Conjuring up visions of golden hoards and imaginary kingdoms, the romantically named Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has been helped by farsighted government policy and a liberal tax climate to become a global magnet for banking and financial services. But unfortunately international schools are a bit of a rarity.
Just squeaking in under 1,000 square miles, this tiny, rich, expat-heavy country is in very easy reach of the more obvious financial centres of western Europe, so not everyone who works here lives here, particularly as the cost of housing rivals London or Paris. However, the appeal of its manageable size, multilingual, multinational approach and more relaxed lifestyle has seduced increasing numbers of expats to settle here rather than just zip in and out.
Although there is more to Luxembourg than its city - including some very beautiful countryside complete with fairy-tale castles and mediaeval architecture - most international families choose to live in the capital or in the surrounding towns and villages. Naturally, the international schools have chosen to spring up where this is captive audience is to be found, so they are all based in or around the city itself.
Luxembourg’s own educational system is modelled on the French version and offers an internationally recognised Baccalaureate. Almost all state schools are free but there are a few private secondary schools, subsidised by the state, who supervise their curricula and teachers’ qualifications (similar to the approach of the AEFE).
This country may seem an anachronism in the modern world, with its feudal head and High German dialect, but you need not worry about your children getting a dated education as the schools compare favourably with their European counterparts.
There are all the usual curricula available in the international schools. And one of the joys of Luxembourg is the relative ease of getting from A to B - a doddle compared to its rivals, London, Paris, Milan and Frankfurt. So wherever you choose to live - whether in the west in Strasson, the south in Howald or the more central districts of Merl or Belair - 20 minutes maximum is probably all it takes to drive to any of the international schools.
The state system offers a truly trilingual education which begins by speaking and teaching Luxembourgish in pre-school, then learning to read and write in German at the age of six, with French introduced in the following year. German remains the teaching language (with mandatory English lessons) all the way through, except in the academic Lycées classiques where French takes over. This multi-lingual approach continues at the University of Luxembourg which teaches in English, French and German.
These schools have been brought to our attention but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
European school-developed curriculum/ European Bac; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; state; 2,750 students
One of thirteen European schools, this one is located on two all-through campuses in different areas of Luxembourg. The allocation of campus on enrolment is automatic, dependent on the child's mother tongue. Jointly authorised by the Luxembourg national government and the European Union. The same curriculum throughout on both campuses, but all classes taught in the student’s mother tongue.
Founded in 1963 to provide an American education, for the children of locally based global company executives. Now offering an English education to students from nearly 50 different nationalities with a comprehensive EAL programme. Divided into a (new) lower and upper School on Campus Geesseknapchen (home to several educational establishments). Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA).
Cambridge 1, 2/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; state; 940 students
The relatively new international section of the state Lycée Michel Lucius. Grown from an English language course, first offered in 2011 into an international school, teaching in English. However, speaking Luxembourgish is a mandatory condition of entry. Located on Campus Limpertsberg (home of the University of Luxembourg) in the northwest of Luxembourg City.
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,400 students
The result of a merger between the French School of Luxembourg and the Lycée Vauban. Opened in 2017 on a brand-new campus in the Gasperich district to the south of Luxembourg. Providing an all-French education to students from close on 40 different nationalities. Recent Baccalaureate results on the way up, with approximately one third scoring a 'très bien'.
Montessori; ages 3-12; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 100 students
Bilingual (French/German) nursery and primary school in Strassen (close to the capital). Made up of four classes with an average of 25 pupils per class. There is a restaurant, gym. music room and pupils' kitchen, all set in a villa, surrounded by a playground and well-kept gardens.
Adapted curriculum/ MYP; ages 3-15; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Founded in 2011 and formerly (possibly in need of the re-brand) known by the name Over the Rainbow, as it now caters to older children. Recently authorised to teach the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. Owned by ex-banker and novelist Bruno Agostini.
Located in Hamm, close to the city centre, the school teaches an all-English curriculum to students from over 50 nationalities. Consistently achieving exam scores above the average for independent UK schools, although the number of A* at A Level was slightly lower recently. One of only three schools worldwide to have passed the COBIS Patron's Accreditation and Compliance Survey. Regularly inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for British Schools Overseas (BSO), always passing with flying colours.
Waldorf curriculum/ adapted National Curriculum for England/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit
Located in Limpertsberg and offering a multi-lingual education. Classes in pre-school, taught in Luxembourgish, followed by German in primary school, together with the early introduction of French and English, morphing into French in secondary school. One of four international schools in Luxembourg to provide the International Baccalaureate Diploma, taught in French.
Need help? Perhaps you suspect your child has some learning difficulty and you would like advice on what you should do. Or perhaps it is becoming clear that your child's current school is not working for him or her, and you need help to find a mainstream school which has better SEN provision, or to find a special school which will best cater for your child's area of need. Our SEN consultancy team advises on both special schools, and the mainstream schools with good SEN support, from reception through to the specialist colleges for 19+. Special Educational Needs Index
Find top international, British, IB and American schools in over 40 countries. The Good Schools Guide International publishes impartial and forthright reviews of international schools across the world.
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