Brillantmont International School vs La Côte International School Aubonne

	B Brillantmont International School Lausanne, Switzerland	L La Côte International School Aubonne Lausanne, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 34,000 - 111,000	Fees / year CHF 19,500 - 38,800
Age range	Age range 13 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, American Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 100	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 9	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, French
Opened	Opened 1882	Opened 2008
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Lausanne, Switzerland. The school is in the centre of Lausanne in an exclusive residential area, set in parkland with views of the lake and close to forests. Lausanne is in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and is about 40 minutes by train from Geneva International Airport. The campus is easily reached by metro and bus and is located at Avenue Charles-Secrétan 16, 1005 Lausanne.	Location Chemin de Clamogne 8, 1170 Aubonne, Vaud, Switzerland. The campus is nestled between Lake Geneva and the Jura Mountains. It is a day school.
Stages	Stages Grades 8–12. The school welcomes students into Grades 8–12, with 8th–10th Grade programmes leading to British IGCSE and English-language instruction, and 11th–12th Grades offering British A Levels or a High School Diploma.	Stages Ages 2-18
School type	School type Co-educational day and boarding school.	School type Day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 40 nationalities represented
Additional learning support	Additional learning support EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is available.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland.	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The Brillantmont school day for boarding students starts at 07:00 with wake-up, breakfast and room care, then classes from 08:15. The day includes a lunch break at 11:55–12:45, classes finish at 16:00, after-school activities 16:00–18:30 and scheduled study time; evenings include boarding activities and further study before lights-out.	School day structure Foundation 1 to Year 6: registration ends at 8:30; the school day ends at 15:05, with Extended French until 16:05. Secondary (Year 7 to DP2): 8:10–15:50 daily. School bus transport operates with a regular schedule: buses arrive at 8:05 in the morning; EYFS/Primary depart at 15:05 and all students depart at 16:10. A late bus runs at 17:20 for students participating in ECAs, subject to minimum numbers.
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service is available for day students.	Bus service details Regular Bus Service: Students are registered for the school bus service; exact times and bus stop locations are provided before the start of each academic year. Buses arrive at school at 8:05 in the morning, depart at 15:05 (EYFS and Primary) and 16:10 (all students). One-off, short-term, and late bus travel can be arranged; contact transport@lcis.ch for ad hoc trips and late bookings; there is also a late bus at 17:20 for ECAs (subject to minimum passenger numbers).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / registration fees and confirmation deposits - Boarding students: Registration fee CHF 2,000 (non‑refundable). An Admission Deposit of CHF 12,000 is required to confirm enrolment; this deposit is held separately from school fees and is returned in full on the final statement of account subject to the school's terms and provided no unpaid fees or penalties remain. New boarding students are charged an initial Brillantmont kit (t‑shirt, polo, sweatshirt, tracksuit) of CHF 350 for the 2025–2026 academic year; this amount is deducted from the personal expenses deposit. - Day students: Registration fee CHF 1,600 (non‑refundable). An Admission Deposit of CHF 2,000 is required to confirm enrolment for day students; the deposit is held separately and returned in full on the final statement of account subject to the school's terms. Day students receive one set of Brillantmont branded kit included in the fees. Tuition and boarding fees by year group (annual and per‑term detail for the 2025–2026 academic year) - Boarding annual fees (2025–2026, prices in Swiss francs, including VAT): - 8th Grade / 9th Grade: CHF 94,500 per year. Per term: Autumn (Sept–Dec) CHF 40,500; Winter (Jan–Mar) CHF 27,000; Spring (Apr–Jun) CHF 27,000. - 10th Grade: CHF 98,500 per year. Per term: Autumn CHF 42,300; Winter CHF 28,100; Spring CHF 28,100. - 11th / 12th / 13th (PG Year): CHF 104,500 per year. Per term: Autumn CHF 44,700; Winter CHF 29,900; Spring CHF 29,900. These boarding annual fees are stated inclusive of VAT and include specified items such as full board and lodging, most in‑school activities and several school trips as outlined in the school's fee schedule. - Day student annual fees (2025–2026): - 8th Grade / 9th Grade: CHF 34,000 per year. Per term: Autumn CHF 14,000; Winter CHF 10,000; Spring CHF 10,000. - 10th Grade: CHF 36,000 per year. Per term: Autumn CHF 15,000; Winter CHF 10,500; Spring CHF 10,500. - 11th / 12th / 13th (PG Year): CHF 38,000 per year. Per term: Autumn CHF 16,000; Winter CHF 11,000; Spring CHF 11,000. Day‑student fees include lunch, one set of Brillantmont kit, some school activities and core learning materials as specified in the fee documentation. Other compulsory deposits and routine/optional costs - Personal expenses deposit (boarding students): CHF 6,000; this deposit appears on the first term invoice and is used to cover personal and optional costs (private lessons, external clubs, off‑programme trips, ski hire, non‑school excursions, some laundry charges for older students, graduation dinner, etc.). Any unused balance is refunded on the final statement when the student leaves. - Pocket money recommendation: school guidance recommends a weekly allowance between CHF 30 and CHF 120 (in multiples of CHF 10); parents are asked to send the chosen weekly sum multiplied by the number of weeks in the school year (35 weeks) as the first payment with school fees so a pocket money account can be established. - Academic/examination charges: Official external examination fees (IGCSE, A Level, IELTS) and any private tuition or exam entry fees are charged to the Personal Expenses Deposit or invoiced separately. School books for courses are provided and returned at year end; books not returned in satisfactory condition are charged. - English additional support and SEN support (where required): Extra English (EAL) support is charged at CHF 7,500 per academic year (standard two periods per week package). Special Educational Needs / Learning Support standard package is charged at CHF 7,500 per academic year (two periods per week); further specialist external support may incur additional costs. - Health and accident insurance: Private health and accident insurance in private division is quoted at CHF 2,700 per year; a pro‑rata reimbursement is made for months not attended on departure. Students who leave Switzerland in June receive a specific reimbursement (document cites CHF 410 for the summer months' portion). Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties - Per‑term billing: The school issues fees per term (Autumn, Winter, Spring) with the per‑term amounts shown above for each year group. For the 2025–2026 school year the published payment deadlines and arrangements in the school's fee documentation are: for certain entry dates the fees for the first two terms are required by an early deadline and the third term by a later deadline; separate, specific due dates are set for Autumn/Winter/Spring invoices as shown in the school's fee schedules and payment sections. Interest and consequences for late payment: the school reserves the right to cancel enrolment or to withhold access to school activities in the event of late payment, and to charge interest on unpaid sums (documented at 5% p.a. in the school's financial conditions). - Exact due‑date examples published in the 2025–2026 documents (examples as stated in the school's fee documents): - Day students: Autumn term payment due before 30 June 2025; Winter term due before 31 October 2025; Spring term due before 31 January 2026. - Boarding students: the fee documents set specific due dates that depend on the student's start date (September, January or April starts); the school's terms of payment section lists the exact deadlines applicable to each start date and the timing when invoices must be settled. Late enrolment results in fees becoming due on receipt of an invoice. Payment methods - Preferred online payment platform: Flywire (international secure payment platform) is recommended for international transfers; parents are provided with a personalised payment reference for invoice reconciliation. - Bank transfer: payment by bank transfer is accepted; details of the school account are provided on invoices. All payments must be made in Swiss Francs (CHF) and the full invoiced amount must be received. - Cash payments and credit card payments are not accepted. - Refunds are paid back into the account from which funds were received. Refunds, withdrawal and cancellation rules - Admission Deposit: The Admission Deposit is returned in full on the final statement of account once all fees and charges have been settled, except where the student's place is cancelled or the student is expelled or withdrawn after published deadlines — in those cases the Admission Deposit may be retained until outstanding fees are paid or may not be reimbursed as specified in the enrolment cancellation rules. - Personal expenses deposit: Any remaining balance of the Personal Expenses Deposit is refunded on the final statement after departure and settlement of outstanding items. - Cancellation and withdrawal deadlines: Published deadlines apply for cancelling the enrolment of a new student (deadlines depend on the intended start term) and for withdrawing a current student for the following academic year; cancelling after the stated deadlines will generally make the full fees for the following term payable and may affect the refund of the Admission Deposit. - Expulsion: In the event of expulsion the term is payable in full and the full fees for the following term are also due; the Admission Deposit will not be reimbursed until fees have been paid. - Insurance refunds: Health insurance is refundable on a pro‑rata basis for months not attended; the fee documentation provides an example reimbursement amount for summer months. Other notes on recurring/optional charges - Certain trips and optional programmes (October break trips, ski week, international or optional residential trips, MUN, Service Learning, special tournaments) and travel costs (plane tickets) are invoiced separately when they exceed specific thresholds. - Graduation dinner, some external exam or university application costs and private lessons or external specialist support are charged to the Personal Expenses Deposit or invoiced separately according to the school's published schedules. Laundry is included for younger boarding students in specified grades; laundry for older students appears under items charged to the personal expenses deposit. (End of fees summary for the current school‑year fee documents published for Brillantmont International School.)	Fee details Administration and application fees - One-off registration fee (new students, Years 1–13): CHF 3,000. - Annual administration fee (charged at the start of each academic year, per student): CHF 850. Tuition fees (annual and per-term breakdown by year group) All amounts are per student and shown in Swiss Francs (CHF). Tuition is billed as an annual sum and split into terms (Autumn 40% / Spring 40% / Summer 20%). The figures below are the published tuition amounts with their per-term splits. - Foundation 1 (mornings only, no lunch): Annual CHF 19,500 — Autumn CHF 7,800 / Spring CHF 7,800 / Summer CHF 3,900. - Foundation 1 (extra afternoon): Annual CHF 1,950 — Autumn CHF 780 / Spring CHF 780 / Summer CHF 390. - Foundation 1 (full day): Annual CHF 28,400 — Autumn CHF 11,360 / Spring CHF 11,360 / Summer CHF 5,680. - Foundation 2 (full day): Annual CHF 29,200 — Autumn CHF 11,680 / Spring CHF 11,680 / Summer CHF 5,840. - Primary (Years 1–2): Annual CHF 29,600 — Autumn CHF 11,840 / Spring CHF 11,840 / Summer CHF 5,920. - Primary (Years 3–6): Annual CHF 30,700 — Autumn CHF 12,280 / Spring CHF 12,280 / Summer CHF 6,140. - Secondary (Year 7): Annual CHF 34,000 — Autumn CHF 13,600 / Spring CHF 13,600 / Summer CHF 6,800. - Secondary (Years 8–9): Annual CHF 34,600 — Autumn CHF 13,840 / Spring CHF 13,840 / Summer CHF 6,920. - Secondary (Years 10–11): Annual CHF 35,400 — Autumn CHF 14,160 / Spring CHF 14,160 / Summer CHF 7,080. - Secondary Diploma Programme (DP1 & DP2): Annual CHF 38,800 — Autumn CHF 15,520 / Spring CHF 15,520 / Summer CHF 7,760. Note: Foundation 1 part-time places are charged using the ‘mornings only' rate plus the additional afternoon rate. Mandatory activity fees (compulsory; amounts listed separately) - Primary Years 1–4 (4 ski days): CHF 740. - Primary Years 5–6 and Secondary Years 7–8 (1-week ski trip): CHF 1,280. - Secondary Years 9–10 (3-day ski trip): CHF 780. - Residential trip Years 1–7: CHF 610. - Residential trip Years 8–10: CHF 1,070. - DP1 (CAS trip — estimated, varies year to year): CHF 3,000 (estimated). Mandatory activity fees are non-refundable except where a medical withdrawal claim is made through insurance. Optional fees and other recurring charges - Transport (five days a week, charged by zone): - Zone 1 round trip: CHF 4,250; one way: CHF 2,750. - Zone 2 round trip: CHF 4,650; one way: CHF 3,000. - Zone 3 round trip: CHF 5,000; one way: CHF 3,200. Occasional ad-hoc single-journey bookings: CHF 25 / CHF 30 / CHF 35 for Zones 1/2/3 respectively. These transport rates apply for the full academic year; part-week rates and reductions for absence are not available. - Lunch service (five days a week — annual and per-term rates by age group): - Foundation 1–2: Annual CHF 1,950 — Autumn CHF 780 / Spring CHF 780 / Summer CHF 390. - Primary Years 1–2: Annual CHF 2,650 — Autumn CHF 1,060 / Spring CHF 1,060 / Summer CHF 530. - Primary Years 3–6: Annual CHF 2,850 — Autumn CHF 1,140 / Spring CHF 1,140 / Summer CHF 570. - Secondary (Years 11 & 13 listed separately in published table): Annual CHF 3,000 / CHF 2,800 (some year groups have lower exam-period rates); per-term splits shown in the published schedule. No reductions or refunds for absences. - After-school care (ASC): CHF 15 per child, per hour (service runs 15:05–18:15 Monday–Friday; invoiced separately). - Extracurricular activities, private classes and other optional services: charged separately; registration for optional activities is final and non-refundable as per published conditions. - Uniform: School uniform is required and is ordered separately via the school supplier; ordering is managed through the supplier using school code LEA000107TF. Costs for uniform items are additional to fees and are billed by the uniform supplier. - Learning support, EAL beyond standard provision, private music lessons and any specialist services: charged in addition where required. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; the school is a day school. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is calculated annually and may be paid either annually (with a 2% discount) or in three termly instalments. Autumn term = 40% / Spring term = 40% / Summer term = 20%. - Payment dates (standard): - Annual payment / Autumn term (first instalment): due 30 June. - Spring term (second instalment): due 15 November. - Summer term (third instalment): due 28 February. - Parents remain responsible for fees even if an employer or third party pays; the school will hold parents responsible in case of dispute between employer and parent. Late payment attracts default interest (annual) of 5%. If fees are not settled, access to activities, examinations, reports and diplomas may be withheld until obligations are met. - Payments are processed by bank transfer; acceptance/confirmation communications contain the school's bank details for payment (registration and invoice payments). The school does not accept payments from sanctioned or prohibited parties. Refunds are made by bank transfer to the payer named on the original payment documents. Withdrawal and refund information - The registration fee is non-refundable if a family decides not to enrol after payment. All non-tuition fees are payable within 10 days of invoice. Refunds of tuition or mandatory activity fees are not normally considered. Mandatory activity fees are non-refundable except where a medical withdrawal may be claimed through insurance. Refunds, if applicable, are paid by bank transfer to the original payer. - Re-enrolment and withdrawal deadlines and charges prior to the start of a school year: - Withdrawal prior to 30 April: no charge. - Withdrawal between 1 May and 31 May: 1 month tuition cancellation fee. - Withdrawal between 1 June and 30 June: 2 months' tuition cancellation fee. - Withdrawal after 30 June: Autumn term (Term 1) tuition cancellation fee. - During the school year, withdrawal must be communicated at least two calendar months before the first day of the month of commencement of the following term; end-of-term notice requirements are: Autumn term – notice by 31 October; Spring term – notice by 31 January. Failure to meet notice deadlines will result in a one-month tuition cancellation fee. Cancellation fees are calculated pro rata on the annual rate over a 10-month basis. Discounts and special arrangements - Sibling discounts: 5% for the third child and 10% for the fourth child and subsequent children from the same family; discounts apply to the younger siblings' tuition only. Summary of payment practice and practical notes - Tuition, mandatory activity charges and optional services are invoiced in CHF; transport, lunch and after-school care have separate annual or termly charges as listed above. Payments are handled by bank transfer using the bank details provided in the school's acceptance or invoice communications. Annual payment attracts a 2% discount; otherwise fees are due in three termly instalments on the dates published above. Late payment interest of 5% per year is applied to overdue balances and the school may withhold services and documents until accounts are settled. Refunds follow the conditions and notice periods set out above.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Middle School runs 7th-8th Grade for international students aged 12-14 and covers a broad range of subjects, with English language support as needed. High School runs 9th-12th Grade with personalised timetables to develop each student's strengths and interests. Brillantmont offers British IGCSE/AS/A Level examinations (Cambridge) along with American PSAT, SAT tests and IELTS; 7th-10th Grade courses also provide preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). Post High School 13th Grade Programme is available for a final European year tailored to the student's university plans. All teaching is in English, with English support available, and all students follow classes in French, the host language; French is encouraged and taught up to at least the end of 10th Grade. The school emphasizes intercultural understanding, small classes, and preparation for international university admissions.	Curriculum details Early Years follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for ages 3-5, with specialist language lessons for beginners and native French speakers from Foundation 1. In Primary, IPC is followed with English and Maths guided by the English National Curriculum, and French options range from beginner to bilingual. The IPC covers Geography, History, Science, Art, Technology, PE and Computing, and promotes eight Personal Learning Goals (Adaptable, Communicator, Collaborator, Empathetic, Ethical, Resilient, Respectful, Thinker). Lower Secondary (11-14) prepares students for IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme, with language study in English, French and German or Spanish, and a strong PSHE and service program. The IGCSE (14-16) is taught alongside a key IB element (Theory of Knowledge) and includes Outdoor Education and PSHE. The IB Diploma Programme (16-18) is offered with six subjects and the DP core (ToK, CAS, EE), with bilingual options and pathways to top universities.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Staff ratio is 5:1.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results LCIS's IB Diploma Programme achieved a 100% pass rate for the 2021–22 cohort, with a highest score of 41 and an average of 35 points (well above the global average of 31.9). Thirty-two percent of students scored 38 points or more, and 18% earned bilingual diplomas. Graduates have gained admission to universities including MIT, McGill University, University of Toronto, Bristol University, Edinburgh University, King's College London, Leiden, and École hôtelière de Lausanne.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 100% of graduates continue to higher education worldwide. A Guidance Counsellor starts working with students from 10th Grade to explore options and prepare university applications. University fairs and Open Days are held, and universities from around the world regularly visit Brillantmont to present to prospective students.	Higher education progression Recent graduates attend MIT, McGill University, University of Toronto, Bristol University, Edinburgh University, King's College London, Leiden, and École hôtelière de Lausanne.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The Exhibitioner Award is offered to encourage students to grow and thrive in interests outside the curriculum. There are 80+ extracurricular clubs offering opportunities to broaden talents.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Pre-registration creates an Admissions Portal profile by submitting the Pre-Registration Form. After submission, a password is issued to log into the Admissions Portal with your email. In the portal you provide information about your family and upload documents such as school reports, your passport, and medical information. Have these documents ready to speed up the process. 2. An Admissions test in Maths and English is sent for all grades; additional tests may be required for Grade 11 or Grade 13. The tests help assess academic fit for the programme. You will receive instructions on how to complete the tests as part of the application process. 3. A date for a Zoom interview or an on-campus interview is scheduled. The interview provides an opportunity to discuss your child's interests and the academic programme. Staff may request further information or clarification during the interview. The interview can be conducted remotely if travel is difficult. 4. You will be asked to pay the registration fee, which is non-refundable. A student ID number is provided to effect the payment via the online secure platform. Payment completes a key step in processing the application and initiates formal review. The registration fee covers the administrative handling of the file. 5. The completed admissions file is reviewed by the Head of Admissions and the decision is communicated in writing as one of: Acceptance, Waiting list, or Refused. The review considers academic records, test results, and the interview. 6. If accepted, Brillantmont sends an Offer of Admission and an Acceptance Form. The family signs and returns the Acceptance Form, typically within 10 days. The process signals the commitment to enroll and begins the next enrollment steps. 7. The family signs the Acceptance Form and returns it within 10 days and pays the Admission Deposit within 10 days to secure the place. The Admission Deposit secures the student's place and is refunded at the end of the student's stay. The admission is not final until the Admission Deposit is received. 8. What's next? On receipt of the Admissions Deposit, the admission is confirmed and the student becomes part of the Brillantmont community. A meeting with the Head of Academics may be arranged to discuss the academic programme. A buddy will be connected to the student a few weeks prior to arrival. Visa arrangements apply: non-EU students staying longer than 3 months may require a visa, which can take up to 12 weeks; the family is responsible for obtaining the entry visa. Brillantmont will apply for a student residency permit (B Permit) once the student arrives in Switzerland.	Admissions LCIS accepts applicants all year round; it is academically ambitious and non-selective, offering places to students in Switzerland and those living abroad. Some children may need English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, which LCIS provides at the appropriate level. A place is offered after the application and prior school reports are reviewed, and enrolment depends on year-group availability. The process begins with an enquiry or a school tour (in Switzerland or via a virtual discovery meeting). Applicants submit an online application; the Admissions team reviews documents and responds within 24 hours (excluding weekends). If LCIS determines a good match and space exists, a placement offer is made. You can book a visit or join a virtual discovery meeting to learn more. There is a Virtual Open Day on 26 March 2026, 12:30–13:15 via Teams.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waitlist: After the admissions review, a decision may place the candidate on the Waiting list. The written outcome will specify whether the candidate is accepted, placed on the Waiting list, or refused. If on the Waiting list, the school will contact you if a place becomes available, or a final decision will be issued.	Waitlist —
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