Celebrating a remarkable journey
A family school through the decades
Brillantmont is a private international school,
From 1896 onwards, the first buildings of the
founded in 1882 by Paul and Berthe Heubi in the
current campus were built on land close to the
Château de Lutry. Nowadays, Brillantmont is
city centre, on Bellevue hill. From the outset, the
proud
buildings
to
be
the
oldest
private
school
in
were
to
be
a
school.
to
the
creation
Switzerland which is still owned by the founding
construction
family. This is exceptional!
development of Avenue Charles-Secrétan.
Brillantmont’s
founder,
Paul
Heubi,
was
a
professor at the University of Berne. He had a progressive vision of how girls’ education for should be. He felt that it should not be just about how to run a household, as was the case back then, but that they should learn history, geography, languages and develop their general culture.
led
built
and
Their wider
In 1902, the rather pompously named “Institute of Practical Studies” was created. Its role was to educate
young
women
in
how
to
successfully
manage a busy household. Many other schools in Switzerland offered similar programmes at that time – the famous Swiss finishing schools. During the Great War of 1914-1918, the school remained open since around fifteen students were unable to get home due to the conflict gripping much of Europe. After the war, Europe witnessed more suffering as Spanish Flu ravaged countries. In 1918, Château Brillantmont was rented out to the YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association). They set up their first “hostel” in Europe within the walls of Château; it was for young people without many means. In the 1920s, Paul Heubi, one of
founder’s sons, settled
in Madrid, where he taught football rules. This teaching was instrumental in the foundation of Real Madrid football club and his contribution to the game is clearly documented in football related archives
Brillantmont welcomes boys and girls, aged 13-18 in a homely, caring, supportive and attentive environment.
The founders, Paul and Berthe Heubi had ten
Emile Heubi, the son of the founders was an
children. When they died, Lily, William and Emile
artist and his friendships with Charles Ferdinand
– took over the running of Brillantmont, working
Ramuz,
together
of
René Auberjonois, helped Brillantmont become
Brillantmont for 40 years. She never married or
known more widely, as they spent time here. In
had children and always lived on campus (in
1922,
Monribeau).
residence
as
a
team.
She
Lily
was
embodied
the
the
Head
soul
of
the
Igor
the
Stravinsky,
artist at
Ernest
Charles
Brillantmont
Ansermet
ou
Clément
took
and
painting
gave
up
school, leading staff and students with humanity,
lessons to the boarding students. Brillantmont
gaining the respect and admiration of her family,
became something of a cultural centre, where
her staff and her students alike. Her values
students could benefit from the teaching and
spread far and beyond Brillantmont’s walls. In
knowledge of famous artists and musicians, like
1930,
Clara Haskil, the famous pianist.
a
French,
secondary was
school,
opened,
with
followed
teaching by
in
official
academic programmes, and later, in 1948, the
Emile and Lily Heubi worked together to lead the
current British (IGCSE / A Level) and American
school for many years, but had no children.
(High School Diploma) programme of studies
Therefore, on their death, their shares in the
were added.
school were passed on to their siblings. Thus, Molly, the younger sister, married to Gabriel
During the Second World War, the school was
Huguenin, became co-Head in the 1960s, along
closed to students. However, its reception rooms
with two of her nieces, who were of a similar age.
were
Molly Hugeunin was the grandmother of the
used
by
the
Poetry
Society,
developed precious links in artistic circles.
which
current owners (Corinne, Anne and Eric Frei).
Did you know that Brillantmont is the only school in Switzerland which has been in the same family for five generations?
After 80 years of harmonious cohabitation,
In
tension grew between the different branches
decided to sell Château Brillantmont. Philippe
of the family and the school campus was split
Frei, the husband of Françoise Frei-Huguenin
in half, with a hedge literally separating the
and Professor of Medicine at the University of
two campuses! On one side, there was Villa
Lausanne, firmly believed that in order to
Brillantmont,
and
survive, Villa Brillantmont should be reunited
business school, directed by Molly Huguenin
with Château Brillantmont. He negotiated with
and
Gabriel
the cousins to buy it back but in order to
Huguenin and his daughter Françoise; on the
raise funds, had to sell off tennis courts and
other side, there was Château Brillantmont,
part of the garden, which until then spread
with the British and American programmes,
down much of the hill.
directed by Lise Freymond, her cousin. Clearly
This meant that in the 1976-77 school year,
defined school programmes meant that the
thanks to the far sightedness of Philippe, the
two
Brillantmont campus was once again reunited
on
her
different
which
was
death,
schools
a
language
succeed
were
by
not
in
direct
competition!
and
the
in
mid
the
1970s,
hands
the
of
Freymond
just
one
cousins
person
–
Françoise Frei-Huguenin, daughter of Molly Heubi and grand-daughter of the founders. Brillantmont, which until now, was known only
This saved Brillantmont from the fate of many
as a boarding school, began to welcome day
private schools which could no longer survive
students in the 1960s.
in an increasingly competitive market.
In
1983,
Brillantmont
became
the
first
international boarding school in Switzerland to be accredited by the European Council of International Schools and by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The school has always been reaccredited up to the current day.
Towards the end of the 1980s, Françoise Frei’s children – Corinne, Anne and Eric – joined the School Board, alongside their mother and the Director, defining and shaping the future of the school.
Boys joined the day school from the 1970s but were only admitted into boarding from 1991.
Following the death of Françoise Frei in 2007, the buildings and the running of the school were separated into two distinct legal entities - “Brillantmont F. Frei SA” and “Brillantmont International School”, both governed by charters and family rules.
Mr
Philippe
Pasche,
who
had
joined
In
2007,
Brillantmont
became
a
founding
Brillantmont as an accountant in 1979 took
member of the organisation “Swiss Learning”,
over as Director and directed the school until
which
his retirement in 2019.
boarding schools.
In 2002, Brillantmont was recognised as a
The school has constantly strived to meet the
“Fellowship
Centre
promote
leading
Swiss
Cambridge
academic and sporting needs of the students. With this in mind, a new building was opened
participation
in 2012. It was named the “Françoise Frei-
and
by
to
International Examinations” in honour of its in
Status
serves
commitment
to
“Cambridge International Examinations”.
Huguenin Sports and Culture Hall”, to honour a woman who was the school’s owner and
In the same year, the school launched an
Head for more than 40 years and whose death
intranet
saw an outpouring of grief and affection from
communication
system
between
parents and the school, leading the way in its time.
alumni across the world.
In 2019, Anne Frei became Head of School and continues to sit on the Board with Corinne and Eric Frei, President. This represents the 5th generation of the founding family.
“Robotics
and
Coding
(STEAM)”
classes
Sadly, for the first time since 1977, the
were introduced in 2018 and continue to be
Summer Course had to be cancelled, but
compulsory in 8th and 9th Grade.
the Summer Course 2021 bounced back vigorously.
Unlike COVID
most
other
pandemic
schools, in
during
Spring
the
2020,
What a remarkable achievement to be able
Brillantmont remained open for students
to celebrate 140 years of family ownership
unable or not wanting to travel home.
and vision, in a rapidly changing world!
Anne is supported in her work by Sarah Frei (wife of Eric), Head of Admissions and Victor McClean, Head of Academics, both at Brillantmont for over 20 years.
Brillantmont today In many ways, the Brillantmont of today is like
Here are some key facts about Brillantmont
that
today:
of
1882.
emphasises
The
family
school values,
very a
much
sense
of
belonging and a feeling of being in a “home
A warm, caring community of around 80
from
boarding students and 10-20 day students
home”,
just
as
it
always
has.
The
deliberate choice to remain a small school
Students
from
around
reinforces this strong sense of community and
nationalities
being part of a family.
ensure a cultural mix
with
quotas
30
different
in
place
to
A challenging academic programme from The
school
has
the
8th – 12th Grade, with a 13th Grade option
students’ eyes to the world around them,
A British IGCSE and A Level programme
becoming Global Citizens, ready to play a role
and a US High School Diploma
in
Students enter universities all over the
tomorrow’s
sharing
also
world.
intercultural
strived
to
open
Learning
languages,
experiences
to
learn
world, including prestigious Russell Group
from each other has always been part of the
universities
Brillantmont experience and this has never
Leadership
been as important as nowadays, given the
activities
challenges the world faces.
conferences
The
Brillantmont
boarding
experience
has
opportunities
through
Model
Nations
like
United
Service Learning projects in Lausanne and
always been so much more than simply the
a building project for a family in need
academics:
extra-curricular
Fantastic
programme has always encouraged students
curricular
to
explore
discover
the
new
the
Switzerland experiences.
varied
interests
rich and
and
cultural to
enjoy
opportunities discovery
in
talents,
to
neighbouring countries
diversity
of
Skiing – lots of it!
trying
new
for
extra-
Switzerland
and
Incredible Summer Course for 10-17 year olds in July and August – to get a taste for Brillantmont
Find
out
more
about
all
we
offer
Brillantmont today by clicking these links.
School Year Summer Course Instagram Facebook Linked In
at
Brillantmont's Guiding Statements Our Vision To
be
recognised
international
as
learning
an
inclusive,
community
which
empowers and inspires our students to reach their full potential. Our mission To provide a supportive family environment which enables our students to discover and develop their passions and talents, building the
confidence
needed
to
lead
happy,
meaningful lives.
Our core values Learning
We deliver stimulating curricula and unique learning experiences which equip students with the attributes to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Internationalism
We nurture collaboration and leadership skills
through
challenge,
building
We
actively
ensure
an
international
which
celebrates
courageous, confident critical thinkers.
student
Our teaching promotes reflection which
cultural understanding and diversity.
encourages
We recognise the value of our privileged
students
to
develop
an
awareness of their own learning journey.
location
body
to
promote
the
inter-
learning
of
French, an international outlook and the benefits afforded by the natural sporting Well-being
and cultural wealth of Switzerland.
We cultivate a physically and emotionally healthy
lifestyle
in
a
safe,
inclusive
Community
environment. Our focus on the individual raises self-
We
esteem,
helping
community, based on mutual respect, in
effective
learners
our and
students balanced
become young
foster
a
caring,
culturally
aware
which our students can be themselves.
people.
We provide opportunities to impact the
We promote the healthy use of technology
lives
and digital awareness, placing value on
leadership within and beyond the school
human connections and respect.
community.
of
others
through
service
and
From left to right: Victor McClean - Head of Academics Sarah Frei - Head of Admissions Corinne Frei - 5th generation founding family, member of the Board Eric Frei - 5th generation founding family, President of the Board Anne Frei - 5th generation founding family, Head of School
Brillantmont International School a journey through 140 years of excellence
1900s - 1910s
1900s - 1910s
1910s - 1920s
1920s
1930s
1940s - 1960s
1950s - 1960s
1970s
1980s - 1990s
1990s - 2000s
2000s - 2010s
2010s
2010s
2010s
2020s
2022
Brillantmont International School 140th anniversary celebrations, June 2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
Hilda Bacardi, BM alum
2023
Eric, Corinne and Anne Frei (Head of School)
2023
If you’d like to see even more photos from our 140th anniversary celebrations, click here!
brillantmont.ch summer.brillantmont.ch Brillantmont International School Avenue Charles-Secrétan 16 CH-1005 Lausanne Switzerland
T +41 21 310 0400 F +41 21 320 8417 admissions@brillantmont.ch