About us
Welcome to Brillantmont
A family owned school with 135 years of experience…
Brillantmont International School is a fully accredited day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 12-18 in the centre of Lausanne. The school provides internationally recognised academic programmes taught in English, which allow students to enter universities throughout the world.
With 130 students from over 35 different nationalities, Brillantmont is very much an international school, which values cultural diversity.
Since its foundation in 1882, Brillantmont has belonged to the same family and we are proud of our homely environment in which every student can reach their full potential.
We would be delighted to welcome you at Brillantmont so you can see first-hand what makes Brillantmont so special.
But first, enjoy this film made by our staff and students giving you an overview of Brillantmont.
Lausanne
Lausanne is the pride of the Lake Geneva region
Brillantmont is in the centre of the beautiful city of Lausanne, in the French speaking area of Switzerland, close to other European countries. Our students arrive at Geneva International Airport, which is a forty minute drive away, with many direct international flights. Switzerland is a safe, neutral country with a strong tradition of discretion and security amongst its multicultural, open-minded population.
Lausanne is a safe city, overlooking Lake Léman (often called Lake Geneva), with a population of around 150'000 inhabitants. Lausanne is a fantastic place to live and study because it offers all the advantages of city life, yet the mountains, ski resorts and nature are within half an hour’s drive. Classes benefit from going to exhibitions or local places of interest through field trips and in their free time Brillantmont students enjoy the city’s lively shopping area, numerous cafe, restaurants and many cultural facilities (theatres, opera, galleries). Students can also practise their faith in one of the city’s many religious establishments (Anglican or Catholic churches, synagogue, mosque).
As you would expect of a city which is home to the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne has outstanding sports facilities of which Brillantmont students take advantage. We are proud that Lausanne will be the host city for the Youth Olympic Games in 2020, bringing together elite young winter sports athletes from all over the world. Brillantmont students can look forward to celebrating this remarkable event and to benefiting from world-class, up-to-date sports facilities.
In the Lausanne area and further afield in different cities and regions of beautiful, safe Switzerland, there is more than enough to keep our students busy!
Lausanne is famous for its excellent higher education establishments, such as the Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne the EPFL and the IMD.
Campus
Campus: a leafy haven in the city centre
Brillantmont has eight buildings in total, in large, beautiful, secure gardens. At the heart of the campus, lies the multi-purpose sports court, with a clay tennis court set further down. Our multi-purpose hall (the Françoise Frei-Huguenin Sports and Cultural Centre) offers a vast range of sporting facilities as well as performance arts spaces, including an 100m2 stage. Many school events and celebrations take place here.
The buildings date from the early 1900s, yet behind their old-worldy charm, are modern, well-equipped, comfortable classrooms and boarding areas. All houses have security codes on the doors and at all times, whether in or out of school, students' safety is paramount.
Enjoy a film made by staff and students giving you an overview of Brillantmont. On our Youtube channel you can find out more about the school.
Who’s who
“I like the fact that the school is Swiss-owned and run. Too often one sees schools operating in Switzerland that lack the sensitivity for Swiss traditions and how things work in here; not at Brillantmont.”
Mrs Oehrli, parent
Who’s who
THE SCHOOL BOARD
Anne Frei, Co-owner, President of the School Board
Corinne Frei, Co-owner
Eric Frei, Co-owner
Philippe Pasche, Director
THE SCHOOL DIRECTION
Philippe Pasche, Director
Geraldine Boland, Deputy Director
MARKETING DEPARTMENT
Sarah Frei, Head of Marketing
History
School history
1st generation
- 1882: Brillantmont is founded.
- 1896: The current property is purchased.
2nd generation
- 1928: There are now seven buildings in all.
- 1930: Opening of a secondary school section following the French curriculum.
3rd generation
- 1948: English GCE and American High School sections are established.
- 1968: The day school programme becomes co-educational.
4th generation
- 1983: Brillantmont is accredited by the European Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
- 1992: The boarding school programme becomes co-educational.
- 2002: Brillantmont is awarded Fellowship Centre Status by Cambridge International Examinations for its commitment to and involvement with Cambridge International Examinations.
- 2007: Brillantmont becomes one of a group of schools to be officially recognized by the Swiss Confederation which creates a “Swiss Private School Register”, grouping together accredited schools.
- 2007: Brillantmont becomes a founding member of Swiss Learning, an association which groups together top quality schools in Switzerland and organises promotional events all over the world.
5th generation
- 2009: Launch of revised website and private, personalised intranet area including online gradebooks, daily register and homework.
- 2011: Opening of the Middle School – welcoming students from aged 11 into Grades 6- 8.
- 2012: Opening of the Françoise Frei-Huguenin Sports and Cultural Centre – an exciting new facility in the heart of the campus.