Why join for free?
Already have an account? Log In
France, Normandy
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
In 1899, Edmond Demolins founded the École des Roches in France, inspired by the British 'new schools' model and their innovative methods, applying the values of observation, experimentation and active teaching in a balanced family environment. Edmond Demolins (1852-1907) was a pedagogue and sociologist who advocated practical education geared toward autonomy; his model revolutionising education in France. Georges Bertier restructured the school into three educational cycles: Preparatory (ages 7-11), Middle (12-15) and Secondary (16-18), with a curriculum focusing on French, Latin and mathematics; mornings cover intellectual subjects while afternoons combine manual activities, sports and excursions; Sunday is the only day off. During World War II, the school relocated to Maslacq before returning to Verneuil in 1948, and pupil numbers grew from about 150 in 1944 to 350 in 1948. Since 2013, on a 60-hectare campus, École des Roches has been under the aegis of GEMS Education, combining tradition and innovation to train generations that are responsible, creative and open to the world.
Life and boarding blend academic life with a vibrant community where students grow in independence and form lifelong friendships within a tradition-driven environment. Sport and personal development are central, with daily training and competitive matches building discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Arts and culture programs—theatre, music and visual arts—nurture creativity and encourage students to share their talents with the community. Traditions and annual celebrations foster unity, while fortnightly off-campus outings to destinations such as Parc des Princes, Disneyland Paris, and Parc Astérix, plus town time on weekends, extend experiences beyond the campus.
École des Roches is an international co-educational boarding school set across a 50-hectare countryside campus in Normandy, France, located an hour from Paris by train. Catering to a multinational student body of 240 pupils, the school maintains a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio to ensure personalized guidance. Families can choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)—taught primarily in English with intensive French immersion—and the traditional French Baccalaureate pathway. The school is particularly known for its specialized aviation program, where students can actively pursue pilot training directly alongside their academic studies. On-site facilities support over 30 sports and creative activities, including an equestrian center, golf course, tennis courts, and robotics labs. Boarding life centers around six historic houses, where dedicated house parents mentor students, fostering independence, cultural exchange, and multilingual fluency in a community representing over 50 nationalities.
