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Intelligence Report
School Intelligence Report · Switzerland

Terra Nova Bilingual School

zurich·Switzerland·Terra Nova Bilingual School provides a bilingual German–English program based on the Swiss curriculum from pre-kindergarten through Year 6, with English instruction based on the Cambridge International Curriculum. Primary (Year 1–6) instruction in language, mathematics, science and social studies is delivered in parallel in German and English by native speakers, with French introduced from Year 5. Pre-Kindergarten is bilingual from age 3, with a 1:6 supervision ratio and a focus on bilingual vocabulary and early numeracy. Kindergarten is a two-year bilingual program for children from age 4, with instruction split 50/50 between High German and English by native speakers, emphasizing early literacy, numeracy and social development. After Year 6, Terra Nova is part of Academia and offers higher-education pathways through Academia International School Basel, Winterthur and Zurich: a Pre-IGCSE program for Years 7–8 in bilingual format, followed by IGCSE and International A Levels to prepare for university studies in Switzerland and abroad. English instruction is based on the Cambridge curriculum, and the program is designed to support students in developing strong language and learning skills.
↑ 4 positive signals↓ 2 concerns6 signals total

Terra Nova Bilingual School in Zurich offers bilingual German–English education for ages 3 through Year 6, grounded in the Swiss curriculum with English instruction based on the Cambridge International Curriculum. From pre-kindergarten through primary years, instruction in language, mathematics, science and social studies is delivered in parallel by native speakers in both languages, with French introduced from Year 5. After Year 6, students progress through Academia's bilingual Pre-IGCSE program for Years 7–8, followed by IGCSE and International A Levels to prepare for university study in Switzerland and abroad.

Location
Switzerland
02
Leadership

Who leads this school

Moderate confidence
2.8yr
Avg. tenure
Moderate
Stability signal
High
Visibility score

Three-year tenure as executive head, preceded by senior leadership roles at comparable group-affiliated institutions across the region. Appointment context points to a consolidation mandate. Career trajectory is consistent with a corporate-operator profile: strong institutional alignment, limited founding experience.

Career pattern signals
Company ManConsolidation contextHigh mobility
Signals
  • Active LinkedIn presence; consistent external messagingConfirmed
  • No succession announcement visible; transition appears plannedInferred
  • Headship history: median tenure below sector averageReported
Intelligence note
Given the consolidation mandate and corporate ownership structure, teacher-fit bifurcation is likely. High-autonomy practitioners may experience friction.
03
Working Conditions

What's it like to teach here

Class sizes 18–24 primary, 24–28 secondary. Teaching hours within regional mid-range. Contract length typically two years with renewal option...

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