Students at Obersee Bilingual School (OBS) have achieved an average International Baccalaureate Diploma score of 35 points in 2026 - more than four points above the worldwide average of 30.88.
Two members of the graduating class attained an exceptional 43 out of a possible 45 points, placing them among very high-performing IB Diploma students internationally.
The results continue a strong record for the school. Between 2023 and 2026, 38 of 43 OBS students successfully earned the IB Diploma, demonstrating sustained achievement across several graduating classes.
Opening doors to universities worldwide
The value of these results can be seen in the opportunities now available to OBS graduates.
University pathways represented within the Class of 2026 include the University of St Andrews and the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom; ETH Zürich, the University of Zurich and the University of St Gallen in Switzerland; the University of Helsinki in Finland; IE University in Spain; and Santa Clara University in the United States.
Students are preparing to pursue subjects including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, chemistry and business management. The range of institutions, countries and disciplines reflects both the international recognition of the IB Diploma and the diverse ambitions within the OBS student community.
University preparation at OBS begins in Grade 10, giving students time to explore possible careers, understand admission requirements and make informed decisions about their IB subjects. As their plans develop, they receive individual guidance with university research, application strategy, portfolios and interviews.
Individual guidance behind the results
The school’s IB results reflect more than preparation for final examinations. OBS combines high academic expectations with close individual support throughout the student’s secondary education.
In Upper School students follow individual timetables, allowing teachers to understand each student’s strengths, recognise difficulties early and respond with appropriate support or additional challenge.
From Grade 7, every student also has a personal coach. Bi-weekly meetings provide an opportunity to review academic progress, discuss organisation and wellbeing, and agree on practical strategies. The coach helps connect the different people supporting the student, including subject teachers, families, the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and specialist services.
This individual approach also shapes IB subject selection. OBS considers the student’s academic profile, language background and intended university pathway when helping them build their Diploma programme. Where a proposed combination may not support the student’s ambitions, the school works with the student and family to consider suitable alternatives.
Students are expected to become increasingly independent as they progress through Upper School. Research, project work and the core elements of the IB Diploma help them develop the critical thinking, academic writing, communication and time-management skills required for university.
A bilingual school with international reach
Located near Lake Zurich, OBS is an English–German bilingual school educating children from Babycare through to Upper School. Its community brings together Swiss and international students and teachers, combining strong local foundations with a global outlook.
Students follow Lehrplan 21 through Grade 9. From Grade 10, they can pursue either the Swiss Federal Matura or the IB Diploma, enabling families to select the route best suited to the student’s strengths and future plans.
The Swiss Federal Matura provides a broad bilingual programme and direct access to Swiss universities. The internationally recognised IB Diploma supports applications to universities in Switzerland and around the world, depending on the points, subjects and levels required by the chosen institution.
The 2026 results provide compelling evidence of what the OBS approach can achieve: an average well above the global benchmark, two exceptional scores of 43 points and university pathways extending across Switzerland, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Together, these outcomes reflect an education designed not simply to help students earn a qualification, but to prepare each individual for the university, subject and future that are right for them.
