Luxembourg has a huge choice of schooling systems in several languages. Here's a guide to help you navigate education choices.
sarita rao
It's compulsory in the Grand Duchy for children to attend school between the ages of 4 years to 16 years. Children are automatically enrolled when you register at your local commune unless you provide a School Certificate showing they are enrolled at another school.
We've put together a list of schools, but if you have just arrived, here are a few things to consider.
How long you plan to stay. If you generally move around every few years, then an international school might be the best option. If you plan to return to your native education system (non UK/American or French) then the European schools might be a good option. If you prefer to integrate your family fully into Luxembourg then the free local system might be your best option.
What languages your children currently speak and what languages you want them to speak. Luxembourg is a multi-lingual country and it's not unheard of for children to be learning three languages at school whilst speaking two further languages at home. Find out more about the implications of raising multilingual children.
Entrance tests – some schools require an entrance test to be sat by a child in maths or specific languages and ask for an interview or meeting.
School intake year – some school years take children born between September to August, others January to December. Whether your child is the oldest or the youngest in the year, and what stage they will enter school, will depend on his or her birth date, so check this with a school.
Qualifications – there's a great choice at secondary level between technical qualifications, European Baccalaureate, Luxembourgish diploma, International Baccalaureate and GCSE A'levels. Consider your own child's preferred learning style (all rounder or specialist) and subjects they are interested in.
Location – traffic in peak hours can be horrendous so consider the journey to school and access to public or school transport.
Schoolhours – it may seem strange, but children can attend school for very different hours per week, so check the timetable of each school. Some attend a uniform number of hours a day, some have longer and shorter days, and finishing times can vary greatly, with some schools closing during lunch.
Wraparound care – if you both work, find out about wraparound care provided by a school, the costs and spaces available.
School fees – school fees can vary greatly, with some International schools charging in excess of 20,000 Euros per year. Will your employer be picking up the tab or contributing towards school fees, and for how many years?
Size – some local village schools are small, while other schools incorporate ages 4-19 years on one campus.
Applications times – where possible we have stated these, but things can change, schools can grow, so keep an eye on school websites for up to date details.
Ask around – there are plenty of forums where parents are happy to discuss and share their education experiences in Luxembourg.
State local schools
Fundamental education covers the first 9 years of school and is divided in Luxembourg into 4 cycles. Secondary education lasts between six or seven years. Pupils preparing for higher studies attend a general secondary school whilst those likely to enter work after school attend technical secondary schools. More information on the overall system is available here.
Luxembourgish is the language used to communicate, and students in primary are taught to read in German, and later French. If your child does not know these languages, they will be given support with languages and integration, corresponding to their age. More information is provided here.
Children normally attend fundamental education in their communes but can attend secondary education outside of the commune. There is a school service for newly arrived children over the age of 12 years, providing different options dependent on level of language skills and languages spoken.
State funded international schools
Lycée Michel Lucius (International school)
Located in City campuses in Limpertsberg, this Lycée offers an English language curriculum from ages 6 through to 18+ years and follows the international GCSE O' level and A' level qualifications.
Application process: primary school applications can be made here. Exams in English and Maths may be required for secondary school application (depending on age and whether your child is a native English speaker), the details of which are listed here.
You can find out more about GCSEs (also available at St George's School), here.
Website: www.lml.lu
International School Differdange & Esch-sur-Alzette
With French, German, Portuguese and English linguistic sections, it operates to the European School system, but does not charge a registration fee. Taking children aged 5/6 to 18+ years in primary and secondary school through the European Baccalaureate qualification. Luxembourgish language classes are also compulsory.
Application process: To register a child for the primary or secondary section click here. Registrations take place in March.
Website: portal.education.lu
Lënster Lycée in Junglinster
The International School Junglinster follows the European School programme
Photo: Serge Daleiden
The International School Junglinster, part of the Lënster Lycée offers the European School curriculum in English and German, at kindergarten level (ages 4 to 6 years), primary level (ages 6 to 11 years) and secondary level (currently ages 11 to 14 years or the 3rd year of secondary).
You can find more information here about enrolment and an FAQ about the school system.
Website: http://lensterlycee.lu/offer-international-2/
International School Mondorf-les-Bains
Similar to its sister school in the south, this school operates a European School system in French, German and English languages. It's relatively new, and currently offers spaces in primary 1 and 2 classes and secondary 1 to 3 classes. You can take a look at the primary timetable here, and the secondary one here.
Website: https://portal.education.lu/eimlb/
Lycée Edward Steichen in Clervaux
The international section of this school offers the European School system in English, French and German at secondary level only (aged 11 years and over).
You can apply for a place here.
Website: https://www.lesc.lu/offre-scolaire-internationale/
You can find more information on the European Baccalaureatehere.
Athénée de Luxembourg
Athénée offers secondary education from 11 to 18+ years with the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Students must take six subjects at IB level including English, French and Maths.
Application process: Applications can be made in the first year (7th grade) and fourth year (10th grade) of secondary school. Registration forms are available here, and tests in English/Maths for 7th grade and English/Maths/French for 10th grade are held in July.
Website: http://www.al.lu/index.php/welcome
Private international schools
St George's International School Luxembourg
St George's provides education for children aged 3 to 18+ years following the National Curriculum of England and Wales leading to International GCSE A'levels. School fees are approximately 8-15,000 Euros per year depending on the age/stage of the child.
Admissions process: A non-refundable application fee of 750 Euros must be made with the application. Places are limited and some year groups can develop waiting lists. To apply click here.
Website: www.st-georges.lu
International School of Luxembourg (ISL)
ISL follows the IB programme
Photo: Anouk Antony
Divided into two sections the school provides education from 3 years through to 18+ years, students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma . School fees range from 14,000 to 17,000+ Euros per year, depending on the age/stage of the child.
Admission process: Children can enrol in January and Augut but may be asked for an interview and tests depending on age/stage of education. Details of the process and timeline can be found here.
Website: www.islux.lu
Over the Rainbow has a French and English speaking section. It provides education for children aged three from nursery up to primary and secondary classes following the European curriculum.
Admission process: Children can enroll throughout the whole school year. School fees range from 8,750 Euros to 10,500 Euros depending on the age/stage of the child.
Website: overtherainbow.lu
European schools (not state funded)
European School II in Mamer has classes in English, German, French, Italian, Danish and Greek
Photo: Serge Waldbillig
Two schools in Kirchberg (Lux 1) and Mamer (Lux 2) provide education for children aged 3-4 to 18+ years to attain the European Baccalaureate. Priority is given to children of employees of the European institutions in Luxembourg, but spaces are available for a fee to category 3 (non EU institution employees). Both campuses cover English, German and French languages whilst Kirchberg also has Nordic languages, Portuguese and Spanish, and Mamer has classes in Italian, Danish and Greek. More information on languages represented can be found here.
Admission process: Enrolment is usually April/May, with the application process here. Fees range from approximately 3-6,500 Euros depending on the age/stage of the child.
Website: www.eursc.eu
Technical college in English
The Lycée technique privé Émile Metz offers classes after the "5e" class taught in English providing training for future technicians in electronics, mechanics and IT. This secondary school also offers a training course taught in English leading to the aircraft maintenance licence.
Non-English language private schools in Luxembourg
saintesophie.lu/fr/accueil
www.epf.lu
www.vauban.lu
www.epmc.lu
www.poussins.lu
web.cathol.lu
www.ecole-montessori.lu
kalinka.lu
The Lycée Technique du Centre is state funded and offers the IB in French.
The Luxembourgish government publishes the Welcome to Luxembourgish Schoolsbrochure for newly-arrived parents and children.
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