Le Figaro on La Côte International School Aubonne: Global Excellence

This article was originally published in French by Le Figaro. You can read the original version here

La Côte International School Aubonne: an international school like no other

Unlike many large international schools that enroll over 1,000 students, LCIS has chosen a more intimate setting with around 450 students. This human scale fosters close relationships, attentive listening, and personal growth. “Here, every student is known, recognized, and supported,” explains Andrew McLoughlin, the school’s principal. Children from ages 3 to 18 benefit from tailored learning paths that encourage autonomy and ambition, especially in secondary school, a critical stage for personal and academic development.

As a member of the Nord Anglia Education network—over 80 schools worldwide, including 18 in Europe—LCIS upholds high academic standards and global openness. More than 40 nationalities are represented on campus, creating a truly multicultural atmosphere. Students learn not only from teachers but also from the diverse experiences of their peers. Cultural days, debate clubs, and humanitarian trips to places like Thailand, as well as events like Kilimanjaro climbs or community meals for local seniors, reflect this rich 

An international and multicultural school rooted in its community

At the same time, the school maintains strong local ties through partnerships with regional sports and cultural organizations such as the municipal swimming pool, tennis clubs, and dance studios. “This dual identity is one of our greatest strengths,” McLoughlin says. “We have a global outlook through initiatives like the Global Campus and UNICEF collaborations, but we are also deeply connected to the Swiss community.”

The school’s philosophy is most evident in the secondary years, where students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB)—a program renowned worldwide for academic rigor and intellectual breadth. “The IB doesn’t just produce bright students. It develops curious, critical thinkers who can adapt to a changing world,” McLoughlin emphasizes.

Over the past three years, LCIS has achieved a 97% IB pass rate. About one-third of graduates receive offers from top Swiss universities such as the EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) and the University of Geneva, while the remaining two-thirds go on to leading institutions in the UK, Europe, and North America, including Imperial College London, the University of Toronto, and Bocconi University in Milan. Fields of study are as diverse as the students themselves, ranging from engineering and medicine to the arts and international relations.

A high-standard education with a future focus

Beyond academics, LCIS prioritizes personal development. The school integrates essential “human skills” such as communication, stress management, cooperation, and empathy into everyday learning. Artistic, sporting, and theatrical activities are central to the student experience, helping each child to discover their strengths, build confidence, and connect with others.

“Our goal goes beyond academic success,” McLoughlin concludes. “We aim to shape well-rounded young people who are confident, fulfilled, and ready to thrive in a global world. What we offer is more than a diploma—it’s preparation for life.”