Our Mission & Ethos
ELABasel International School is a vibrant diverse community where children are encouraged to grow with confidence, curiosity and compassion. Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and we are proud to offer an environment where every child feels known, valued and inspired to succeed.
At the heart of our school is a strong family ethos and a commitment to nurturing the whole child. Our mission is to empower all children to embrace learning within a caring and supportive environment, grounded in the traditions and values of a British education. We believe that education should extend far beyond academics alone, helping children to develop respect for themselves and others while building the resilience, creativity and independence needed to thrive in an ever-changing and interconnected world.
Located in the heart of Basel, ELA Basel combines the strengths of both the British and Swiss education systems, creating a dynamic learning experience with a particular focus on Science, Arts, Technology and Music. Our classrooms are places where children are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas and discover their individual talents within a warm and inclusive community.
Our School Values, together with the Cambridge Learner Attributes, provide the foundation for everything we do. They guide the way our pupils learn, interact and contribute to school life, supporting not only academic achievement but also personal growth and strong character development. We want every child to leave ELA Basel as a confident, responsible and compassionate young person, fully prepared for future success and ready to make a positive contribution to the world around them.
We look forward to welcoming your family to our school community.


Our School
Swiss quality and British standards
At ELABasel, we combine the excellence of Swiss quality with the ambition and academic rigour of British international education. Since 1993, our warm and welcoming school community has provided a nurturing environment where children feel supported, valued and inspired to thrive. Rooted in a strong family ethos, we encourage confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning from the very beginning of a child’s journey. Through the prestigious Cambridge International Curriculum, students gain a high-quality international education that prepares them for globally recognised qualifications, including IGCSEs and A Levels, opening pathways to universities and opportunities around the world. As a proud member of the Swiss Group of International Schools, we are committed to delivering excellence in international education in the heart of Basel.
Our History
Founded in 1993, ELABasel began as a small English-speaking childcare centre known as Tiny Tots. Over the past 30 years, it has grown into a leading international school, now known as ELABasel – The Swiss British School, offering Early Years, Primary and Secondary education. The school operates across two central Basel locations: Gartenstrasse 93 and St. Alban-Vorstadt 32, both carefully renovated to provide modern, child-centred learning environments.
The Gartenstrasse site, known historically as Ulmenhof (“Elms Court”), dates back to 1893. Commissioned by Professor Jacob Wackernagel, it was designed by Basel architects Edward Vischer-Sarasin and Edward Füter-Gelzer, who also created the SBB railway building. Once surrounded by elm trees and part of Basel’s former Botanical Gardens, Ulmenhof later served as corporate offices before becoming a protected property in 2003. ELABasel moved into the building in 2008, restoring it to a place of learning and laughter.
Today, Gartenstrasse accommodates over 100 children across Early Years, supported by a purpose-built playground added in 2019. In 2022, ELABasel expanded into the nearby Wildensteinerhof on St. Alban-Vorstadt, a grand historical building dating to 1775, marking a new chapter in the school’s distinguished history.

First day of School at Ulmenhof – August 2008

Our Mission
The mission of ELABasel – the Swiss British School is to empower all children to embrace learning in a nurturing, family environment. Offering the traditions and values of a British education, our community promotes respect for self and others, developing in children all the skills they need to thrive and succeed in a diverse and interconnected world.
Our Vision
ELABasel is a vibrant and nurturing school located in the heart of Basel. We pride ourselves on creating a family environment to support our students’ development and growth. Our learning programmes have foundations in both the British and Swiss education systems, with a focus on Science, Arts, Technology and Music.
The Team
MEET OUR STAFF
Meet the dedicated team at ELABasel who inspire, support and guide our students every day. Time and time again, parents tell us that our passionate, caring and committed staff are the number one reason they chose our school. With years of experience, exceptional qualifications and a genuine dedication to every child’s wellbeing and success, our team creates the warm, family atmosphere that truly makes ELABasel feel like home.
Our educators and professional staff are committed to nurturing academic excellence, personal growth and a lifelong love of learning. Together, they create an inspiring and supportive environment where every child feels valued, encouraged and empowered to reach their full potential.

Patrik von Arx
President of the Board

José Antonio Parra
General Manager & Delegated Board Member

Nadine Preiss
Board Member (People, Culture & Organisation)

Caroline Schumacher-Martin
Board Member (Organisational Development)

Rachel Scott, PhD
Board Member (Strategic Communications & Future Readiness)

Maria Garrido
Patrik is an established entrepreneur and strategic leader with a deep-rooted commitment to the Basel community. With extensive experience in organisational scaling, financial planning, and operational implementation, he provides the high-level oversight necessary to ensure ELABasel’s long-term sustainability. Patrik’s focus is on bridging commercial stability with the school’s core values, ensuring the new AG structure delivers on its promise of growth and excellence for the next generation.
With over 30 years of leadership experience, José Antonio specialises in the strategic turnaround and growth of international educational institutions. Formerly a senior corporate executive overseeing large-scale international expansions (including Carrefour China), he transitioned into education a decade ago. He has a proven track record of revitalising schools in Spain and Switzerland—most notably leading ISCS Zug from 29 to over 210 students. At ELABasel, he leads the operational transformation and the expansion of the Middle School pathway.
Nadine serves as a Global Head of People, Culture & Organisation, bringing world-class expertise in building high-performing teams within complex, changing environments. Her focus on the Board is to ensure that ELABasel remains an employer of choice, fostering a professional work culture that attracts and retains top-tier international educators. She is dedicated to aligning organisational development with the school’s nurturing pedagogical mission.
Caroline is a specialist in systemic organisational development and the founder of a successful consultancy. With 30 years of professional experience, she advises the Board on leadership structures and team effectiveness. Her expertise ensures that as ELABasel grows, its internal processes remain agile, professional, and focused on the well-being of the entire community.
Rachel holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and brings a wealth of experience from the pharmaceutical industry, specialising in the synthesis of complex global narratives. Her background in high-level science and corporate governance gives her the cognitive agility to translate intricate strategic data into clear, transparent communication for our community. Rachel focuses on building a strategic narrative that fosters long-term stakeholder trust—a vital currency in a rapidly evolving digital age. She is dedicated to ensuring ELABasel students develop the critical thinking and human-centric skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven future.
Maria is a lawyer and senior executive with a distinguished background in public governance and international education. Having served as a State Financial Controller (Interventor del Estado) for the Spanish Government and held an international post at the Spanish Consulate in Shanghai, she brings a high level of expertise in financial auditing and ethical oversight. Maria has successfully led admissions strategies for international schools in Switzerland and Spain, delivering sustained growth through a focus on community-aligned enrollment. On the Board, she ensures that ELABasel’s admissions and safeguarding protocols meet the highest standards of integrity and student well-being.

Ollie Paget
Head of Primary

Mark Ambrose
Head of Secondary

Katharina Paget
Head of Languages

Sam Humphries
Reception - Y3 Phase Leader

Catie Davis
Y4-Y7 Phase Leader

Kirstie Anetzberger
EYFS Transition and Assessment Coordinator

Catie Davis
Teacher

Emma Carragher
Teacher

Emma Bedford
Teacher

Sam Humphries
Teacher

Emily Beacham
Teacher

Evelyn de Kock
Teacher

Lizzie Hatton
Teacher

Kirstie Anetzberger
Teacher

Imogen Davies
Teaching Assistant

Claire Weir
Teaching Assistant

Karina Pradiichuk
Teaching Assistant

Katharina Paget
German

Anya Homer
German

Nela Cecilio
German

Tosca Lentz
German

Anne-Lise Imanga
French

An Geyskens
French

Pierre Jambert
French

Jonas Müller
PE Coordinator

Luke Davies
Music Coordinator

Tina Corrigan

Mark Ambrose

Nicky Hawley
Inclusion and Safeguarding Coordinator

Jerry Santa Ana
EAL Coordinator

Claire West
1:1 Learning Support Teacher

Francesca Rossi
1:1 Learning Support Teacher

Marta Magiera
SEMH Coordinator

Lauren Bürge
TMA Coordinator

Sandra Rohan-Gates
Speech and Language Therapist (External)

Éadaoin Allen
Speech and Language Therapist (External)

Maria Garrido
Head of Admissions

Keith Smith
Head of Marketing & Content Creator

Amy Smit
Head of Programmes

Wouter Rausch
Business Manager

Mark van de Steeg
Administration and HR Assistant

Merle Nimmich
HR

Victor Travaux
Maintenance

Christoph Marti
Cook