Our campus offers continuous bilingual education from the nursery throughout the primary school and up to our state-recognised secondary school, all privately funded, for children and teenagers from 12 months old until they complete their A-Levels.
Our native-speaking teachers and educators teach both languages in and outside the classroom, using the immersion method — through daily, authentic use, not only in the classroom, but in everyday situations as well. By the end of their journey at Phorms, our students will be able to communicate confidently in both languages, both speaking and in writing.
Our school cultivates, and is proud of, its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. At the same time, we are shaped by internationality and openness. We are a certified “School without Racism, School with Courage.” Located in the heart of Hamburg, we not only embrace the diversity of the city but also the world, and we stay true to our motto: Local Schools – Global Education.
At the Phorms Campus Hamburg, our children and teenagers learn and grow in an all-day community, with care available from 7:30 am to 6 pm. With us, students experience and actively contribute to the campus’ social and cultural diversity — in their everyday school life and beyond in our extensive afternoon and holiday care programmes. Our campus offers ample space and state-of-the-art facilities for science, sports, and music.
Our team consists of experienced and highly qualified teachers and educators. Your child will be accepted and nurtured as an individual: in manageable class sizes with high teacher-to-student ratios, supported by teaching assistants, and through our support and enrichment programmes.
The Phorms Campus Hamburg was established in 2008 as part of the nationwide Phorms education network and has been growing ever since. For over 20 years, Phorms has enriched the educational landscape through its forward-thinking, modern bilingual nurseries and schools, a teacher training academy, and international schools.
No, but they should be fluent in at least one of the two languages of instruction (German or English).
Our meals are balanced, regionally sourced, and certified organic. The trained chefs of our catering service “Bio für Kids” prepare the meals fresh every day in the school’s kitchen. The meals we serve are based on the quality standards of the German Nutrition Society. Each day, children can choose between two dishes (one of which is vegetarian) and a raw food option at the salad bar. Fresh water is available throughout the day. For lunch, there are also delicious and healthy beverage options such as herbal or fruit teas. The meal plan typically includes fish once a week and poultry or beef from organic farms twice a week. We do not serve any pork. Since we value community, the students and educational staff eat together. We place importance on good table manners and appropriate behaviour during meals. Afterwards, there is plenty of time for playing and running around outside during the lunch break.
Each child goes through an admission process, which varies slightly depending on the class level. This allows us to get to know the children better and learn more about their knowledge in core subjects as well as their language skills. For preschool (Reception) and year 1, the children complete age-appropriate tasks and play with other children of the same age.
For families still living abroad and unable to arrange trial days on-site, we offer an alternative admission process.
With a day care voucher from the City of Hamburg, most of the costs for our day care centre and preschool will be covered by the city. The parental contribution is calculated individually depending on how many hours your child is cared for each day and your family’s income.
Approximately 50% of the subject lessons are taught in English or German. There may be slight variations across the different grade levels, but generally, the 50:50 distribution is maintained throughout the lower secondary school (Sekundarstufe I).
To ensure successful learning in both German- and English-language subject teaching, the following orientation values can be helpful: By year 7 to 8, a proficiency level of B1/B2 is required for new students joining, and by the time students enter the upper secondary level (Studienstufe), the required proficiency is B2/C1 in German and B2 in English. However, please keep in mind that every student has different language abilities and learning speeds, and we always rely on individualised assessments and learning progress to make predictions.
Yes, it is possible to join our bilingual gymnasium mid-year. The requirement is a valid gymnasium recommendation by year 7 or a grade average that predicts success in the gymnasium track. Additionally, the student must have taken one of our offered second foreign languages (Spanish or French) from year 6 onwards. Of course, we assess the student’s language proficiency in German and English during trial days or an assessment to ensure they can follow and succeed in the challenging subject lessons in both languages.
Yes, it is possible to join our upper secondary school (Studienstufe) from year 11. However, there are specific subject and course selection requirements (see Upper Secondary). Please make sure to clarify these in advance by contacting our Admissions Department.
Language learning at Phorms is an active, immersive process. German and English are equal languages of instruction and communication. From Kindergarten onwards, children and young adults are guided by both German- and English-speaking educators and teachers in their daily routines. In primary school, lessons are evenly split between the two languages, allowing students to acquire language skills naturally through real-life experiences. In secondary school, students continue to learn equally in both German and English, building a strong subject-specific vocabulary in both languages. By the time they graduate, they are fluent and confident in both languages—an excellent advantage for their further studies.
A bilingual education is about more than just learning two languages—it fosters a deep connection to different cultures. At Phorms Campus, students engage in intercultural exchange every day, both in the classroom and in their school environment. Through collaborative learning in diverse teams and exposure to different personalities and perspectives, they develop a profound understanding of varied ways of thinking and living. This intercultural competence not only equips them for success in a globalized world but also shapes them into open-minded, tolerant, and globally aware individuals.
We use the immersion method, where students learn English by being fully surrounded by the language. Our English-speaking educators reinforce communication with facial expressions, gestures, images, and symbols, helping students absorb the language effortlessly and effectively.
At Phorms, bilingualism is more than just learning a second language—it’s about thinking, feeling, and engaging in two languages. Our native-speaking educators create a truly bilingual environment, where students experience English not just in lessons, but also on the playground, at lunch, during celebrations, and on excursions.
Depending on the location, we also offer additional languages such as Spanish, French, and Latin. Whenever possible, we ensure native-speaking teachers lead these subjects, further enriching our students’ linguistic and cultural education.
At Phorms, diversity is more than just a concept—it’s a lived experience. Our students grow up in a community shaped by different cultural, religious, and social backgrounds, learning to engage respectfully with different perspectives. This fosters open-mindedness, empathy, and the ability to collaborate across cultures—skills that last a lifetime.
To make bilingual education accessible to families from diverse income groups, we apply an income-based tuition model, ensuring a broad range of students can benefit from our schools.
We also believe that individuality should not be defined by clothing. Our school uniform creates a neutral and inclusive environment, where the focus is on community, shared experiences, and personal growth—regardless of their social background or current fashion trends.
At Phorms, we recognise that every child is an individual with unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Our educators carefully observe their students to provide personalised support that meets their specific needs. With the extra time gained through full-day care, we can work more intensively with students, fostering both self-confidence and respect for the abilities of others.
In primary school, teaching assistants regularly support students in small groups—whether they need additional challenges or extra guidance. Smaller class sizes allow for more focused learning, with a guideline of 22 students per class in primary school and 24 students per class in secondary school, ensuring optimal supervision and support.
At Phorms, differentiated learning means varied teaching methods tailored to individual learning styles. Students work in small groups, sometimes across subjects or year levels, using a range of techniques to explore topics–whether through reading, presenting, experimenting, writing, or building models.
This hands-on, interactive approach encourages students to develop their own understanding of subjects, discover their talents and interests, and refine their communication and critical thinking skills.
Our goal is to ensure every student receives the right level of challenge and support. In primary school, special needs teachers work closely with small groups, adapting content to match each student’s learning style and pace. This personalised approach makes learning more engaging, accessible, and effective, helping every child reach their full potential.
At Phorms, we believe that enthusiasm for learning starts with inspiring educators. Our teachers come from around the world, bringing innovation, dedication, and a passion for education into the classroom. They not only provide high-quality teaching but also create an engaging and supportive environment where students feel motivated and excited to learn.
We carefully select our educators, prioritising both professional expertise and pedagogical skills. They are well-versed in modern teaching methods and align their lessons with both German and international educational standards.
To maintain the highest standards, our teachers continuously enhance their skills through national and international training, conferences, and professional development programmes.
Our teachers and educators are carefully selected based on their professional qualifications and teaching excellence. We ensure they are proficient in contemporary teaching methods and able to deliver lessons that meet both German and international educational standards.
At Phorms, professional development is an ongoing priority. Through regular classroom observations and quality assessments, we help our educators refine their teaching strategies and methodological skills. In addition, we provide opportunities for model lessons, national and international training, and participation in leading education conferences–ensuring our teachers remain at the forefront of educational excellence.
At Phorms, our campuses are full-day communities where students don’t just attend lessons–they learn, grow, and connect within a supportive environment throughout the day.
More than just a place of education, Phorms fosters a sense of belonging and shared experience. From the classroom to the lunchroom and after-school activities, our schools are vibrant spaces.
Our educators organise diverse afternoon and holiday programmes, offering students opportunities to explore arts, music, technology, and sports in a modern, well-equipped setting.
With extended school hours, students have the freedom to experiment, explore, and develop their interests. Our educators and teachers offer a wide range of artistic, musical, and athletic activities, allowing students to pursue their passions while forming meaningful connections.
Phorms campuses provide spacious, modern environments designed for science, sports, and music. Our classrooms are equipped with interactive smart boards and high-speed internet, while every student has access to computers and digital learning resources, ensuring a future-focused education.
Learning and exploration don’t stop when the school holidays begin. Our qualified educators provide all-day holiday care, offering students the chance to engage in exciting and challenging projects—from music and creative arts to sports, outdoor adventures, and hands-on workshops.
At Phorms, our state-recognised curriculum ensures a seamless educational experience, allowing students to transition effortlessly between public schools if needed. Our schools follow the official curriculum of their respective federal states, culminating in the Abitur as the highest qualification.
While deeply rooted in local education systems, we broaden horizons with internationally recognised programmes. In our primary schools, we integrate the Cambridge International Primary Programme, enriching students’ global competencies from an early age.
At secondary school, we strive to offer additional international qualifications alongside the Abitur, paving the way for direct access to universities worldwide and preparing students for an increasingly interconnected future.
Each of our campuses is deeply connected with its local community. We actively collaborate with social institutions, associations, businesses, government agencies, and universities to create meaningful partnerships. These connections enhance our students’ understanding of regional dynamics, foster civic engagement, and extend learning beyond the classroom into real-world experiences.
Our logo – the Phorms Tangram – represents this curiosity, creativity, and our diverse educational programme.«
Gabriela Engel
Head of Secondary School
Andrea Zahrte
Deputy Head of Secondary School
Damir Dzafic
Head of Primary School
Christine Arruda
Deputy Head of Primary School
Evelyn Siegert
Head of Day Care Centre
Susann Borchert
Deputy Head of Day Care Centre
Benjamin Haack
Business Manager
Annika Watson
Deputy Head of Extracurricular Programme
🩺Lunge & Gesundheit im Fokus!🩺 Die Klassen 8A und 8B waren bei der Lung Cancer Awareness Ausstellung von Olympus! Gemeinsam haben sie wichtige Informationen über Prävention und Früherkennung gesammelt. Es war ein inspirierender Tag voller neuen Erkenntnisse!✏️ - - The classes 8A and 8B visited the Lung Cancer Awareness exhibition at the Olympus! Together, they gathered importantly information about prevention and early detection. It was inspiring day full of new insights!✏️ - - - #fy #school #exhibition #lungcancer #healthy #olympus #cancer #awareness #healtheducation #schooleducation
Do you have questions about our school, our nursery or the registration process? We will be delighted to assist you with any queries.
Jessica Janorschke
Admissions Officer
Katharina Schönert
Admissions Officer
