Celebrating Excellence: Outstanding IB, IGCSE and DELF Results
Celebrating Excellence: Outstanding IB, IGCSE and DELF Results
We are especially pleased to start the new academic year with news of the significant academic successes our students achieved over the past weeks, and we would like to take a moment to celebrate their hard work with you!
Exceptional IB Results – Well Above The International Average
In July, we received this year’s excellent IB results – a further testimony to our motto: It’s cool to be good!
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is widely regarded as the gold standard of pre-university education. Recognized and respected by universities in over 100 countries, it challenges students not only to master a broad range of academic subjects, but also to develop critical thinking, research skills, intercultural understanding, and genuine independence – precisely the qualities the world’s leading universities are looking for.
At ISR, we have an excellent track record of achieving results well above the global average, year after year.
This year’s graduating class continued that proud tradition:
- 36 out of 45 points on average – far above the worldwide average of 30.8 points
- 100% pass rate
- 24% of students achieved 40+ points – placing them among the top IB students worldwide
- 59% earned a bilingual IB Diploma, with two languages at native level
- 3+ university offers per student on average – with admissions in countries such as Germany, Ireland, and Austria still pending
Our graduates have already received offers from some of the most prestigious universities worldwide, including the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, the University of Groningen, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, EHL Hospitality Business School, ETH Zurich, the Stockholm School of Economics, IE University Madrid, Imperial College London, King’s College London, the University of St Andrews, the University of Edinburgh, Kingston University, the University of Birmingham, the University of California, San Diego, the University of Toronto, the University of Melbourne, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology – just to name a few.
We could not be prouder of the Class of 2026 and wish them every success on their exciting journeys ahead!
Fantastic IGCSE Results
The good news did not stop there: recently in August, we received fantastic IGCSE results!
The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), awarded by Cambridge, is one of the world’s most recognized qualifications for students at the end of Grade 10. It provides rigorous, internationally benchmarked preparation for the IB Diploma Programme and is valued by schools and universities around the globe – giving our students a proven academic foundation and a competitive edge on their path to the Diploma years.
Our students’ achievements this year speak for themselves. With 45 candidates completing 205 examination entries, our students achieved:
- 66% of all grades at A*–A
- 94% at A–B
- 100% at A–C – every single entry at grade C or above!
- In total, our students earned an impressive 66 A* and 70 A grades
As the chart below shows, this success is not a one-off but part of a steady upward trend. In our IGCSE courses in German, English, Mathematics and the Sciences, the share of A*–A grades has grown year on year – from 50% in 2024 to 58% in 2025 and now 66% in 2026 – while A*–B grades rose from 75% to an impressive 94%.
In both 2024 and 2025, our students’ results were also well above the global averages (40% and 43% A*–A respectively), and we look forward to seeing this year’s international comparison when the global 2026 results are published in November!
Equally encouraging are this year’s Cambridge Checkpoint results, where our younger students significantly outperformed international averages in every subject:
Excellent DELF Results
Furthermore, we received the results of this year’s DELF examinations. The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is an official French language diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education and recognized worldwide. Valid for life, it certifies a student’s French proficiency according to the internationally standardized CEFR levels and is a valuable asset for university applications, international study programs, and future careers – a true door-opener wherever French language skills are required.
We are thrilled to share that every single ISR student who took the examination successfully passed their respective language level – a 100% success rate across all levels from A1 to B1!
Beyond simply passing, our students excelled:
- With a pass mark of 50 out of 100 points, our students achieved an outstanding average score of 85 points, with more than a third of students scoring above 90 points – and top results reaching an impressive 96.5 out of 100 points
- 11 of the 26 candidates — more than 4 in 10 — achieved a perfect score in at least one exam section (listening, reading, writing or speaking), earning 15 flawless 25/25 section scores in total
Congratulations to our young francophones and their dedicated teachers!
A Community Achievement
These outstanding results are no coincidence.
They are the product of the hard work and dedication of our students, the passion and expertise of our teachers, and – just as importantly – the continuous support of our families!
We look forward to another successful academic year ahead – one in which we will continue to prove, every day, that it’s cool to be good!
ISR Chinese New Year Celebration 2026
Chinese New Year Celebration
Celebrating the Year of the Horse
Saturday, March 7th, 2026
At ISR, celebrating cultural diversity and fostering community are at the heart of all we do – a spirit that shone brilliantly this past Saturday during our 2026 Chinese New Year Celebration. The school was alive with festive energy as students, families, and staff came together to honor the Lunar New Year, savor traditional flavors, and welcome the Year of the Horse.
The festivities began with an engaging stage program that highlighted the richness of Chinese culture. We were honored to welcome a delegation from the Chinese Consulate Düsseldorf, including Deputy Consul General Wu, who kicked off the festivities with a special Chinese New Year greeting. Attendees were then treated to traditional dances and songs, performed with colorful costumes and captivating energy. ISR students also showcased their talents, adding a personal touch that beautifully blended tradition with creativity. A heartfelt thank you goes to the Chinesische Künstlergruppe Nordrhein-Westfalen for supporting this incredible stage program with their professional and captivating performances.
In the cafeteria, guests delighted in a flavorful buffet of Chinese cuisine, thoughtfully prepared by our dedicated Chinese Community. This included delicacies such as Bobo Chicken, Taro Ball & Grass Jelly Soup, Spiced Braised Beef, and Steamed Buns. The celebration continued with hands-on activities that brought traditions to life: students created candy art, practiced calligraphy and traditional ink printing, and explored immersive VR experiences thanks to ISR’s IT department. Musicbox Oxana was also on hand to showcase their offerings and allow guests to try out various instruments.
Our SLC student volunteers sold drinks and popcorn, and our beloved school mascot, Spirit the Horse, made a special appearance – perfectly symbolizing the Year of the Horse and bringing smiles to all attendees.
A special thank you goes to Mrs. Hofmann, our ISR Chinese Community Representative, for organizing this memorable event alongside ISR’s Chinese Community, as well as to all the staff and students whose efforts brought the celebration to life. By honoring these traditions, ISR continues to nurture inclusivity, cultural curiosity, and community pride, strengthening the bonds that unite our international school.
Discovering China: ISR Students and Alumni on an Educational Journey
Discovering China: ISR Students and Alumni on an Educational Journey
During this year’s autumn break, a truly special trip took place in cooperation with the DCBK, the German-Chinese Society for Culture and Education in Düsseldorf.
A group of eight secondary school students and eight alumni from ISR embarked on an educational journey to China. The itinerary began in Shanghai before heading to Jiaxing, where the group visited a senior high school. In Jinhua, participants were warmly welcomed by the Jinhua University of Vocational Technology and had the opportunity to spend two exciting days on campus. During the first days, the program also included visits to two companies, one of which was the Leapmotor Factory.
The Leapmotor Factory is a state-of-the-art production facility of Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer founded in 2015 and headquartered in Hangzhou. The factory covers about 380,000 square meters and was completed in 2019, beginning full production in 2021. With multiple workshops and flexible production lines, it can produce up to 250,000 vehicles annually, showcasing China’s rapid technological advancement in electric mobility. This visit gave participants exclusive insight into cutting-edge electric vehicle manufacturing and innovation in China.
The journey continued to Yiwu and Hangzhou, featuring a stimulating exchange and a visit to the Tourism College. The institution prepares students for diverse careers in the tourism sector, offering specialized programs in hotel management, airline services, culinary arts, tour guiding, and more. The college is well-known for its modern facilities and strong focus on practical skills, ensuring students are well-equipped to meet industry demands.
The final destination was the Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, which offered fascinating insights into its campus and diverse range of study programs.
Cultural enrichment was another highlight throughout the trip, with various workshops such as traditional paper art and cooking classes, athletic activities like Kung Fu, as well as cultural shows, theme parks, boat tours, and sightseeing forming just some of the elements of the comprehensive program.
To conclude this exciting trip with a spectacular highlight, participants marveled at breathtaking views of Shanghai from over 632 meters high — atop the Shanghai Tower, the third-tallest building in the world!
We warmly thank our partner, the German-Chinese Society for Culture and Education in Düsseldorf, which made this journey possible in cooperation with ISR for our students and alumni. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the students and alumni who were outstanding representatives of ISR, as well as to the parents for their trust and support. Everyone returned home with a deeper cultural understanding, countless positive impressions, and many shared memories as a group. This is an important testament to the fact that education at ISR goes beyond the classroom – and we are proud to be able to offer this opportunity to our students and alumni!
Diwali Celebration at ISR – A Morning Full of Light and Joy
Diwali Celebration at ISR – A Morning Full of Light and Joy
Our morning at ISR was brightened by our wonderful Indian Community, who shared the beautiful tradition of Diwali with us.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished celebrations in India. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Just as the light of Diwali dispels darkness, education enlightens young minds, opening doors to understanding, empathy, and opportunity. We were therefore delighted to welcome ISR Families from around the world to our Diwali Coffee Morning, where we celebrated together with our Indian Community.
Before the event, families lovingly decorated the ISR entrance hall and created a stunning Rangoli, a traditional Indian art form that symbolizes luck, prosperity, and hospitality through colorful floor patterns. These designs are also believed to bring protection, positive energy, and spiritual harmony.
Following welcome words from Eileen Lyons, School Director at ISR, Peter Soliman, Proprietor of ISR, and Shubhi Jain, Indian Community Representative at ISR, families were invited to enjoy delicious Indian delicacies lovingly prepared by our parents for the international community. It was a truly wonderful morning, and we are deeply grateful to our amazing Indian Community for sharing this beautiful tradition with our international community of more than 60 nationalities!
We wish all our families, friends, and partners a very Happy Diwali!
ISR Open House 2025
ISR Open House 2025
Saturday, October 11th
Last Saturday, we once again celebrated our ISR Open House Event and were delighted to welcome numerous guests, valued ISR cooperation partners, families, and team members from our campuses in Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch, as well as many interested visitors.
The day began with informative presentations for prospective families, providing a comprehensive insight into ISR and our educational approach. Our dedicated SLC students then offered guided school and kindergarten tours in various languages, giving guests the opportunity to explore our spacious campus. In addition, visitors were invited to take part in taster lessons across a range of subjects and grade levels, which, thanks to our committed teachers, provided a vivid impression of daily learning at ISR.
A special highlight of the day was the Language Exhibition, where our language teachers for Spanish, Japanese, French, and Chinese presented creative materials and engaging projects. Our Science Department also offered fascinating exhibitions throughout our hallways and classrooms, featuring diverse student projects and interactive demonstrations.
At the same time, our IT Department impressed both young and old with captivating virtual reality experiences that allowed participants to explore underwater worlds and outer space. Visitors also had the chance to meet our AI Robot Nao and other robots, which were a major highlight for many. To complement these experiences, our teachers showcased how artificial intelligence is already being integrated into ISR classrooms to further enrich student learning. Two of our external partners also presented their robotics activities, inspiring children through hands-on demonstrations.
Musically, the day was brightened by our enthusiastic Music Department. Our Grade 2–3 Choir delighted audiences with their performance and drew a large crowd. The event concluded with a lively concert by our ISR & Oxana Musicbox Band in the Cafeteria, alongside talented student musicians who shared their passion for music.
Sports activities added an energetic balance to the day. In our modern triple sports hall, the ISR Sports Team welcomed children to a variety of activity stations, where they enjoyed showcasing their athletic skills.
Our students once again demonstrated remarkable social commitment. SLC students crafted handmade charity bracelets together with children on site, raising funds to support women’s shelters in Düsseldorf. Two other students sold homemade origami and small birdhouses, donating the proceeds to animal protection initiatives. We are proud of their engagement, which – together with the support of partners such as the British Women’s Club, the American International Women’s Club, and the Lions Club Novaesia – highlights the strong community spirit at ISR.
To ensure everyone was well catered for, our wonderful ISR Parent Network organized an extensive cake buffet, while our school caterer, Broich, delighted guests with a variety of savory dishes and refreshing beverages. In addition, SLC students ran a popcorn and waffle stand, and visitors enjoyed delicious Italian coffee specialties from the Coffee Bar Bacio é Amore as well as ice cream served by Angelo Franciamore.
Overall, this year’s ISR Open House Event was an overwhelming success and one we will remember fondly.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our teachers and staff, our exceptional ISR Parent Network, and all families who helped make the day such an inspiring and memorable experience. The event once again reflected the positive spirit and strong sense of community that defines ISR.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our valued partners who joined us on this special day: Musicbox Oxana, Broich Catering, Kunst am Platz, The British Women’s Club Düsseldorf, The American International Women’s Club Düsseldorf, The International English Library, Ausblick Immobilien, the Lions Club Neuss Novaesia, Claudia Peltzer Ballet, Robotics Club, Kaarster Mäudebande, KKS Schwimmschule, and our long-time sports partner in tennis, the Rochusclub.
A special thank-you goes to Faronda from our ISR Parent Network for her excellent organization of the parent buffet and to all families who contributed to this wonderful community experience. We also extend our gratitude to our Class Representatives – Rada, Carolin, Kimiko, and Torben – for their valuable support and continued dedication throughout the event presentations. In the spirit of our ISR Parent Network motto: Good schools are made of students – great schools are made of families!
We are truly delighted about the success of this year’s ISR Open House Event and look forward to many more enriching events at ISR in the year ahead.
Carnival Parade in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel
Carnival Parade in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel
Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
At ISR, cultural diversity is at the heart of our international community, and we cherish opportunities to bring our international families from over 60 nationalities together. This year, we were once again excited to take part in the joyful and family-friendly Carnival Parade in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel – under bright sunshine and perfect weather!
Guided by our inspiring motto “Many Cultures, One Global Language: Education,” over 300 ISR Families from our three branches in Neuss, Meerbusch-Büderich, and Düsseldorf-Niederkassel came together to proudly celebrate their vibrant cultural heritage. From Dirndls and Lederhosen to elegant Indian Saris, colorful Chinese Hanfu dresses, and beautiful Japanese Kimonos, our parade group was a dazzling showcase of global traditions. The positive atmosphere, joyful energy, and shared enthusiasm perfectly embodied the spirit of inclusion and togetherness that defines ISR!
A huge thank you to all our families and staff members who made this event so special! Through celebrations like these, we continue to build connections, embrace traditions, and celebrate the importance of diversity.
We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration – ISR, HELAU!
ISR Student has the highest IGCSE International Chemistry score in Germany
ISR student has the highest IGCSE International Chemistry score in Germany
Monday, February 10th, 2025
The academic success at ISR continues: Our student Yara achieved the highest score in Germany in the subject IGCSE Chemistry. Proud members of the ISR Secondary School Leadership Team, including Mr. Cete, Mr. Kheir, and Mr. May, as well as our School Director Ms. Lyons and Yara’s teacher Mr. Gottlin, surprised Yara last Friday with a ceremonial presentation of her award! Yara was overjoyed and accepted the special honor with great gratitude.
Her achievement is further proof of the excellent education at ISR, Yara’s passion for science, and her commitment to academic excellence!
We are all incredibly proud to add another award to ISR’s success story with Yara’s outstanding result!
ISR Student has the highest IGCSE International Mathematics score in Germany
ISR student has the highest IGCSE International Mathematics score in Germany
Thursday, February 6th, 2025
Yesterday, there was a very special surprise at ISR for our student, Piotr. Our school director, Ms. Lyons; his Academic Coordinator, Mr. Kheir; the Head of the Science Department at ISR, Mr. O’Brien; and his proud Mathematics Teacher, Mr. Sanchez, came together to formally inform Piotr that he scored the highest in Germany for IGCSE International Mathematics and was among the best-performing learners in Germany in the June 2024 IGCSE Examination series.
Piotr was visibly delighted with his achievement and emphasized, “I was inspired by Dan who received the certificate last year at ISR, so I wanted to do it this year!” In the future, he plans to study Computer Science and is currently working hard to gain admission to one of the best universities, aiming to keep all options open for his future career!
This outstanding performance continues ISR’s tradition of excellence in mathematics, marking the third time an ISR student has achieved top marks in this subject. Piotr’s success not only highlights his individual talent but also reflects the high-quality education provided at ISR.
We sincerely congratulate Piotr on this remarkable achievement and for embodying our motto at ISR: It’s cool to be good!
Learning from the Past: WWII Eyewitness Mr. Hüllen Visits ISR to Share His Story and Life Lessons
Learning from the Past: WWII Eyewitness Mr. Hüllen Visits ISR to Share His Story and Life Lessons
Thursday, January 16th
Yesterday, we had the honor of welcoming Mr. Hüllen, a World War II eyewitness, at ISR. Mr. Hüllen shared his experiences as a child before, during, and after the war with our Grade 9 and 10 students. The students had prepared numerous questions for Mr. Hüllen. He provided a unique perspective on life during this historic period, offering insights into the daily challenges and fears faced by civilians during the time. Mr. Hüllen strongly emphasized the importance of democracy, drawing from his personal experiences and the contrast between life under totalitarian rule and in a free society. It was an engaging, emotional, and educational lecture and all students listened attentively.
Mr. Hüllen, along with other eyewitnesses, have visited over 500 schools across Germany already; sharing their experiences with younger generations. Their goal is to ensure that the lessons of World War II are not forgotten and to foster a deeper understanding of the consequences of war and the value of peace.
We are deeply grateful to Mr. Hüllen for his time and for sharing his personal experiences with our students. As one ISR Parent mentioned after the lecture: “These life experiences are an incredible privilege for our kids — not just academically, as they tie into their program, but also as meaningful life lessons.”
By hearing from those who lived through these events, our students gained a more intricate and empathetic understanding of the past, which is crucial for shaping a better future.
At ISR, we are proud to offer our students such learning experiences!
International Peace Poster Contest by Lions Club: ISR Student Wins Top Prize in Germany
International Peace Poster Contest by the Lions Club: ISR Student Wins Top Prize in Germany
Thursday, January 9th
We are thrilled to announce that our talented ISR 7th-grade student, Arjun, has won first prize in Germany for his entry in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest!
Arjun’s creative artwork stood out among many entries from all over Germany, showcasing his powerful message and understanding of peace. His poster will now represent Germany as it advances to the international Lions Club Peace Poster Competition in the United States!
“There are infinite ways to find peace. For example, respecting one another irrespective of gender, color, race, etc. Using the available resources with care. Hence, my peace dove is carrying a ribbon that looks like infinity”, stated Arjun when he handed in his poster in November.
A special thank you goes to our amazing art teacher, Ms. Schultz, for her guidance and support, and to Ms. Schulenberg, the Lions Club Neuss Novaesia Representative, for organizing this unique opportunity for our students.
We are incredibly proud of Arjun’s achievement and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of the contest. Let’s all cheer him on as his inspiring work reaches a global audience!
We invite you to view all of the Peace Poster Contest entries submitted by ISR students by clicking on the button below:
