Mougins British Secondary School

Secondary school is an exciting time in a child’s life, when they begin to feel ‘grown up’, taking on more responsibility for their own learning and really developing their skills and interests.

Secondary school in the British system is made up of Key Stages 3, 4, and 5. The compulsory phase of secondary education culminates in the IGCSE exams. After this, students can go on to study for A-levels or BTEC qualifications. Along with preparing for these all-important exams, our secondary courses are designed to equip students with the critical thinking skills they need to become proactive, confident members of society.

We believe in teaching pupils good manners, etiquette and respect, and expect them to behave appropriately both within and outside of the school gates. We cultivate self-motivation and independence, and acknowledge and reward individual achievement in the academic, cultural and sporting fields.

Subjects are taught in English (with the exception of foreign language lessons), and we encourage creativity and cooperation in all lessons. Additionally we believe that responsibility and self-discipline are essential tools for the personal and academic development of every student.

Study trips to destinations such as Barcelona, London, Krakow and Berlin provide pupils with international experiences and the opportunity to put lessons learned into historical, scientific and cultural context.

A day in the life of a student at Mougins British High School

At our private British secondary school, each day begins with a tutor period: a special time for sharing and listening that plays a key role in students’ wellbeing. This time helps build trust, calmly address the daily challenges of school life, and foster a positive and supportive atmosphere from the very start of the day.

The day then continues according to a timetable structured around the British curriculum: mathematics, science, literature, foreign languages, and economics, all taught in English. Classes are interactive, encourage critical thinking, and promote active participation.

At 1 pm, students share a healthy lunch in the school canteen or enjoy the outdoor spaces to relax with friends. The afternoon continues with more academic lessons, often complemented by sessions in the laboratory, art studio, or music room.

From 3 pm, students take part in a wide range of activities integrated into the THRIVE programme. Designed to encourage personal development, this programme is structured around four main pillars:

• The Self: to learn more about oneself
• The Thinker: to develop critical thinking
• The Creative: to express creativity through the arts
• The Community: to strengthen social bonds and empathy

Throughout the year, educational trips and school excursions enrich this experience: cultural visits, sports competitions, language exchanges… Every day at our British high school is an opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for adulthood with openness and ambition.

Tutor Groups

All students in the secondary school are assigned to one of two tutor groups for each year group. Tutor groups meet every morning for ten minutes before lessons begin. The Form Tutor is the first point of contact for students entering secondary school from primary and they play a vital role in the first weeks of orientation and settling in.

The class tutor will continue to provide support, pastoral care and advice throughout the school year, and should always be the first point of contact between home and school. At the end of each year parents meet with the assigned tutor for the upcoming year to discuss individual progress and needs. In this way we make sure that well-informed and sympathetic support is given to each child.