Governance and the Board
The Board of ELABASEL International School AG provides the strategic and professional foundation that allows our educators to focus on what they do best: inspiring your children. Following our successful transition to a corporate structure in late 2025, ELABASEL now operates under a robust governing framework that blends international educational expertise with local Swiss business leadership.
A New Era of Stability & Growth
Our transition to a corporate structure (AG) in late 2025 ensures long-term sustainability and facilitates the investment required for our “Path Forward” vision—including our bilingual Secondary School expansion and campus enhancements.
A Balanced & Holistic Education
Our governance is rooted in the belief that a truly future-ready education must be well-rounded. The Board supports a curriculum that balances academic rigour with personal growth, ensuring that STEM, the Arts, and Music are central to the student experience.
By prioritising social, emotional, and physical well-being alongside critical thinking, we empower our students to be versatile and resilient. Our goal is to foster a learning environment where creativity and technical skills go hand-in-hand, preparing students to thrive in a global community.
Professional Oversight & Accreditation
The Board ensures we meet the highest international and local standards:
- Cambridge International Accredited: A world-renowned academic pathway.
- Basel-Stadt Approved: Maintaining our deep roots in the local community.
- COBIS Member (Council of British International Schools): Global best practices for British International Schools.
- Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS): Connection to the Swiss Group of International Schools.
Community & Representation
While our legal structure has modernised, the “parent voice” remains central to our culture. To ensure our community stays connected to the school’s direction, we work in close partnership with the Friends of ELA (FELA) association.
Communication & Operations
- Strategic Governance: For suggestions regarding the school’s long-term strategy, the Board can be reached at board@ela-basel.ch.
- School Leadership: Daily operations and pedagogical leadership are managed by our General Manager and the Leadership Team.
- Class Matters: Specific questions regarding your child’s class should continue to be raised with your Parent Class Representative.
(L-R) New owners Patrik von Arx and José Antonio Parra with members of our School Council.
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.
Why choose us
