Geneva English School, where life-long learning begins. A not-for-profit day school for boys and girls aged 3-11 years. Established in 1961. 40 teachers and assistants. Strong French department. Unique green surrounding near Geneva. Superb facilities. Wide range of cultural & sporting activities. Bus service. Hot lunches. After-school care. Children are well prepared for a variety of secondary education options. First Swiss school accredited by the Independent School Inspectorate. Geneva English School, where else ?

1. Where life-long learning begins

2. Welcome
Geneva English School is a happy and thriving co-educational school community
set in grounds overlooking Lake Geneva for children aged 3 to 11.
The school was founded in 1961 with just half a dozen pupils in a church hall in Geneva.
It has been on its current site, a 19th century estate in the leafy suburb of Genthod,
since 1989.
Our mission is to provide an outstanding British-based primary education in an
international community where boys and girls learn, achieve and grow together in an
inspiring, purposeful, happy and enriching environment.
Our curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum and includes a strong
French programme for all groups throughout the week. We are very ‘British’ but very
‘international’ too and prepare our pupils for 11+ education in a range of local schools
as well as options back in the UK and elsewhere.
We are very proud to be leading the school through the 21st century, enjoying new
facilities that enable us to pay close attention, not only to each child’s individual
academic progress, but also to individual personal development.
We are often told that Geneva English School pupils are extremely well prepared
academically but also have great social confidence.
Nothing can match a personal visit and you are warmly invited to experience our
atmosphere for yourself.
We look forward to meeting you!
Stephen Baird, Headmaster
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3. Values
Geneva English School started life in 1961 as a small, family-run school
for just a few children. Its aim was to provide a happy, creative and
inspirational learning environment in which all children had the chance
to flourish according to their unique talents and abilities.
Since then, we’ve grown to several acres, a suite of buildings, some brand
new facilities and over two hundred pupils.
That we have grown over the years is a measure of our success; that we
have held to our original vision is what makes that success possible.
Community
Learning to live, work and play together; being
happy and safe; feeling good about ourselves;
understanding the individual importance of
everyone and our own contributions; learning to
be responsible citizens at Geneva English School
and in the wider world.
Respect
Celebrating our differences, whether cultural,
physical, faith, race or opinion; appreciating our
similarities.
Opportunity
Being the best we can be in all we do; pursuing
excellence in our learning; having the motivation
to make the most of the openings and chances
that come our way at Geneva English School.
Integrity
Being open, honest and truthful to ourselves and
others; having the moral strength to make the
right choices.
Teamwork
Working with co-operation, purpose and
commitment to achieve together.
Courage
Tackling new challenges with determination; growing
in independence, with the confidence to try things
even if they might be difficult; never giving up.
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4. The Setting
Our extensive secluded grounds provide ample space for
a wide variety of sports and recreational activities. The
football pitch and athletics tracks are much in use on a daily
basis, while the quiet woodlands offer a different ambience for
play and picnics. The central playground, meanwhile, is where
the school gathers at the beginning and end of each day, with
pupils, parents and teachers able to meet and mingle.
Located in the leafy suburb of
Genthod on the Jura side of
Lake Geneva, the school enjoys
spacious lawns, calm woodlands
and some stunning views.
“It’s easy just to fall in love with the grounds, the space, the setting.
This must be the best ever backdrop to childhood!”
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Parent

5. Learning
for life
Our focus on interactive, child-centred teaching means that
all children receive the attention they need to develop as fully
rounded individuals.
Supported by all the latest in technology, along with highly
qualified, dedicated and talented teachers, our aim is to bring out
the potential of each child to produce life-long learners who can
approach any challenge with enthusiasm, confidence and a strong
foundation in the academic curriculum.
“The children are confident
to be the age they are. They
enjoy being children and enjoy
the discovery of learning.”
Parent
A creative education means the encouragement of questioning, intelligent
enquiry, and a natural curiosity that
serves our pupils for life.
We run an extensive Gifted and Talented
programme for exceptionally able pupils, along
with a dedicated learning support teacher to
make sure that all pupils get the most from their
time at GES.
By the time they leave us, our pupils are confident
learners, fully grounded in all the major subjects,
with a wide interest in sports, the arts, and other
extra-curricular activities. GES children have
gone on to some of the most prestigious schools
and universities.
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6. Inspiring
creativity
A varied programme of artistic activity,
including (among many others) painting,
drawing, music, drama, dance, sewing and
clay-making, is a vital part of each school day.
All the children take part in music and drama,
with music theory included in the classroom,
and ample provision made for visiting tutors to
develop individual talents.
Our annual stage production brings the whole
school and wider community together in a celebration of the children’s achievements. Every child is
given the chance to perform either as a soloist or
in ensembles. Our Christmas concert, meanwhile,
is one of the highlights of the school year.
“A school that sings is a happy school.
You can hear the joy here every day.”
Parent
The arts have always played a central role
in life at GES. Through creative expression,
the children develop confidence, emotional
well-being and self-discipline. Of course,
they also have great fun.
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7. Aspiring
to success
Physical exercise provides a strong foundation
for good health, along with the essential
qualities of co-operation, sportsmanship and
personal endeavour.
Although we participate in local competitions
and have some competitions ourselves, the
emphasis is on participation and effort in a safe,
encouraging environment.
We rotate our games throughout the term to
maintain a balanced variety of sport. Athletics,
cross-country running, court games and
gymnastics make full use of our extensive grounds
and purpose-built gym, while football is a popular
choice on Saturday morning in the autumn and
summer terms. Our location gives us easy access
to some of the finest skiing in the world.
“I remember I was very sad when leaving
the school and all my friends. It was such
a great time I will never forget.”
Former Student
All children are given the opportunity to try different sports on
a regular basis and to develop their abilities, whether they just
enjoy the games or have the makings of an Olympian!
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8. Challenging
in many ways
We aim to provide a varied, stimulating and
adventurous day of learning both inside and
outside the classroom. We believe that all
children should be given the means to pursue
their interests and develop their talents, to try out
new crafts and hobbies, and to engage with a
constant process of discovery.
Our broad range of lunchtime and after-school
clubs covers everything from Athletics to Football,
Netball, Dance, ICT, Chess, Art, Judo, Cookery
and more. Whatever your child’s interest, we have
a club to match. And if you wish your children to
experiment new things, go beyond, or simply be
assisted with their homework, our after school
care, “The Club”, is definitely the place for them.
Daily lessons in French from our dedicated
language department enrich the children’s sense
of place and community, with a modern, vibrant
international city on our doorstep.
A wide choice of extra-curricular activities helps the children grow as fully rounded individuals,
confident in themselves, with a taste for new knowledge and enthusiasm for life’s adventure.
A favourite feature of our curriculum is the
residential programme in the summer term. In
spectacular locations in Switzerland and France,
children engage in outdoor pursuits and activities
linked to their learning.
“My child has blossomed here.”
Parent
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9. Becoming
citizens of the world
We encourage our pupils to be aware of the world around them so they
can become active citizens.
This sense of responsibility extends from their immediate classmates to the
school as a whole, from the local community to the world beyond.
If Scholarship is at the heart of the classroom,
Citizenship is the heart of the school.
Children are involved in charitable projects, including Terre des Hommes,
a worldwide federation which actively supports the welfare of children
internationally. Also Le Don Du Choeur, which provides resources for children
in need around the world. Recently, our choir took part in a fund-raising
concert for Kenya, performing to an audience of more than 1,400 people.
“To see how the children respond with such generosity and compassion
to deserving causes is an inspiration to all of us.”
GES Staff Member
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10. Moving
forward
Moving in
With over half our families here on a
temporary basis, we know all about the
opportunities and challenges of transition.
In fact many of our staff have been through
the process themselves. It’s not always
easy, but we can certainly make it easier.
Our Class Rep system ensures that you
have a warm welcome from current parents
as well as from the school.
“I arrived a little bit nervous but within just
a day or two felt that I, and my children,
truly belonged here.” Parent
For children, it is especially important that
they quickly feel welcomed, supported and
understood in their new school by new
friends. Every new pupil has at least one
“buddy”, chosen by the class teacher to
help the settling process.
Moving on
Moving on can also bring challenges. Whether
you’re going back to the UK or elsewhere in the
world, or your children are taking the next step
in their education locally, we’ll work with your to
prepare your child for change.
Their time with us will stand them in good stead
wherever they go. Our creative and thorough approach
to the classroom makes for natural learners able to
adapt to any method. We’re told that GES pupils are
known for their self-assurance, academic proficiency
and strong sense of community - qualities all good
schools look for and qualities that will last for life.
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11. Why Geneva English School ?
why it matters!
Prospective parents often ask us what is distinctive about
Geneva English School. Here are some of the top reasons:
• Individual and personal pupil development in a small
size school
• Dynamic, inspiring and enthusiastic teachers
• Curriculum based on the English National Curriculum
• Strong French department
• Happy children in an inspirational learning environment
We like to say that Geneva English School is where life-long
learning begins.
Our focus has always been on the development of the
whole child, both academically and emotionally. We believe
that all children have a unique gift, something that makes
them individually special and that it is our responsibility to
discover that quality and allow them to shine.
“When I talk to my old friends from GES days
and mention GES, it’s always: GES! Yes!”
Former Student
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12. Picture taken from school window
Geneva English School is small enough to enjoy a warm family atmosphere, in which everybody knows everybody, yet large enough to provide
the benefits of a wider community. We are a happy school that places pupil welfare at the forefront of our work. We believe that content,
confident children at ease with their peers and eager for new knowledge will always flourish academically.
It is said that there is a very special atmosphere here at the school. Some of that comes from our beautiful setting. Much of it comes from our
highly talented and dedicated teachers. But most of it is apparent in the cheerfulness and enthusiasm of our children as they go about their day,
secure in a caring environment, inspired by the many opportunities available to them, and sure of the finest education that Geneva has to offer.
Of course, there is nothing like experiencing it for yourself. We would be delighted to meet you and your child and show you around.
Geneva English School, Route de Malagny 36, 1294 Genthod, Switzerland
Phone:+41 22 775 04 40 | admin@geschool.ch | www.geschool.ch
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