The stretch of coast from Menton to St Tropez called the French Riviera and a little further inland has been well populated by English and international residents for many years. Popular due to the weather and ease of commuting from most city centre airports across Europe makes the area a realistic commute for many international business people. But what about the families and children ?

If you are moving from the UK or else where in Europe to live in France for whatever reasons, and you have children of school age, the question of education will loom very large in your thoughts and plans. Most people are aware that, in terms of social integration and language learning the younger the child, the less of a worry relocating to France will be. Children of under about 8 years old will usually adjust very quickly, and should flourish in the caring low pressure environment of nursery and primary education in France, but the process of adjustment is quite different for older children. Being taken from a system that you have known all your life, and finding yourself in an alien environment and expected to study and socialise in a foreign language can be stressful.

Luckily, the French Riviera region has a solid choice of international schools for all ages. The region received a huge influx of international families in the early 1970’s due to the construction on the international business park in Sophia Antipolis. Today there are some 20,000 employees in the park meaning there are also many children out there in need of an ‘international education’.

The region is more than capable of offering a rounded education system to these children in the form of ‘International Schools’. The largest schools are EBICA and CIV, both based within the business park, plus the International School of Nice based  a little further away and Fenelon in Grasse. The schools have both French and English sections and bring the children to ‘Baccalaureat International’ qualification. The children throughout their education enjoy a split between English and French within their time at school. There are also sections to cater for other languages such as German, Italian, Spanish and Russian.

If the family believe they won’t be on the French Riviera for a great length of time, then there is the option of placing your child within the English education system at Mougins School bringing them to the level of IGCSE, AS and A level examinations. Mougins International School is also based near to the business park of Sophia Antipolis. Although education at the Mougins International School does come at a high price.

The international schooling system is tough and many parents believe the additional English elements push the children into a world of homework and in general school life is far more intensive than their peers in the UK. However, to graduate with a strong second language in today’s competitive business world is a huge advantage. The important thing to remember is that the school systems are well tested and have been in successful operation for many years.  If you are thinking of buying a house on the French Riviera do your own home work on the international schooling system well in advance as spaces are at a premium.