, culminating in IGCSE and A Level examinations.

In May 2025, ISZN achieved accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS), a global quality assurance organization that evaluates international schools against standards covering governance, curriculum, student well-being, and global citizenship. CIS accreditation is recognized by ministries of education and universities worldwide and involves a rigorous multi-year evaluation process.

The school has developed partnerships with local Swiss institutions for STEM education. Students have visited CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, for particle physics exploration. Students have also participated in forensic science workshops at the UZH ETH Science Learning Centre, a collaboration between the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich.