Exploring British Education in France – Inside Mougins School near Cannes

The French Riviera is home to a wide variety of international schools, giving families plenty of choice when it comes to their children’s education. For many, the British system offers something especially compelling — a blend of academic excellence, creativity, and a strong focus on personal development. 

One school that truly reflects this approach is Mougins British International School, set in a peaceful, green setting just above Cannes. We spoke with Julie Dufaye, the school’s Head of Marketing, to find out more about what makes Mougins such a special place for students and families alike.

Mougins British International School

What would you say sets a British education apart from other international systems, particularly in a diverse region like the French Riviera?

A British education places equal value on academic achievement, creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth. Its flexibility allows students to explore and develop their strengths while maintaining a rigorous academic standard recognised worldwide. On the French Riviera — where families come from all over the globe — this balance allows children to adapt quickly, feel supported, and thrive in a familiar, high-quality system that opens doors internationally.

With over 55 nationalities represented on campus, how does Mougins British International School foster a sense of community among such a culturally diverse student body?

We’re incredibly proud of our warm, inclusive community. From the very first day, we encourage students to share their cultures and traditions while learning about others. Throughout the year, school events, assemblies, and cultural celebrations create a strong sense of belonging for everyone. One of the highlights of our calendar is International Day, our biggest event of the year, where students and parents come together to celebrate the incredible cultural richness of our community through food, music, dance, and displays. It’s a true reflection of who we are as a school — diverse, united, and proud of each individual’s heritage. Our buddy and mentoring systems also help new students settle in quickly and make meaningful friendships.

How do students benefit academically and socially from studying the English National Curriculum in an international context?

Academically, students gain strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, science, and critical thinking, and are taught to work both collaboratively and independently. Socially, they develop confidence, empathy, and global awareness by learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds. We also include dedicated lessons in PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) and positive education, which help students build emotional intelligence, resilience, and a strong sense of wellbeing. This combination of academic rigour, personal development, and social growth prepares them not just for exams, but for life in an interconnected and ever-changing world.

How is French culture and language woven into daily life at Mougins, and how do students feel the benefits of living and learning in the South of France?

Students have several hours of French lessons each week, helping them build confidence in the language and feel part of the local community. From Years 7–9, our Local Studies programme takes learning beyond the classroom, with weekly visits to places like the Verrerie de Biot, Tanneron’s mimosa plantations, Grasse’s oil mill, St Cézaire caves, and even local animal shelters — giving students hands-on experience of the region’s history, culture, and environment.

Living on the Côte d’Azur also means embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle — outdoor activities, healthy living, and cultural traditions — which we integrate into school life.

Can you tell us more about your students’ success at A Level and their university destinations? Do many go on to study abroad?

Our A Level students consistently achieve outstanding results, with 56% of grades awarded at A–A*, more than double the UK average, and 96% securing offers from their first-choice universities — including world-class institutions such as Oxford, Imperial College London, St Andrews, University College London, UPenn, and McGill.

Many of our students go on to study abroad in the UK, the US, Canada, Spain, Monaco, Switzerland, and beyond, reflecting the truly international outlook they develop here. We’re also proud to celebrate individual achievements — for example, Gabrio G. from the Class of 2024 achieved the highest A Level French grade in the world.

Could you introduce us to the ‘Thrive’ programme? How does it help students explore their interests and develop vital life skills beyond the classroom?

At Mougins, we recognise that a child who feels supported and fulfilled is best positioned to achieve their full potential – and our Thrive programme brings that to life. With over 60 elective activities, students can explore new passions, develop confidence, and build essential life skills beyond the classroom.
Thrive activities are grouped into four areas:

• The Self – wellbeing, resilience, and physical skills
• The Thinker – curiosity, critical thinking, and academic growth
• The Creative – self-expression, artistry, and performance
• The Community – teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility

The programme is also deliberately mixed-age, so students have the chance to mentor and learn from each other — fostering connection, empathy, and a sense of belonging across year groups.
 By trying new things, working with others, and stepping outside their comfort zones, students grow into happy, well-rounded individuals ready for whatever comes next.

What role do creative arts, sport, and outdoor activities play in the school’s curriculum and student life?

Creative arts, sport, and outdoor activities are integral to our philosophy of educating the whole child.

The arts — including music, drama, visual art, and design — give students opportunities to express themselves, build confidence, and develop their imagination and critical thinking. Many discover talents and passions they carry forward into their future studies or careers.

Sport is equally vital, teaching resilience, teamwork, and leadership while fostering physical and mental wellbeing. Whether on our football pitch, sports courts, or in inter-school competitions, students learn the value of commitment, fair play, and personal growth through challenge.

Our unique outdoor setting enhances all of this, offering students a connection to the natural world that is increasingly rare. Programmes like our School in the Woods, gardening projects, and outdoor lessons help students build environmental awareness, mindfulness, and a sense of balance. Being outdoors is not just a change of scene — it’s a meaningful part of their learning and personal development, nurturing their curiosity and wellbeing in equal measure.

What support systems are in place for international families settling into life on the Côte d’Azur?

For parents, our admissions team is available to guide you through every step — from understanding the French system to settling into the Côte d’Azur lifestyle. Importantly, thanks to our in-year admissions policy, families can join us at any time during the school year. For children, our pastoral and wellbeing teams play a key role in helping them adapt to their new environment, ensuring they feel supported, welcomed, and confident from their very first day.

The campus is surrounded by beautiful woodland. How does this natural environment and connection to nature shape the learning experience at Mougins?

Nature is truly an extension of our classrooms: our woods and gardens inspire curiosity, creativity, and a sense of calm that enriches every school day. 

For our primary students, the weekly School in the Woods programme takes them into the forest to discover science, problem-solving, and teamwork in a hands-on, memorable way — all while nurturing their respect for the environment and boosting their mental well-being. Our secondary students, too, benefit from this unique setting. It’s common to see them studying outdoors, where they find fresh inspiration.

Teachers take every opportunity to move lessons outside, bringing the classroom into the playground whenever possible. Because at Mougins, we believe learning is more dynamic, meaningful — and simply more fun — when it happens in the open air.

We understand that the school’s architecture and design are purpose-built. How does the physical space enhance students’ learning and wellbeing?

Our campus was designed to support modern learning. From spacious classrooms and science labs to outdoor terraces, sports courts, and a theatre, every space invites exploration and interaction. Shaded gardens, quiet corners, and open fields give students room to breathe, relax, and learn in a healthy, inspiring environment.

How do you support students in discovering and nurturing their individual talents, whether academic, artistic, or otherwise?

At Mougins, we believe every child has a unique spark — and our role is to help them discover it and let it shine. Through a wide range of programmes and experiences, we inspire students to explore new interests, uncover their passions, and then guide them as they develop and master those talents.

In primary school, weekly assemblies celebrate each child’s progress and achievements, fostering a culture of recognition and encouragement from an early age. Across the whole school, students are invited to showcase their talents through a variety of events — whether on the sports field, on stage, in the art studio, or through academic challenges.

We make sure there is something for everyone at Mougins, and that every student feels valued and supported as they grow. We don’t just celebrate their successes — we help them build the confidence and skills to achieve them.

What would you say to parents considering moving to the Côte d’Azur and weighing up educational options for their children?

The Côte d’Azur is a wonderful place to raise a family, but finding the right school is key to helping children settle and thrive. At Mougins School, we offer not just an exceptional education, but a supportive community that understands the needs of international families and helps children feel at home right away.

What would you say to parents with children currently in the local French system, who are considering the switch to Mougins School?

We warmly welcome many families transitioning from the French system who are looking for an education in English with an international outlook. The British curriculum’s practical, flexible, and student-centred approach often appeals to those seeking a more personalised and globally recognised pathway, while still maintaining strong ties to French culture and language.

For French families in particular, it’s reassuring to know that studying at Mougins keeps all doors open — including to French universities. Many of our students go on to higher education both in France and abroad with great success.

Finally, what do you think makes Mougins School truly unique?

At Mougins, what truly sets us apart is the happiness and well-being of our students. Every day, you can see it in their smiles, their eagerness to come to school, their attentiveness in class, and the way they thrive in a warm, respectful community. We believe that a happy child is one who learns better, achieves more, and builds the foundation for lifelong success — which is why their well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

We combine academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care, and a stunning natural setting to create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to be their best. Here, students don’t just come to learn, they flourish, growing into confident, compassionate individuals who are proud of who they are and excited about their future.

Mougins is more than a school — it’s a joyful, inclusive community where every child can shine, and where happiness leads the way to excellence.

Find out more about the school on their website.

Read more articles about international education on the MumAbroad blog.