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Sainte Victoire International School

France, Marseille

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees €11,500 - 21,100
Ages 6 - 18 years
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2011
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Taught languages French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese
Strengths Sport, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

SVIS is a bilingual school located on Domaine Château l'Arc in Fuveau, Provence, at the foot of the Sainte‑Victoire mountain. It serves students aged 6 to 18 and offers a bilingual education in French and English from primary through high school. The Primary School blends the English Cambridge framework with the French programme and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. The Middle School combines elements of the French national system with Cambridge standards, with classes taught in both languages, preparing students for the IGCSE. In High School, all instruction is delivered in English and follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme after completing IGCSE in Years 10–11. On-site boarding is available in a 30‑room boarding house located just 20 meters from the school. The campus features classrooms, an auditorium, play areas, and an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Sport, on-site golf and tennis programs support balanced activities.

Domaine du, Chem. de Maurel, 13710 Fuveau, France

The Essentials

Sainte Victoire International School has instruction in English, French.

Location

Fuveau, 13710, France, on the Domaine Château l'Arc estate opposite the Sainte-Victoire mountain. Aix-en-Provence is about 20 minutes away and Marseille about 30 minutes away. The daily commute is facilitated by a private transport service from home to school.

Stages

Primary, Middle, and High School

Type

Private international bilingual school with on-site boarding

Country affiliation

France

Bus service

Private transport service from home to school is available
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

On-campus private boarding for middle and high school students. Boarding is available as 5-night (Mon–Fri) or 7-night (Mon–Sun) options; capacity for around 60 boarders. The boarding houses 30 rooms, each accommodating three students, with two bathrooms per room and a kitchen area; each room has a private terrace with panoramic views. The boarding facility is located about 20 meters from the school, with access to a range of sports and activities and 24/7 supervision.

Food Options

Balanced and varied meals are provided in a dining space on campus, with meals served indoors or on the outdoor terrace; the dining area overlooks the lake.

Governance and Ownership

SVIS joined Ermitage Education Group in 2023, becoming part of a network of international schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sainte Victoire International School ranges from EUR 11,500 to EUR 21,100 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- There is no admission fee or registration fee for the 2025–2026 academic year (no droit d'inscription / no droit d'entrée).

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term)
- Primary (Elementary)
- Pre-Grade 1 and Grade 1: EUR 11,500 per year (EUR 3,833.33 per term).
- Grade 2 and Grade 3: EUR 12,900 per year (EUR 4,300.00 per term).
- Grade 4 and Grade 5: EUR 13,000 per year (EUR 4,333.33 per term).

- Middle School / IGCSE (Grade 6–10)
- Grade 6, 7 and 8 (tuition only): EUR 15,200 per year (EUR 5,066.67 per term). Boarding supplements (optional):
- 5-day boarding (Monday–Friday) supplement: EUR 11,200 per year (EUR 3,733.33 per term).
- 7-day/full boarding supplement (Monday–Sunday) : EUR 16,500 per year (EUR 5,500.00 per term).
- Combined totals (tuition + boarding):
- Tuition + 5-day boarding: EUR 26,400 per year (EUR 8,800.00 per term).
- Tuition + 7-day boarding: EUR 31,700 per year (EUR 10,566.67 per term).
- Grade 9 and 10 (tuition only): EUR 17,400 per year (EUR 5,800.00 per term). Boarding supplements (same as above):
- 5-day boarding supplement: EUR 11,200 per year (EUR 3,733.33 per term).
- 7-day/full boarding supplement: EUR 16,500 per year (EUR 5,500.00 per term).
- Combined totals:
- Tuition + 5-day boarding: EUR 28,600 per year (EUR 9,533.33 per term).
- Tuition + 7-day boarding: EUR 33,900 per year (EUR 11,300.00 per term).

- High School / International Baccalaureate (IB DP1 & DP2)
- IB Programme (DP1 & DP2): EUR 21,100 per year (EUR 7,033.33 per term). Boarding supplements (same as middle school):
- 5-day boarding supplement: EUR 11,200 per year (EUR 3,733.33 per term).
- 7-day/full boarding supplement: EUR 16,500 per year (EUR 5,500.00 per term).
- Combined totals:
- Tuition + 5-day boarding: EUR 32,300 per year (EUR 10,766.67 per term).
- Tuition + 7-day boarding: EUR 37,600 per year (EUR 12,533.33 per term).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment is accepted either as a single full payment on final enrolment or by trimester payment. When paying by trimester, each trimester payment is due on the 5th day of the first month of the relevant trimester. The payment plan choice must be indicated on registration forms. A 25% deposit (acompte) against the annual fees is required to reserve a place at enrolment.

Boarding fees and boarding-related charges
- Boarders incur the boarding supplements listed above (5-day or 7-day options). Those supplements cover laundry, weekend activities and holiday transport for full boarders where noted.
- Additional boarding-related charges and services:
- Monthly laundry subscription available for weekly boarders: EUR 250 per month (optional).
- Extra weekend (2 additional nights): flat fee EUR 350 (includes transport, laundry and meals).
- Extra single night outside the school period or during a weekend: EUR 150 per night.

Other costs and mandatory extras
- Uniform: a compulsory SVIS uniform is charged as a forfait of EUR 500 (TTC). An advance payment of EUR 500 for the uniform is required at the time of final enrolment. Additional uniform items may be ordered at extra cost.
- Deposit of guarantee for boarders: EUR 500 per year per boarder is required at the start of the school year to cover incidental expenses (pocket money, medical costs, private lessons, purchases, transport, accidental damage, etc.). A detailed statement is produced at the end of each trimester; the school may request additional funds if the deposit is exhausted.
- Diplomas and external exam fees (IB examination registration, Cambridge IGCSE, official language exams, etc.) are charged in addition to tuition. Private lessons, extra-curricular trips, cultural trips and certain outings are not included in the tuition and will be billed separately.

Refund and cancellation terms (applicable rules)
- The 25% deposit is required to reserve a place. Specific refund language for that deposit is not set out beyond the general cancellation terms; the following administrative provisions apply:
- If a student is expelled by the school or withdrawn by the parents, the current trimester and the following trimester remain due.
- If an enrolment is cancelled after 1 July for the first trimester, or within 30 days before the start of the second or third trimester, the following full trimester is due.
- Damages caused by a student are charged to the parents; invoices are issued at the end of each trimester.

Fee payment methods and invoicing
- The school provides bank coordinates and an IBAN/SWIFT option and offers an autorisation de prélèvement (direct-debit) option for payments; full payment at registration and trimester payment schedules are offered. Credit card payment is not specified in the published enrolment documents for the 2025–2026 fee schedule. Invoices are produced and a detailed statement is provided at each trimester.

What is included in tuition
- Tuition fees include scheduled class lessons, supervised study periods, required textbooks, use of sports facilities, daily meals (where included in the boarding package), and civil liability insurance. The uniform, private tuition, extra-curricular trips, cultural outings, health expenses and additional transport not provided by the school are excluded from the tuition and billed separately.
Academics

Sainte Victoire International School teaches French Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 6 to 18.

Curriculum

The school offers a fully bilingual education in French and English from primary through secondary. The Primary School blends the National Curriculum for England (Cambridge) with the French programme and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). The Middle School combines elements of the French national education system with Cambridge standards, with classes taught in both French and English, preparing students for the IGCSE. In High School, all instruction is delivered in English and follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), after completing the IGCSE curriculum in Years 10–11. These programmes prepare students to access top universities in France and around the world.

Student Teacher Ratio

The school has small class sizes.

Higher Education Progression

Students are prepared for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and are positioned to access top universities in France and around the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Experiential learning strengthens students' social, emotional, and interpersonal skills. Hands-on learning is delivered through collaboration across grade levels, meaningful projects, and school trips that foster engagement and teamwork. SVIS fosters a caring environment built on trust, understanding and genuine care to support personal growth and well-being.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Tailored support is provided for each student, taking into account individual needs and learning pace.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

From primary school through high school, bilingual education in French and English is provided with genuine language immersion. Students benefit from ability-based groups that help everyone progress at their own pace.

Mental Wellbeing

The environment fosters well-being, curiosity and confidence. The experiential learning approach strengthens social, emotional and interpersonal skills, contributing to students' mental wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History

SVIS is housed on Domaine Château l'Arc, a historic estate opposite the Sainte-Victoire mountain. The estate has hosted notable figures and cultural activity, including Bernard Buffet, who created major works there. SVIS began welcoming students in 2011 across Primary, Middle School, and High School. The campus offers a bilingual education from primary through high school, supported by Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate programmes. Boarding is on-site, just 20 meters from the school, with a 30-room boarding house and private terraces.

Community

SVIS has an international and multicultural community, with students from 42 countries. Educational trips, events and competitions broaden horizons and strengthen community bonds. The on-site boarding house supports a bilingual and multicultural living environment. Sports, arts, and cultural activities are integrated into daily life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) brings together volunteer parents who wish to become involved in school activities. The PTO also hosts social events, including coffee mornings, to foster connections and support international families as they settle into the local community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school is located at Domaine Château l'Arc in Fuveau, Provence, at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire mountain. The campus provides a peaceful, inspiring environment for students from primary through high school. Bright classrooms and an auditorium support both small-group and larger teaching sessions, with a natural outdoor play area and a spacious dining area on site. An on-site boarding house is part of the campus, and a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II sits on the estate. The school offers IGCSE and IB qualifications.

Sports Facilities

Students have one hour of sport each day on campus. An on-site golf course enables regular practice and skill development. SVIS runs dedicated on-campus sports programmes, including the SVIS Golf Academy and SVIS Tennis School. Boarding life includes sports and outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, baseball and basketball. Leisure and excursions such as bowling, trampoline parks, amusement parks and paintball are offered as part of activities.

Academic Facilities

Bright classrooms support learning in small groups. An auditorium is used for lectures and large-group teaching sessions. The school offers bilingual education and programmes in IGCSE and IB. The campus supports students from primary to high school within a unified academic pathway.

Extra Curricular Facilities

After School provides a complete extracurricular programme that supports well-being and discovery. There are dedicated on-campus sports programmes, including the SVIS Golf Academy and SVIS Tennis School. Boarding life offers sports and outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, baseball and basketball. Boarding life also includes leisure and excursions such as bowling, trampoline parks, amusement parks and paintball. Boarding students experience a bilingual and multicultural environment.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

SVIS offers a comprehensive extracurricular programme open to all students. Clubs include Journalism Club, Chess Club, Football, Coding Club, Astronomy, Year Book, Running Club, Touch rugby, Model United Nations (MUN), and more. Most activities are led by teachers, with some student-led initiatives, particularly from older students who contribute to school life on a voluntary basis. Participation is connected to the IB journey, with extracurricular engagement formally recognised as part of earning the IB diploma.

Arts & Creative

SVIS provides opportunities to explore the arts and culture through on-campus clubs and workshops. The arts-focused options include Journalism Club and Year Book, reflecting the creative and cultural dimension of the programme. Activities extend beyond sports to foster creativity, collaboration and personal expression across primary, middle and high school. All clubs are designed to appeal to a range of interests and ages.

Cultural & Language

SVIS is a bilingual school offering education in English and French from the first year of primary to the final year of high school. The campus life includes an international community with students from 42 nationalities, creating a multicultural environment. Model United Nations (MUN) and other activities foster international awareness and cross-cultural collaboration. Beyond academics, students participate in sports, creative projects and cultural activities as part of school life.

Social & Hobbies

SVIS's clubs and workshops offer opportunities to pursue interests beyond the classroom, including journalism, chess, coding, astronomy, Year Book, Running Club, MUN and more. This mix fosters social interaction across year groups and helps students build teamwork and leadership. On-campus sports facilities support a wide range of activities, including football, basketball, tennis and golf, enabling active hobbies. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and develop new skills in a supportive international environment.

Community & Service

Extracurricular activities are integrated into school life, supporting collaboration and a sense of belonging. Educational trips, events and competitions broaden horizons and strengthen community bonds. Activities are designed to include social engagement and cultural experiences as part of SVIS life. The school fosters a community-focused spirit through its diverse, inclusive programme.

Leadership & Professional

Most extracurricular activities are led by teachers, and some are initiated and run by students, particularly older students who contribute to school life. Each year all students are invited to join one or more activities, with the option to change their selection each term. Time spent on extracurricular engagement is formally recognised as part of the IB journey and is essential to earning the IB diploma.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The school has on-campus sports facilities including a football pitch, a basketball court, two tennis courts and direct access to an 18-hole golf course. Golf Academy and Tennis School are dedicated pathways for advanced training. Students have one hour of sport each day to stay active, focused and balanced.
Languages

Language Provision

Education is fully bilingual in French and English from primary through secondary levels.

Bilingual Teaching

The school offers bilingual education in French and English from primary through secondary levels. Students are grouped by language proficiency (beginner, intermediate, advanced) to develop fluency in both languages.
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1: Initial Contact. The admission policy is a process to determine whether the student can integrate the establishment under conditions that will enable them to achieve their objectives. An initial interview between the family and the Headmaster discusses the student's profile and questions from the family. Language needs and the school's bilingual approach are explored during this conversation. The Headmaster explains how SVIS supports student growth and well-being and clarifies any immediate questions.
School Events
The school has not added events