School Council & Student Parliament Letter from the Chair
Meet our Board of Governors
Letter from the outgoing Principal Letter from the new Principal
12-17
School Highlights
Primary school highlights
Secondary school highlights
Primary School Council
Secondary Student Parliament
20-29
Celebrating our Community
A multi-cultural environment
Learning through giving Staff appreciation Friends of St George’s Celebrating a sporting hero
Student
Achievement 30-43
Early Years Foundation Stage
Primary School
Secondary School
Results 2024
University destinations
Where in the world are they studying?
The graduates of the class of 2024
St George’s alumni
54-61
Finance
Income and expenditure accounts
Balance sheet
Luxembourg Government Subsidy Law
Stability and Building Fund accounts
Budget 2024
44-53
School Updates
St George’s Eco School
The creative arts Sport at St George’s Nurturing talent
Welcome to Wisdom begins with wonder.
Established in 1990, St George’s International School, Luxembourg delivers an exciting, engaging academic curriculum to more than 850 students aged 3 to 18 years in an environment where they develop the values, knowledge and skills to thrive in a complex world. St George’s students learn how to make a difference, locally and globally. They celebrate creativity, collaboration and innovation. Beyond the rich academic curriculum, St George’s ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn and grow through leadership, social initiatives, the performing arts and sporting achievement.
Letter from the Chair
Stefan Ziegenhagen Chair of the Board of Governors
A “Gudde Moien” to all of you,
The school year 2023/2024 has seen even more change than the previous one. The Board of Governors throughout the year has been working hard to transform and improve the governance of the school by further strengthening the various committees and by bringing the contingent of governors up to its full strength of 15, with the appointment in June 2024 of:
• Ms Edith Brunner (independent)
• Dr Sadie Hollins (independent)
• Mr Douwe Miedema (independent)
• Mr Andrew Notter (parent governor)
• Ms Osemhen Okenyi (parent governor)
• Mr Jean-Francois Steichen (independent)
Diane Ries, who completed her final term in June 2024, was invaluable in her role as Vice Chair and Chair of the school’s HR Committee in addressing many of the challenges that the Board of Governors has been facing in the last two years, giving up an incredible amount of her time. We also say farewell to Hayley Montague after nine years as a governor, and are very happy that she will continue to run the popular Mérite Jeunesse programme (Duke of Edinburgh Awards). A big thank you also to Paul Schonenberg, whose final term ended in 2023, in particular for his strategic foresight and counsel to the Board. Paul will continue to support the school having been appointed as an independent member of the newly created Strategy & Communications Committee. We also thank Patrizia Luchetta for her contributions and advice as governor following her resignation in June 2024 due to her increased professional commitments. A “Grand Merci” to all of you. We simply could not have done it without you. Following in Diane Ries’s footsteps, Mia Aouadi has been appointed Vice Chair and Secretary, while Patrick Schon succeeds Diane as chair of the HR Committee.
The transformation however, with the biggest impact for our school and its future this year was without a doubt Dr Christian Barkei handing over the baton to his successor Mrs Zeba Clarke after 11 years as principal of the school. The Board of Governors appointed Mrs Clarke following a thorough selection process to reinforce and lead the school’s Executive team. Please join me in thanking Dr Barkei for his dedication and work in the past 11 years, and giving Mrs Clarke a warm welcome to our school’s community.
I am also very pleased that the school’s biggest infrastructure, the Elsy Jacobs building, is on track. I am looking forward to the grand opening in the autumn of 2025, once the internal fitting out is completed. Our Vice Chair and Treasurer Christophe Jacamon is pleased to note that the construction is presently on schedule and on budget. During the initial topping-out ceremony for the building on 23rd April 2024, it also became clear that the Luxembourg community wholeheartedly endorsed the naming of the building after the world’s first female cycling champion, hailing from the village of Garnich. The building, when finished, will be one of the very few, if not the only public building in Luxembourg named after a female athlete.
Turning to our students, 2023-2024 was another excellent year for our graduates, with deservedly strong results that will allow so many of them to go to a university or alternative of their choice. As they finally leave their school education behind, it was a proud moment for students, parents and teachers alike to see them off on their graduation day, at the doorstep to more learning for life. As every year, we also say goodbye to a number of other St George’s students, who will complete their school education either here in Luxembourg or other countries. All former St George’s students, wherever they may go in life, will always remain alumni of our school.
In the academic field, developments abound and I won’t steal the thunder of our Heads of School, Ms Nuttall for Primary and Ms Simmonds for Secondary. I am pleased that the school is broadening its educational offering with a renewed focus on BTEC qualifications. Another area of development is teacher training and qualifications.
A number of considerable strategic challenges still lie ahead for the school and the board of Governors, amongst many others the sustainable funding of the school’s activities and to further establish our school as an important player in the educational landscape of Luxembourg. With this in mind I am confident that St George’s International School, Luxembourg ASBL will meet those challenges.
Kind regards
Stefan Ziegenhagen Chair of the Board of Governors
Meet our Board of Governors
M Aouadi
Mr M Savage
N Barrett
Mr P Schon
P Luchetta
Mr Y Somekh
Mr K Wilson Dr G Ziegler
Introducing our Committee Members
During the academic year 2023-24, the following people were committee members of the Finance, Learning & Wellbeing, and Infrastructure committees:
Infrastructure Committee
Mrs O Akhibi-Okenyi
Mr V Lekens
Learning & Wellbeing Committee
Mrs L Frank
Mrs A Rujoiu
Finance Committee
Mr O Guerrero Luque
Mr S Nye
Mr A Tzanetis
Strategy Committee
Mr P Schonenberg
Mr S Ziegenhagen Chair
Mrs D Ries Vice Chair
Mr C Jacamon Vice Chair
Ms
Ms
Ms L Restivo
Mrs H Montague
Ms
Letter from the outgoing Principal
Dr Christian Barkei
Dear parents and friends of the school,
Welcome to St George’s Annual Report for 2023-2024. This document serves as our formal report to parents and the wider community on the activities of the school during the past school year.
We again had a very busy time with a wide range of artistic, sporting and cultural activities our students were able to undertake both in Luxembourg and internationally.
Our Years 11, 12 and 13 students sat their public examinations and I am delighted by the extensive range of universities and courses our graduating students are now attending. You will find full details of these in our report.
I am very pleased to see the school’s new gymnasium continuing to take shape at the front of the campus. Slated for completion in September 2025 this will offer a substantive addition to our facilities and teaching options.
As I reflect on my time spent at the school I return again and again to the genuine and sustained support the whole school community has offered to local and international charities across the years – whether to cancer or homeless charities in Luxembourg or development projects
in Gambia or Uganda as well as other charities close to individual colleagues and their families in the UK and Europe. As we have developed and grown the school over the past decade it has also always been a great pleasure to meet with families and students at all stages of their time with us – whether in Nursery or Reception or with more senior students considering their IGCSE or A-level choices. The strength of community in the school is remarkable and consistent, and I am particularly proud of the fact that a large number of families have entrusted the education of their children over a long period of time to us. My sincere thanks to all the members of the governing body who have engaged and worked with us over the years to make the school one rightly to be proud of. We are delighted to work closely in cooperation with the Luxembourg
Learning should be accessible to everyone, with every student able to reach their full potential within an environment that is positive and supportive.
Ministries to offer a truly international education to all our students, drawing from the best in Luxembourg but equally maintaining an international mindset. We believe at St George’s that learning should be accessible to everyone, with every student able to achieve their full potential in an environment that is positive and supportive. This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. I am delighted to hand over to Mrs Zeba Clarke who exemplifies these values.
With my best regards,
Letter from the new Principal
Mrs Zeba Clarke
Dear friends and families of St George’s,
Our Annual Report for 2023-2024 has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to get to know and understand the school better in my first months as Principal here. I would like to thank the Governors for their confidence in me, and Dr Barkei for handing over such an amazing school.
I am privileged to be leading a school with such a vibrant student body. Across the school, our Annual Report recalls brilliant performances, exciting local and international trips, distinguished visitors and inspiring sporting endeavours. Now that I have had a chance to meet the students daily, I am even more impressed by their commitment, their curiosity and their relish to take on challenges. I have had the chance to see students of all ages excel on stage, in science competitions, summer schools, and in their determination to find creative ways to help their fellow humans.
Underpinning the achievements of our students are the efforts of our staff. It has been a pleasure getting to know them. They take every opportunity to enrich and celebrate their students, from our tiniest Nursery pupils to our Year 13 graduates. The variety of events and activities described here during the course of the past academic year is a testament to the determination of every staff member, academic and administrative, to provide our students with outstanding opportunities to flourish.
Reading the highlights of 20232024 is also an incentive to look to the future. 2025 marks our 35th anniversary and the opening of the Elsy Jacob building, which will house our new gymnasium and classrooms. It is thrilling to visit the building while it is under construction, to see the views from the top-floor classroom suite, to smell the scent of the wood being used to panel the gymnasium, and to walk past the building daily seeing, on sunny days, the sky reflected in the new windows. We are already exploring ways of using the facility to develop more opportunities for our students both academically and through extra-curricular activities and look forward to inviting our community to the grand opening next year.
Now that I have had a chance to meet the students daily, I am even more impressed by their commitment, their curiosity and their relish to take on challenges.
our students to apply to a wide range of universities. Finally, I would like to thank the parents and the Friends of St George’s for their trust and confidence in us and the invaluable contribution you make to our community. It is a pleasure to meet you in person and to welcome you to our school as you drop your children off, support our students in the Auditorium and work in partnership with us to ensure that every child in our care can thrive.
One of the key ways in which we are extending student choice and inclusion is by enriching our Key Stage 5 offer, introducing international BTEC qualifications that can be taken either with A levels or as stand-alone courses that will equip
Zeba Clarke Principal
School Highlights
Highlights in Primary
Ms Claire Nuttall Headteacher (Primary)
Every year the school seems to build on past experiences with wonderful events and teaching moments. This year we have looked at the future of learning to see how we can ensure that our children are ready for the future. As life has become more sedentary, we have looked at ways to include more flexible learning in school. Our new outdoor classroom and enhanced outdoor areas have provided a perfect setting for outdoor learning, from science lessons making use of sunlight and shade, maths lessons affording measurement on
What’s the Crime, Mr Wolf
Year 5 students had the audience on the edge of their seats when they presented What’s the Crime, Mr Wolf in October. A parade of fairytale characters presented their cases against Mr Wolf in this captivating courtroom drama on stage, but who convinced the jury and presiding judge Lord Feathers of Eiderdown?
Penguin Pete
Year 1 students took their audience to the Southern Hemisphere before the Christmas holidays for their production of Penguin Pete. The young performers held a dress rehearsal for their peers before the big show for parents.
Book Week
World Book Day is such an important event on the school calendar that it is celebrated for a week at St George’s. In addition to a special visit by illustrator Korky Paul (see next page), parents were invited into school to read with their children. A secondhand book sale was held and students also showed off their creativity dressing up as their favourite book characters.
Dream Big
Reception classes dazzled with their performance of Dream Big, which drew inspiration from the lives of pioneers and explored insprational figures who have shaped our world.
Primary students enjoyed many day trips, residential trips and sporting trips this year. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) students visited the National Museum and butterfly garden, Years 1 and 2 visited the science museum, Year 3 went to Robbesscheier and Year 5 discovered history in Trier.
Bollendorf
Year 4 students took to the great outdoors in Bollendorf, Germany, for team-building opportunities in April. The students became ‘Forest Explorers’, learning about the forest, creating naturebased works of art, completing a 12km hike and visiting the Dinosaur Park.
Phantasialand
Year 6 students were treated to their final Primary day trip on 14 June – a visit to Phantasialand theme park in Germany. The students explored the park fully, going on extreme rides, taking it easy in the River Rapids ride and enjoying the churros and candy floss.
Competitions & Workshops
Inspiring women
Years 5 and 6 classes welcomed Colette Flesch, Sylvia Camarda, Sasha Ley, Colette Mart and Netty Thines to the ‘Inspiring Women of Luxembourg – Past, Present, Future’ workshop. The students had the chance to meet the women personally and ask questions about their lives.
Young Voices
Year 6 students became part of the world’s largest school choir during the Young Voices trip to London in January. They experienced drumming by renowned artists and aweinspiring performances and. The students also had the chance to take in the sights and sounds of the UK capital.
Korky Paul
Renowned children’s book illustrator Korky Paul visited St George’s in March, conducting drawing workshops for students and signing copies of his books. Read ‘n’ Draw workshops and Draw-a-thons had students and staff bubbling with creativity and excitement.
Sports Day at Josy Barthel
Spectators could be forgiven for thinking they’d stumbled upon the Olympics when Primary held its Key Stage 2 sports day in May at Josy Barthel Stadium. Students and staff unleased their competitive spirits as they participated enthusiastically, proudly wearing their studentdesigned House T-shirts.
Earth Day and Sustainability
Students marked Earth Day with a week of activities. Year 2 attended a Climate Fresk stormwater workshop to learn about the impact of different materials on flooding and the water cycle. Year 1 planted seeds, Year 2 upcycled old T-shirts into tote bags, Year 4 spoke about the circular economy and ways to recycle plastic and Year 5 started a vegetable patch.
Danish National Gymnasts
Ambassadors from the National Danish Performance Gymnastics Team visited St George’s in October as one of the first stops on their world tour. Primary students spent a day with the gymnasts attending a series of workshops and learning a variety of skills. At the end of the day, the gymnasts performed for students.
a larger scale and many other opportunities. This has encouraged development and helped to develop a sense of initiative in learning and promoted student leadership. Within the classroom we have looked at activities to allow more movement, and greater application of ideas to support enhanced critical thinking. Creativity is always a highlight at St George’s. We are proud that so many visitors comment that our displays and learning environments are some of the best they have seen. We are very lucky to have such skilled staff and incredible specialists to support in this area. Our external collaborations have also developed excellent partnerships with the school, deepening our curriculum and sense of global awareness. In particular, the wonderful work on sustainability has helped to grow life skills in our students to equip them for the future world. We have also seen some fabulous enterprise initiatives from the students, with school projects such as student-designed house T-shirts modelled at sports day, and designed dragon pins earned for excellent work.
It has been enjoyable discussing these initiatives in Parent Forum meetings. We hope to have more lively interactions in the coming year, as we have discussions on areas such as media, information and technology literacy in the context of school life and beyond.
Ms Claire Nuttall Vice-Principal and Headteacher (Primary)
Highlights in Secondary
Ms Claire Simmonds Headteacher (Secondary)
Our dedication to fostering students’ potential through a blend of support, challenge and a strong focus on their wellbeing remains central to our classroom practices. This year has been exceptional, with impressive academic progress and curriculum achievements across the school. The outcomes and accomplishments highlighted in this report reflect the significant positive impact our school has on the educational opportunities, future successes and overall personal development of our students.
Night at the Musicals
More than 40 students from Years 7 to 13 presented an evening of song and appreciation of musical theatre. Held in the Auditorium in October, the event showcased famous musical numbers of past and present. The event gave students an opportunity to perform in public with musical and theatrical direction.
Shakespeare Festival
St George’s hosted the second Shakespeare Schools Festival in Luxembourg at Neumünster Abbey on 22 and 23 January. There were seven performances, including three by students from St George’s and the remainder by students from schools in Belgium, France and the UK, and Lycee Michel Lucius in Luxembourg .
Winter Music Showcase
The second annual Winter Music Showcase in December featured students from Key Stage 3, GCSE and A-level music programmes performing holiday songs and festive favourites. The show included bucket drumming, step routines and spectacular ensemble performances.
Coffee House Week
Coffee House Week has been an annual fixture for five years. Year 7 students perform cover songs on the ukulele. Year 8 students showcase original ‘global issues’ rap songs. Year 9s work independently to perform a song of their choice and students from Years 10 to 12 showcase examlevel performances on their chosen instruments.
Students in all Key Stages attended trips this year, whether for their year group, subject or special interests, such as sport, debating and drama. Destinations included London, Paris, Brussels, Edinburgh, Vienna and more.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Years 10 and 11 politics students joined Year 12 history students on a residential trip to Belfast in January. Students explored the conflict in Northern Ireland, visiting historical sites, hearing from community and political representatives and finishing with a walk around a ‘peace bridge’.
Bucharest, Romania
The Debating Club participated in the Winston Churchill Debating Challenge for European Schools at the British School of Bucharest in November. Competing against 16 other schools, students from Years 11 to 13 debated topics such as over-tourism, AI, robotics and social values.
Workshops & Events
Run for Robbo
The Run for Robbo charity run, held in February in memory of the late St George’s science teacher Mr Roberts, raised an incredible €10,781 for The UK Sepsis Trust. Students and staff from Primary and Secondary sought sponsorship from family and friends, and ran or walked a short course beside the school wearing items of red clothing, the colour of Mr Roberts’ favourite football team Wrexham and the national colour of Wales, his home country. Mr Roberts’ wife was a special guest at the event.
Humanutopia
Students in Years 9 and 10 asked important questions of themselves at a “Who Am I?” workshop with Humanutopia in January. The workshop was broken into three zones covering the past, the present and the future and urged them to identify and commit to three positive changes to help improve their lives.
Competitions
Physics Olympiad
Year 13 student Noe T finished second in the Luxembourg Physics Olympiad in May earning himself a place in the five-person national team representing Luxembourg at the European Physics Olympiad in Georgia in July. More than 180 students participated in the Luxembourg edition.
World Book Day
Students in Years 7 and 8 worked with author Ross Welford (Time Travelling with a Hamster and The Dog Who Saved the World) to write opening chapters for their own best-selling novels. Using pictures and opening sentences to inspire them, Mr Welford led them through the process of creating their own unique pieces of work. Mr Welford also held workshops with students in Primary.
MADE Training
Year 11 students participated in a two-hour workshop with Sander De Groot of MADE Training in March, in which they learnt techniques for revision, recall and note taking. Students put their newly learned skills to the test throughout the session and gained pointers on how to best revise for upcoming exams. Sander also delivered a session for parents at an exam preparation coffee morning.
Jonk Fuerscher 2024
Two Year 9 students, Leonardo and Ido, showcased their project, AllergyScan, an app that collects and delivers allergen data from food packaging at the Jonk Fuerscher Contest in Luxembourg. Their success led to entry into the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Poland.
Our school’s mission to empower every student to reach their full potential is made possible by the unwavering dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of our staff. Our students bring energy, curiosity, and resilience to each day, and their families continue to strengthen our community through their ongoing support and collaboration. Together, we are creating a vibrant, transformative learning environment that sets a strong foundation for future success.
Ms Claire Simmonds Headteacher (Secondary)
Primary School Council
The Primary School Council consists of a group of students tasked with putting forward initiatives throughout the Primary school.
Giving Primary students a voice
Students in the School Council take charity fundraising seriously and started the year by researching charities that align with their values and goals. Once the students had finalised their preferred options, they presented the charities to the whole school, allowing all students to have their say.
Another priority was making sure Primary students knew the members of the School Council. They did this through an ‘All About Me’ campaign, which was shown on screens around the Primary buildings.
Towards the end of the autumn term, the students created a shortlist of designs for a new School Council badge. Ms Nuttall and Ms Pillay chose the overall winner. They also judged the Christmas Door Frame competition and helped to raise money for local charities by selling Christmas cards featuring students’ artwork.
Councillors took on additional responsibilities to represent the school’s ethos and its impact on student voice. They collaborated with Secondary’s Student Parliament to decide on the contents of a time capsule to be placed in the new Elsy Jacobs building and edited the contributions of Primary students to make a poem reflecting 2024.
A highlight of the year was welcoming important guests into the school. Councillors gave school tours to Claude Wiseler, President of Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies and members of the Board of Governors. Council members were also involved in interviewing candidates who had applied to work at St George’s.
Finishing off a successful and busy year, the School Council raised more than €200 for their chosen charities through a game stall at the Summer Fayre.
My daughter’s music teacher has stimulated her musical curiosity. I was surprised when my daughter came home and was in love with a Beatles song – it’s very rare for an 8-year-old. Thank you for the passion you have for music and for the way you are able to communicate with our children.
Primary School Council and Secondary Student Parliament gave a school tour to Claude Wiseler and ran a games stall at the Summer Fayre.
- Parent of Primary student 2024
Secondary Student Parliament
The Student Parliament is dedicated to making the school a place where everybody feels part of a community and comfortable to express their ideas.
Twenty-six committed students are allocated across three ministries:
Fundraising for KJT and Doctors Without Borders
Fundraising activities and events were on the agenda for Student Parliament, keeping members busy throughout the year. The students raised €2,056 for two main charities this year – KJT and Doctors Without Borders – with smaller amounts generated for other charities, including Save the Children, Movember Foundation, ThinkPink Lux and Toutes a l’ecole Luxembourg for a girls’ school in Cambodia. Fundraising activities included bake sales, pyjama day, a lemonade stand and book sale at the Summer Fayre, and events to mark Halloween, breast cancer awareness, Movember, Valentine’s Day and more.
The group kicked off the year with a bonding morning in October, where they listened to guest speaker Paul Galles, a member of Luxembourg’s parliament. Dr Galles spoke about the importance of feeling passionate about your cause and the value of volunteer work.
Student Parliament this year had 26 members across three ministries, which support the school’s Improvement Plan. They focus on diversity, wellbeing, careers awareness, and acknowledging and improving the students’ experiences at school. For 2024, it was decided that each ministry would have a sustainability ambassador to promote the Sustainability Development Goals, instead of a separate ministry focusing on climate change.
Ministry-specific activities this year included monthly careers lunches organised by the Ministry of Careers and Education to help students discover different careers paths; breast cancer awareness activities and fundraising, plus a ping pong tournament organised by the Ministry of Health & Wellbeing; and promoting awareness of different cultures and diversity through events to mark Diwali, Chinese New Year, International Human Rights Day, Ramadan, Autism Awareness Week, World Religion Day, World Cancer Day and LGBTQ+ Month from the Ministry of Diversity & Culture
Face painting at the Summer Fayre.
Student Parliament bonding morning.
Ministry of Health & Wellbeing
Ministry of Careers & Education
Ministry of Diversity & Culture
My son’s teacher has been an inspiration this year. He has inspired in my son a love of learning and reading. The teacher challenges and encourages him in a very supportive way to advance his reading, leading to a huge appetite for reading and being confident in asking for more challenging reading books.
- A current parent, 2024
Celebrating our Community
A Diverse Environment
Many students at St George’s have more than one nationality and the figures below reflect the rich cultural diversity within the school’s community. It is this internationalism that plays a fundamental part in making St George’s an outstanding learning environment. St George’s offers a world-class international education to more than 850 students aged 3 years to 18+ years from 71 countries.
St George’s has families from countries
Everything has been great since our daugher joined St George’s. She is well integrated into the school and loves it and her teachers. She is always talking about school.
– Parent feedback, March 2024
NB: Figures above include all nationalities listed by students, including those with multiple nationalities.
Staff Appreciation
Student – Adult ratio Staff
Nationalities represented
Staff Seniority Awards (September 2023)
Platinum
Mr Hastings
Gold
Dr Barkei
Mrs Delahunty
Mrs Lim Poh
Mr Todd
Mr Xavier
Mrs Chen
Ms O’Rourke
Mrs Ribon
Mr Moore
(15 years)
Dr Chan Dunster
Mr Dewhurst
Ms Stone
Mr Wolf
Silver Bronze
Ms Ayodele
Mr Cope
Miss Gluting
Mrs Madyiwa
Miss Rocha
Mr Tenzer
Ms Wrobel
Mrs Hanvey
Miss Pantoulia
Mrs Standring
(10 years) (5 years) (3 years)
Ms Bermingham
Mrs De Baynast
Ms Hallsworth
Ms McHugh
Mr Shaw
Miss Thompson
Mrs Kochavi
Mrs Radovic
Mrs Subashi
Miss Bernard
Ms Duztepe
Mr Hunter
Mrs Morgan
Ms Smith
Mrs Walker
My daughter’s teacher has the whole class in awe. Every parent I speak to is so happy and every child wants to either share something the teacher has said or cannot wait to share something with him.
- Parent, Staff Recognition Scheme, 2024
Mrs Mari
Mr Radovic
Miss Taylor
Mrs Bassett-Brown
Mr Fish
Ms Lorencova
Miss Oskarsdottir
Miss Tchong
Ms Warren
Learning through Giving
St George’s is a caring and supportive community dedicated to making a positive impact on others.
Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, students of all age groups were actively encouraged to participate in various fundraising initiatives for the charitable causes of their choice.
An initiative close to our hearts this year raised almost €13,000 for the UK Sepsis Trust in memory of Mr Roberts. In total, the school community raised an impressive €37,360 for the following causes:
World Land Trust
A conservation charity that protects the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats, acre by acre.
Brummana High School
A private British school in Lebanon in need of support due to challenging times.
Merite Jeunesse
An international youth achievement award programme, open to young people aged 14 to 25 years.
Climate Fresk
Created in 2018 to accelerate the understanding of climate issues at the global level and help trigger necessary changes for preservation of life.
Sports Uganda Supports and empowers Uganda’s children and youth to access physical wellbeing through sports development.
Save the Children Puts the most vulnerable children worldwide first.
Toutes a l’ecole
Founded in 2005 to provide high-quality education to the poorest girls, free of charge.
Medecins sans Frontieres
One of the world’s leading medical humanitarian organisations.
The UK Sepsis Trust
Aims to end preventable deaths and improve outcomes for sepsis survivors.
Think Pink Lux
Supports women and their families with the day-to-day realities of breast cancer and other cancers.
Shishu Mandir
Provides free education to children from impoverished backgrounds with an emphasis on education for girls.
Darkness into Light Charity run held around the world to raise money and awareness of suicide and self harm.
Movember Foundation
Charity tackling men’s health issues on a global scale, including prostate and testicular cancers, mental health and suicide prevention.
KJT
Advises and supports children and young people, and their caregivers, in their everyday worries, questions, fears, problems and crises.
Amnesty International Amnesty conducts research and action to prevent and end serious human rights violations.
Relais pour la Vie Annual charity event that raises money to support to those fighting cancer.
Other beneficiaries of St George’s fundraising include: Hamm Church, Lauren Patterson Memorial School, charities supported by the International Bazaar and local school children through St Nicolas gifts.
Friends of St George’s
The Friends of St George’s, commonly known as the ‘Friends’, was founded in 2014 and operates as a parent association within the school community. The Friends of St George’s is an active, warm and welcoming group and each member serves as an ambassador to new and established families, and helps organise events to raise funds for the school’s
chosen charities, most notably the Lauren Patterson Memorial School in Uganda.
This year the Friends continued their popular weekly walking and jogging groups and met regularly to practise Luxembourgish and learn about Luxembourg and its culture through the Lëtzebuerger Frënn group. Fundraising events included sales of secondhand PE kits, ski gear and outdoor clothing, as well as popular soup brunches, the annual garden tea party and baked goods sales alongside school events.
Weekly Walking Group
The Friends of St George’s completed 34 walks around Luxembourg, covering more than 200 kilometres in all conditions from crunchy snow in the forest to misty mornings in the vineyards. A post-walk soup lunch in October raised enough money to fund 5,000 lunches for the students and staff of the Lauren Patterson Memorial School.
Fundraising for Ugandan school
The Lauren Patterson Memorial School in Uganda was the beneficiary of the majority of the Friends’ fundraising this year. Their donations helped to pay teachers’ salaries and provide meals for students and staff. Sales of pre-loved ski and outdoor clothing
and PE kits, along with baked goods, helped raised €1,991, while soup brunches and the garden tea party raised €1,535. A former St George’s family bolstered the fundraising efforts by donating €450 – enough to buy nine desks – while a retiring staff member donated €150 in lieu of a retirement gift.
Lëtzebuerger Frënn
The Lëtzebuerger Frënn group met regularly throughout the year to explore Luxembourg. They visited the Christmas markets, St Jean church in the Grund, the American and German military cemeteries in Sandweiler and the Roman Villa in Echternach. The group has a ‘Kaffitref’ every few weeks to practise Luxembourgish while enjoying a coffee.
Celebrating a Sporting Hero
The construction of the Elsy Jacobs building hit a major milestone in April 2024, reaching its final height. The building, which houses state-of-the-art sports facilities, classrooms and more, is named after one of Luxembourg’s most famous sporting women, the world-record-breaking cyclist Elsy Jacobs.
VIP guests commemorate Elsy Jacobs
St George’s International School celebrated the final height of its newest building with a topping-out ceremony in April. The ceremony was attended by the Ministry of Education’s First Government Advisor Martine Molitor, Ville de Luxembourg Chief Alderman Maurice Bauer, friends of the late Elsy Jacobs, governors and staff of St George’s.
The building is the first sports facility in the City of Luxembourg to be named after a woman. Due for completion in summer 2025, it has a double-sized sports hall, changing rooms, offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, a rooftop solar farm that will generate 8% of the school’s energy needs, a green roof, low-emission heating systems and rainwater collection system.
Principal Dr Barkei said it was important to name the building after a well-known athlete who would be an inspiration to students. “As the winner of the first women’s world road cycling championship, a world record holder for many years and someone who broke down numerous barriers in sport and women’s rights, Elsy Jacobs was our obvious choice,” he said.
A time capsule containing stories and poems about school life in 2024, a copy of the student newsletter Hamm Sandwich and aerial photographs of St George’s and Hamm was sealed during the ceremony. It is planned for the time capsule to be opened in 2054.
Student Achievement
Early Years Foundation Stage
Each child is unique, which is why our teaching staff take an individualised approach towards each child, guiding them to reach their full potential in their own way.
EYFS Overview
The Foundation Stage, for children aged 3-4, focuses on nurturing physical and emotional development and the foundation of literacy, numeracy, communication and language skills. A primary objective of our EYFS curriculum is to empower children to become independent learners. Each topic is carefully crafted to inspire curiosity and intrigue. In our freeflowing, indoor/outdoor learning environment, children are encouraged to explore, fostering the development of their creativity and problemsolving abilities.
There are seven areas of learning that shape the EYFS curriculum. These include:
Expressive Arts and Design
Students have the chance to ignite their imagination every day, be it through building dens and castles with blankets, desks and cushions or through role-play and music.
Communication and Language
Our approach encourages children to actively engage in their learning process, promoting the development of control, coordination and movement.
Literacy
St George’s offers a wide range of books catering to all interests. Children are encouraged to discover and explore their passion for reading.
Mathematics and Numeracy
Early mathematics uses mathematical concepts whenever possible in communicating ideas.
Physical Development
Children are provided the opportunity to be active and develop their co-ordination, manipulation and movement.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
St George’s supports children in developing a strong, positive sense of themselves and of others.
Understanding the World
This area of learning encourages children to explore and investigate the world around them.
Primary School
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths
STEAM week (which spilled into two weeks) was a huge success this year as children explored learning through virtual reality, coding objects to create artwork, or navigating through a maze, creating 3D objects with the 3D printer and so much more. Staff engaged in professional learning in exciting workshops. Positive relationships were built with outside agencies that came into school and delivered activities. Staff supported external training such as the Fairness in Teaching (Gender4STEM) programme in Luxembourg. St George’s students love to innovate and be creative and this was evident in the Year 6 entrepreneur project in which students thought of creative ways to generate income for their annual treat. Students created computer games for other year groups to play at break times.
Greater collaboration = Stronger community
Another area of great success this year has been the deepening partnership between the Primary and Secondary sections of the school. We have not only enhanced our transition programme for those entering Secondary, but investigated ways for students and staff to work together, from the youngest to the oldest child. From opportunities to read together, collaborate on School Council and Student Parliament, share learning in maths, science projects and support for each other’s performances, our students and staff are building a strong St George’s community.
I wanted to write to say how wonderful the Bookie Breakfast was. My daughter and I really enjoyed it. The librarians were so welcoming and enthusiastic about reading and the books on offer were brilliant. It was a lovely experience and so nice to be welcomed into school and share a special moment. Thank you to all those involved with organising it.
- Parent of Primary student, 2024
Primary School Overview
Primary School Academic Achievement
Aside from the termly assessments in English, mathematics and science, students are also evaluated using standardised assessments on an annual basis. St George’s conducts the Progress Test in English (PTE) and the Progress Test in Mathematics (PTM).
What is the Progress Test in English (PTiE)?
The Progress Test in English is a series of tests of English for students from age 5 to 14. The tests are differentiated according to age and students are tested from Year 1 to Year 6.
The test for the youngest children comprises a short section that assesses phonic knowledge and skills with a reading comprehension exercise based on a single passage.
Children aged 6 and 7 are tested on their English skills and comprehension.
The older Primary students are tested on their English skills (spelling, grammar and punctuation) with a test of reading comprehension based on a narrative and linked non-narrative text.
English
St George’s test results surpass the national average in the UK, with percentages exceeding 77% in the categories of average, above average, and very high.
What is the Progress Test in Mathematics (PTiM)?
The Progress Test in Mathematics (PTM) is a series of age-appropriate tests to ensure that students are making and maintaining good progress in mathematics. Each test assesses aspects of mathematical skills and knowledge, together with the key process skills of fluency, mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.
The PTM series consists of 11 tests: 10 tests covering the age range 5 to 14+ years (Progress Test in Mathematics 5 to 14), plus an additional test for students aged between 11 and 12 years, which can be used as a transition test for entry to secondary education (Progress Test in Maths 11T).
For the youngest children (PTM5, PTM6, PTM7 and PTM8) the teacher reads the questions and the answer options aloud so that the need to read is minimal.
PTM8 to PTM14 tests are in two parts: Mental Maths, and Applying and Understanding Maths. Mental Maths questions are timed and played from an audio file (or read by the teacher).
Mathematics
St George’s test results surpass the national average in the UK, with percentages exceeding 77% in the categories of average, above average, and very high.
Secondary School
Secondary Overview
St George’s Secondary School provides its students with a nurturing and supportive learning environment – in and beyond the classroom. With a student body of over 350, it strikes a balance between being small enough to cater to individual student needs and large enough to offer a diverse academic curriculum enriched with outstanding educational resources and opportunities.
St George’s Curriculum
St George’s International School offers the National Curriculum for England and Wales. This curriculum prepares students to be confident, compassionate and inquisitive individuals, enabling them to take their stand in an increasingly challenging and rapidly changing world. It also includes opportunities for students to develop personally through daily form time, regular assemblies and weekly PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Economic) lessons. Our curriculum leads to iGCSE and BTEC level 2 examinations, which are taken at the age of 16 and later A level examinations and BTEC level 3 qualifications, taken at the age of 17 and 18. These qualifications are recognised and highly valued by universities worldwide.
Exam Results 2024
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the examination classes of 2024. Your achievements are a true testament to your hard work, determination and perseverance. I also want to express my deep gratitude to our dedicated staff whose guidance and support have been instrumental in our students’ success.
– Ms Simmonds, Secondary Headteacher
During the academic year of 2023-2024, students achieved excellent results in iGCSE, A/S and A2 level exams. The graduating students accepted places at universities across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.
Overview of the Results 2024
The results achieved by students at St George’s serve as a true indicator of both student achievements and the school’s overall performance. Notably, St George’s consistently performs above average, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and high educational standards. To further enhance the bespoke learning experience to individual needs, St George’s also conducts standardised testing. These assessments help to establish specific learning targets for each student, ensuring that their educational journey is personalised and effective.
1 There is no A* grade available at A/S Level. Therefore the percentages shown represent A/B grades for A/S level exams.
University Destinations
Where in the world are they studying?
The graduating class of 2024 secured places at the following universities:
University Degree Course
AMDA New York (American Musical and Dramatic Academy)
Cambridge University
Den Skandinaviske Design College
Acting and Performing Arts
Economics
Fashion and Textile Design
ETH Zurich Electrical Engineering; Health Sciences and Technology
Goldsmith’s, University of London
Imperial College London
Keele University
King’s College London
Oxford University
Curating
Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Medical Biosciences; Medicine
International Business Management
English with Film Studies
English Language and Literature
Polimoda Atelier Design
The American College of Greece – Deree
Universita di Genova
Psychology
Biomedical Engineering
University of Amsterdam Media and Culture (2)
University of Bath
University of Bristol
University of Exeter
University of Galway
University of Liverpool
University of New South Wales
University of the West Indies
University of Warwick
University of York
Civil Engineering; Computer Science and Maths; Economics; International Business and French; Politics and Economics; Politics and International Relations; Sports and Sports Science
Engineering and Maths; Neuroscience
Business and Management; Economics; Economics and Finance
General Sciences
Marketing
Commerce and Economics
Chemistry
History
Economics and Finance
St George’s Alumni
Asia
University of Hong Kong Yonsei University, South Korea Monash University, Malaysia
Australia
University of New South Wales, Sydney
Austria
University of Vienna
Belgium
Brussels Business Institute
College of Advertising & Design
KU Leuven
Ghent University
Czech Republic
Charles University
France
American University of Paris
Ecole Superieure de Commerce Paris
LISAA, School of Design, Paris
ESSEC Business School Paris
Germany
Trier University
University of Freiburg
Ireland
Trinity College Dublin University of Galway
Italy
Accademia Italiana
Polimoda
Universita di Genova
University of Milan
Universita Bocconi (Milan)
Luxembourg
Lunex University
University of Luxembourg
Malta
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology
Netherlands
Amsterdam Fashion Academy
Conservatorium Van Amsterdam
University of Technology Delft
Eindhoven University of Technology
Erasmus University
Hotelschool The Hague
InHolland University of Applied Sciences
Leiden University
Maastricht University
The Hague University of Applied
Sciences
Universiteit Utrecht
University of Amsterdam
University of Groningen
University of Twente
Utrecht University of Applied Science
VHL University of Applied Sciences
Vrije University Amsterdam
Scandinavia
Aarhus University, Denmark
Den Skandinaviske Design College
Haugetun Folkehøyskole, Norway
International People’s College
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
University of Iceland
VIA University College (Horsens, Denmark)
Spain
GBSB Global Business School, Barcelona
Geneva Business School (Madrid)
Instituto de Empresa Madrid
Switzerland
ETH Zurich
Geneva Business School
United Kingdom
Aberystwyth University
Abertay University, Dundee
Aston University
Bath Spa University
Birmingham City University
Bournemouth University
Brighton University
British & Irish Modern Music Institute
Brunel University London
Canterbury Christ Church University
Cardiff University
Court Theatre Training Company
Durham University
Goldsmith’s, University of London
Heriot Watt University
IDI Hertford University
Imperial College London
Keele University
King’s College London
Kingston University
Lancaster University
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
London Academy of Freelance Make Up
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
London School of Journalism
Loughborough University
MetFilm School London
Newcastle University
Northeastern University
Northumbria University
Norwich University of the Arts
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham University
Plymouth University
Queen’s University Belfast
Queen Mary University of London
Rose Bruford College (Brighton)
Royal Holloway, University of London
Southampton Solent University
Swansea University
University College London
University for the Creative Arts
University of Aberdeen
University of Bath
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
University of Cambridge
University of Edinburgh
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
University of Hull
University of Kent
University of Liverpool
University of Loughborough
University of Manchester
University of Oxford
University of Portsmouth
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
University of St Andrews
University of Stirling
University of Surrey
University of Sussex
University of the Arts London
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
University of Warwick
University of Winchester
University of York
UWE Bristol
United States, Canada and the Americas
AMDA College of the Performing Arts
Bates Boston
Brigham Young University, Idaho
Boston College
Clark University, Boston
Hofstra University, New York
Fashion Institute of Technology (New York)
Florida International University
McGill University, Canada
Northeastern University, Boston
The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
University of the West Indies, Jamaica
The Graduates of the Class of 2024
University: University of Exeter Course: Economics
I have had a wonderful 14 years at St George’s mainly due to the passionate and hard-working teachers. Highlights of my experience include the school trips, which have always been fun, especially the Sixth Form trip to Porto.
My experiences at St George’s have been wonderful, both within class and in the many opportunities offered beyond the classroom. I have great memories from competitions such as the Top of the Bench, and trips such as the one to Porto, which allowed me to make many lovely memories.
University: University of Oxford Course: English Language and Literature
Marie
Ana
Our graduates, many of whom have been at St George’s since the early years of their education, are a testament of the school’s high-quality teaching, nurturing environment and robust community. We believe it is important to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the students to ensure the school is still reaching its goals. This is why each year we ask our newly graduating class about their time at St George’s. Below, you can read some of the insights shared by our students.
I’m grateful to have spent my secondary school years at St George’s. I loved it from the moment I came to the moment I left. My most memorable event was the 2022 Year12 and Year13 Porto trip. It was so much fun bonding with the year above – just overall good vibes.
My time at St George’s has been very positive. The ability to get involved with a variety of events has created such a friendly environment, with people connecting from different year groups.
Nathan
University: University of Warwick Course: History
Mathilda
University: University of Bath Course: Politics and International Relations
STG Alumni Association
The school holds immense pride for its alumni and takes every opportunity to applaud their achievements no matter when they left the school.
St George’s maintains a close connection with its alumni through social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, where we share updates and nostalgic photos and communicate upcoming events through private groups. These platforms also give our alumni the opportunity to network and share their personal achievements.
A highlight of 2024 was the launch of our Alumni Exhibition at the Summer Fayre. We shone the spotlight on 10 former students and what they have done since leaving St George’s. Our aim is to build on this exhibition each year.
Cathrine
Graduated: 2019
The teachers knew how to push the students and to motivate them. I believe they were good at it because they were not afraid to say ‘This isn’t good enough’ or to give their honest opinions. It made me want to impress the teachers.
University: VIA University College, Denmark Course: Mechanical Engineering
At St George’s: 1991-1995
Universities: Durham University, University of Luxembourg, London School of Economics Course: Law
When I was at St George’s it was very small, but a lot of effort was put into education and values.
I am proud that my son is attending the school today. I am a huge fan and supporter of St George’s and its staff.
Oliver
Ben
Graduated: 2015
My time at St George’s helped me identify skills that I could use in certain fields of work. The joy I had in business studies classes helped me lean more towards my goal of working in finance.
After St George’s: Started working at Sveneksa Handelsbanken SA as an assistant administrator
Graduated: 2015
University: Yonsei
University, South Korea
Looking back, my time at St George’s opened so many doors and unlocked a colourful array of experiences that shaped my formative years.
Course: International Studies
Rebecca
Graduated: 2015
University: Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland
Course: International Hospitality Management
I remember the feeling of inclusion and how teachers cared about the students. I remember when a student was making fun of someone and a teacher took him aside and explained to him why that wasn’t OK. She didn’t yell at him in front of anyone. She spoke to him as a human being, not as a baby. That surprised me and it was imprinted into my memories.
Yesun
School Updates
Sustainability at St George’s
St George’s is committed to sustainability and our students are passionate about the environment and protecting the planet for generations to come. For the second year, St George’s hosted the Beyond COP21 Symposium, while adding even more awareness events and educational initiatives to an already impressive lineup.
Year 7 Eco-thon
St George’s first Eco-thon was held in June, offering Year 7 students a platform to develop teambuilding skills, innovations for sustainability and ideas for projects. Students worked in teams to create a solution to a real-world problem linked to sustainability. The Sustainability Team is now investigating ways to support and act on some of these projects for the next academic year.
Beatles in the Garden
Students marked World Environment Day in June with a Beatles tribute at the British Ambassador’s residence. The event was organised by the Sustainability and Music teams, giving students a platform to spread messages of sustainability in a fun and quirky way. While St George’s musicians performed, the Eco-Agents checked the number of species in the Ambassador’s garden, analysed microplastics under a microscope, harnessed renewable energy through an upcycled bicycle and promoted edible insects.
Questions for world leaders
Year 5 students wrote questions for world leaders about the environment and climate change, which were shared with COP28 delegates by Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri. The questions were given to Dr Andrew Ferrone, guest speaker at a COP28 Warm Up event hosted by St George’s in November and organised with the British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg.
Eco-Agents out in force
Eco-agents made their mark with several events and initiatives. In addition to projects supporting the School Climate Pledge, they were invited by Tom Barrett, US Ambassador to Luxembourg, and Serge Wilmes, Luxembourg’s Minister of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, to witness the signing of the US-led Global Net-Zero Government Initiative agreement. Eco-agents also attended the Luxembourg BNE Sustainability in Education and spoke with the Ministry of Environment about sustainability in education.
This graph shows how St George’s has reduced its carbon footprint since 2016 and its projections for further reductions in the coming years.As part of the School Climate Pledge, signed in 2021, St George’s has committed to reducing its impact on the environment by lowering its carbon emissions. The biggest reductions have been made by switching to renewable energy in 2017 and through the use of more sustainable school supplies and food options in the canteen. By 2030, the school expects to have reduced CO2 emissions by 64%.
Upcycling and waste reduction
Year 7 students started building an outdoor classroom, transforming old pallets into tables and benches. They supported workshops for Primary students to promote sustainable consumption and established an Eco-repair club.
Sustainable Design Tech Club
Students attending the new Sustainable Design Tech Club in Primary, with Mr Dyson, upcycled wooden pallets into outdoor classroom furniture, installed a garden tap and started work on Luxembourg’s first Green Goblin car.
The Creative Arts
Students across all age groups benefit from ample opportunities for creative expression through music, drama and art. Older students engage in projects that empower them to showcase their talents, while younger students are encouraged to explore and experiment freely with their creativity.
Drama
Three Year 8 classes from St George’s participated in the Shakespeare Schools Festival in Luxembourg in January. The festival was organised by drama teacher, Mrs Williams, and involved students from St George’s and Lycee Michel Lucius in Luxembourg plus students from Danes Hill School in the UK, Obrosa School in France and Antwerp International in Belgium. St George’s classes performed versions of Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth
St George’s Summer School also returned after a hiatus of several years. Thirty-six students from St George’s and other schools in Luxembourg spent five days preparing to stage a performance of Annie the Musical
Drama students attended a London Theatre trip in March where they participated in two practical workshops based on a West End show, saw stage plays, took a tour of the Globe Theatre and enjoyed all that the UK capital has to offer.
Art
The art departments in Primary and Secondary staged an impressive art exhibition in June with hundreds of parents and guests attending over two evenings. The event was an opportunity to showcase the students’ creativity and individual artistic talent across all year groups.
Music
Music is a key part of school life at St George’s. With state-of-the-art facilities, students of all ages have the opportunity to practise and perform to a high standard. The level of musical talent at St George’s is exceptional and continues to grow each year. Students benefit from class music lessons in Primary and Secondary, and have the opportunity to enrol in private music lessons during class time too. This year 260 students took individual music lessons.
A highlight for Year 6 students was performing in Young Voices, a spectacular concert of 9,000 children at the O2 Arena in London in January. Months of rehearsals under the guidance of Ms Watson and Mr Reilly honed the children’s skills, preparing them to deliver stellar renditions of an array of captivating songs, including a walking medley, Moana mash-up, Today Is Going to Be a Great Day, and a pop medley for 2024.
143 Piano lessons
17 Voice lessons
22 Violin lessons 1 Trombone lesson
3 Recorder lessons
20 Percussion lessons 4 Cello lessons 1 Music theory 3 4 65 10 18 23
4 Clarinet lessons
1 Trumpet lesson
2 Flute lessons
59 Guitar lessons
The individual music department held 48 events during the school year, with recitals, ensembles and Music Stars concerts from December to June to showcase the achievements of students and staff. Highlights included a Beatles concert at school and a Beatles tribute show at the British Ambassador’s residence, as well as a musical performance for VIP guests at the topping-out ceremony for the new Elsy Jacobs building. In addition, students Tsipora D and Oscar R performed separately at an event at the Ambassador’s residence in June.
Secondary music students and staff wowed their audience at the third annual Night at the Musicals in October. The following month, students showed they have rhythm in the school’s fourth annual Year 7 Step-Off Championships. In December the students were back on stage for the Winter Showcase, which featured step, bucket drums and ensemble performances from Years 7 to 12.
Sport at St George’s
Participation in local and international sporting events continued to grow this year. Teams from Primary and Secondary showed great sporting spirit, demonstrating the St George’s values of agility, courage, generosity, honesty, justice, kindness, wit and wisdom, on and off the field.
Primary
A group of Years 5 and 6 students represented St George’s in an international competition for the first time at the football Mediterranean Cup in Verona, Italy, in March. St George’s took three teams – Year 6 boys, Year 5 boys and a girls team of two Year 6s and 10 Year 5s. The girls team and the Year 6 boys qualified for the Elite section (top tier), while the Year 5 boys qualified for the third tier, Europa section. Year 6 boys placed seventh overall, the girls were fifth and the Year 5 boys came 21st.
A few months later, the Year 6 students were back on the pitch participating in the local Il Piccolo Mondo football tournament. Despite having had limited opportunities to play together as a cohesive unit, the team was brimming with enthusiasm and a positive spirit, and earned themselves a spot in the finals of the Europa League. They fought hard in a battle that went down to the very end and while they did not win the final match, their journey demonstrated resilience, teamwork and sporting spirit.
Secondary
Secondary students had several opportunities to compete in tournaments and matches in Luxembourg and across Europe. Students of all ages showed great sporting spirit representing St George’s in football, volleyball, basketball, rugby and more.
St George’s made its debut at the Rosslyn Park National School Rugby Sevens in March, the first time a team from Luxembourg had played in the world’s largest rugby tournament. The Under 14s team was honoured to receive feedback from former England and Great Britain Sevens captain Tom Mitchell. Playing sevens for the first time, St George’s Under 14 and Under 16 teams grew in confidence as the tournament progressed.
The international tournaments kicked off in October with the return to Verona, Italy, for the Under 16 boys and Under 18 girls football Mediterranean Cup. Both St George’s teams qualified in the top four of their groups, entering them into the Elite semi finals. The girls placed third, while the boys finished second. St George’s Under 14 boys team returned to Verona in April where they secured the lead through a penalty in the Elite final and held on for the win.
My daughter had a great time with her teachers and friends at St George’s. It was an impeccable experience and led to a significant academic improvement for her. We really want to thank you for everything.
- Parent of Year 6 student 2024
The Under 18 girls volleyball team travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, in November. The team performed excellently, placing fifth overall.
Locally, students from all year groups played matches against ISL and in Lasel sports fixtures. Under 14 and Under 16 teams competed against ISL in football, volleyball and basketball, while students from Years 9 to 13 showed their sporting spirit in Lasel fixtures.
Out of the classroom
St George’s offers an array of co-curricular clubs, groups and activities, giving students the opportunity to develop new skills, forge friendships and cultivate sportsmanship.
During the 2023-2024 academic year, St George’s offered a number of co-curricular activities, as well as two new clubs – Senior Rugby School and Primary STEM. 51 clubs were offered to students this year, the most popular being football, STEM and Merite Jeunesse.
Sports, Dance and Games
St George’s offered Primary students 20 options in this category and 5 in Secondary, including athletics, badminton, ball sports, basketball, cricket, dance theatre, field hockey, football, Lasel and Lasep sports, Mérite Jeunesse, netball, parkour, rugby, street dance, table tennis and yoga and mindfulness.
Arts and Music
Primary and Secondary students were offered 8 art-related clubs, including arts and crafts, Chinese calligraphy and clay art, design drawing, drama, illustration and sewing. 15 music-based clubs were offered, including choir, guitar, string and percussion ensembles, music production, orchestra and Mini Maestros.
Academic and Others
Students were able to learn new skills through 10 academically challenging clubs and after-school activities, including debating, programming, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), sustainable design and Tech-Eco, The Joy of Maths and typing.
Primary 37 Clubs Sports, Dance & Games
Secondary 17 Clubs
School services
Senior Rugby Club
The Senior Rugby Club, led by Mr Browne, launched in January 2024, allowing students to develop their skills in a safe and confidence-building environment. The club entered two teams (Under 14 and Under 16) in the Rosslyn Park Sevens in London in March and plans to compete in the same event as well as several local tournaments and fixtures in the coming year.
STEM
Students in Years 3 and 4 furthered their fascination with science, technology, engineering and maths through weekly challenges including building bridges with lollipop sticks, creating marble runs and making hovercrafts with balloons.
After-School Care / Homework Club
After-School Care was attended each day by 122 students from Reception to Year 6. The students participated in activities including science and cooking, while others were involved in the Primary Choir. Secondary Homework Club was also well attended with 37 students enrolled.
A highlight in After-School Care this year was the Mission X “Train Like an Astronaut” challenge in which students completed a series of scientific and physical missions, organised by the European Space Agency. St George’s team, the Space Dragons, won first place in Luxembourg and fifth place globally. They celebrated with a space-themed party.
533
64%
hot meals daily in the canteen of students had a hot lunch daily
School buses
200 +
Canteen meals students take a school bus each morning and afternoon Bertrange, Canach, Kirchberg, Hesperange, Niederanven
School buses
St George’s school buses are free for enrolled students and have a supervisor onboard. Luxembourg also offers free public transport throughout the country.
Finance
Finance
January – December 2023
Income
Like all private international schools, St George’s relies on tuition fees as its main source of income. However, the school also benefits from the generous support of the Luxembourg Ministry of Education. The amount of assistance received for operating costs varies each year and is proportionate to the number of students in the school.
Further details on the amount of subsidy received can be found on page 59 of this report.
Expenditure
Great staff make for a great school and that is why salaries and related personnel costs account for the main expenditures of the school.
1. Summary of Income and Expenditure Accounts 2021 – 2023 (EUR)
INCOME
Net Tuition/Application Fees + Ancillary Activities
Subsidies from the Luxembourg Ministry
Parents Fundraising - Net (1)
PRODUITS
Frais de Scolarité/Admission et Activités Annexes
Subventions du Ministère de l’Education Luxembourg
1,012,812 Mobilier et Equipement (y compris Informatique)
684,148 Autres Charges
TOTAL CHARGES
The School’s 2023 accounts were audited and approved by the Luxembourg Government in March 2024.
(1) The accumulated net amount raised by parents is ring fenced and planned to be used in 2024.
(2) The Other Income includes both the Income and the Expenses linked with the Erasmus projects.
Bâtiments et Equipement (Coût Net)
Banque - Comptes d’Epargne et Courants
Résultat Exercice
Prêts à Long-terme
Cautions Remboursables
Autres Charges à Payer
Produits constatés d’avance (Building Fund)
Notes : (3) Starting 2021, the Deferred Building Fund income reflects the amounts allocated to ongoing future building projects.
3. Luxembourg Government Subsidy Law
The school receives three types of subsidy that have been in force since 1st January 2004:
1. Operational subsidy, per student to support annual operating expenditure for all students age 3+ on 1st September and enrolled as of 31st October.
These amounts for 2023 were: Primary students € 4,113 (increase of 2.8% vs 2022)
Secondary students € 10,033 (increase of 7.1% vs 2022)
2. Maintenance subsidy up to a % of the standard government cost per m³ for school buildings. For maintenance of building infrastructure only. The school started to receive this Subsidy in 2010.
3. Investment subsidy covering up to 80% of government-approved quotes for new buildings.
4. Stability Fund Bank Accounts
The law does not allow for the subsidy to permit the school to make a surplus. If a loss is made, the government does not provide any further support. However, negotiations with the government have resulted in approval for a Stability Fund.
Contributions to this Stability Fund are invoiced as a separate item to parents and the amounts received are held in a separate bank account. If the school suffers a loss, the Ministry of Education can allow the school to draw the loss from this Stability Fund.
The Stability Fund is currently capped by law to 50% of the salaries and related charges in 2018. The school considers it should hold the equivalent of 3 months’ salaries and related charges as the minimum permanent reserve.
Transfers into, and out of, the account (EUR):
5. Building Fund Bank Accounts
Building Fund contributions have been in operation since 2003. The account has two principal uses. First, it provides a short-term credit facility for the financing of any new building. Once the total cost of the new building, net of government subsidy payments, has been finalised, the net cost of the building may be transferred to a long-term loan. The repayments on this loan are then financed by drawings on the Building Fund.
Transfers into, and out of, the account (EUR):
Lentz, Barthel and admin Buildings)
(Zinnen Building)
INCOME Jan-Dec 2024 PRODUITS
Net Tuition/Application Fees + Ancillary Activities
12,633,163
Subsidies from the Luxembourg Ministry of Education 5,822,580
Frais de Scolarité/Admission et Activités Annexes
Subventions du Ministère de l’Education Luxembourg
Parents Fundraising - Net 0 Fonds levés par les parents
St George’s has truly been home for our children throughout their young lives. We witnessed first hand their transformation into polite, responsible young men, curious about the world and open to different cultures. They have learned to respect diverse opinions and viewpoints, a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives. We are grateful to St George’s as a whole for maintaining such a nurturing and enriching environment and to the entire staff who have supported our family on this incredible journey.
– Parents of students in Years 10 and 6, 2024
St George’s International School, Luxembourg ASBL 11, rue des Peupliers L-2328 Luxembourg
