Aiglon College vs St. George's International School Switzerland
Aiglon College and St. George's International School Switzerland are both in Lausanne, about 20 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Aiglon College also offers IB, and St. George's International School Switzerland also offers IBCP, Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are CHF 47,850 - 159,000 at Aiglon College and CHF 31,400 - 125,500 at St. George's International School Switzerland, which puts Aiglon College roughly 32% higher. Aiglon College takes pupils from 7 to 18, and St. George's International School Switzerland from 1.5 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 480 and 400 pupils. Both keep typical class sizes around 12.
IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
480
Pupils
400
Typical class size
Typical class size
12
Typical class size
12
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, French
Opened
Opened
1949
Opened
1927
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Located in the alpine village of Chesières (Chesières-Villars), Vaud, Switzerland. The campus address is Avenue Centrale 61, 1885 Chesières. The Villars English Church sits in the village nearby, reflecting the local community.
Location
Located in Montreux, Vaud, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva and framed by the Swiss Alps. The campus is close to the town of Montreux. Address: Chemin de Saint-Georges 19, 1815 Montreux.
Stages
Stages
Discovery Years (Years 5-9); Exploration Years (Years 10-11); Inspiration Years (Years 12-13).
Stages
Early Learning School for ages 18 months to 3 years; Primary School follows the Cambridge International Primary Curriculum from Year 1; Secondary School offers IGCSE in Years 10–11 and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12–13. Boarding is available for students.
School type
School type
The school is a private, co-educational international boarding school.
School type
Day and boarding international school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
65 nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupils represent more than 60 nationalities; the community is international in character.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are supported through the Learning Centre, with an Admissions Policy for Learning Centre provisions.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Non-denominational.
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
Opening hours 8:00–18:00 with options: half day 8:00–12:00; half day with a nap 8:00–14:00; afternoon half day 13:45–18:00; full day 8:00–18:00.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Reliable bus service with pick-up/drop-off points arranged by demand; current routes cover areas around Chatel-Saint-Denis, Lausanne, Le Châble/Verbier, Noville and Vevey.
- Enrolment deposit: CHF 15,000. The deposit reserves a place and is refundable only after the student leaves and the account is fully settled; the deposit is not returned before September of the following academic year and no interest is paid on the deposit.
- Scholarship & Development Fund (joining charge included on the first invoice): CHF 4,000.
- Additional joining charges included on the first invoice (capital / alumni programme charges apply as shown on the invoice).
Tuition and boarding fees (annual and per-term by year group)
Note: tuition and boarding charges are shown in Swiss Francs (CHF). Term structure is Autumn / Winter / Summer; the school defines an academic year as three terms. Annual amounts and per-term equivalents (annual divided by three) follow.
- Years 12–13 (Inspiration Years) - Boarding annual: CHF 159,000 — Per term: CHF 53,000. - Day annual: CHF 95,700 — Per term: CHF 31,900.
- Years 10–11 (Exploration Years) - Boarding annual: CHF 148,400 — Per term: CHF 49,467. - Day annual: CHF 87,400 — Per term: CHF 29,133.
- Year 9 - Boarding annual: CHF 145,600 — Per term: CHF 48,533. - Day annual: CHF 87,400 — Per term: CHF 29,133.
- Years 7–8 (Discovery Years) - Boarding annual: CHF 113,400 — Per term: CHF 37,800. - Day annual: CHF 64,500 — Per term: CHF 21,500.
- Years 3–6 (Wonder & lower Discovery; boarding applies for Years 5–6) - Boarding (Years 5–6) annual: CHF 95,400 — Per term: CHF 31,800. - Day (Years 3–6) annual: CHF 47,850 — Per term: CHF 15,950.
- Pocket money (charged in advance for Years 5–8 boarders): CHF 1,360 (annual).
Optional / additional charges (examples and typical extras)
- Initial clothing (uniform and school clothing) charged on the first invoice: - Inspiration Years (Years 12–13): CHF 3,900. - Exploration Years (Years 10–11): CHF 4,900. - Wonder & Discovery Years (Years 3–9): CHF 5,200.
- Expedition equipment pack: CHF 1,000.
- Extra language tuition (price per year, where applicable): IB Language HL (5 periods) CHF 16,640; IB Language SL (3 periods) CHF 9,900; IGCSE language 3 periods CHF 6,560; IGCSE language 2 periods CHF 4,370.
- Private lessons (per session): Private lesson (50 min) CHF 115; shared private lesson CHF 60; small group CHF 50. Music private lesson (25 min) CHF 55; music shared lesson (25 min) CHF 35.
- Learning support (price per term): 1 period per week CHF 1,880; 2 periods per week CHF 3,120.
- Optional Scholarship Fund contribution (voluntary): CHF 10,000.
- The tuition fee covers class tuition, public examination fees and invigilation costs, all meals, required expeditions and activities, CLE, books/online resources, expedition equipment and ski locker, pastoral/tutoring/university advising programmes, access to the Health Centre, school trip travel insurance, an allowance for stationery (up to CHF 300), yearbook and certain other items; items explicitly excluded (and billed separately when applicable) include optional social/sporting trips, ski equipment rentals, toiletries/personal items, dry cleaning, travel to/from school, special escorts/booking fees, non-mainstream IB languages, personal devices, and costs arising from property damage.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Term dates (for billing and notice purposes): Autumn Term 1 August–31 December; Winter Term 1 January–31 March; Summer Term 1 April–31 July.
- Standard requirement: payment of tuition fees for the academic year is due upfront unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed. Failure to meet payment deadlines may forfeit a student's place.
- Payment plan (available on request): fees may be paid in two equal instalments due 15 May and 15 November; an administrative fee of CHF 3,000 per annum is added to the first instalment.
- Advance fee payment option: families may pay fees in advance (minimum two years) under special arrangements that can include exchange-rate and other financial considerations; further details are arranged with Finance.
- Invoice timing and first-invoice items: the first invoice typically includes enrolment charges and the initial clothing charge and other joining charges as listed above.
Refunds, cancellations and withdrawal rules
- Registration fee: non-refundable in all cases.
- Cancellation before 15 February: the school will retain only the non-refundable registration fee. Cancellation before 15 May: paid tuition fees will be reimbursed in full but the deposit and registration fee will not be refunded. Cancellation after 15 May: tuition fees for the Autumn Term remain due even if the student does not attend; the deposit and registration fee will not be returned.
- Withdrawal during the academic year: at least one term's written notice is required; failure to give proper notice can mean the deposit will not be returned and tuition fees for the remainder of the year may not be reimbursed. When withdrawal is mutually agreed, the current term's tuition fees will not be refunded; the deposit will be returned provided the account is settled.
- Absence, suspension, expulsion, force majeure: tuition fees are not reimbursed for missed schooling due to sickness or other reasons; tuition fees are non-refundable in the event of closure due to force majeure; in case of suspension or expulsion the current term's fees will not be refunded and the deposit will not be returned.
Late payment and penalties
- Late payments may incur interest at 1% per month. The school may restrict student participation or re-enrolment if instalments are past due.
Fee payment options (how payments are accepted/managed)
- Fee accounts are managed through an online payment portal; the portal provides secure, multi-currency payment using various methods. Families may contact the Finance Office for details on available payment channels and any required banking information.
- Two-instalment plan and advance-payment options are available as described under billing schedule and payment terms. Administrative fees apply to instalment plans as noted above.
Other practical notes on costs
- VAT is applicable and included in fees where required; invoices will show applicable VAT rates. Sibling tuition reductions apply when two or more siblings are enrolled simultaneously (2 children: 5% discount on second child; 3 children: 10% discount on second and third; 4+ children: 15% on second and subsequent children).
- Certain insurances (Swiss health insurance, third-party liability, property coverage, travel insurance for school trips) are included for boarders within the tuition charge; families should review the insurance arrangements and top-up or supplementary cover where appropriate.
Contacts for billing and finance
- The Finance Office handles account-specific enquiries and the Admissions Office handles admissions-related billing queries; contact details are provided on the school's published financial information.
Fee details
Application and Admission Fees
- Application fee (boarding applications): CHF 500. — (payable on submission; non-refundable). - Admission (one‑time) fee for day pupils: Foundation Stage–Year 2: CHF 3,000. —; Years 3–5: CHF 3,500. —; Years 6–13: CHF 4,500. — (payable within 10 working days of offer; secures the place; non‑refundable and not credited to term fees).
Day‑student Tuition — Annual and Per‑Term amounts (per pupil)
All annual tuition amounts below are stated in Swiss francs (CHF). The school's standard term billing splits the annual tuition as Term 1 = 40%, Term 2 = 30% and Term 3 = 30%; per‑term amounts shown below follow that split.
- Foundation Stages 1–2: Annual tuition CHF 31,400. — - Term 1 (40%): CHF 12,560. — - Term 2 (30%): CHF 9,420. — - Term 3 (30%): CHF 9,420. — - Years 1–2: Annual tuition CHF 32,650. — - Term 1: CHF 13,060. — - Term 2: CHF 9,795. — - Term 3: CHF 9,795. — - Years 3–5: Annual tuition CHF 33,950. — - Term 1: CHF 13,580. — - Term 2: CHF 10,185. — - Term 3: CHF 10,185. — - Year 6: Annual tuition CHF 36,200. — - Term 1: CHF 14,480. — - Term 2: CHF 10,860. — - Term 3: CHF 10,860. — - Years 7–8: Annual tuition CHF 42,950. — - Term 1: CHF 17,180. — - Term 2: CHF 12,885. — - Term 3: CHF 12,885. — - Year 9: Annual tuition CHF 43,300. — - Term 1: CHF 17,320. — - Term 2: CHF 12,990. — - Term 3: CHF 12,990. — - Year 10: Annual tuition CHF 45,300. — - Term 1: CHF 18,120. — - Term 2: CHF 13,590. — - Term 3: CHF 13,590. — - Year 11: Annual tuition CHF 45,750. — - Term 1: CHF 18,300. — - Term 2: CHF 13,725. — - Term 3: CHF 13,725. — - Years 12–13: Annual tuition CHF 48,250. — - Term 1: CHF 19,300. — - Term 2: CHF 14,475. — - Term 3: CHF 14,475. —
(Annual tuition figures and the term split for invoicing are applied to calculate the per‑term amounts above.)
Boarding — Fees and One‑time Charges (Years available for boarding and annual totals)
- Application fee (boarding): CHF 500. — (payable on submission; non‑refundable). - Admission fee for boarding pupils (one‑time): CHF 8,500. — (payable on offer; secures the place; non‑refundable). - Security deposit (boarding): CHF 4,000. — (refundable after departure once the account is settled).
Annual tuition plus boarding (per pupil; shown as Weekly boarder / Full boarder):
These boarding fees include house‑parent supervision, food and lodging (with laundry of bed linen), some local medical transfers (up to six trips per year within the local area), and other boarding services as listed in the school's service summary. Optional or extra charges (see below) are billed in addition to the stated annual fees.
Mandatory charges and frequent additional fees
- EdTech AI fee (Years 3–11): CHF 50. — per year (annually in October). - EdTech VR fee (Years 7–12): CHF 50. — per year (annually in October). - IGCSE examination charges: Year 10 CHF 300. — (per pupil, annually); Year 11 CHF 1,500. — (per pupil, annually). - IB Diploma fee: Years 12 and 13 CHF 1,500. — (per pupil, annually). - Medical & complementary insurance (boarding): CHF 2,700. — annually (invoiced in August for boarding pupils). - Uniform: basic uniform package generally from CHF 300. — to CHF 545. — (charged at point of sale). - Pocket money (boarding suggested amount): CHF 1,750. — annually (often invoiced). - Single room request (boarding): CHF 10,000. — annually (if available; charged in addition to the boarding fee). - Minibus transport (optional) — zone pricing published; examples of yearly one‑way: CHF 2,060. — (Zone 1) up to CHF 2,990. — (Zone 3); termly pro‑rata options available. - Learning centre / SEN support and specialist tuition: fees vary by level of support (examples include CHF 150. — per 6‑week intervention up to specific annual programme fees for higher levels).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Default billing for day pupils: termly billing with the annual tuition split as Term 1 = 40%, Term 2 = 30% and Term 3 = 30%. Payments are due on Term 1: 30/06/2025; Term 2: 30/11/2025; Term 3: 28/02/2026 (dates reflect the academic billing calendar). - The school issues invoices in advance; it is possible to request annual billing instead of termly billing. For boarding families, the school publishes annual invoicing and other invoicing options; extra expenses (optional activities, clubs, pocket money, some transport items) are billed at the end of each term. - All fees are payable in advance against the invoice on or before the due date. Invoices must be paid in full, without deduction. Payments can be made by wire transfer or by credit card; a 3% surcharge applies to credit card payments. The school may request a direct debit instruction for further payments.
Late payment and collection
- If fees are not paid by the due date the pupil may be suspended from attending school activities, examinations or graduation; reports and diplomas will not be released until all financial obligations are settled. Boarding pupils may be required to return home after a maximum suspension period if boarding fees are unpaid. - The signatory undertakes to pay annual default interest of 10% for late payments. Reminder charges for collection are applied (example: CHF 50. — for a second reminder; CHF 100. — for additional reminders). Expenses incurred in the collection process will be charged to the parents.
Withdrawal, refunds and notice
- Withdrawal must be notified in writing to the Admissions Department. Notice deadlines to leave at the end of each term are published; for example, to leave at the end of Term 1 (December) notification must be received by 31 August; to leave at the end of Term 2 (March) by 31 December; to leave at the end of Term 3 (June) by 31 March. If the required notice is not received, the following term's tuition (and boarding, where applicable) fees are payable in full. - No refund of fees can be claimed on account of absence through illness, expulsion or disciplinary measures or for other circumstances not attributable to the school. If a pupil is withdrawn before or during a term without meeting notice requirements, no reimbursement of that term's tuition and fixed charges will be made. The security deposit for boarding is refundable after the pupil leaves and all accounts are settled.
How invoices are typically presented and other invoicing notes
- Annual tuition appears on the school invoice; parents may choose termly or annual billing where offered. Extra charges (uniform, optional clubs, transport, exam charges, some SEN services) are invoiced separately or at the end of each term. Multi‑child sibling discounts are published and applied where eligible; these are published per year group.
Summary of accepted payment methods
- Bank (wire) transfer — details provided on school invoices. - Credit card — accepted with a 3% surcharge. - The school may request direct debit for ongoing payments; occasional payment processing or reminder fees may be charged for late or missed payments.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Discovery Years (Years 5-9) connect academic study with expeditions, the arts and personal reflection under guiding questions to foster student growth. Exploration Years (Years 10-11) offer two tracks: Cambridge IGCSE and a bespoke Pre-IB Programme designed to prepare students for the IB Diploma. Inspiration Years (Years 12-13) deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. English is the language of instruction, with targeted English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to enable access to the curriculum. Alongside the IB, graduates receive a fully accredited High School Diploma.
Curriculum details
The school follows the Cambridge International curriculum up to IGCSE and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Cambridge International runs from Pre-school through Junior School to Years 10–11 (IGCSE), after which students progress to the IB Diploma Programme in the High School (ages 16–19). The IB is delivered in English, with a choice between an English route and a bilingual English/French route, and language acquisition support for beginners; the IGCSE pathway provides a broad, balanced curriculum and supports a smooth transition to the IB.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
5:1 student-teacher ratio; classes average 12 students.
Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes and a low pupil-to-teacher ratio.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
IB Diploma results are strong: the average score was 35.5, the highest score was 45, and 40% of students earned bilingual diplomas (2024 results).
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates receive a fully accredited High School Diploma alongside the IB, enabling entry to universities worldwide.
Higher education progression
A University Guidance Counsellor assists with the university application process, deadlines, admissions testing, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. There is an on-campus University Fair with representatives from over 60 universities. Around one in three Inspired pupils progresses to Russell Group and Ivy League universities, with specialised support from in-house university staff and exclusive partnerships with Arete Educational Consulting and The Classroom Door; Swiss destinations include EPFL, UNIL and EHL.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
Enrichment is prioritised for learners to support advanced study and broader academic development.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions at Aiglon College are selective but untraditional. Applicants are evaluated on alignment with Guiding Principles—challenge, respect, responsibility, diversity, and service—and on whether they could access the rigorous, experiential curriculum, thrive in the mountain environment, and flourish in the international boarding community. Applications are accepted up to one year before arrival, and early applications are strongly encouraged. The admissions process follows these steps: Enquire, Visit, Apply, Interview & Assess, and Enrolment Decision. Enquire involves submitting a short inquiry for a member of the team to reach out and discuss family needs and goals. Visit invites families to experience the campus with two options: an Initial Enquiry Visit (about 1 hour 30 minutes) or a Full Admissions Visit (about 3 to 4 hours) that includes admissions assessments and an interview; Year 12 applicants must do a Full Admissions Visit. Apply requires submitting school reports for the last two academic years, two confidential teacher references, a non‑refundable registration fee of CHF 3,000, and a passport scan. Interview & Assess varies by age, with different formats for Years 3–4, 5–11, and 12. Enrolment Decision is made by the Enrolment Committee and communicated monthly with three possible outcomes: Accept, Waiting List, or Decline.
Admissions
1. Registration: To begin your application, click Enquire Now to complete an Enquiry form. The admissions portal guides you through the application process and prompts you to upload documentation in support of the application. Required documents include a copy of ID or passport, the previous two years of academic records in English for Year 1 or higher, immunisation records, and a passport photograph. Finally, the Academic Dean or Headteacher of your child's current school must complete the Academic Recommendation Form.
2. Visit the School: After the application is completed, each prospective pupil is invited to meet with the Principal and the admissions team for a visit. During the visit, the pupil and their family will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about St. George's International School. If relocation from abroad makes a visit impossible, a video call interview can be held.
3. Assessment: Applicants will be invited to sit entrance assessments, which are usually taken online. The assessments form part of the application evaluation. The final decision is made after all steps are completed as part of the admissions process.
4. Final Decision: The admissions committee reviews all applications once they are completed and a decision is made. If a place is offered, you will receive an acceptance letter, an enrolment enrolment agreement, and an invoice for the admission fee.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Aiglon offers a small number of fully funded scholarships to students whose families could not otherwise afford an Aiglon education. Since 1991, 134 scholars have been welcomed, with half of current scholars funded by the generosity of parents and alumni. Scholarships are funded through annual giving, endowment, private sponsorship, and reinvested operating expenditures. Aiglon Scholarships cover tuition and the additional costs needed for scholars to engage fully in life at the school, including accommodation, meals, wellbeing programmes, tutoring, on‑site healthcare, ski passes and equipment, expeditions, and cultural programmes, plus costs such as residence tax, permits, laundry, bedding, house equipment, travel insurance, and planned social trips. An extra allowances provides for personal expenses, travel, educational trips, medical expenses, school uniforms, technology needs, and private lessons. Scholarships are merit‑based and means‑tested, overseen by the Scholarship Committee; priority is normally given to applicants entering Year 11 or Year 12, and scholarships remain with the student until graduation pending annual achievement reviews. Arriving students are integrated through a buddy system, welcome meetings, mentorship, houseparent support, tutor and wellbeing support, university advising, and travel assistance. Information Booklet offers full details of the scholarship process. Independent Scholarship Pathway is available via an online application. Applications for Year 11 (US Grade 10) must be at least 15 by September 1, and for Year 12 (US Grade 11) at least 16 and at most 18 by September 1. The process includes online application, school reports, references, and financial information as part of later stages. For inquiries, scholarships@aiglon.ch.
Scholarships
Nsouli Scholars: The Nsouli Scholars Programme enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired's prestigious schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. The programme honours Nadim Nsouli, who founded Inspired in 2013. Several scholarships will be awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin. Enquiries can be submitted via Enquire Now.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Waiting List occurs when a place cannot be offered immediately; those on the waiting list are reviewed during monthly enrolment assessments, and final decisions are communicated on a monthly cycle.
