Brillantmont International School vs International School Lausanne

	B Brillantmont International School Lausanne, Switzerland	I International School Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 34,000 - 111,000	Fees / year CHF 28,200 - 38,990
Age range	Age range 13 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 100	Pupils 900
Typical class size	Typical class size 9	Typical class size 19
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, French
Opened	Opened 1882	Opened 1962
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Lausanne, Switzerland. The school is in the centre of Lausanne in an exclusive residential area, set in parkland with views of the lake and close to forests. Lausanne is in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and is about 40 minutes by train from Geneva International Airport. The campus is easily reached by metro and bus and is located at Avenue Charles-Secrétan 16, 1005 Lausanne.	Location The International School of Lausanne is located at Chemin de la Grangette 2, 1052 Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland. The campus sits in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne just north of Lausanne. A TL Route 18 bus stop is directly in front of the school, linking to Lausanne city centre, with connections from Lausanne-Riponne and other stops along the route. The school also operates a daily external bus service with stops chosen for safety and convenience.
Stages	Stages Grades 8–12. The school welcomes students into Grades 8–12, with 8th–10th Grade programmes leading to British IGCSE and English-language instruction, and 11th–12th Grades offering British A Levels or a High School Diploma.	Stages Early Childhood (3-5), Primary Years Programme (5-11), Middle Years Programme (11-16), Diploma Programme (16-18).
School type	School type Co-educational day and boarding school.	School type The school is not-for-profit and an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is available.	Additional learning support Student Support Services coordinate learning support to meet individual needs. Types of support include Progress Plans, Individualised Education Plans, and 1:1 support, with well-being counselling. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support helps students developing English language skills.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland.	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The Brillantmont school day for boarding students starts at 07:00 with wake-up, breakfast and room care, then classes from 08:15. The day includes a lunch break at 11:55–12:45, classes finish at 16:00, after-school activities 16:00–18:30 and scheduled study time; evenings include boarding activities and further study before lights-out.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details A school bus service is available for day students.	Bus service details ISL uses external bus companies to operate a daily bus service for Reception 4 to Year 13; the service is not door-to-door; stops are chosen for safety, location, and convenience. Public transport is also available, with a TL Route 18 bus stop directly in front of the school linking to Lausanne city centre. Transport inquiries: transport@isl.ch; School Bus Service document available.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / registration fees and confirmation deposits - Boarding students: Registration fee CHF 2,000 (non‑refundable). An Admission Deposit of CHF 12,000 is required to confirm enrolment; this deposit is held separately from school fees and is returned in full on the final statement of account subject to the school's terms and provided no unpaid fees or penalties remain. New boarding students are charged an initial Brillantmont kit (t‑shirt, polo, sweatshirt, tracksuit) of CHF 350 for the 2025–2026 academic year; this amount is deducted from the personal expenses deposit. - Day students: Registration fee CHF 1,600 (non‑refundable). An Admission Deposit of CHF 2,000 is required to confirm enrolment for day students; the deposit is held separately and returned in full on the final statement of account subject to the school's terms. Day students receive one set of Brillantmont branded kit included in the fees. Tuition and boarding fees by year group (annual and per‑term detail for the 2025–2026 academic year) - Boarding annual fees (2025–2026, prices in Swiss francs, including VAT): - 8th Grade / 9th Grade: CHF 94,500 per year. Per term: Autumn (Sept–Dec) CHF 40,500; Winter (Jan–Mar) CHF 27,000; Spring (Apr–Jun) CHF 27,000. - 10th Grade: CHF 98,500 per year. Per term: Autumn CHF 42,300; Winter CHF 28,100; Spring CHF 28,100. - 11th / 12th / 13th (PG Year): CHF 104,500 per year. Per term: Autumn CHF 44,700; Winter CHF 29,900; Spring CHF 29,900. These boarding annual fees are stated inclusive of VAT and include specified items such as full board and lodging, most in‑school activities and several school trips as outlined in the school's fee schedule. - Day student annual fees (2025–2026): - 8th Grade / 9th Grade: CHF 34,000 per year. Per term: Autumn CHF 14,000; Winter CHF 10,000; Spring CHF 10,000. - 10th Grade: CHF 36,000 per year. Per term: Autumn CHF 15,000; Winter CHF 10,500; Spring CHF 10,500. - 11th / 12th / 13th (PG Year): CHF 38,000 per year. Per term: Autumn CHF 16,000; Winter CHF 11,000; Spring CHF 11,000. Day‑student fees include lunch, one set of Brillantmont kit, some school activities and core learning materials as specified in the fee documentation. Other compulsory deposits and routine/optional costs - Personal expenses deposit (boarding students): CHF 6,000; this deposit appears on the first term invoice and is used to cover personal and optional costs (private lessons, external clubs, off‑programme trips, ski hire, non‑school excursions, some laundry charges for older students, graduation dinner, etc.). Any unused balance is refunded on the final statement when the student leaves. - Pocket money recommendation: school guidance recommends a weekly allowance between CHF 30 and CHF 120 (in multiples of CHF 10); parents are asked to send the chosen weekly sum multiplied by the number of weeks in the school year (35 weeks) as the first payment with school fees so a pocket money account can be established. - Academic/examination charges: Official external examination fees (IGCSE, A Level, IELTS) and any private tuition or exam entry fees are charged to the Personal Expenses Deposit or invoiced separately. School books for courses are provided and returned at year end; books not returned in satisfactory condition are charged. - English additional support and SEN support (where required): Extra English (EAL) support is charged at CHF 7,500 per academic year (standard two periods per week package). Special Educational Needs / Learning Support standard package is charged at CHF 7,500 per academic year (two periods per week); further specialist external support may incur additional costs. - Health and accident insurance: Private health and accident insurance in private division is quoted at CHF 2,700 per year; a pro‑rata reimbursement is made for months not attended on departure. Students who leave Switzerland in June receive a specific reimbursement (document cites CHF 410 for the summer months' portion). Billing schedule, payment terms and penalties - Per‑term billing: The school issues fees per term (Autumn, Winter, Spring) with the per‑term amounts shown above for each year group. For the 2025–2026 school year the published payment deadlines and arrangements in the school's fee documentation are: for certain entry dates the fees for the first two terms are required by an early deadline and the third term by a later deadline; separate, specific due dates are set for Autumn/Winter/Spring invoices as shown in the school's fee schedules and payment sections. Interest and consequences for late payment: the school reserves the right to cancel enrolment or to withhold access to school activities in the event of late payment, and to charge interest on unpaid sums (documented at 5% p.a. in the school's financial conditions). - Exact due‑date examples published in the 2025–2026 documents (examples as stated in the school's fee documents): - Day students: Autumn term payment due before 30 June 2025; Winter term due before 31 October 2025; Spring term due before 31 January 2026. - Boarding students: the fee documents set specific due dates that depend on the student's start date (September, January or April starts); the school's terms of payment section lists the exact deadlines applicable to each start date and the timing when invoices must be settled. Late enrolment results in fees becoming due on receipt of an invoice. Payment methods - Preferred online payment platform: Flywire (international secure payment platform) is recommended for international transfers; parents are provided with a personalised payment reference for invoice reconciliation. - Bank transfer: payment by bank transfer is accepted; details of the school account are provided on invoices. All payments must be made in Swiss Francs (CHF) and the full invoiced amount must be received. - Cash payments and credit card payments are not accepted. - Refunds are paid back into the account from which funds were received. Refunds, withdrawal and cancellation rules - Admission Deposit: The Admission Deposit is returned in full on the final statement of account once all fees and charges have been settled, except where the student's place is cancelled or the student is expelled or withdrawn after published deadlines — in those cases the Admission Deposit may be retained until outstanding fees are paid or may not be reimbursed as specified in the enrolment cancellation rules. - Personal expenses deposit: Any remaining balance of the Personal Expenses Deposit is refunded on the final statement after departure and settlement of outstanding items. - Cancellation and withdrawal deadlines: Published deadlines apply for cancelling the enrolment of a new student (deadlines depend on the intended start term) and for withdrawing a current student for the following academic year; cancelling after the stated deadlines will generally make the full fees for the following term payable and may affect the refund of the Admission Deposit. - Expulsion: In the event of expulsion the term is payable in full and the full fees for the following term are also due; the Admission Deposit will not be reimbursed until fees have been paid. - Insurance refunds: Health insurance is refundable on a pro‑rata basis for months not attended; the fee documentation provides an example reimbursement amount for summer months. Other notes on recurring/optional charges - Certain trips and optional programmes (October break trips, ski week, international or optional residential trips, MUN, Service Learning, special tournaments) and travel costs (plane tickets) are invoiced separately when they exceed specific thresholds. - Graduation dinner, some external exam or university application costs and private lessons or external specialist support are charged to the Personal Expenses Deposit or invoiced separately according to the school's published schedules. Laundry is included for younger boarding students in specified grades; laundry for older students appears under items charged to the personal expenses deposit. (End of fees summary for the current school‑year fee documents published for Brillantmont International School.)	Fee details Application / Acceptance fees - There is no application fee. A one-off, non-refundable acceptance fee of CHF 5,000 is payable at the time a place is confirmed for students entering Year 1 to Year 13. Students entering Reception 3 or Reception 4 are not charged this acceptance fee. Tuition fees (annual and per-term) — academic year 2025/2026 Notes: ISL invoices tuition per term (three terms per academic year) and, except for Reception 3 where fees are paid monthly, the standard payment pattern is termly. The per-term figures shown below are the annual fee divided by three and are presented to two decimal places. The amounts are shown in Swiss francs (CHF). - Reception 3 (Early Childhood): fees are paid monthly; programme options vary by number of sessions per week (monthly and annual rates vary with the chosen weekly sessions). (See Billing schedule and Reception 3 note below for payment timing.). - Reception 4 (equivalent to full-time kindergarten): Annual CHF 28,200 — Per term CHF 9,400.00. - Year 1 to Year 5: Annual CHF 29,010 — Per term CHF 9,670.00. - Year 6 to Year 8: Annual CHF 33,290 — Per term CHF 11,096.67. - Year 9 to Year 10: Annual CHF 36,190 — Per term CHF 12,063.33. - Year 11 to Year 13: Annual CHF 38,990 — Per term CHF 12,996.67. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard invoicing and due dates: Autumn term (August–December) is invoiced in June and payable in August; Winter term (January–March) is invoiced in November and payable in December; Spring term (April–June) is invoiced in February and payable in March. For students in Reception 3, fees are payable monthly from September to June. Optional services (transportation, meals, private lessons, optional trips) are invoiced separately each term a few weeks after mandatory fees. - Initial payments: when a place is offered prior to 31 March, the acceptance fee (if applicable) and the first term's tuition and other academic-related fees must be paid within ten working days to secure the place; if the offer is made after 31 March the first term's tuition and other academic-related fees are due within ten working days of the offer. Invoices are generally payable within 30 days unless otherwise stated on the invoice. Boarding fees - ISL operates as a day school; boarding provision is not applicable. Other academic-related costs and optional services - Curriculum-related and other academic-related fees vary by year group and by term. Typical additional academic-related charges (field trips, curriculum visits, ski/ice-skating programmes, course-related visits) can range from CHF 0 up to approximately CHF 2,500 per school year depending on year group and activities. Specific components such as transport, school meals, private lessons, and optional school trips are invoiced separately on a term-by-term basis. The school's published schedule of other academic-related fees gives detailed term-by-term examples by year group. - Uniforms and school-shop items: ISL does not require a compulsory uniform; purchases from the school shop or recommended items are optional and would be charged separately if bought. Discounts - Sibling discount: 5% for the third child, 10% for the fourth child, and 15% for the fifth child and above. Discounts are applied in descending order by year level. - Annual upfront payment discount: Families invoiced directly by the school who pay the full annual tuition before the start of the academic year receive a 1.5% discount on the full annual tuition. Employer-sponsored invoicing arrangements are supported where a company signs an agreement to be invoiced directly. Refund and withdrawal (key points) - Acceptance fee: non-refundable. - New enrolments cancelled before the published deadline for notification of withdrawal for a term: only the acceptance fee is due. If cancellation occurs after the published deadline for notification of withdrawal for the relevant term, tuition and other academic-related fees for that term become payable in full. The school publishes explicit notification deadlines by term (for example: to leave at the end of the Autumn term, notification must be received by 30 September; to leave at the end of the Winter term, notification must be received by 15 January; to leave at the end of the school year, notification must be received by 31 March). Fees for a term that has started are payable in full. Temporary withdrawal rules and conditions for holding a place are set out in the school's terms and conditions. Fee payment options and invoicing details - Initial enrolment payments (acceptance fee and first term fees) are to be paid by bank transfer using the school's provided banking details. Invoices for subsequent fees are issued termly and are payable within the stated invoice terms (generally within 30 days unless otherwise stated on the invoice). Employer-sponsored invoicing is available under specific agreement. Optional service charges such as transport or meals are invoiced separately at the beginning of each term. Summary (practical points for parents) - Expect a one-off acceptance fee of CHF 5,000 on confirmation of a place for Year 1–13 students; Reception 3 and Reception 4 are exempt from that acceptance fee. - Annual tuition by year group (2025/26): Reception 4 CHF 28,200; Years 1–5 CHF 29,010; Years 6–8 CHF 33,290; Years 9–10 CHF 36,190; Years 11–13 CHF 38,990 — with standard termly billing (one third of the annual amount) except Reception 3 (monthly). - Additional academic-related charges and optional services (transport, meals, trips, private lessons) are invoiced separately by term and can add up to a few thousand francs depending on year group and participation. (End of fees overview)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements All boarding accommodation is on campus in five on-site buildings, with a secure access system. Boys and girls live in separate houses organized by age, and a member of the boarding team lives on each floor. Most students share a twin room with someone from another nationality, and younger students may be in triple occupancy.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement There is no school uniform. Students dress in their own style.
Food options	Food options Meals are served in the dining room with a warm meal and a balanced meat-based or vegetarian menu. The majority of day students eat lunch at Brillantmont.	Food options Students can bring packed lunches or have optional hot meals provided by Eldora. The secondary school uses a cafeteria card to purchase from three menus—Vitality, Escale, and Natura/Mediterraneo—with a vegetarian option and a salad buffet; a take-away South Building Café is available for Years 12 and 13.
House system	House system Every student belongs to one of five houses: Anker, Piccard, Rousseau, Chaplin, Einstein. The houses meet weekly for team-building and inter-house events, fostering belonging and leadership.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Brillantmont is family-owned and run by the same family since 1882 and is not part of a larger group.	Governance and ownership The ISL Board, composed of eight to twelve members representing the community, acts as the guardian of the School and monitors its progress in fulfilling its mission. The Board and the School Director work in partnership to set policies and ensure the necessary conditions for ISL's aims.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Middle School runs 7th-8th Grade for international students aged 12-14 and covers a broad range of subjects, with English language support as needed. High School runs 9th-12th Grade with personalised timetables to develop each student's strengths and interests. Brillantmont offers British IGCSE/AS/A Level examinations (Cambridge) along with American PSAT, SAT tests and IELTS; 7th-10th Grade courses also provide preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). Post High School 13th Grade Programme is available for a final European year tailored to the student's university plans. All teaching is in English, with English support available, and all students follow classes in French, the host language; French is encouraged and taught up to at least the end of 10th Grade. The school emphasizes intercultural understanding, small classes, and preparation for international university admissions.	Curriculum details The International School Lausanne is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). A CASEL-based well-being curriculum supports students' social and emotional development. PYP serves ages 3–11, emphasizing developing the whole child as an inquirer and fostering international-mindedness and personal values. MYP serves ages 11–16, helping students build knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills to participate actively in a changing world. DP serves ages 16–18, providing a broad range of subjects with depth to prepare for higher education.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Staff ratio is 5:1.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IB Diploma results for the Class of 2025 show an average score of 35.7 out of 45. 99% of graduates obtained the IB Diploma. 24% scored 40–45 points, and 39% earned a bilingual Diploma. University destinations are listed for graduates pursuing higher education worldwide.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 100% of graduates continue to higher education worldwide. A Guidance Counsellor starts working with students from 10th Grade to explore options and prepare university applications. University fairs and Open Days are held, and universities from around the world regularly visit Brillantmont to present to prospective students.	Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education at a wide range of universities worldwide.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Intercultural understanding is central to Brillantmont's way of life. Students come from around 30 cultures and live together, learning from each other about different cultures and experiences. The climate emphasizes mutual respect and openness to others. In addition to classroom learning, Brillantmont offers opportunities such as Community Service, Model United Nations, TEDx, excursions and class trips to broaden horizons and foster global citizenship.	Social & emotional learning Counselling promotes holistic development and well-being for every student. The well-being programme is built on CASEL's five competencies: self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, and social awareness. Counsellors work with classroom teachers, school leadership, and the Student Support Services team to identify and meet individual needs. The service includes education, prevention, and crisis interventions delivered through one-on-one sessions when needed, as well as regular classes focused on psychosocial development and awareness. The approach supports students to become confident, independent learners.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) ISL provides learning support for mild to mild-to-moderate needs through a progression that includes Progress Plan, Individualised Education Plan, and 1:1 support. These supports are planned from data collected by classroom teachers and, when needed, external evaluations, and are delivered by the Student Support Services Coordinator. Support is designed to enable independent learning and to allow students to participate in mainstream classes. Costs for 1:1 support are in addition to standard ISL fees.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language All teaching is in English, with English support available if needed. All students follow classes in French, the host language.	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) support addresses the needs of students from non-English-speaking backgrounds who are developing interpersonal and academic English. The EAL department provides a range of direct and indirect support, including individual instruction, small-group instruction, in-class support, co-teaching with homeroom or subject-specific teachers, and provision of modifications to help students access the mainstream curriculum. The flexible programme allows support to be tailored to each student's needs.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Health and well-being are valued as important to achieving personal happiness and success.	Mental wellbeing Counselling supports mental well-being and personal growth for every student. The well-being programme includes education, prevention, and crisis interventions delivered through one-on-one sessions and regular classes on psychosocial development. It is grounded in CASEL's five competencies, and the well-being team collaborates with teachers, leadership, and other ISL specialists to address individual needs.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding All Brillantmont staff have undertaken safeguarding certification courses and there is a clearly defined safeguarding policy. The school complies with Swiss Federal and Cantonal laws pertaining to child protection. Brillantmont adheres to safeguarding policies and the Council of International Schools' code of conduct.	Safeguarding Keeping children safe is the responsibility of the whole school community and safeguarding is woven into every aspect of school life. Designated Safeguarding Leads are in place across the school sections, supported by counsellors and nurses who respond to concerns. A confidential safeguarding reporting channel is available via a reporting form and directly to the designated leads. The school maintains safeguarding policies, documents, and access to external services as needed.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Brillantmont campus is in large, leafy gardens, five minutes from the city centre. The campus comprises eight buildings, most dating from the early 1900s. The classrooms and boarding areas are well-equipped and up-to-date. At the centre of the campus lies a multipurpose hall with a full-sized gymnasium, a music studio and a 100m2 stage. The location offers access to mountains, forests and cultural or sporting activities nearby.	Facilities overview One campus, four buildings. The campus is close to nature and the city and built to support student well-being. The primary school library has more than 14,000 references. A 400-seat auditorium is used for music and drama. The South building opened in 2015. The campus includes three gym halls, four tennis courts, a full-sized Astroturf football pitch, a basketball playground, and a fitness centre, plus a maker space and a recording studio.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities A full-sized gymnasium is on campus, and sports are offered outdoors and indoors in a wide range of activities, including tennis, basketball, Zumba, gymnastics, trampoline, volleyball and badminton. Lausanne provides additional facilities such as swimming at the pool next door, beach volleyball by the lake, ice skating, cycling, cross-country skiing and pedalo on summer days. The school runs its own teams and participates in inter-school competitions locally and nationally. The school supports students who wish to focus on sport outside school, such as rugby or rowing.	Sports facilities There are three gym halls. There are four tennis courts. There is a full-sized Astroturf football pitch. There is a basketball playground. There is a fitness centre.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school has eight buildings dating from the early 1900s with well-equipped, up-to-date classrooms and boarding areas. The campus is described as a home-from-home environment, closely connected to a rich local context. The school offers British IGCSE and A Levels, and also a High School Diploma programme. It is run by the founding family, now in its fifth generation, providing continuity in the academic life.	Academic facilities The primary school library has more than 14,000 references. An Early Childhood building is purpose-built for 3 to 5 year olds. A maker space supports hands-on learning. A recording studio supports music and media projects. The North building sits in nature and forms part of the school's state-of-the-art facilities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Art and design are taught, with an airy art studio for drawing, painting, design, sculpture and more. The music studio has electronic keyboards and recording equipment; students can take individual lessons and practise in the music room. Dance opportunities exist through external Lausanne providers, with performances in Lausanne. The BM rock band performs at school events, and students may audition for the Lausanne Conservatory of Arts or join local youth orchestras. The school also hosts events such as an annual inter-school Battle of the Bands.	Extra curricular facilities The After-School Activities (ASA) programme offers more than 125 activities to choose from, and more than 80% of students take part in at least one activity each week. Most activities are included in the school fees. The activity list includes art porcelain painting, chess club, coding, concert band, drama, robotics, beekeeping, football, tennis, cross country, netball, choir, and many more. The arts programme hosts student art and photography exhibitions and drama productions, with music practice rooms and ensembles such as concert band, choir, and string ensemble. The Impact Hub provides an innovation-focused space with projects and competitions such as the Earth Prize and collaborations with EPFL.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Brillantmont has been the home of the founding family for nearly 150 years and was founded in 1882. It is the oldest Swiss boarding school owned and run by the same family across five generations. It celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2022 and is looking ahead to its 150th anniversary. In 2012 the Françoise Frei-Huguenin Sports and Culture building was inaugurated, marking ongoing development of the campus.	History The English School of Lausanne opened with seven students in the rehearsal rooms of the Municipal Theatre in 1962. The following year it was renamed The Commonwealth-American School. Within five years it grew to over 100 students from nine countries. The school was renamed the International School of Lausanne (ISL) in 1997. We now welcome close to 1,000 students.
Community	Community Brillantmont is a home-from-home community for international students, with a safe, inclusive environment and a climate of mutual respect. Students live alongside peers from many nationalities, forming intercultural friendships. There is a family atmosphere with ownership and leadership by the founding family, supporting students through a personalised approach. The academic programme is internationally recognised, and thousands of students have joined School Year and Summer Course offerings over the decades.	Community ISL is an IB World School with a diverse community of students and staff united by a commitment to well-being and innovative learning rooted in strong values. Core values include honesty, equity, self-control, respect, and care, and learners are encouraged to be knowledgeable, open-minded, caring, and courageous while building meaningful connections within a multicultural environment. The school offers programs that strengthen the community, including The Impact Hub, Student Support Services, and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PTA is a very active and dynamic part of ISL life. The PTA has two main goals—welcoming new families, and enhancing the lines of communication within the school through its executive committee. It brings the community together through ongoing social and cultural events—coffee mornings, Lausanne city events, the yearly Spring Fair, and more. Parent clubs include hiking, netball, photography, and unihockey, and International Day is one of the PTA activities. The PTA has organised events such as Welcome Coffee, Back to School Brunch, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Brillantmont's academic programme is internationally recognised and addresses the individual needs of each student. All teaching is in English with English support available, and all students also follow classes in French, the host language. In 8th–9th grade, the programme covers core subjects and includes STEAM courses in Robotics and Coding, while 10th–12th grade offers examinations such as IGCSE and A Level, or a High School Diploma with IELTS/TOEFL if needed. The small class sizes and dedicated teachers help students stay focused and take ownership of their learning.	Academic & intellectual ISL offers after-school activities that strengthen academic and intellectual growth. Debating, math, computer coding, robotics, and SciTech build analytical and problem-solving skills. Model United Nations provides opportunities for research, argumentation, and policy analysis. LAMDA and other language-informed activities support communication and presentation skills.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Brillantmont offers opportunities to develop creativity through Art and Design, Music, and Dance. 8th Graders take Music and Art, while older students can study Creative Arts in every grade. The art studio supports drawing, painting, sculpture, design, photography and craft-work, and students build portfolios for leading art and design schools. The music program includes a studio with recording equipment, instrument lessons, and opportunities to perform in the BM rock band and to audition for the Lausanne Conservatory.	Arts & creative The arts program provides a large variety of arts activities and hosts student art and photography exhibitions each school year. Primary and secondary students perform drama productions such as The Jungle Book and Romeo and Juliet. A wide range of music is offered with practice rooms, concert band, choir, and string ensembles.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Intercultural understanding is central to Brillantmont's approach. The school hosts students from around 30 cultures, fostering mutual respect and open exchange. This diversity enriches classroom discussion and broadens horizons through opportunities such as Community Service, Model United Nations, TEDx, excursions and class trips. Brillantmont is committed to helping students become global citizens.	Cultural & language ISL offers language and culture-related activities in the after-school programme. Ateliers de cuisine / French provide French language cooking activities, and Knitting in French supports language practice. LAMDA is offered for language-based performance skills. Model United Nations fosters international understanding and cross-cultural communication.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Brillantmont organises numerous extra-curricular activities after school, at weekends and during holidays; all students are encouraged to participate and discover new interests. Activities span physical, creative and community-service options, including sports such as trampoline, football, volleyball, swimming, tennis and more, and creative options like arts and crafts, drawing, photography, drama, vocal groups, rock band and Yearbook. Weekend trips and cultural outings to theatres, cinemas, concerts and other events are common, with skiing highlighted in winter terms.	Social & hobbies ISL's after-school activities include many social and hobby clubs: Chess club, Beekeeping, Comic book drawing, LEGO building, Life drawing, Mahjong, Film-making, Creative writing, Paper arts, Recording studio, Live band, and more. Debating and Model United Nations also provide forums for discussion and teamwork. There are 46 non-sport activities highlighted as part of the ASA.
Community & service	Community & service Community service is part of life at Brillantmont; participation includes Habitat for Humanity builds and fundraising, with past projects in Romania, Portugal, Botswana, Cambodia and Nepal. Other service opportunities exist in Lausanne, such as visits to the elderly or fundraising for charities.	Community & service ISL's service learning is central to a holistic education and connects curriculum to local and global initiatives. The program is guided by five Service Learning Pillars and supports partnerships with EVAM, Caritas, Cartons du Coeur, Cerebral, and La Soupe Populaire. Students can engage with advocacy groups such as the Gender Equity Group and the Eco Society. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award also includes a community service component.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership is developed through many opportunities. Students can participate in Model United Nations conferences in Singapore and The Hague, with some attaining MUN Student Officer roles. Other leadership avenues include Habitat for Humanity projects, the House Leader system, Student Librarian roles, and leading sports teams or coaching peers.	Leadership & professional ISL supports leadership and professional development through student governance and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The Student Council provides opportunities for student leadership and decision-making. The Award offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels with components including service, skills, physical recreation, and journeys.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Student well-being is central to Brillantmont, with a Well-Being Coordinator providing personalised support and PSHE classes addressing well-being, social, digital and health issues, complemented by external workshops. A School Nurse is available during the day, and safeguarding policies ensure a safe environment; staff are trained in safeguarding. Brillantmont also supports a multicultural environment with faith-inclusive arrangements and supervised activities that contribute to physical and mental health.	Lifestyle & wellbeing ISL emphasizes wellbeing through sport and physical activity. The ASA offers a wide range of sports and fitness activities, and ISL competes in around 200 competitions annually. Activities include yoga, Pilates, indoor climbing, and other wellness offerings alongside team sports such as football, basketball, netball, and swimming.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction, with English support available. All students follow classes in French, the host language. In the 10th Grade/IGCSE, languages offered include French, Spanish and German, with examinations in European language subjects. EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is available for students who need it.	Language provision ISL delivers instruction primarily in English. The Primary School offers a bilingual programme (Years 3–6) with co-teaching in English and French. French is taught across Early Childhood, Primary, and Middle Years, with 40% of Reception 4 to Year 2 spent in French integration. In the Middle Years Programme, Language Acquisition options include French, Spanish, or German, and Language and Literature is taught in English and French.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Two classroom teachers, speaking English and French, co-teach the Primary Years Programme through a Content and Language Integrated Learning Approach (CLIL). The bilingual programme is for Year 3 to Year 6.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Summer Course 2026 offers mornings of language study in French or English in small classes with students from over 30 nationalities. Winter Course 2027 provides regular classes with intensive French lessons, optional extra classes, excursions, and a ski/winter sports programme, with boarding-life immersion. Term abroad / 13th Grade / Winter Course includes a winter course for 13-15 year-olds and term-abroad options (September–December, January–June, April–June) plus a Post High School 13th Grade programme. Short Stay Courses offer flexible terms (September–December, January–June, and April–June for Japanese students) to study alongside the full-year cohort and to improve language skills.	Immersion programs Early Childhood immerses children into an English setting with daily French activities. Reception 3 class is bilingual. From Reception 4 to Year 2, students spend 40% of their time with a French teacher co-teaching with the homeroom teacher, developing French skills through core curriculum and French lessons. Each class will have at least seven hours of French integration per week.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations IB World School; NEASC accredited; CIS Accredited
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Pre-registration creates an Admissions Portal profile by submitting the Pre-Registration Form. After submission, a password is issued to log into the Admissions Portal with your email. In the portal you provide information about your family and upload documents such as school reports, your passport, and medical information. Have these documents ready to speed up the process. 2. An Admissions test in Maths and English is sent for all grades; additional tests may be required for Grade 11 or Grade 13. The tests help assess academic fit for the programme. You will receive instructions on how to complete the tests as part of the application process. 3. A date for a Zoom interview or an on-campus interview is scheduled. The interview provides an opportunity to discuss your child's interests and the academic programme. Staff may request further information or clarification during the interview. The interview can be conducted remotely if travel is difficult. 4. You will be asked to pay the registration fee, which is non-refundable. A student ID number is provided to effect the payment via the online secure platform. Payment completes a key step in processing the application and initiates formal review. The registration fee covers the administrative handling of the file. 5. The completed admissions file is reviewed by the Head of Admissions and the decision is communicated in writing as one of: Acceptance, Waiting list, or Refused. The review considers academic records, test results, and the interview. 6. If accepted, Brillantmont sends an Offer of Admission and an Acceptance Form. The family signs and returns the Acceptance Form, typically within 10 days. The process signals the commitment to enroll and begins the next enrollment steps. 7. The family signs the Acceptance Form and returns it within 10 days and pays the Admission Deposit within 10 days to secure the place. The Admission Deposit secures the student's place and is refunded at the end of the student's stay. The admission is not final until the Admission Deposit is received. 8. What's next? On receipt of the Admissions Deposit, the admission is confirmed and the student becomes part of the Brillantmont community. A meeting with the Head of Academics may be arranged to discuss the academic programme. A buddy will be connected to the student a few weeks prior to arrival. Visa arrangements apply: non-EU students staying longer than 3 months may require a visa, which can take up to 12 weeks; the family is responsible for obtaining the entry visa. Brillantmont will apply for a student residency permit (B Permit) once the student arrives in Switzerland.	Admissions Step 1: Start the process by submitting an inquiry or beginning an online application. The Admissions team provides guidance throughout the process. You can request to be contacted via an inquiry form, and you can return to an in-progress application via the Admissions portal at any time. There is no charge at the application stage. Step 2: Gather all requested documents as outlined in the admissions materials. Useful documents include Age equivalence, Admissions policy, Terms and Conditions, FAQ Admissions, and the High School Profile; prepare copies and translations as needed. These materials cover the information you need to complete the application process. Step 3: The next steps after we receive your application: Your child's application is added to our waiting list. The waiting list is used until a place becomes available, and you will be informed as soon as a space opens. Step 4: As soon as a place becomes available you will be informed. The Admissions team will notify you when a space arises and you can proceed with the enrollment steps. Step 5: Our principals will assess your child's application. The assessment determines eligibility for admission based on the program requirements and your child's profile. Step 6: Upon successful assessment, an offer of a place will be made. If offered, you will be invited to proceed with enrollment steps and formalities. Step 7: You will be asked to sign the enrollment contract and pay the acceptance and the first term's fees. This confirms the placement and initiates the payment obligations for enrollment. Step 8: You will receive confirmation of your child's enrolment. Final enrollment is completed when the contract is signed and payments are settled.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waitlist: After the admissions review, a decision may place the candidate on the Waiting list. The written outcome will specify whether the candidate is accepted, placed on the Waiting list, or refused. If on the Waiting list, the school will contact you if a place becomes available, or a final decision will be issued.	Waitlist ISL uses a waiting list system. After submitting an application, the child's application is added to the waiting list. When a place becomes available, you will be informed and the enrollment process continues with the formal assessment and potential offer.
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