Director

Founded in 1961, the International School of Berne was established to serve the needs of the diplomatic community in the city. The school has grown significantly since its early days, expanding from an initial enrollment of 40 students to nearly 300, reflecting the rise of international business in the region. Today, the institution also attracts local families seeking an international education. While English is the main language of instruction, it is the native language of less than 40% of the student population, creating a rich linguistic environment that includes students from 45 different nationalities, thus offering a genuinely global educational experience.

ISBerne is dedicated to international education, which is fundamental to its development as an International Baccalaureate World School. The school launched the IB Diploma programme in 1995 and gained authorization to implement the IB Primary and Middle Years Programmes in 2007. Furthermore, ISBerne is accredited by both CIS and NEASC.

Beginning in 2026, ISBerne will roll out an additional Lehr Plan 21 pathway for Grade 1, primarily taught in German. This new initiative aims to attract more Swiss families and complements the existing dual-language approach in the Kindergarten.

In April 2017, the school moved to a newly built campus in Gümligen, on the outskirts of Bern, after 55 years at its previous location. The move was well-received by the local community. The campus design reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a sense of community, featuring interconnected learning spaces that honor both diversity and shared values.

ISBerne predominantly serves a transient expatriate population, with families typically residing in Switzerland for an average of three and a half years. This frequent turnover fosters a close-knit environment, allowing the school to function as a true home away from home for students and their families during their stay in Switzerland.

The International School of Berne is part of Pansophic Learning, an educational organization dedicated to providing exceptional learning opportunities for students and educators, enabling them to reach their academic and life aspirations, regardless of geographic, financial, or demographic circumstances. The organization believes that every child should have the chance to pursue their dreams, no matter where they come from. Headquartered in Virginia, USA, Pansophic Learning operates internationally, with institutions in the Middle East, the UK, and Europe.

The Board of Directors is seeking a Director to lead the school starting in January or August 2027. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong background in international school leadership, a genuine enthusiasm for holistic education, and the ability to inspire and unite the school community. Applicants should have relevant qualifications, along with current knowledge and experience with the IB programme. Key attributes required include intercultural sensitivity, a strong ethical character, and a dedication to fostering a culture of trust.

For further information about this position or the school, or to apply, please visit the job microsite at Director - International School of Berne, Switzerland. To arrange an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Edward Clark at edward@lsceducation.com or Samantha Massingham at samantha@lsceducation.com.

KEY DATES

Closing date: 24 April 2026

Longlist interviews: 7, 8 May 2026 (via Teams)

Shortlist/Final interviews: 21, 22 May 2026 (in Berne)