We are a bilingual private school located in the centre of Hamburg. As part of the nationwide Phorms network, bilingual education in German and English is at the heart of everything we do here on campus. Since 2011, our native-speaking staff have been supporting children and young people on their educational journey—within a vibrant international community made up of families from 45 different nations.
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.
At Phorms, children and young people develop important skills that prepare them for the future. Project-based work, critical thinking and creative problem solving are just as much a focus as social skills and personal development. The safe and reflective use of digital media is also an integral part of everyday school life – for confident and responsible participation in the world of tomorrow.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Benjamin Haack
Business Manager
Annika Watson
Interim Head of Extracurricular Programme
Clara Gallagher
Administration Manager
Our primary school and secondary school have been officially recognized as a STEM-friendly school. This award is given to educational institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to promoting the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
At our campus, we place great importance on fostering STEM skills from an early age – from primary school through to the Abitur. In addition to regular lessons, we offer a wide range of projects, clubs, competitions, and partnerships with external organizations to give our students practical insights and in-depth knowledge in these future-oriented fields.
Der Phorms Campus Hamburg ist ausgezeichnet als fobizz Schule 2024/25.
Fobizz ist die führende deutschsprachige Plattform für Weiterbildungen und Anbieter von digitalen Tools und KI für Schulen und Lehrkräfte aller Fachrichtungen, die
- Ideen für einen praxisorientierten Unterricht suchen,
- ihren Unterricht mit digitalen Tools interaktiver gestalten,
- sich von einer KI-Assistenz unterstützen lassen und
- sich zu aktuellen Themen im Bereich Medien, IT und Digitales weiterbilden möchten.
Das Netzwerk „Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage“ vernetzt Schulen im Einsatz für die Menschenwürde. An rund 3.600 Schulen ohne Rassismus – Schulen mit Courage sind Schülerinnen und Schüler aktiv gegen Diskriminierung. Auch unser Standort ist Teil dieses Netzwerkes.
Der PARITÄTISCHE Wohlfahrtsverband Hamburg ist einer der sechs anerkannten Spitzenverbände der freien Wohlfahrtspflege. Er ist weder konfessionell, weltanschaulich noch parteipolitisch gebunden. Ihm sind in Hamburg über 400 selbständige Mitgliedsorganisationen mit weit über 1.000 sozialen Diensten und Einrichtungen angeschlossen. Er repräsentiert und fördert seine Mitglieder in ihren fachlichen Zielen und ihren rechtlichen, gesellschaftlichen, organisatorischen und wirtschaftlichen Belangen.
Gemeinsam mit der Bügerstiftung durften die Schülerinnen und Schüler des Phorms Campus Hamburg ein „Vertical Garden Projekt“ durchführen. Das „Vertical Garden Projekt“ wurde gefördert vom Jugendumweltrat der BürgerStiftung Hamburg. Ziel ist, im Sinne einer größeren Diversität bei den ehrenamtlich Engagierten, Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene stärker in die Stiftungsarbeit einzubinden. Junges Engagement soll nicht ausschließlich finanziell gefördert werden.
Die Dr. Heinrich Netheler Stiftung und der Phorms Campus Hamburg betreiben gemeinsame Schülerprojekte speziell in dem Bereich Bionik. "Bionik – die Natur macht’s vor!” ist ein zweiteiliger Experimentierkurs mit inzwischen 16 Unterrichtseinheiten à 90 Minuten. Weitere Einheiten sind in Vorbereitung. Der Schulkurs ist entstanden auf der Grundlage des von der Dr. Heinrich Netheler Stiftung geförderten und ausgezeichneten Bionik-Koffers.
Mit dem DigitalPakt Schule unterstützt der Bund die Länder und Gemeinden bei Investitionen in die digitale Bildungsinfrastruktur. Ziele des Digitalpaktes sind der flächendeckende Aufbau einer zeitgemäßen digitalen Bildungsinfrastruktur unter dem Primat der Pädagogik. Wir nehmen am DigitalPakt Schule teil und konnten durch die Förderungen wertvolle Projekte für die Phorms in Hamburg realisieren. Es wurden bereits 135.000 € in die digitale Infrastruktur investiert, weitere Investitionen folgen.
Investitionsprogramm zum beschleunigten Infrastrukturausbau der Ganztagsbetreuung für Grundschulkinder an Schulen in freier Trägerschaft.
Die Schülerinnen und Schüler von Phorms Hamburg haben 2021 am „Klimawoche Bildungsprogramm“ teilgenommen. Zudem nehmen Schülerinnen und Schüler verschiedener Klassen regelmäßig an Workshops teil. Die Klimawoche ist eine unabhängige Initiative aus der Mitte der Gesellschaft und bildet mit vielen Akteurinnen und Akteuren aus Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft eine Plattform, um sich für relevante Umwelt- und Klimaschutzthemen zu engagieren.
Die Oregon International School und die Phorms Hamburg haben eine enge Kooperation für ein Schüleraustauschprogramm. Die Oregon International School wird von der Baker High School beherbergt, einer voll akkreditierten High School, die ein reichhaltiges Angebot an interessanten Kursen und außerschulischen Möglichkeiten bietet. Die Baker High School ist sowohl auf Landes- als auch auf Bundesebene für ihre hervorragenden Leistungen in akademischen und außerschulischen Programmen anerkannt.
Der Bundesverband mittelständische Wirtschaft – Unternehmerverband Deutschlands e. V. (BVMW) ist ein Spitzenverband der mittelständischen Wirtschaft. Der BVMW vertritt berufs- und branchenübergreifend sowie politisch unabhängig die Interessen der mittelständischen Wirtschaft in Deutschland.
Wir setzen uns dafür ein, den Mittelstand und die Bildungslandschaft nachhaltig zu bereichern und dem Fachkräftemangel mit unserer qualitativ hochwertigen Bildungseinrichtungen zu begegnen.
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.
For families still living abroad and unable to arrange trial days on-site, we offer an alternative admission process.
Do you have questions about our school, our nursery or the registration process? We will be delighted to assist you with any queries.
