Schule Schloss Salem was founded in 1920 by Kurt Hahn, who, following World War I, wanted to educate internationally minded, responsible individuals. Today, the school continues to reflect its roots, challenging young people with high academic and extracurricular expectations and opportunities.

Salem comprises four beautiful campuses – all within twenty minutes drive of one another – on the northern arm of Lake Constance, near Germany’s borders with Switzerland and Austria and at the edge of the spectacular Alps. The school consists of three divisions on the separate campuses for pupils of different ages. These are Hohenfels Castle (Lower School, 90 pupils aged 10-12), Salem Castle (Middle School, 290 pupils aged 13-17) and Salem International College (Upper School, 320 students aged 16-19).

In years five to seven, the academic programme is delivered in German. Intensive instruction in German as a foreign language is available for international pupils: even those arriving at the school with no German are fluent within one school year.

From year eight onward, Salem is fully bilingual and offers a dual curriculum. Students may either continue in the German system or enter the International system (International Classes and International Baccalaureate), in which the language of instruction is English. Approximately one third of the students in the upper years are in the IB system. Lessons are structured to prepare students with the independent thinking and self-guided learning skills they will need at university. The average class size is around fifteen students. There are also exchange programmes with top boarding schools worldwide.

Outside of the classroom

At Salem, involvement in extra-curricular activities and the life of the boarding community are emphasised as much as academic achievement. All students in the upper years must engage in at least one afternoon a week of community service. All students must also participate in a regular program of sports or outdoor pursuits. Participation in theatre, music and visual arts extra-curricular programs, while not mandatory, is strongly encouraged.

Far more than in boarding schools from the Anglo-American tradition, responsibility for the everyday running of the School in the upper years, to a great degree, lies with the students, in keeping with Salem’s democratic ethos. All activities and boarding wings are led by students elected by their peers. School regulations are framed with the consent of the student parliament and breaches of these are dealt with jointly by the school administration and the specially elected leaders of the student body.

In contrast to most British boarding schools, university entrance is internationally oriented. There is a strong SAT preparation program and many graduates eventually attend the most selective universities in the US, UK and Germany. Famous alumni include Prince Philip; Eberhard von Kuenheim, former CEO of BMW; Queen Sophia of Greece; Dr. August Oetker, CEO of an international food company; Begum Inaara Aga Khan and Philipp Plein, Fashion Designer.

For more information, visit the school website here