Shotgun Move to Zurich - sorting out kids' schools!

[Brownwolf07]

Hi Mumsnet!

DH is being headhunted from the UK to go to Zurich. If we do this, it would be very fast (needs to be, schools there start mid August!) and we are looking for advice regarding the international schools, especially for DS aged 11. He is privately educated in SW London, doing well as he is very hard working but has some dyslexia, word processing and working memory challenges.

I have seen a lot commented on ZISL, ZIS, ISZN, not so much about ICSZ both here and on englishforum.ch.

Are there any recent movers, or families planning to move over the summer who can share some thoughts and or research. Alternatively, if your kids have been to these schools and are now in senior school or university in the UK, any words of wisdom to share?

Thanks for any and all help!

Suggest you cntact this not for profit english speaking foundation. They will be able to give you schooling advice

www.foundationsforlearning.ch/

Use your husband’s new company for guidance as much as possible

In fact your dh should be negotiating a full package of support for the move

Try yahoo group expatmomsinswitzerland - members have children in a variety of schools and areas. They break up mid June so you may need to visit in next month or so. Some like ZIS run summer activities which help settle newcomers in. Make sure you negotiate fees , healthcare , housing allowance etc. Is this a permanent move?

My sister and Bil both work for ZIS. If you would like to email them I’ll put you in touch. PM me

Thanks Abricot1993, what a great resource!

Highhorse1981, yes that's the plan. But in my experience, especially as a hiring manager for an expat in a past life, there is an element, of we give you logistical info (& $$) but when it comes to real info, nothing beats asking the locals.

LISZ - thanks I had asked to be added, and that came through yesterday.

Jaffajiffy - thanks! I will PM you.

M

There are also some expat mums groups on Facebook, might be worth asking there too - International Mothers Living in Switzerland and Mums & Mums to Be in Zurich.

Hey @Brownwolf07 just wondered how/if the move went ahead... moved to Zurich around 3 months ago and still finding my feet but be nice to have another Brit to chat to in the area if you made it!

Hi Carrotgirl07, Sent you a PM, looks like January will be when we head over....