New School of the French-speaking Switzerland

"Located in Lausanne, one of Switzerland's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, the École Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande — known in English as the New School of the French-speaking Switzerland, and often referred to simply as ENSR International School — offers families a rare combination of deep Swiss educational tradition and genuinely international perspective."

For parents who are relocating to the Lake Geneva region, whether for professional assignments or longer-term moves, ENSR represents a compelling option that has been shaping young minds for well over a century. Founded in 1906, ENSR is one of the older private schools in the region, and its longevity speaks to a sustained commitment to academic excellence and thoughtful education. The school is secular in its orientation, welcoming students of all backgrounds without religious affiliation, which is an important consideration for many internationally mobile families arriving from diverse cultural and faith traditions. It is co-educational, meaning boys and girls learn together throughout the school's programmes, from the earliest kindergarten years through to the final year of secondary school. The school serves approximately 600 students across its full range of year groups, and for families with older children, ENSR also provides boarding facilities for students aged twelve and above. This makes it an attractive option not only for families based in Lausanne itself, but also for those whose children may be attending without a parent permanently on site — a situation not uncommon in the world of international business and diplomacy. Academically, ENSR offers two clearly defined pathways that reflect its dual commitment to Swiss and international standards. Families can choose between a programme taught primarily in French with English as a strong second language, or a programme conducted primarily in English with French integrated throughout. This bilingual structure is genuinely central to the school's identity, rather than a peripheral add-on, and it prepares students meaningfully for life and study in multilingual environments. At the conclusion of their secondary studies, students may pursue either the International Baccalaureate diploma — one of the most widely recognised university entrance qualifications in the world — or the Swiss Maturity, the national Swiss leaving certificate that carries its own strong reputation with universities across Europe and beyond. What distinguishes ENSR in a region that is itself home to a remarkable concentration of international institutions is the combination of its historical rootedness and its forward-looking academic framework. Lausanne is a city accustomed to international arrivals, sitting as it does on the northern shore of Lake Geneva surrounded by the Alps, and ENSR fits naturally into this environment. The campus benefits from the cultural richness of a city that hosts numerous international organisations and attracts professionals from across the globe, giving the student community a genuinely diverse and outward-looking character. For relocating families weighing their options in French-speaking Switzerland, ENSR offers something that newer institutions simply cannot replicate: more than a century of experience educating children from around the world, delivered through programmes that remain fully aligned with contemporary international expectations.