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France, Lyon
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ISL fosters social and emotional development through a welcoming, inclusive community. New arrivals are paired with a buddy and a mentor family to help them settle in. The school provides a safe, supportive, nurturing environment that promotes belonging, safety, self-worth and holistic growth. In Primary, weekly pastoral lessons cover a broad range of pastoral and wellbeing topics for Grades 1–5. ISL's mission emphasizes developing curious, responsible, interculturally understanding lifelong learners.
ISL follows an Inclusion Policy that provides ESOL and support for students with special needs. Admission considers whether the school can meet the academic, social and emotional needs of the student, and an individualized learning plan may be used. A SENCO coordinates assessment and appropriate interventions, with teachers differentiating instruction and collaborating with outside specialists. Where needed, ESOL support is provided and external resources or examination accommodations may be arranged.
Fluency in English is not a prerequisite to join ISL; students from many language backgrounds attend, with English language support (ESOL) available for those who need it. In secondary school, a minimum level of English is required to access the curriculum and ensure academic success.
ISL supports student wellbeing through wellbeing initiatives and pastoral care. The OFF February Challenge invites students and staff to reduce social media use as a wellbeing activity. New student integration includes a buddy system to help students settle in and build social connections. Weekly pastoral lessons in Grades 1–5 address wellbeing and related social-emotional topics.
ISL prioritizes safeguarding; all staff are trained in Child Protection and Safeguarding and in mandatory first aid and fire safety procedures.
ISL is a not-for-profit independent international school in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, set on protected woodland with purpose-built facilities on its own grounds. The campus features light, spacious classrooms around a central atrium, with dedicated spaces for art and design, music and movement, ICT, and a large library shared by primary and secondary. The school serves ages 3 to 18 and offers three programs: the IB Primary Years Programme, Cambridge IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme. In Grades 9–10 students take Cambridge IGCSE; Grades 11–12 prepare for the IB Diploma, with an ISL Diploma available if the full IB Diploma is not pursued. ISL emphasizes inquiry-based, real-world learning through cross-curricular projects such as Leading Your Learning, the STEAM Project, UN SDG initiatives and the Grade 8 Personal Project. The campus provides on-site PE and arts facilities, access to municipal gym and pool, and outdoor spaces including a multi-sport field and amphitheatre. ISL is regularly inspected by the French National Education Ministry and reinvests enrollment fees to improve the learning environment.
