Ages 
A happy school centred round a lovely old building looking out over Lake Geneva and the Alps beyond. The teaching style is relaxed and the intake wide, not just in terms of ability but also culturally. The school has a wide range of facilities, academic options and extracurricular activities. Students are taught tolerance and respect and this is seen clearly in their attitude towards one another. Students receive a truly international education and as a result leave as rounded and worldly young people, ready to make their mark in an increasingly international world.
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Overview
- Student numbers
- 1500
- Curricula
- British
- International
- Other curriculum
- SEN provision
- SEN considered case by case
- Pre school provision (up to 4)
- Yes
- Religion
- Non-denominational
- Fees
- CHF 19,800 - CHF 35,470
- Linked schools
Head of school
Campus and secondary school principal
Soraya Sayed Hassen
Since September 2021, Soraya Sayed Hassen, BA (English from Buckingham University, UK), MA (English from Monash University, Australia) PG Dip Ed (University of Canberra, Australia). Previously head of Mahindra United World College, Pune in India.
Entrance
Non-selective and open-entry, with waiting lists for some year groups. Admissions are accepted throughout the year, but the school encourages students to join at the beginning of a term or, ideally, the school year. Pupils entering in year 12 must
Exit
In 2025 just over half went to universities in the UK eg Oxbridge, Durham University, UCL, Edinburgh, Exeter, Warwick, Manchester and Bristol. Sixteen per cent stayed in Switzerland while fifteen per cent headed to unis around Europe, ten per cent to
Latest results
In 2025, 94 per cent pass rate in the IB diploma, 93 per cent in the Swiss maturité and 92 per cent in IGCSE.
Teaching & learning
An IB continuum school, thanks to the recent introduction of the MYP in years 7 to 9, which has been slightly controversial as some parents and staff say it does not prepare the students well enough for IGCSEs in years 10 and 11. Only time will tell,
- Curricula & qualifications
- British - International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
- International - International Baccalaureate (Diploma)
- International - International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP)
- Other curriculum - La Maturité Suisse
- Bilingual programmes
- French/English
Learning support & SEN
School supports children of all ages with long-term or temporary learning difficulties. The school psychologists work closely with this department, as well as supporting children with mental health issues. The extended support programme is designed
Language support
With such a wide range of nationalities within the student body, ESL support is an essential part of both primary and secondary school, up to year 11 with a dedicated unit offering intensive language tuition. The aim is to integrate students into
Arts & extracurricular
Impressive artwork on display throughout the junior and senior school bear witness to the quality and commitment of the teaching in the art department. Both schools have specialised art workrooms. Art is a strength that the school is very proud of
Sport
By international school standards, there is an extensive competitive and recreational sports programme. However, it is difficult for the school to organise local competitive sports activities, given the nature of sports coaching in Switzerland.
Ethos & heritage
La Châtaigneraie school was built in 1908 in the Vaud vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva, close to the French border, and joined the Foundation in 1971. The beautiful old building remains the heart of the 5.5 hectare site with classrooms for the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Every secondary school parent and pupil signs a code of conduct. There is a clearly defined process to follow if any cases of bullying are reported (rare). Each child has a mentor, who they meet with weekly as a group and termly for one-to-one
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review The school has a phone-free policy during the school day, to promote balance and face-to-face interaction. Phones must be hidden from arrival until dismissal; if seen, they will be confiscated. Headphones may only be used with laptops and with permission. The cafeteria is a tech-free zone, while the library allows laptops but not phones. Responsible digital habits are strongly encouraged.
Classroom & community
A real international school with 70+ nationalities. Brits are by far the largest group, followed by a surprisingly large number of Swiss (many expats who have taken Swiss citizenship) and Americans. Other European nationals form just under a third,
- School year
- September – June, with three terms
- School hours
- 8.20 am - various times depending on class(Wednesday - 12 noon)
- Student nationalities - total
- 81
- Uniform requirements
- No
Money matters
The school is owned and managed by the Foundation of the International School of Geneva, a not-for-profit Foundation established under Swiss law in 1924. The Foundation governing board is comprised of 12 elected members from the parent body as well
- Annual fee range
- CHF 19,800 - CHF 35,470
- Fee information
- Application fee: CHF 2,500
Capital development fee: CHF 4,000
Re-enrolment deposit: CHF 1,000
The last word
A happy school centred round a lovely old building looking out over Lake Geneva and the Alps beyond. The teaching style is relaxed and the intake wide, not just in terms of ability but also culturally. The school has a wide range of facilities,
Accreditations, inspections & memberships
- Accreditations/Inspections
- Authorised by International Baccalaureate Organization (not to be confused as an inspection or accreditation agency)
Council of International Schools (CIS)
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS or MSA)- Memberships
- Association des Directeurs d'instituts de la Suisse Romande (ADISR)Association Genevoise des Ecoles Privées (AGEP)Association for Science + Curriculum Development (ASCD)Association Vaudoise des Ecoles Privées (AVDEP)European Council of International Schools (ECIS)Fédération Suisse des Ecoles Privées (FSEP)Groupement Ecoles Bilingues (GEB)Groupement Romand des Ecoles de maturite (GREM)International Schools Association (ISA)International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST)International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA)Reseau suisse des ecoles en santeSwiss Group of International Schools (SGIS)
