Three common starting points
| Current stage | First discussion | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lower secondary | English-medium school, IGCSE or pre-diploma preparation | Build academic language, writing and independent routines |
| Early Chinese high school | Direct entry versus a preparatory stage | Subject knowledge and academic English may develop at different speeds |
| Later high school | Review each subject and course continuity | Exams, choices and coursework become increasingly specific |
Age alone cannot determine entry. Two 16-year-olds may have very different experience of IGCSE, essays and independent projects. We explain the actual starting point to the school.
A Levels or IB: choose around sustained strengths
A Levels normally concentrate on fewer subjects in greater depth. They can suit students with clear mathematical, scientific or other strengths and an emerging university direction. We check the required subject combination and what the school offers.
IB DP spans six subjects and research, theory of knowledge and wider participation. Reading, writing and time management across disciplines matter. My priority is a learning pattern the student can sustain, even where a preparation stage is the better use of time.
How LEP’s partner schools fit
Chantemerle: Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, in the small and welcoming setting I visited. Saint-Charles: English Pre-DP and IB DP, alongside distinct Swiss pathways. Altdorf: IGCSE-to-DP discussion with particular attention to budget. TASIS: IB or AP options in an American educational environment.
LEP first selects academically and financially meaningful routes, then discusses assessment, subjects and support with the school. Families receive a proposal connected to their child.
Academic English deserves a closer look
A test score is useful, but studying means following explanations, reading textbooks, analysing material in writing and asking for help. A strong mathematics student may struggle to explain reasoning in English; fluent conversation does not automatically make a history essay easy.
We combine language evidence with school assessment and discuss the support needed, rather than waiting for supposedly perfect English before beginning a school enquiry.
If a Swiss university is the goal
Swiss Maturité, IB and A Levels are distinct qualifications. Subject, grade and teaching-language requirements should enter the secondary-school decision early. Chantemerle’s Swiss Matura route differs from its English A Levels, just as Saint-Charles’s Swiss route differs from its English IB.
What to send LEP
Provide the last two years of reports, current curriculum, English study, university interests, intended start and budget. We explain the entry stage, reason for school choice, preparation and complete timeline.
Explore Chantemerle and Saint-Charles, then let LEP relate those routes to your student.
Discuss your situation with LEP
Share age or qualifications, curriculum, languages, intended start and complete budget. WeChat: xiuyinxiansheng; email: contact@luxedupartners.lu.
Sources and update
IB curriculum information, partner-school programme materials and James Liu’s first-hand visits. Compiled 12 October 2026.