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Chavagnes International College

France, Nantes

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees €18,950 - 25,950
Ages 11 - 18 years
Type Boys School, Boys School (boarding)
Opened 2002
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, French, German, Russian, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Chavagnes International College is a Catholic, boys' boarding school in France that offers a classical education built on a British framework with French options. For pupils aged 11–18, the curriculum blends Cambridge assessments (IGCSE/GCSE and A-Levels) with Brevet and Baccalauréat routes for French pupils. Classes are primarily in English, with intensive English and French tuition to support bilingual learners. Junior Secondary (Years 7–9) follows the Cambridge Checkpoint model for Mathematics, Science and English alongside the French national curriculum, with Checkpoint results confirming progress. Senior Secondary (Years 10–11) uses Cambridge/AQA syllabuses for IGCSE/GCSE and A-Levels, with additional support for the Brevet and French. UK/French Advanced (Years 12–13) provides AS and A-level routes; French pupils may also sit the Baccalauréat. Facilities include sports fields, climbing wall, a theatre, a library, science laboratories and computer facilities. The college emphasizes music, languages and cultural exchange, exemplified by the choir, polyglots club and trips.

96 Rue du Calvaire, 85250 Chavagnes-en-Paillers, France

The Essentials

Chavagnes International College has instruction in English, French.

Location
Chavagnes International College is in Chavagnes-en-Paillers, Vende9e, north-west France. It lies just south of Nantes and near Montaigu. The address is 96 rue du Calvaire, 85250 Chavagnes-en-Paillers, France. It is about 30 minutes from Nantes International Airport and provides lifts to the airport and to train stations for the boys.

Type
Catholic boarding school for boys

Country affiliation
France

Religious affiliation
Catholic

Bus service
The College provides lifts to Nantes Airport and to train stations for the boys.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is provided, with students housed in two dormitories. Junior boys share a dorm of about 20 beds with toilets and showers; senior boys are in 4-bed rooms with a similar toilet/shower block. Tea-making facilities are available, morning and afternoon tea and biscuits are served, and a fresh fruit selection is available. The campus includes two games rooms, pianos, a library, and tennis, basketball and football courts, with supervised internet access in the Computer Room.

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform and equipment list. Some items are available from the College Second-Hand Uniform store, and the Headmaster can advise on these items.

Food Options
Food at the College is balanced and healthy, including a variety of meats and fish, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. The in-house chef works with the Headmaster and Deputy Headmaster to ensure meals are balanced, healthy and tasty; the refectory is a formal setting where pupils and teachers share meals. Boys have regular opportunities to learn cooking and often help with cooking at weekends or for special events.

House System
There are four Houses: Rochejaquelein, Cathelineau, Suzannet and Charette. Each House is run by a House Master and supported by senior boys appointed as House Captain and Vice Captain, with Masters providing pastoral support and organizing weekly activities. The House system forms the basis of intra-mural competitions in debating, sport and other activities, and pupils sit at house tables for meals.

Governance and Ownership
The school is the apostolate of an Association under the Law of 1901, founded in 2001, with the Association Collège International de Chavagnes en Paillers as the governing body. There are ten Governors, including the Bishop of Luçon; the Headmaster and Founder is Ferdi McDermott.
Fees

Annual tuition at Chavagnes International College ranges from EUR 18,950 to EUR 25,950 for 2026/27.

Fees (academic year 2024/2025)

- Fees are payable termly, in advance.

Application fee

- No separate application fee is stated on the school's admissions or fees information. Parents are asked to complete the registration/application form and a deposit is required to secure a place, but no specific application fee amount is published.

Tuition and boarding fees by year group (annual and per term)

- Years 7 & 8 (approx. 11–13 years)
- Full board accommodation: EUR 10,750 per year.
- Tuition: EUR 8,200 per year.
- Total fees per year: EUR 18,950.
- Total per term (three terms, payable termly in advance): EUR 6,316.67 per term (EUR 18,950 ÷ 3). (Accommodation per term: EUR 3,583.33; Tuition per term: EUR 2,733.33.)

- Years 9–11 (GCSE preparation, approx. 13–16 years)
- Full board accommodation: EUR 10,750 per year.
- Tuition: EUR 12,000 per year.
- Total fees per year: EUR 22,750.
- Total per term (three terms): EUR 7,583.33 per term (EUR 22,750 ÷ 3). (Accommodation per term: EUR 3,583.33; Tuition per term: EUR 4,000.00.)

- VIth Form (A-levels, approx. 16–18 years)
- Full board accommodation: EUR 10,750 per year.
- Tuition: EUR 15,200 per year.
- Total fees per year: EUR 25,950.
- Total per term (three terms): EUR 8,650.00 per term (EUR 25,950 ÷ 3). (Accommodation per term: EUR 3,583.33; Tuition per term: EUR 5,066.67.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are billed and must be paid termly, in advance. The College year runs from September to June and operates on a three-term pattern; parents should expect three term payments per academic year.
- Fees must be paid in Euros unless alternative arrangements are agreed. The College welcomes payment by debit or credit card and allows staged payment arrangements; some families use a monthly standing order in sterling or monthly debit to a charge card. Specific bank account or transfer instructions are not published in the fees summary.
- A deposit and completed acceptance form are required to secure a place; the published material confirms a deposit is required but does not list a standard deposit amount.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is charged as “Full board accommodation” and is shown as EUR 10,750 per year for all year groups listed. Boarding costs are therefore included in the annual totals above.

Other costs and additional charges

- Extra costs that are stated as payable in addition to the fees include:
- Private lessons (musical instruments, riding, etc.).
- Extended school trips (for example choir tours).
- Public examination entries (GCSE, A-levels, etc.).
- Uniform and equipment items (a full uniform/equipment list is published and some items can be obtained second-hand from the College store). Specific prices for uniform items are not published in the fees summary.

Scholarships, bursaries and fee reductions

- Scholarships and bursaries are available at the discretion of the Board of Governors and can reduce fees by as much as 50% in cases of financial hardship or particular ability. Special choral awards and reductions for families with multiple sons are also available. Details and eligibility are at the College's discretion.

Refund information

- The publicly posted fees material confirms that a deposit is required to secure a place but does not publish a general refund policy or a specific schedule of refunds for withdrawal or cancellation in the fees summary. No full refund schedule is included in the published fees summary or prospectus pages consulted.

Fee payment options

- The College accepts payment by debit or credit card and permits staged payment arrangements (for example monthly standing orders in sterling or monthly card debits). Fees are payable in Euros unless otherwise arranged. The fees summary does not publish a detailed list of accepted card types, nor full bank-transfer instructions in the fees text.

Notes on terms used above

- All monetary figures above are shown in Euros and reflect the published rate lines titled “The rates for 2024/2025” as published in the College's fees information and prospectus. The College's calendar confirms the school year timing (return of boarders early September).
Academics

Chavagnes International College teaches Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
Chavagnes offers a classical education combining British and French curricula to support spiritual, moral and intellectual growth. The programme includes Cambridge Assessments, GCSEs and A-Levels, with the Brevet and Baccalauréat options for French pupils. Classes are delivered mainly in English, with intensive English and French tuition. Junior Secondary (Years 7–9) follows the Cambridge Checkpoint syllabus for Mathematics, Science and English, alongside the French national curriculum, with progress validated by Cambridge Checkpoint exams at the end of Year 9 for English, Mathematics and Science. Senior Secondary (Years 10–11) uses Cambridge/AQA syllabuses for IGCSE/GCSE and A-Level examinations, with extra support in Mathematics, Science and French for the Brevet, and some pupils may sit examinations early. UK/French Advanced (Years 12–13) provides AS and A-level routes; French pupils may also sit the Baccalauréat; ages are guideline and some students may be a year ahead or behind.

Student Teacher Ratio
Chavagnes uses a personalised model with small class sizes, and some specialist subjects offer one-on-one tuition.

Exam Results
The prospectus notes successes in Cambridge Assessments, GCSEs and A-Levels. Many pupils go on to study at leading universities in the UK and overseas. The university destinations page lists universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The prospectus also describes a Double Diplôme enabling pupils to complete both British and French examinations.

Higher Education Progression
The majority of pupils leave Chavagnes to study at leading universities in the UK and overseas. Alumni destinations include Oxford, Cambridge, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Buckingham, York, Reading and other institutions.

Gifted and Talented
Scholarships and bursaries are available at the discretion of the College's Board of Governors, reducing fees by up to 50% in cases of financial hardship or particular intellectual ability. Special choral awards are available, and the Charitable Trust may offer 100% scholarships in exceptional circumstances. Reduced fees also apply to families with multiple sons.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides spiritual development as part of daily life, with daily Mass and participation in the College's liturgical life. Regular visits to local shrines, Lourdes, and the Paris–Chartres Pentecost Pilgrimage reinforce spiritual life within the school. Guidance and counselling are available: a resident priest is available to speak to boys, and at least one other staff member with counselling training is on hand for advice and help. Each pupil is assigned a personal tutor who meets regularly to support academic progress, and a House Master is a key confidant for pastoral matters; the Matron supports younger boys, especially during homesickness. The Careers Master provides careers guidance and helps pupils prepare for university or vocational interviews.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Provision is made for English as an Additional Language for all non-native English speakers, often with one-to-one tuition. This, along with immersion in English in classes and at meal times, means that students learn English rapidly.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through Guidance and counselling: a resident priest is available to speak to boys and a staff member with counselling training provides advice and help. Each pupil has a personal tutor who monitors academic progress and offers support for the curriculum, while the House Master is the main pastoral contact. The Matron assists younger boys, particularly during homesickness, and the Careers Master offers guidance on university and vocational pathways.

Safeguarding
Chavagnes International College has a moral duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. It provides a safe environment, identifies children in need, and takes appropriate action to keep them safe from harm. The College has a designated Child Protection Officer and a board member trained in safeguarding, and all staff undergo appropriate background checks; safeguarding policies are reviewed regularly to raise awareness and ensure safe practices.
Parent Experience

History
Chavagnes International College sits on a site with centuries of learning in the Vendée. The land was once home to a Roman villa, later a 13th-century monastery, and then a junior seminary. The college began a new chapter in 2002 with the opening of its international Catholic boarding school for boys. The founding is traced to Father Baudouin, who established the Petit Séminaire de Chavagnes in the early 1800s; in 2002 the site was revived as Chavagnes International College, a traditional English-language Catholic secondary school for boys aged 11–18. In 2004, the founding Masters Robert Asch and Ferdi McDermott visited Cardinal Ratzinger in Rome, and Benedict XVI later beatified Baudouin in 2012.

Community
Mass is celebrated daily in the College Chapel and faith informs every subject in the curriculum. Chavagnes offers a broad programme of sport, arts and choral music, and pupils and staff live together in a community that reflects late medieval collegiate life. Cultural life includes opportunities to play music or sing in the choir, act in theatre, visit art galleries, listen to concerts, experience formal dining, learn to dance, and develop public speaking; theatre productions take place two to three times per year in English and French. The Choir maintains international tours, has produced CDs, and the school runs weekend visits and longer trips such as choir tours.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The College has its own sports field comprising two football/rugby pitches and a running track. A hard surface sports area includes two basketball courts (also used for handball and 6-a-side football) and a tennis court on site. A nearby reservoir is used for rowing, and there is a small lake on site for fishing (and swimming in the summer). There is a climbing wall on the campus and a games room for table tennis and other indoor games. Badminton and some other sports take place in a local indoor sports centre.

Sports Facilities
The College has a sports field with two football/rugby pitches and a running track. A hard-surface area houses two basketball courts, a handball/6-a-side pitch and a tennis court. For water-based activities, a nearby reservoir is used for rowing; a small on-site lake is available for fishing and summer swimming. The campus also features a climbing wall and a games room for indoor games; badminton and other activities are held at a local indoor centre.

Academic Facilities
The curriculum is based on a classical education and British GCSEs and A-levels are offered. The College provides a good library, a well-equipped science laboratory, and modern computer facilities. There is a large theatre for musical concerts and plays.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-Curricular activities include Choir, Clubs, Cultural Life, Sport and Trips and visits. Choir activities include regular concerts and carol-singing, international tours, CDs and performances, including appearances in the Vatican. The Choir is part of the school's broader co-curricular program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Chavagnes offers a range of intellectual and academic extracurriculars. A polyglots' club supports language learning; a chess club and a literary club promote strategic thinking and analysis. Drama, public speaking, and computers, plus practical activities such as model-making, war-gaming, boxing fitness (and sparring), and a guitar club broaden scholastic and critical-thinking skills.

Arts & Creative
Music is central to Chavagnes' arts program through the Choir, which performs choral music drawn from the Church's patrimony and contributes to liturgical life. The Choir has performed internationally and produced CDs, and it participates in carol-singing for the sick and elderly. Chamber music groups and bands, drama, and a guitar club also enrich the creative life.

Cultural & Language
The school runs a polyglots' club for those who enjoy learning new languages. The Choir introduces pupils to Latin and other languages through song, and Latin is part of liturgical life. Choir tours have taken place in countries such as Sweden, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Latvia, England and Wales. Visits and trips include weekend visits to local sites and longer trips such as scout camps and choir tours, sometimes to other countries.

Social & Hobbies
Clubs cover a wide range of leisure and hobby activities. They include chess, card games, a polyglots' club, a fishing club, and a literary club. There are also musical and performance groups such as chamber music, drama, public speaking, guitar, and boxing fitness with sparring; plus model-making and war-gaming.

Community & Service
The Choir regularly gives concerts and carol-singing for the sick and elderly. Visits include weekend trips to local sites and longer trips such as scout camps and choir tours, sometimes to other countries.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport is an important and integral part of life at Chavagnes; boys take part in afternoon team games and a cross-country programme throughout the year. Older boys may practice weight-training and rowing. Some boys belong to the local Chavagnes football club and compete in external teams.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches English, French, German, Spanish and Russian. A-level subjects include English literature, French, German, Russian and Spanish.
Admissions

Admissions
Registration is the first step in applying for a place at Chavagnes International College. Prospective families complete the registration form. This initiates the admissions process. The next steps involve Visit and Assessment, which may include invitations for interviews and on-site visits.

Scholarships
Bursaries and scholarships are available at the discretion of the College's Board of Governors. Scholarships and bursaries can reduce fees by up to 50% in cases of financial hardship and/or particular intellectual ability. Special choral awards are available, and the Charitable Trust may offer 100% scholarships in exceptional circumstances. Reduced fees also apply to families with multiple sons attending the College.
School Events
The school has not added events
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