
Director's Welcome

A Warm Welcome to the International School of Ulm / Neu-Ulm (ISU)
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Dear ISU Community,
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It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the Director of ISU. I am honoured to be part of this vibrant and inspiring learning environment, where education goes beyond the classroom and truly shapes young people into thoughtful, capable, and globally-minded individuals.
At ISU, we see ourselves not just as a school, but as a dynamic and diverse community—a place where students are empowered to thrive and prepared to navigate an ever-evolving world with confidence, compassion, and purpose.
Our guiding vision is clear and deeply rooted in our culture:
“We empower a community of socially responsible learners to succeed in an ever-changing world.”
We believe that education should challenge, inspire, and support. That is why ISU offers an internationally accredited curriculum in a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere, where English is the language of instruction and students are encouraged to aim high, think critically, and connect meaningfully with others. Our accreditations are internationally recognised and ensure a solid foundation for students both within Germany and around the world.
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Our Educational Approach
Everything we do at ISU is shaped by a commitment to holistic, values-driven learning:
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Learning to do: We equip our students with essential life and learning skills in an ever changing world—critical and creative thinking, communication, social, research and self-management—through inquiry-based methods that promote curiosity and creativity.
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Learning to live together: Our community celebrates and respects the diversity of cultures, experiences, and perspectives that make ISU unique. Within this environment, students learn to appreciate one another and grow together in a spirit of empathy, cooperation, and mutual dignity—recognizing the inherent worth of every individual as they build meaningful connections across differences.
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Learning to be: Education at ISU extends beyond academics. We strive to nurture well-rounded individuals who are ethical, resilient, and ready to contribute positively to the world.
A Globally Recognised Education
ISU is proud to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the IB Diploma Programme as the culmination of a globally-focused education. Our academic strength is built on a foundation of internationally respected accreditations, including recognition by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Middle States Association (MSA), and authorisation by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) for the IGCSE. These qualifications are not only valued worldwide, but are also officially recognised by the Bavarian State Government, allowing our students to have their IGCSE transcribed as equivalent to the Realschulabschluss (Mittlere Reife). This recognition ensures that ISU students can seamlessly access higher education both in Germany and around the world.
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Join Our Journey
Our dedicated admissions team is here to support prospective families throughout the year. We encourage you to discover more about ISU on our website or to get in touch with us directly for a closer look at our caring and connected school community.
We look forward to building strong relationships and continuing ISU’s tradition of excellence—together.
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With warm regards,
Annette Austin
Director
International School of Ulm / Neu-Ulm
Annette Austin
Annette Austin brings over two decades of international leadership experience in education, having led schools in South Africa, Germany, and India. She recently served as Director at Stellarworld School in Mumbai, where she founded an IB PYP candidate school rooted in innovation, respect, and whole-child development. Annette’s educational journey reflects a deep commitment to transformative learning, blending academic excellence with real-world relevance. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in servant and adaptive leadership—nurturing agency, creativity, and risk-taking among staff while fostering a community where no one is left behind. Annette believes schools must continuously evolve to better align with the dynamic world beyond the classroom. Her multilingualism, global mindset, and passion for inclusive education empower her to guide schools with integrity, vision, and a belief in the magnificence of every individual.
Outside of school, Annette loves spending time with her family and friends. She loves baking cookies and playing with her granddaughters, as well as spending time outdoors and travelling.
