Swiss boarding school
Neighbourhood-style living & IB excellence
The International School of Schaffhausen's boarding programme offers a unique and innovative approach to living and learning together. One of the only schools in Switzerland offering an off-campus, neighbourhood-style boarding experience, we focus on fostering independence, developing personal responsibility, and creating meaningful connections with the local community.
Students graduate from ISSH ready to unlock their potential and face the world with confidence. Armed with a strong academic foundation, a keen sense of responsibility, and the skills to thrive independently, ISSH boarding students are prepared to navigate university life and their future professional journeys.
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Swiss Boarding School Philosophy: Beyond Accommodation to Life Skills
Boarding with purpose
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A place to live and place to grow The ISSH Boarding Programme serves as a developmental proving ground cultivating university readiness. As a bridge between the structure of family life and the autonomy of higher education, our programme provides a framework where students excel academically whilst developing crucial life skills. By providing practical life experiences such as budgeting pocket money, or organising study schedules, arranging a group activity, or even planning a meal and making a shopping list, our programme builds confidence, self-sufficiency and responsibility. Living together with a diverse group of peers, our students benefit from tangible experiences where they refine core interpersonal skills. Whether it be working together to tidy up the kitchen, navigating a conflict with a roommate, or adapting to a diverse range of cultural norms, boarding students learn to solve problems, advocate for themselves and adapt to the needs of others. Even simple, everyday tasks such as riding public transport, navigating through the town of Schaffhausen, provide useful training in practical skills that university demands. Boarding life
An authentic Swiss experience When envisioning a traditional Swiss boarding school, one might imagine an international enclave isolated from the local community. This is not the case at ISSH. Instead, our innovative, neighbourhood-style boarding approach promotes community integration and provides an authentic Swiss experience. At ISSH, the boarding experience extends beyond the school grounds and into the community. With houses situated in quiet, safe, residential neighbourhoods, our location is the ideal setting for developing independence while providing genuine immersion in Swiss life. The ISSH boarding houses are located just a five minute drive away from campus, and are easily accessible by our shuttle bus service, local public transit, bike, or even by foot! Students are encouraged to join local clubs and sports teams where they can pursue their interests and develop their talents as they practise their German skills. Our boarding students have the chance to participate in sports activities at all levels, from recreational clubs to teams that compete on the international stage throughout Europe. Outside school hours, students have the freedom to explore Schaffhausen—strolling along the Rhine river, discovering the historic city centre, or simply relaxing with friends in local cafés. Under the watchful guidance of our boarding team, students develop autonomy and responsibility within a safe, supervised framework. Enquiry
A Safe Swiss city Located in northern Switzerland, a stone's throw from Germany and only 40 minutes by train to the Zurich Airport, Schaffhausen is a charming, traditional Swiss city. Despite its modest population of under 40,000 residents, Schaffhausen is remarkably cosmopolitan. Home to offices of numerous leading international companies, it offers a diverse, inclusive, yet quintessentially Swiss community. This tranquil city provides an exceptionally safe environment where neighbourhood connections flourish and community spirit abounds. This idyllic setting creates the perfect backdrop for the ISSH Boarding Programme. With Switzerland's renowned safety and security, combined with Schaffhausen's community-oriented atmosphere, our boarding students enjoy a degree of freedom unavailable in most other boarding environments. The ISSH boarding experience is enriched by our local surroundings. During leisure time, students can wander alongside the Rhine River and visit the magnificent Rhine Falls. They explore the old town, absorbing the city's rich history and drawing inspiration from its Renaissance architecture. Given Schaffhausen's central European location with excellent transport links, boarding students benefit from organised excursions to major cities such as Stuttgart, Paris, Milan, and Innsbruck. And, the magnificent Swiss Alps are just a short journey away from our campus, making excursions to ski resorts and hiking trails easily accessible.
Guidance at every step The ISSH boarding team comprises a diverse group of dedicated professionals who provide nurturing care and personalised guidance to each student. Our Head of Boarding, Ken Russell, and our team of carers are available outside school hours to support students with matters both significant and small. The ISSH boarding experience is defined by relationships, not regulations. Our professional and qualified carers serve as trusted guides who hold extensive experience in helping young people navigate the joys and challenges of adolescence. By developing meaningful connections with students, our carers create safe spaces for conversations that matter. Whether discussing questions of personal identity, navigating academic expectations, or building resilience in the face of setbacks, these authentic interactions help students develop the emotional intelligence and self-awareness essential for lifelong success. Boarding Team
Neighbourhood living with modern facilities Each boarding house is situated in a charming residential neighbourhood, in traditional Swiss-style buildings thoughtfully adapted to meet students' needs. The houses accommodate up to ten students in double-occupancy rooms. Pupils enjoy bright, airy bedrooms which they are encouraged to personalise and make their own. The properties feature spacious, open-concept living areas and well-equipped kitchen facilities where our boarding team creates delicious home-cooked meals. Boarders benefit from free access to the kitchen space, including a well-stocked pantry with a variety of local and international ingredients. When a study session is interrupted by a craving, students are free to wander down to the kitchen to bake a pan of brownies or whip up a plate of fried rice.
