Top 10 English-Language Schools in Europe

You don’t have to move to the US or the UK to receive a high-quality education in English. Many non-English speaking European countries — such as Germany, France, Portugal, and Spain — have schools offering full IB programs and other prestigious qualifications. These schools provide excellent academic training, and their diplomas open doors to the world’s top universities.

Today, we present 10 of the best schools outside the UK where students can receive a world-class education — entirely in English. Especially relevant for those who already live or plan to relocate to Europe.

1. Institut Le Rosey (Switzerland)

Location: Rolle and Gstaad, Switzerland.

The school has two campuses: the main campus is located in Rolle (Vaud canton), on the shores of Lake Geneva; in winter (January to March), students move to the Gstaad campus (Bern canton).

Format: Boarding school.

Curriculum and language of instruction:

Le Rosey offers instruction in both English and French. Students can choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the French Baccalaureate. In addition to academic excellence, the school places great emphasis on personal development.

Age: 8 to 18 years old.

Key features and interesting facts:

• State-of-the-art sports facilities, private yacht club, equestrian center, theaters, and art studios.
• Student-teacher ratio is approximately 4:1.
• Small class sizes ensure individualized attention.
• Accredited by NEASC, IBO, CIS, ECIS, as well as French national accreditation.
• Ranked among the top 10 private schools in Switzerland (according to The Schools Index).

Number of students: Approximately 400.

Tuition: Around CHF 125,000 per year (including tuition, boarding, meals, and most activities).

Unique advantages:

• Exceptional preparation for admission to top universities worldwide.
• Exclusive international community with students from across the globe.
• Comprehensive program including culture, sports, arts, STEM, and leadership development.
• Rich history, prestige, and a strong alumni network.

2. International School of Düsseldorf (ISD), Germany

Location: Düsseldorf–Kaiserswerth, Germany.

The school is located in the prestigious green neighborhood of Kaiserswerth in Düsseldorf, just minutes from the city center. It offers a convenient location both for local families and for those relocating to Germany for work.

Format: Private day school.

Curriculum and language of instruction:

Instruction is entirely in English. ISD offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) program — from Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP). Students can choose from over 50 IB courses, allowing them to build a strong academic foundation for admission to top universities worldwide.

Age: 3 to 18 years old.

Number of students: Approximately 1,300.

Key features and interesting facts:

Founded in 1968, ISD is one of the oldest international schools in Europe. Students from over 50 countries study here in a friendly, multicultural environment. The school features 3 libraries, 7 modern science laboratories, sports complexes, theater stages, art studios, and a design center.

Tuition: Varies by program and student’s age, averaging between €22,000 and €30,000 per year.

Unique advantages:

• Full IB curriculum (from PYP to DP), preparing students for admission to leading universities worldwide.
• Experienced faculty and highly personalized learning approach.
• Wide range of extracurricular activities: sports, music, arts, debate, and Model United Nations.
• Supportive, family-like atmosphere with strong student support services.
• Consistently high academic results in IB examinations.

3. Copenhagen International School (Denmark)

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark.

CIS’s modern campus is located in the newly developed Nordhavn district of Copenhagen — directly on the waterfront, in an eco-friendly building designed for student comfort and inspiration.

Format: Day school (non-boarding).

Curriculum and language of instruction:

Instruction is delivered in English across all levels of the IB program — PYP, MYP, and the IB Diploma. Additional language options include Danish (starting from early grades), as well as French, German, and Spanish.

Age: 3 to 18 years old (Pre-K to Grade 12).

Number of students: Approximately 930.

Key features and interesting facts:

• The uniquely designed eco-friendly campus features a theater, three gymnasiums, a design studio, and two green rooftops — creating an innovative space that fosters student creativity.
• Students from over 80 countries study at CIS. Many graduates go on to study at top universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, and Harvard.

Unique advantages:

• Outstanding campus architecture, facilities, and sustainability.
• Full IB curriculum with strong academic preparation.
• Vibrant multicultural environment.
• Globally recognized academic standards and excellent university placement record.

4. Lycée International de Saint Germain en Laye (France)

Location: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Yvelines (western suburb of Paris), France.

This renowned public lycée is located in the historic Parc d’Hennemont near the Château of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Its green, peaceful campus offers a welcoming atmosphere for learning and social interaction.

Format: Public day school — primary, middle, and high school levels.

Curriculum and language of instruction:

A hybrid educational model: 14 national sections (including British and American), with core instruction following the French national curriculum and approximately 20% of classes taught in English (English literature, history, and geography). The British section prepares students for iGCSE and OIB (Option Internationale du Baccalauréat) — international versions of the British GCSE and the French Baccalaureate.

Age: 3 to 18 years old.

Number of students: Approximately 1,800.

Key features and interesting facts:

• Founded in 1952 on the initiative of General Eisenhower, blending French and English-language education.
• Flexible “externé” model: students from nearby schools attend the lycée for half-day sessions.
• The British section has around 850 students; the American section about 700.
• Active participation in cultural life: section festivals, Model UN, concerts, exhibitions, and charity events.
• Specialized French language support (Français Spécial) for students new to French.

Unique advantages:

• Combination of the French education system with national programs taught in English.
• Wide choice of sections and languages, creating a rich multicultural environment.
• Internationally recognized programs providing access to top universities worldwide.
• Opportunities for involvement in cultural, media, and diplomatic projects beyond academics.

5. St. Peter’s School (Barcelona, Spain)

Location: Central Barcelona, Les Corts district.

Format: Private day school.

Curriculum and language of instruction:

The main language of instruction is English. St. Peter’s is the only school in Barcelona offering the full IB continuum — PYP, MYP, and DP. Students also study Spanish, Catalan, French, and additional languages.

Age: Accepts children from 1 year old (nursery) up to 18 years old (DP2).

Number of students: Approximately 800.

Key features and interesting facts:

• The only school in Catalonia with a dedicated science lab for children aged 0–6.
• The curriculum includes cutting-edge topics such as blockchain, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology.
• Graduates consistently achieve high IB scores (average 35+, with some students earning 45+).
• Ranked as Spain’s best school by Forbes magazine.

Tuition: From €10,040 to €20,690 per year (depending on age); annual enrollment fee ranges from €3,800 to €7,200.

Unique advantages:

• Full IB Continuum taught in English — a rare offering in the region.
• Early STEM education with a science lab for young learners.
• Future-oriented curriculum: blockchain and AI from early grades.
• High academic achievements and recognition in prestigious rankings.
• Vibrant international community and active student life.

6. The British School of Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Location: Central Amsterdam, Havenstraat.

Format: Private day school.

Curriculum and language of instruction:

All instruction is in English. Younger students follow the British National Curriculum, while older students can choose between A Levels or the IB Diploma (average IB score ~36; 40% of students score 40+ points).

Age: 3 to 18 years old.

Number of students: Approximately 1,200.

Key features and interesting facts:

The school is officially accredited as a British School Overseas and is a member of the prestigious Council of International Schools (CIS). Class sizes are capped at 24 students. Children from more than 50 nationalities study here, and the extracurricular program includes numerous clubs, sports, and creative activities. The school provides extensive support for students learning English (EAL: English as an Additional Language) as well as for those with special educational needs (SEN).

Tuition:

• Nursery: €9,375 – €18,750 (depending on schedule).
• Junior School (Years 2–6): ~€20,300.
• Senior School (Years 7–13): ~€21,500.
• Additional fees: Exams (~€375), registration (€750–€2,000), and, if needed, special learning support (up to €44,763).

Unique advantages:

• Choice between A Levels and IB Diploma.
• Strong academic results with personalized student support.
• Extensive extracurricular options — sports, arts, languages.
• Prestigious international accreditations.
• Convenient central Amsterdam location with relocation support for families.

7. American School of Paris (France)

Location: Saint-Cloud, a green suburb of Paris. The campus covers approximately 10,000 m² and is just 30 minutes from the city center.

Format: Private day school.

Curriculum and language of instruction:

Instruction is entirely in English, following the American curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12. In high school, students can earn both the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, which the school has offered successfully since 1979. The average IB score is around 36, well above the global average: over 90% of students score 30+ points, and 16% achieve 40+.

Age: 3 to 18 years old.

Number of students: Approximately 800.

Key features and interesting facts: 

Students come from more than 50 countries. Around 42% are American and 17% French. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention. The school offers strong language support (EAL) for students new to English, as well as support for students with special educational needs (SEN). In addition to IB, Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available, giving high schoolers even more pathways to top global universities. 

Unique advantages:

• Dual diploma option: High School Diploma and IB Diploma.
• Strong academic performance: average IB score ~36.
• Over 90% of graduates score 30+ on IB exams.
• Wide selection of AP and IB courses.
• Multinational student body (50+ countries) with professional language support.
• Excellent university preparation for the US, Europe, and Asia.

8. International School of Geneva — La Châtaigneraie (Switzerland)

Location: La Châtaigneraie campus is located in the picturesque suburb of Mies, near Geneva, between the Alps and Lake Geneva.

Format: Day school.

Curriculum and language of instruction:

Instruction is offered in both English and French. The school offers the full IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP) alongside the Swiss-French Maturité, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their academic and linguistic goals.

Age: 3 to 18 years old.

Number of students: Approximately 1,000.

Key features and interesting facts:

La Châtaigneraie is one of the three campuses of the renowned International School of Geneva (Ecolint), considered the world’s oldest international school. The campus itself dates back to 1908 and has been part of Ecolint since 1973. It was among the first schools to adopt the IB program when it was founded in 1968.

Students study in a modern campus equipped with laboratories, a theater, sports facilities, and spacious green areas. The bilingual environment and dual programs prepare graduates for entrance to top universities worldwide.

Tuition: Varies by age and program. Most programs range from CHF 25,000 to CHF 37,000 per year. Full details are available on the school’s website.

Unique advantages:

• Two prestigious programs: IB and Swiss-French Maturité.
• One of the oldest and most respected international schools in the world.
• Scenic Alpine location with modern facilities.
• High-level bilingual education.
• Graduates are well-prepared to continue their studies anywhere in the world.

9. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (Portugal)

Location: Linhó (Sintra), a suburb of Lisbon — about 20 minutes from the city center.

Format: Private day school.

Curriculum and language of instruction:

Instruction is in English. The school offers both the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in upper grades. Carlucci is the only school in Portugal supported by the U.S. Department of State. It has offered the IB Diploma Programme since 1994. The curriculum places strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Age: 3 to 18 years old.

Number of students: Approximately 700–750.

Key features and interesting facts:

Founded in 1956, Carlucci is considered the oldest American school on the Iberian Peninsula. Its students represent over 50 nationalities. The school offers a rich program of leadership and volunteer opportunities, including participation in student conferences such as Model United Nations (MUN). EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEN (Special Educational Needs) support programs are well-developed.

Tuition: €9,700 to €20,500 per year (depending on grade level and services).

Unique advantages:

• Dual curriculum: American High School Diploma and IB Diploma.
• The only U.S. State Department–accredited American school in Portugal.
• Strong focus on STEM education.
• Diverse international community — 50+ nationalities in a small school setting.
• Robust extracurricular life — MUN, leadership, and volunteer programs.

10. Aiglon College (Switzerland)

Location: Chesières-Villars, canton of Vaud, in the Swiss Alps.

Format: Private boarding and day school.

Curriculum and language of instruction:

The primary language of instruction is English. Students prepare for the IGCSE in middle school and the IB Diploma in the upper school. The academic program is complemented by extensive outdoor education — including hiking, skiing, mountaineering, and rock climbing.

Age: 9 to 18 years old.

Number of students: Approximately 450.

Key features and interesting facts:

Founded in 1949, Aiglon’s educational philosophy emphasizes the balanced development of intellect, physical fitness, and character. Students live in cozy alpine boarding houses, grouped into "houses." All students participate in mandatory outdoor expeditions, including mountain hikes, ski trips, kayaking, and endurance challenges. With its small student body, Aiglon ensures personalized support and close student-teacher relationships.

Tuition: CHF 46,000–150,000 per year (depending on program and boarding/day status).

Unique advantages:

• A holistic model combining academics and physical development.
• Unique outdoor education program in the Swiss Alps.
• Individual attention: student-to-teacher ratio of 5:1.
• High academic achievement in the IB.
• Close-knit international community.
• Emphasis on character building, leadership, and resilience.