Founded in 1949 by John Corlette, it occupies a spectacular position on a sheltered plateau high in the Swiss Alps, in the French-speaking village of Chesières-Villars. From here it looks across the Rhône Valley towards the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif. There excellent new facilities, including science laboratories, computer centre and music department (with recording studio). The junior school is located on the same campus, sharing staff and facilities with the middle and senior schools. The school day begins with meditation (the equivalent of assembly) to promote a habit of reflection. There is a strong pastoral care system and houses are designed to create a collaborative and supportive environment. A large staff permits a staff:pupil ratio of about 1:6. A great deal of time and energy is devoted to maintaining academic rigour within a positive and supportive atmosphere. The students are from many international backgrounds, representing over 52 nationalities. Classes are taught in English and pupils take IGCSEs and the IB Diploma as well as IELTS and US American College Board exams. Academic results are strong and leavers go on to universities around the world, including leading institutions on both sides of the Atlantic. Music, drama and art are also strong and there is a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Sports and games are well catered for, with a variety of sporting surfaces, a fitness room, and access to swimming pools, a skating rink and extensive ski slopes. The school operates a unique outdoor expeditions programme featuring ski-mountaineering, rock climbing, kayaking and camping. Cultural excursions are arranged annually to major European cities. There is a considerable commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and the whole school is concerned with community services - within the school, the local community and with international service projects around the world.
Pupils: Total age range 9-18; 346 pupils, 65 day (33 boys, 32 girls), 281 boarding (171 boys, 110 girls). Junior department 9-13. Senior department 13-18. Entrance: Main entry is 9, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used.
Limited number of scholarships and bursaries; these are needs-based and awarded to those with both high academic ability and self-motivation. Up to 3 sixth-form scholarships covering full fees. Some bursaries for existing students, up to 50% of fees.
More than 80% live outside the UK.
Head Master: Richard McDonald in post from 2009. Educated at Christ’s Hospital and Oxford University (modern languages). Previously Director of Collège Alpin Beau Soleil, Switzerland, Head Master of Aiglon and taught at Charterhouse and Christ’s Hospital. Also Chairman of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS), regularly chairs CIS accreditation teams, former director of Round Square association of schools; founder member of the Villars Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and President of the Villars & Chablais Cricket Club. Teaching staff: approx. 63 full time, 28 part time. Annual turnover 7%.
IGCSE: 52 in Year 11. 96% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects (average in 7.7 subjects). A-levels: 54 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.4 subjects. First IB exam results not yet available.
Almost all sixth form leavers go on to degree courses, mostly to universities in North America or Europe, including to Oxbridge, Ivy League universities in US and business schools in Switzerland.
IGCSE and IB Diploma programme introduced in 2010; also SAT and IELTS. 30 subjects to IB-level, Special provision: Full-time learning development specialist for diagnosis and support work; intensive ESL support in main school. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to IGCSE and IB; some languages offered outside the timetable. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject at IGCSE and across the later school curriculum. 300 computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups, including choir, orchestra, jazz/rock ensembles, folk group, junior band and junior recorder group. Drama and dance: Drama and dance offered; pupils may take IGCSE and IB-level drama. Pupils involved in school and house productions (recent productions include Woyzeck and Amadeus). Art and design: On average 25 take IGCSE, 20 IB-level. Pupils go on to top art schools in UK and US.
Sport: Alpine skiing, ski racing, ski-touring, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, athletics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, cross-country, squash, climbing, tennis, skating, dance, football. Teams very successful in competition with other independent schools; outstanding achievements in skiing, soccer and basketball. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service available to all ages, within the local community and overseas projects eg India, Africa and Peru; pupils widely involved in international service projects organised by the school or Round Square Association. Other activities include cooking, crafts, recycling, yoga, ballet, mountain biking, rugby, film, photography, bee keeping, martial arts, life drawing, ceramic painting, astronomy and telescope painting.
Uniform: School uniform worn; by the sixth form only for formal occasions. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (for sport; and provide leadership and service opportunities). Head boy and girl (school guardians), house prefects and house captains - appointed by Head Master and houseparents. School council discusses student welfare. Social: Social trips and events organised by students, under adult supervision; strong cultural element in events. Round Square projects abroad and exchanges with other Round Square schools. Sixth form allowed alcohol at restricted times and with parental consent.
Respectful and collaborative relationships between staff and pupils are the foundation of discipline. High standards of conduct are inculcated and expected. Any pupil caught supplying drugs will be expelled immediately; regular drug and alcohol testing is conducted.
5% have own study bedrooms; others share with 1-3. Single sex houses of approx 45. Resident qualified nurses; doctors in village. Termly parents' weekend; half term; weekend exeats if authorised by houseparents. Visits to the village are allowed at fixed times according to age.
Alumni Association, c/o Rachel Davies, the Alumni Relations Manager (alumni@aiglon.ch )
Abishek Bachchan (actor); Sheherazade Goldsmith (British author and environmentalist); Leka, Crown Prince of Albania; Roger C Field (inventor and musician).
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