Best schools in Lausanne

The reputation of private schools in Switzerland remains high, possibly due to the exclusivity gained by some of the most jaw-dropping fees in the world. The audience has changed from being almost entirely English or North American - with a sprinkling of students from other European countries - to a much more diverse collection of nationalities, although not in terms of the parental assets needed to pay the fees. 

The majority of schools chosen by international families have histories as long as the bill for extras, with the best known having flourished here since the 19th century. Barely any have less than 25 years under their belt. Almost all are based near the lake, either in or around Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux or between Lausanne and Geneva. A small number of private day schools exist but almost all offer boarding, as their appeal is largely to the international (not necessarily Swiss-based) market. 

Boarding schools in Lausanne

From Institut Le Rosey in the French-speaking west, to Institute auf dem Rosenberg in the German-speaking east and TASIS in the Italian-speaking south, boarding schools in Switzerland are probably best known for being the most exclusive and expensive schools in the world. Starting at more than twice the price of the most expensive boarding schools in the UK, fees can go up to an eyewatering Chf155,000+ at the two most expensive. 

What does this money buy? No doubt privacy, to the extent that you might find two rival dynasties with children in the same school (actually happened). And, at some, but not all, a wonderful array of winter sports particularly at those schools located in the mountains - where understandably a full-sized football pitch will not be available, although there is surprisingly a cricket pitch at Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz near St Moritz. Beyond that, what you get for your money in terms of accommodation, varies from the luxury 5-star to a more rustic chalet-type environment. Whilst, in terms of education all the established schools offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme alongside the US High School Diploma, APs, French Baccalaureate, Swiss Maturité or German Arbitur. They are also truly international with even the American curriculum orientated schools attracting around 50 different nationalities. Which is perhaps what attracts many parents to these schools - the networking opportunities for their children are vast. 

Local schools in Lausanne

Parents who don’t have assistance with school fees - or are simply bouleversé by the cost of the private options - may choose the local Swiss state system, but the quality of schools varies enormously. All schools offer non-French speakers ‘welcome lessons’ to improve their French, but again these differ widely in quality. Education in Switzerland is obligatory from age 6 to 15, but some primary schools will accept children from 4 years. Note that entry into UK universities can be more difficult with the Swiss Maturité exam than some other European leaving school qualifications (although some global, student destinations tend to look on it more favourably).