ISR University Fair 2026
ISR University Fair 2026
Where will your path lead after ISR?
We were delighted to host another successful SRT International University Fair at our ISR Campus in Neuss, giving our Grade 10 to 12 students the opportunity to explore their options beyond school and connect directly with representatives from universities and educational institutions around the world. Among the institutions represented were IE University, Nottingham Trent University, Swiss Education Group M.E, Esade Business & Law School, ESCP | Berlin Campus, Constructor University, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, and the University of Strathclyde Golf Society, alongside many others. From business and engineering to art, design, and hospitality, the fair introduced our students to a wide range of academic pathways.
Through conversations with university representatives, our students explored degree programs, admission requirements, and student life. Asking questions and discovering new possibilities helped them gain a clearer understanding of their options and the next steps towards their future studies.
At ISR, we are proud to provide opportunities that help our students make informed decisions about their futures. Alongside international university fairs, our dedicated University and Career Counseling (UCC) Team supports students through personalized guidance and university visits, helping them identify pathways that match their interests, strengths, and ambitions.
We sincerely thank all participating representatives for visiting ISR and sharing their insights with our students. A special thank you goes to our UCC Team — Ms. Wacker, Dr. Corbin, and Dr. Bayülgen — for organizing this valuable event and for their continued dedication to guiding our students as they prepare for life beyond ISR!
Learn more about our University and Career Counseling offerings here: https://www.isr-school.de/ucc/
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Mitsuki
Spotlight On Our Student Mitsuki
This week, we celebrate Grade 7 student Mitsuki, whose curiosity, kindness and determination shine across his subjects. He joined ISR in 2025.
His positive energy stands out in Japanese. Ms. Hirano shares: “Mitsuki is a polite, thoughtful, and hardworking student. He brings positive energy and enthusiasm to every lesson. His steady progress reflects his commitment to learning. His cheerful attitude and willingness to do his best make him a valued member of the classroom.”
His confidence is growing, too. Our English teacher, Ms. McGowan, adds: “Mitsuki brings genuine enthusiasm and endless curiosity to every English lesson. He is an impressively reflective learner who is growing in confidence when taking on academic challenges. He never leaves a lesson without saying ‘thank you’, showing what a thoughtful and respectful student he is.”
That thoughtfulness also shines in Mathematics. Ms. Chroni notes: “Although I have known Mitsuki for less than two months, he has already made a very positive impression. He is polite, respectful, and genuinely engaged. He always takes the time to thank us after each lesson, giving teachers an extra boost to keep doing their best.”
His former EAL teacher, Ms. Freise, recalls his willingness to learn: “Mitsuki is polite, funny, inquisitive, and a joy to teach. In my EAL class last year, he took feedback seriously, applied it to his learning, and showed steady growth. His enthusiasm, kindness, and positive outlook made him a wonderful member of the class.”
His creativity is equally evident. His Art teacher, Ms. Schultz, shares: “One of Mitsuki’s impressive artworks was a piece inspired by Osaka Castle. Its detail and careful observation reflected strong thinking skills and wonderful artistic talent. His hard work is always evident.”
Mr. Edwards, Mitsuki’s Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher last year, praises his team spirit: “Mitsuki is a wonderful learner who is always curious and eager to expand his knowledge. He approaches new challenges with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. He is an absolute team player, showing kindness, respect, and support to his classmates.”
We are proud to spotlight Mitsuki as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Benjamin
Spotlight On Our Student Benjamin
This week, we spotlight our fifth-grader, Benjamin, who joined ISR in 2025.
Mr. Rowan, Head of Elementary School, shares: “Benjamin is a creative student with a wonderful sense of humor, who brings so much positive energy to our school. He makes incredible academic progress every day and his kindness towards others really shines through. Benjamin always seems to have an encouraging word or a smile to share.”
Benjamin loves exploring new ideas. His Grade 5 class teacher, Mr. Freise, writes: “Benjamin is a wonderful presence in the classroom and consistently contributes to our class discussions and activities. He brings genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to his learning, with a particular love for science. His eagerness to explore new ideas and ask thoughtful questions makes him a joy to teach. Beyond his academic interests, Benjamin has a wonderful sense of humor and brings plenty of warmth and personality to our classroom community. His positive spirit and ability to make others smile help create an enjoyable and welcoming environment for everyone. We are very proud to have Benjamin as part of our class!”
His enthusiasm also shines in English. His English teacher, Ms. Freise, adds: “Benjamin is an amazing student and a truly positive presence in the classroom. Over the past school year, he has made significant progress and come a long way both academically and personally. I genuinely enjoy having him in my class, and his kindness, effort, and positive spirit make him a valued member of our learning community.”
Benjamin is growing in confidence in Drama. His Drama teacher, Ms. Abooul Hosn, shares: “Now, Benjamin is such a joy to have in class! He has so many creative ideas and is becoming more confident and social every week.”
He also works hard in German. His German teacher, Ms. Orhan, remarks: “Benjamin is a kind and sweet student who always tries his best. It has been a pleasure getting to know him this year and seeing him grow in his own way. I am very proud of the effort he puts into his learning and the progress he makes each day.”
We are proud to spotlight Benjamin as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Chris
Spotlight On Our Student Chris
This week, we are proud to spotlight our eleventh-grader, Chris, who joined ISR in 2022. He was nominated for the Spotlight by his English teacher, Ms. McGowan, who writes:
“Although I have only been teaching Chris since the start of the academic year, he has already made a fantastic impression. In IB English he consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, a willingness to learn new things, and he is growing in confidence when it comes to sharing his insightful ideas. A real highlight is the quality of Chris’ written work which is fluent, convincing and engaging to read. I’m also lucky enough to teach Chris TOK where he displays an excellent ability to see complex topics and challenging issues from a range of nuanced perspectives. Above all, Chris is a kind, respectful student who is a pleasure to have in class. And when it comes to the IB Learner Profile, Chris does not just see the attributes as ideas; he puts them into practice each and every day. Well done, Chris!”
His impressive development at ISR is also highlighted by Mr. McGowan, Head of Secondary English:
“I had the very great pleasure of teaching Chris in grades 9 and 10 and watching him move from our English as an Additional Language pathway to our native level pathway; seeing him adapt to English A at IB this year is a genuine pleasure and fully deserved. Chris’ dedication to self-improvement, responding to feedback and overall effort are markers of his character, and this has been true of Chris for the entire time I have been fortunate enough to teach him and know him. When you add to that just how friendly, caring, polite and funny Chris is, you really have an ideal ISR student who fully embodies the notion that it is cool to be good.”
Chris also demonstrates great creativity and commitment. Ms. Chroni shares:
“Chris was one of my Grade 8 Mathematics students—polite, respectful and exceptionally strong academically. He is also a very talented artist, something I got to see more of during our recent SLC retreat. What stood out to me most was how much he cared about doing his best for his group. His artwork for the Academic Achievement and Conduct group poster was exceptional, and he was so determined to finish it that he was willing to stay behind and work on it alone, even if it meant giving up some of his Chemistry study time. He really gives his all, and that says a lot about the kind of person he is.”
Finally, Mr. O’Brien, Head of Science, adds:
“Chris is an actively engaged student who likes to establish a firm understanding of the fundamental principles governing physics. He poses probing and intelligent questions, highlighting his ability to connect different areas of the course in a meaningful manner. His calm nature and patient approach to problem solving contribute wonderfully to the IB physics lessons.”
We are proud to spotlight Chris as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Lilly
Spotlight On Our Student Lilly
This week, we are proud to spotlight our fourth-grader, Lilly, who joined ISR in 2023. She was nominated for the Spotlight by Ms. Ghica, who writes:
“I have known Lilly since she first started in Grade 1, and over the years I have had the privilege of watching her grow, develop, and become the wonderful young person she is today.
It has been such a pleasure to see Lilly progress through her years at school with confidence, curiosity, and a positive attitude. She has continued to grow both academically and personally, always supported by her teachers and surrounded by a caring school community.
For me personally, one of the most beautiful things to see was how happy Lilly is. She has built wonderful friendships, found a strong sense of belonging, and genuinely enjoys her time at ISR.
Lilly, I hope you know how proud we are of you. It has been a joy to watch you grow over the years, and you should be very proud of everything you have achieved. Keep believing in yourself, keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep being you!”
Lilly’s third grade teacher, Ms. Vittin, shares:
“Lilly is a bright and enthusiastic student who constantly strives to do her very best. She always takes her time in order to produce quality work and is motivated to do her best. She is a funny and kind learner, who works well with others and genuinely enjoys school. She was a joy to have in class and I miss her dearly. Congratulations, Lilly! This nomination is well deserved.”
Finally, Lilly’s current Grade 4 teacher, Ms. Sayers, remarks:
“Lilly is a hardworking and enthusiastic member of our class. She is well-liked by her peers and willingly contributes to class discussions and activities. Lilly brings a positive attitude to lessons and approaches her learning with a cheerful and willing mindset. She is a pleasure to have in the classroom and consistently makes a positive contribution to the class environment. I look forward to what the rest of the year will bring!”
We are proud to spotlight Lilly as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
ISR Family Fun & Sports Day 2026
ISR Family Fun & Sports Day 2026
Last Saturday, we were delighted to welcome many families to our ISR Campus in Neuss for this year’s ISR Family Fun & Sports Day – an exciting day filled with sports, activities, community spirit, and plenty of fun for participants of all ages!
Throughout the day, the children had the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of sporting activities, including Football Penalty Kick, Dodgeball, Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Sprinting, Jump Rope, Egg & Spoon Race, and Rope Pulling. The different stations brought plenty of energy to our campus and gave our young participants the chance to challenge themselves, stay active, and enjoy some friendly competition.
We were also very pleased to welcome many of our dedicated partners, who enriched the program with a variety of activities for the children. These included Musicbox Oxana, Krokodil Schwimmschule, NTC Stadtwald, Life in Germany, Capoeira (SEA), Tennis (SEA), and Ballet (SEA) by Claudia Peltzer. We sincerely appreciate their continued support and the enthusiasm they brought to the day.
Our Student Leadership Council (SLC) played an important role throughout the event. Our students supported the organization, helped at various stations, such as face painting, and contributed enormously to creating such a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. We are very proud of their commitment and wonderful team spirit! A special highlight of the day was our tombola, where children had the opportunity to win a selection of wonderful prizes.
Of course, a day full of activities also called for some refreshments. Our trusted partner Broich Catering provided delicious food and beverages, while our Coffee Bike from Bacio e Amore and Ice Cream Truck Angelo offered additional treats for our guests throughout the afternoon.
Alongside the activities, our families had the opportunity to experience our international community, meet members of our dedicated faculty and staff, and discover our extensive kindergarten and school campus.
The ISR Family Fun & Sports Day 2026 was a wonderful way to come together as a community and enjoy an active and memorable day on our campus.
We wish to extend our sincere thanks to all participating families, our cooperation partners, teachers, SLC students, and staff members who contributed to making this event such a success. Your commitment, support, and enthusiasm made the day truly special!
We were delighted to welcome so many families to ISR and look forward to many more wonderful ISR Community Events throughout the academic year!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Henry
Spotlight On Our Student Henry
This week, we are proud to spotlight our seventh-grader, Henry, who joined ISR in 2022. He was nominated for the Spotlight by the Academic Head of Grades 5–6, Ms. Schmidt, who writes:
“Henry is an incredible young man and a true inspiration to those around him. He consistently demonstrates what it means to be hardworking, dedicated, and determined. No matter what challenges come his way, Henry approaches them with perseverance and a positive attitude. He understands that success does not always come easily, but he never gives up and continues to work hard to reach his goals.
Henry is also a wonderfully well-mannered and respectful young man who sets a positive example for others. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and great attitude make him a pleasure to be around. As a friend and teammate, Henry is someone others can count on. He is supportive, and always willing to help those around him. He understands the importance of working together and makes a valuable contribution to every team he is part of.
One of Henry’s most admirable qualities is that he always tries his best. Whether he is learning something new, facing a difficult challenge, or working toward a goal, Henry gives his all. His dedication and perseverance remind us that growth comes from hard work, and a willingness to keep going even when things become difficult.
Henry truly embodies the idea that ‘it’s cool to be good.’ He shows that being kind, respectful, hardworking, and supportive of others are qualities to be proud of. His positive example inspires those around him and makes him an outstanding member of our community.”
Henry’s former German teacher, Ms. Sahin, shares:
“Henry was a pleasure to have in class. He brings creativity, commitment, and a kind attitude to the classroom. He approaches new challenges with confidence and contributes positively to the learning environment. It was a pleasure having Henry in class.”
Henry’s English teacher, Ms. McGowan, adds:
“Henry has made a fantastic impression during his first few weeks of Grade 7! I have been very impressed with his dedication in English lessons and his clear focus on making progress. He is a wonderful public speaker, sharing his ideas articulately and convincingly, and he has a great vocabulary which he puts to good use in his English work. Above all, Henry is a kind, thoughtful and helpful student who goes out of his way to support his peers. He really is a pleasure to teach and I’m excited to see all he will achieve this year.”
Finally, Henry’s Spanish teacher, Ms. Gadea Corrales, remarks:
“Henry is a very intelligent student. He enjoys being an active part of the learning process. He always shows a great attitude, and he always has something kind to say to his peers. He also adds a fun component to the Spanish classes. He is an embodiment of our school’s motto with his great attitude and his readiness to learn and help others.”
We are proud to spotlight Henry as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
A New Chapter Begins: ISR First Grade Ceremony 2026
A New Chapter Begins: ISR First Grade Ceremony 2026
On August 28th, we celebrated a very special milestone — our ISR First Grade Ceremony 2026!
The ISR Sports Hall was filled with over 350 guests, all there to celebrate our new Grade 1 students as they began their first year in ISR Elementary School. The event opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Colm Rowan, Head of ISR Elementary School, who spoke about the values that make ISR such a special place — kindness, hard work, and looking out for one another — and how each child’s everyday choices help shape our community for the better.
Ms. Eileen Lyons, ISR School Director, followed with words on how meaningful this day is for the children and their families.
A musical highlight of the ceremony was a lovely performance of our school song, “Ode to ISR,” presented by 5th grader Maya. Ms. Joanna Metcalfe, Head of Grades 1 & 2, then introduced the Grade 1 teachers, who will guide and support our newest students throughout this exciting first school year.
The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived with the presentation of the traditional “Schultüten,” handed to the children by their Grade 1 teachers. This symbolic gesture marked the true start of their school journey and brought plenty of excitement and happy smiles.
After the ceremony, families gathered for a Welcome Get-Together, where parents and staff connected over refreshments and celebrated this joyful new beginning together.
We are proud to welcome our new first graders into the ISR Family and cannot wait for the year ahead!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Elisa
Spotlight On Our Student Elisa
This week, we are proud to spotlight our twelfth-grader, Elisa, who joined ISR in 2020. She was nominated for the Spotlight by her Homeroom and IB English teacher, Ms. McGowan, who writes:
“I count myself very lucky to be both Elisa’s Homeroom teacher and her IB English teacher. She is a mature, hardworking student who always takes genuine care and pride in her work and who, over the course of the IB, has really developed both academically and personally. Elisa is a kind, caring and considerate student who I can always rely on to be organized and helpful – including on the occasions when she helps keep me on track! Indeed, Elisa is a student who makes teaching feel particularly rewarding and I look forward to continuing to support her as she starts her all-important final year with us as ISR.”
Mr. O’Brien, Head of Science, shares:
“Elisa consistently demonstrates maturity and determination when facing challenging tasks. She takes responsibility for her learning, consistently using feedback to improve her work and demonstrating strong reflective skills in line with the IB Learner Profile.”
Elisa’s former EAL teacher, Ms. Freise, adds:
“When Elisa first joined, she was still developing her English skills. She quickly began acquiring the language, making remarkable progress both academically and socially. Elisa advanced through the EAL levels at an impressive pace and consistently succeeded in her classes. She also formed friendships quickly, which played an important role in supporting her language acquisition journey. It was a pleasure teaching her and watching her grow in confidence and ability.”
Finally, Ms. McGee, MUN Advisor, remarks:
“From the Model United Nations Advisors and Secretary-General’s perspective, Elisa has demonstrated strong growth, reliability, and commitment throughout her involvement in MUN. During her time in the Logistics Department last school year, she was consistently punctual, dependable, and dedicated to supporting the team. She is now continuing her development by supporting the Administration Team this school year, where she can build upon her experience and make a valuable contribution to the continued success of our MUN program. Thank you, Elisa!”
We are proud to spotlight Elisa as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
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!
