British schools in Luxembourg: options in a multilingual country
British, European and international schools in Luxembourg, how the trilingual public system works, and how international families choose between them.
Luxembourg is one of the most international countries in Europe, with almost half the population holding a foreign nationality, plus EU institutions and a large financial sector. As a result, families have an unusually wide choice of schools for a small country.
The main options
- Private British and international schools. English-curriculum schools leading to IGCSE and A-Level, and international schools offering the IB.
- European Schools. Two European Schools in Luxembourg, primarily for the children of EU staff, leading to the European Baccalaureate.
- Public international schools. Luxembourg has opened free public schools that follow the European Schools’ curriculum, with sections in English and other languages. These are open to residents, subject to places.
- Luxembourgish public schools. Free and multilingual (Luxembourgish, German and French), suited to long-term residents.
Choosing between them
| Option | Language | Cost | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| British/international private school | English | Fee-paying | Short or medium stays; UK return |
| European School | Mother-tongue section | Free for EU staff; fees for others | EU institution families |
| Public European-curriculum school | English or other section | Free | Residents wanting English-language education without fees |
| Luxembourgish public school | Lux/German/French | Free | Long-term residents, young children |
Practical points
- Most schools are in and around Luxembourg City, especially Kirchberg and the western suburbs. Many families commute from nearby France, Belgium or Germany. Check how cross-border residence affects eligibility.
- Places in the free public international schools are sought after. Apply early.
- The multilingual environment is an opportunity: children in any school will hear several languages every day.
See also: British vs IB vs American and Belgium.
Directory: British schools in Luxembourg
| School | City | Ages | Curricula |
|---|---|---|---|
| St George's International School | Luxembourg City | 3–18 | English National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Level, BTEC |
Frequently asked questions
What languages are used in Luxembourg's public schools?
Luxembourg's public system is multilingual. Luxembourgish is used in early years, German is the main language of literacy in primary school, and French becomes increasingly important in secondary. The state has also opened public international schools that teach in English and other languages.
Are there free English-language schools in Luxembourg?
Yes. Luxembourg has public European schools (separate from the EU-staff European Schools) that offer sections in English and other languages free of charge, subject to places. Private British and international schools charge fees.