Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
| Number of students |
300 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
50 |
| Most common nationality |
Swiss
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| Ratio of local students to international students |
50% of the Le Régent student body are day students - many from non-Swiss families who have relocated to Crans-Montana for various reasons, including its quality of life with access to international education. Most secondary students are boarders, usually from outside Switzerland, and we currently welcome students from 50 countries around the world. |
| Native English and French speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and French |
As English is not the “mother tongue” of many Régents, the school has a sensitive support structure to ensure they can integrate the mainstream classes as quickly as possible. Entrance tests and ongoing assessment allow us to identify language ability and the type of support required by each student. Our approach is flexible and tailored to the individual’s needs. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Italian, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Norwegian, Japanese, Bulgarian, Swahili |
| Max. number of students per class |
16 |
| Average number of students per class |
10 to 12 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
All students receive a MacBook Air or iPad depending on their age, enabling us to provide the right type of learning, at the right time, in the right place. It also permits internet filtering and management to ensure appropriate internet use at home and in school. Technology is also a key part of Challenge-based learning weeks, which focus on teamwork, real-world engagement, creativity and critical thinking: this method of learning is at the heart of learning experiences and curriculum design. It is significant that after only four years, RIS became one of only three Apple Distinguished schools in Switzerland – recognised by Apple for its innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching and the school environment, and with documented results of academic accomplishment. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, we did that in March 2020 and it was a successful experience. Being an ADS school with Google educators made virtual teaching easily rolled out and implemented for all. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
We encourage all our students to develop their personal spirituality through our reflection times. Those who practise a religion are given as many chances to worship as possible. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
We encourage all our students to develop their personal spirituality through our reflection times. Those who practise a religion are given as many chances to worship as possible. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSEs are optional and many students who arrive during the two-year course do not sit them so statistics are not meaningful.
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| Results in these examinations |
Pass rate: 100% (world: 80%)
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| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Our students are aged 3 to 18 so it depends on the age group. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
We assist students in developing skills and strategies to achieve success in their mainstream classes and work closely with classroom teachers to minimise any barriers to learning. Students may have an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) so that all adults understand how best to accommodate their different learning needs. Our approach to learning support also includes the use of in-class strategies, access arrangements for students for exams, or individual additional lessons. We also offer learning support sessions, where students with additional needs and barriers to learning can be supported on a one-to-one basis following an individualised programme. Students are coached and given access to strategies to assist in overcoming those barriers. The key to a successful learning support experience is a collaborative approach with parents and other professionals. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Le Régent offers a flexible and bespoke academic programme. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
A rolling admissions policy operates and as in most international schools, students can be admitted at any age - although the most popular are UK years 9, 10 and 12 (for the IB). The student’s level of English is increasingly important for older age groups although this can be compensated by excellence in other areas. Overall academic ability is a key element in the decision since all students will follow at least IB certificate courses and the vast majority the full IB diploma. The procedure is thorough but typical -- school reports, recommendations, tests, interviews and ideally a visit to the school. Under 10% of the student body receives fee assistance. A small number of IB scholarships are awarded: these are generous amounting to about 75% of normal fees. They are usually means-tested so as to favour students who might not otherwise be able to attend a school of this standard. |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We operate a rolling admissions procedure, so there is no cut-off date – although the sooner the better of course. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, they are welcome to join during the school year. Some students come every year from Italy for the winter term to enjoy our ski programme. In the winter term skiing takes centre stage; all students have ski lessons with qualified ski, snowboarding and freestyle instructors (3 times a week) so they have a different timetable. (See above.) |
| School start time |
Days start with tutor meetings or reflection sessions at 8:15 and lessons at 8:30. After-school activities start at about 5:00 … but Le Régent lives to the rhythm of the seasons and although structures stay pretty much the same with eight 45-minute periods per day, skiing means that three (or for the IB students two) full afternoons per week in the winter are on the nearby slopes (without counting weekend skiing options). So, timetables change from season to season allowing golf, horse-riding and much more in the autumn, spring and summer. And, of course, Long Expeditions punctuate the terms too meaning that the year feels remarkably varied. |
| School finish time |
Days start with tutor meetings or reflection sessions at 8:15 and lessons at 8:30. After-school activities start at about 5:00 … but Le Régent lives to the rhythm of the seasons and although structures stay pretty much the same with eight 45-minute periods per day, skiing means that three (or for the IB students two) full afternoons per week in the winter are on the nearby slopes (without counting weekend skiing options). So, timetables change from season to season allowing golf, horse-riding and much more in the autumn, spring and summer. And, of course, Long Expeditions punctuate the terms too meaning that the year feels remarkably varied. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes |
| School bus service available |
Yes, we own many minibuses and drive our students to and from. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes. Our school restaurant management company develops menus in support of sustainable nutrition. In other words, cook with seasonal and local produce, reduce animal protein intake while providing wholesome balanced meals and reducing food waste. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
We always have vegetarian and vegan options. |
| Uniform required |
Yes, and it is very contemporary and elegant-casual. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
All Régents are encouraged to express themselves creatively. A tremendous range of instruments is taught, and students have the opportunity to join music ensembles, orchestra, choirs, and to perform in informal and formal concerts. A variety of art disciplines include oil-painting, print-making, ceramics, textiles, photography, mixed-media work and sculpture. A programme of productions involves all age groups throughout the year. The students participate in the House public speaking and reading competitions, which at an early age develop the key skill of clear, confident communication to a large audience.
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| Sports activities included |
Many schools quote the maxim “a healthy mind in a healthy body”, but there are few places where it is as true as at Le Régent. Our classrooms are outdoors as well as indoors and with an alpine setting like ours, that is no wonder.
In autumn and summer, Régents practise football, basketball, volleyball, rugby, indoor hockey, fitness, squash and badminton. In the winter term skiing obviously takes center stage; all students have ski lessons with qualified ski, snowboarding and freestyle instructors. All Régents can take private tennis, ballet, yoga/pilates and horse riding lessons.
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| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, we take part in SGIC sports competitions and organise our own ski races. |
| Facilities at the school |
The two libraries, at the heart of the junior and secondary/senior campuses, are bright and spacious, providing a special atmosphere conducive to independent learning. Both offer a blend of tradition and innovation, benefiting from the latest e-resources. The school boasts a large sports hall housing two tennis and three squash courts. Our multi-purpose room is perfectly suited for rehearsals and LAMDA lessons and the Congress centre is ideal for our school shows. Our labs are EPFL standards and our visual art rooms are highly inspirational. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
A large sports hall, 2 tennis courts, 4 squash courts, a basketball court, a beach-volleyball court, a synthetic football pitch. And of course, at our doorstep are Crans-sur-Sierre Golf course and the skiing area with 140 km of pistes topped by the Pointe de la Plaine Morte at 2,927m. |
| Grades/ages available for boarding |
From Grade 6 (aged 12) |
| Boarding facilities at the school |
We offer our boarders the complete Le Régent boarding experience in a modern campus located at an altitude of 1500 meters above the sea. In the junior boarding house, boys and girls live on separate floors, looked after and provided for by resident houseparents. Small numbers and the special care given to the children’s welfare, together with a real family atmosphere, ensure a harmonious and happy life. The Secondary building has two boarding houses, one for the girls and one for the boys; they are looked after by resident houseparents. They are experienced in running efficient, caring, friendly and purposeful international boarding school communities. Each room accommodates up to three students. Houseparents are supported by tutors and there is a residential staff on each floor. Additional senior boarding facilities will be ready by September 2023. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Le Régent, an IB World School and Apple Distinguished School, is the youngest and the most progressive international boarding and day school in Switzerland. Academic excellence, technology, and sport flourish at 1,500m in the unique environment of Crans-Montana, surrounded by 4000m peaks in the sunniest and most mountainous of Swiss cantons. Purpose-built for children aged 3 to 18, Le Régent offers a flexible and bespoke academic programme leading to IGCSEs, the IB and the Régent Graduation Diploma - which combines IB certificates with specialist sports tracks in golf and skiing. Le Régent takes full advantage of Crans-Montana’s magnificent skiing, hiking paradise, privileged microclimate, and Switzerland’s finest golf course. Synonymous with challenges, adventure, expeditions and activities, creativity and wellbeing, the unique experience offered at Le Régent is designed to stretch students both physically and mentally, deepen their cultural understanding while giving breadth and depth to academic learning. Le Régent Outdoor education programme and its expeditions. In our remarkable environment, the Outdoor Education programme inspires and empowers young people, while building the resilience required for both the professional and personal sphere. The Crans-Montana area is a perfect setting for a superb range of activities, led by qualified and experienced professionals, creating moments of self-discovery and increased environmental awareness.
Le Régent is unique amongst Swiss international schools in having LAMDA as part of its curriculum.
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| Teaching approach of the school |
Le Régent’s mission is to develop: - academic, sporting and artistic talents through rigorous international programmes
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