International School of Toulouse: Holistic Education and IB Excellence

Relocating abroad brings many questions, especially when choosing the right school. The International School of Toulouse (IST) offers holistic education for students aged 2.5 to 18, combining rigorous International Baccalaureate programmes with experiential learning, emotional wellbeing, and a supportive, globally-minded community.

In this article, school principal Rachel Leonard shares how IST prepares internationally mobile families for academic success while nurturing confident, compassionate learners.

Why Families Choose the International School of Toulouse

A Holistic Approach to Learning. What does that look like day to day?

At IST, education is about far more than academic results. A holistic approach means nurturing intellectual curiosity alongside emotional wellbeing, creativity, resilience, and social responsibility. Day to day, this looks like classrooms where discussion is encouraged, where students are invited to question and reflect, and where teachers know their learners as individuals. It means building time into the school day for collaboration, creativity, and connection. You might see younger children learning through play and exploration (we are an OPAL accredited school – Outdoor Play And Learning), while older students engage in MUN debates, independent research, or community projects. Holistic education at IST is about developing confident, compassionate young people who are ready not only for university, but for life.

Experiential Learning: Beyond the Classroom

Experiential learning is central to life at IST. Whether it’s outdoor education in the Pyrénées, educational visits, field trips, or hands-on science experiments, students regularly step beyond the classroom walls. Trips connect learning to the real world – history students might visit significant cultural sites, science classes might conduct fieldwork, and younger learners often explore nature as part ofinquiry-based units. These experiences deepen understanding, build independence, and foster teamwork. By engaging directly with their environment, students develop critical thinking skills and confidence that simply can’t be replicated through textbooks alone.

Arts, Music, Sport, and Community Projects, how do these enrich student experience?

Creative and physical activities are woven into the fabric of school life. Art, drama and music give students opportunities for self-expression and cultural exploration. Sport encourages teamwork, resilience, and healthy habits. Community projects nurture empathy and global awareness.

Through performances, exhibitions, sports tournaments, and service initiatives, students discover strengths they may not have recognised in a purely academic setting. These experiences help children grow into well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of identity and purpose.

The International Baccalaureate at IST, great for internationally mobile families.

As an accredited IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate, IST provides a globally recognised, transferable curriculum. For internationally mobile families, continuity is crucial. The IB framework ensures academic consistency while fostering intercultural understanding and global citizenship. Its emphasis on inquiry, reflection, and independent learning equips students to transition smoothly between countries and education systems. The IB Diploma Programme, in particular, is respected by universities worldwide, giving families confidence that their children are prepared for the next stage – wherever that may be.

Small Classes and Personalised Support

Small class sizes are one of IST’s defining strengths. They allow teachers and our student support team to truly know each student – their learning style, strengths, interests, and areas for growth. This enables personalised instruction, timely feedback, and meaningful relationships. Students feel seen and heard, and teachers can adapt lessons to ensure everyone is both supported and challenged appropriately. In a smaller environment, it’s easier to foster a sense of belonging and encourage every child to participate actively.

Preparing Students for University and Life

Moving between countries can feel overwhelming. IST works closely with families before arrival, offering guidance and clear communication to ease the process. New students are welcomed into a supportive environment where peers and staff help them settle quickly (we have a Peer Mentor programme). Orientation processes, buddy systems, and close pastoral care ensure children feel comfortable and connected from the outset. When families move on, the school also supports smooth transitions by preparing documentation and maintaining communication with receiving schools.

Supporting the whole child is central at IST. How is wellbeing integrated into school life?

Wellbeing is not an add-on – it’s embedded in daily practice. Teachers prioritise strong relationships, open communication, and a culture of respect, ‘valuing each other’ being one of our core values. Social-emotional learning is integrated into lessons and pastoral programmes thanks to the support of our Wellbeing Counsellor. Students are encouraged to reflect, set goals, and build resilience. The school environment promotes kindness, inclusion, and mutual support. By creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere, IST ensures students feel secure enough to take intellectual risks and grow confidently.

Could you tell us about the Student Support Department?

IST’s Student Support Department provides tailored academic and emotional assistance. Whether a child requires learning support, language support or emotional / wellbeing support, a dedicated team works collaboratively with teachers and families. Support plans are individualised and regularly reviewed, ensuring students receive the right help at the right time. The aim is always empowerment – helping students develop strategies and confidence to become independent learners.

What are the benefits of offering education from age 2.5 through to the IB Diploma?

Having the full educational journey in one environment creates continuity and stability. Students grow within a consistent ethos and community, forming lasting relationships with peers and staff. The curriculum is carefully aligned across age groups, ensuring smooth progression from early years through to graduation. Younger children benefit from seeing older role models, while older students often take on leadership roles that strengthen their sense of responsibility. This continuity is particularly valuable for internationally mobile families seeking stability.

Culture and Community for Families

The atmosphere at IST is warm, welcoming, and truly international. Families from around the world come together in a spirit of openness and collaboration. Parents quickly find themselves part of an engaged community – whether through school events, performances, coffee mornings, or informal connections at the school gate. For families arriving in Toulouse, IST often becomes not just a school, but a support network and home away from home.

Looking Ahead: IST’s Future Developments

Looking ahead, IST continues to build on its strengths – enhancing facilities, specifically for our Early Years, expanding learning opportunities (look out for future vocational pathways), and deepening its commitment to innovation and wellbeing. The focus remains on providing an outstanding, future-focused education while preserving the close-knit community that makes the school special.

Finally, what’s the one thing relocating families should know about IST?

At IST, children are known, valued, and supported as individuals. Academic excellence matters – but so does happiness, confidence, and belonging. For families relocating to Toulouse, IST offers not only a world-class international education, but a caring community ready to welcome them from day one.

Find out more about the school’s philosophy, admissons processes and upcoming open days on their website.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the International School of Toulouse

What age range does the International School of Toulouse accept?

The International School of Toulouse offers education for students aged 2.5 to 18, guiding them from early years through to the IB Diploma Programme.

How does IST support expat families relocating to France?

IST supports relocating families with clear communication before arrival, welcoming orientation processes, peer mentoring, and close pastoral care to help students settle quickly into the community.

What makes IST’s holistic education approach unique?

IST’s holistic approach nurtures academic learning alongside emotional wellbeing, creativity, resilience, and social responsibility, helping students grow into confident and compassionate individuals.

How is experiential learning integrated into the IB curriculum at IST?

Experiential learning at IST complements the International Baccalaureate curriculum through outdoor education, fieldwork, educational visits, and hands-on projects that connect classroom knowledge to real-world experiences.

What support is available for students’ wellbeing and academic success?

Students benefit from small class sizes, a dedicated student support department, personalised learning support, and wellbeing programmes that prioritise strong relationships and emotional development.

How does IST prepare students for global university pathways?

Through the internationally recognised International Baccalaureate framework and particularly the IB Diploma Programme, IST develops independent thinking, intercultural understanding, and academic skills valued by universities worldwide.

About Rachel Leonard, Principal of the International School of Toulouse

Rachel Leonard currently serves as the Principal of the International School of Toulouse. She brings extensive international education leadership experience, having previously served as Vice Principal at United World College of Southeast Asia (UWCSEA) in Singapore and Deputy Head of Secondary at the French International School of Hong Kong. Rachel began her teaching career in France and England before discovering international education in Hong Kong, where she developed a strong passion for collaborative leadership and innovative learning environments.

She holds an Executive Master of Arts in International Educational Leadership and Change from the Education University of Hong Kong, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the Open University (UK), a Postgraduate Diploma in Communication and Information of Organisations from the University of Bordeaux, and a Master of Arts in English Literature from UCO Angers.

Rachel is a strong advocate for holistic, mission-aligned education that prepares students to thrive in a changing world. She is committed to fostering inclusive school communities where diversity is valued, wellbeing is prioritised, and both students and teachers are supported to grow, lead, and make a positive impact. As Principal of the International School of Toulouse, she aims to lead with compassion, collaboration, and a forward-looking vision for international education.

Read more articles about international education on the MumAbroad blog