La Côte International School Aubonne vs St. George's International School Switzerland
La Côte International School Aubonne and St. George's International School Switzerland are both in Lausanne, about 37 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. La Côte International School Aubonne also offers EYFS and IB, and St. George's International School Switzerland also offers IBCP, Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are CHF 19,500 - 38,800 at La Côte International School Aubonne and CHF 31,400 - 125,500 at St. George's International School Switzerland, which puts St. George's International School Switzerland roughly 169% higher. La Côte International School Aubonne takes pupils from 3 to 18, and St. George's International School Switzerland from 1.5 to 18.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Curriculum
IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
400
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
12
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, French
Instruction language
English, French
Opened
Opened
2008
Opened
1927
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
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
Ages 2-18
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
Day school
School type
Day and boarding international school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
40 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
—
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Non-denominational.
School day structure
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.
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
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).
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.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.
- 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.
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
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.
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
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Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes and a low pupil-to-teacher ratio.
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.
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
Recent graduates attend MIT, McGill University, University of Toronto, Bristol University, Edinburgh University, King's College London, Leiden, and École hôtelière de Lausanne.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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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.