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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT Collège du Léman 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

We know there’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing the right school for your child. That’s where our FAQs page comes in. Here, you’ll find essential information about CDL, covering everything from application to graduation. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our expert admissions team is here to help.
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Frequently asked questions

  • How do I apply to CDL?

    Applying to CDL is easy. Our admissions process is tailored to your family’s needs and schedule, and our friendly team will help you every step of the way.

    • Your child’s admissions journey starts with our enquiry form. Interested in boarding? Let us know!
    • You can join us for a tour at any point in the application process. We’d love to show you around our beautiful campus, where you’ll meet our exceptional educators and get a feel for our buzzing international community. If you can’t make it to Geneva, we’ll happily arrange a one-to-one virtual discovery meeting.
    • As well as completing our online application form, you’ll need to send us some supporting documents. Prospective boarders also have to complete a video questionnaire. To finalise your application, you'll need to pay a non-refundable application fee of CHF 500 per student. Your child's current school will also need to fill in our confidential report form.
    • Our academic and pastoral teams will review your application. This takes five working days. If we have spaces available, we’ll formally offer your child a place.
  • How long does the admissions process take?
    From the moment you get in touch with us to the offer of a place, our admissions process can take as little as two to three weeks. Timings do vary, though, as each family’s application journey is different. Please speak to our admissions team to find out more.
  • Can my child start at any time?
    Yes, we accept applications all year round, and your child can start at any time during the academic year.
  • How will you help my child settle in?

    We know how important it is for your child to get off to a great start.

    We’ll send you plenty of information ahead of their start date and invite them to an orientation day where they’ll meet our teachers, principals, and other new arrivals. We’ll also make sure the whole family feels welcome. You'll be invited to school events and celebrations, such as our annual International Day and Welcome BBQ, which bring our community together. You’ll also be able to chat to our Parent Ambassadors and attend regular coffee mornings.

  • Do you offer boarding?

    Yes, we offer boarding for 8 to 18-year-olds. Our safe, secure, and happy community is like a family, where students receive the 24/7 care, support, and attention they need to thrive.

    While boarding at Collège du Léman, your child will make friends for life, enjoy amazing activities outside of school, and develop the values and skills to step into the real world and change it for the better.

  • What curriculum do you teach?

    We offer a range of globally respected curricula, qualifications, and diplomas that give every student the right opportunities to excel. From Pre-school through Primary and Middle School, your child can learn in English, French, or a combination of both. They can also switch between pathways year-to-year, ensuring they make the most of our vibrant bilingual environment, and become gifted multilingual communicators.

    In High School (ages 14 to 18), we offer a wide range of globally respected diplomas. Our students study for their IGCSEs, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), the American High School Diploma, the French Baccalaureate, and the Swiss Maturité.

  • Do you offer a bilingual programme?
    Yes, we do. From Pre-school to Middle School, our students learn in English, French, or a combination of the two. This means a subject might be taught in French on Monday, in English on Tuesday, and so on. Students can also switch between languages year-to-year, ensuring they make the most of our vibrant bilingual environment, and become skilled multilingual communicators.
  • What qualifications do your teachers have?
    Our school is home to extraordinary teachers from across the world. They hold recognised UK and international qualifications, and have extensive knowledge of our curricula. More than half have a Master’s or PhD, too, so they’re ideally qualified to share expert knowledge through awe-inspiring lessons and experiences. What’s more, two-thirds of our teaching team have 10 or more years’ classroom experience.
  • What size are your classes?
    Our class sizes vary depending on the age group and pathway. Our Pre-school children learn in an average class of size of 16. In Primary, our classes have an average of 20 students. Our average Middle School class has 17 students, while our High School students learn in groups of between 15 and 20.
  • What languages do you teach?
    All our students study English and French until the end of Grade 10. Your child will also have the option to study German, Spanish, and Italian in Middle School and High School. We offer extracurricular language activities, too, which give our students the opportunity to develop their skills in German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic.
  • How do you support children for whom English isn't their first language?
    We offer personalised English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes for students who need extra help with their speaking, reading, and writing. This covers all age groups, from Pre-school through to High School. 
  • Do you have provision for children with additional educational needs?
    We welcome everyone at Collège du Léman and provide the personalised care and differentiated teaching each child needs to achieve their very best. This includes specialist support for students with additional educational needs. Working closely with parents, teachers, counsellors, and external experts, we ensure every child fulfils their potential, grows in confidence, and loves learning.
  • Which universities do your graduates go to?
    Our students achieve outstanding academic success which takes them to top 100 universities in the UK, US, Canada, and Switzerland. Examples include Oxford, Imperial College London, and Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne. 
  • What extracurricular activities do you offer?
    We offer more than 100 extracurricular clubs, which ensure your child has every opportunity to do what they love. From sports and the creative arts to science and music, our enrichment programme nurtures talents and ignites passions.
  • What excursions and trips do you run?
    Your child will enjoy life-changing day and residential trips that take them to incredible places in Switzerland and beyond. These include global Nord Anglia expeditions, such as our trip to Tanzania, where our students grow in confidence and independence, and make lifelong friendships. We also offer ski days, weekends in the mountains, excursions to galleries and museums, and so much more.
  • Do you run a bus service?
    Our school buses provide a safe and reliable pick-up and drop-off, door-to-door service covering the main residential areas in Geneva. You can also follow your child’s journey in real time on our dedicated app.
  • Do your students wear a uniform?

    Our Pre-school and Primary students wear a smart, comfortable uniform, which gives them a sense of belonging and community. Middle and High School students can dress as they like. However, they do need to wear our PE kit.

    You can buy our uniforms and PE kit either on campus or online.

  • Do you provide lunch?
    Yes! Our in-house caterers prepare healthy school lunches every day for all year groups.

    Our menu has been awarded the Fourchette Verte (Green Fork) label, a mark of quality that rewards schools that provide balanced, nutritious meals. We cater for all dietary requirements and offer a range of options, drawing inspiration from different cultures. If they’d prefer, your child can choose to bring their own lunch.
  • How can I get involved in school life?
    There are lots of ways for parents to get involved in our thriving community.

    You can join our Parent Faculty Association (PFA), which embodies our school spirit and organises a plethora of activities that bring families together. We’re always on the lookout for people to join our team of Parent Ambassadors, who help new families settle into school life. You’ll also be invited to workshops that provide lots of useful information on themes ranging from wellbeing to screentime.
  • How do you communicate with parents?
    We’ll keep in touch with you in all sorts of ways. These include our Parent Portal and bespoke apps, which our teachers use to share feedback and progress updates. You’ll also be invited to regular parent-teacher meetings. Our principals are always available to answer any questions you may have, too.
  • How old is Collège du Léman?
    Collège du Léman was founded in 1960 by two progressive Swiss educators who wanted to provide an education fit for the future. Situated on the banks of Lake Geneva, Collège du Léman is currently home to students, parents, and teachers from more than 120 countries.
  • Where is the school located?
    Our address is: Collège du Léman, Route de Sauverny 74, CH-1290 Versoix, Geneva, Switzerland. 
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VISIT US IN GENEVA

Take the first step in your child’s journey to Collège du Léman by booking a personalised tour of our campus. If you can’t make it to Switzerland, we’d love to show you around online.

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