Contents
Chair’s letter Page 3
About St George’s Pages 4-5
New in 2024-25 Pages 6-7
Primary highlights Pages 8-9
Secondary highlights Pages 10-11
University destinations Pages 12-13
St George’s in numbers Pages 14-15
Nationalities Pages 16-17
Financials Pages 18-23
Chair’s letter
The 2024/25 Annual Report celebrates a school that is thriving, forward-thinking and deeply committed to helping every child succeed. It reflects a vibrant learning community where academic excellence, personal growth and global engagement go hand in hand.
One of the most visible developments this year has been the launch of our new school website, designed to better connect with families and to showcase the breadth of opportunities available to our students. It offers a clear window into daily school life and reflects our commitment to openness, innovation and strong partnerships with parents.
Another important visible development has been the ongoing construction of the Elsy Jacobs building. We have been busy adding the finishing touches ready for students to begin using the facility at the beginning of the new school year in September 2025.
Beyond the classroom, our students have continued to shine on the international stage. Participation in music, drama and sports festivals across Europe and beyond has enriched their learning, built confidence and fostered lifelong skills such as teamwork, creativity and resilience. These experiences are a hallmark of our holistic approach to education.
We are also proud to have achieved Fairtrade School status, reinforcing our values of ethical awareness, sustainability and global responsibility—values that are woven into our curriculum and lived experience.
Academically, our GCSE and A Level results have been outstanding, placing our students among the top achievers and opening doors to excellent university destinations worldwide. These outcomes reflect expert teaching, high expectations and strong pastoral support.
I would also like to take the opportunity to highlight a significant transition in our school’s governance and thank my predecessor, Stefan Ziegenhagen, as Chair of the Board of Governors, and extend our heartfelt gratitude for his dedicated engagement over the past nine years as Governor and the last three as Chair. His leadership, vision and commitment have greatly contributed to the growth and success of our school community.
Underpinning all of this is a strong and secure financial position, enabling continued investment in facilities, staff and future development. Together, these achievements underline why our school remains a trusted choice for families today—and an exciting one for those considering joining our community.
Best wishes,
Christophe Jacamon Chair of the Board of Governors
About St George’s
Our mission
Our mission is to deliver an exciting, engaging academic curriculum in an environment where our children flourish – academically, socially and morally. We aim to build the values, knowledge and skills they will need to thrive in a complex world, locally and globally. At St George’s, creativity, collaboration and innovation are more than words – they shape how we learn, how we play, how we lead and how we care for one another.
What
we offer
In addition to strong academics we offer through the arts, sport, service, leadership and social initiatives, every child has the chance to explore their passions, stretch their wings and find their own voice. Whether it’s giving a performance, contributing to a sustainability project, or raising their hand to lead, our students are encouraged to make a difference.
Here, kindness is at the core. Respect shapes our diversity. Courage nudges us to try new things. Honesty anchors our integrity. Wisdom guides our choices.
Parents choose St George’s because their children are not just educated – they are nurtured, understood, challenged and celebrated. We create a warm, inclusive community where students feel safe, where they can make mistakes and grow, where every success –academic or personal – is recognised.
Wherewisdombeginswithwonder.
Why choose S t George’s
Because your child will learn in a school that doesn’t just teach, but inspires. We combine the rigour of the English National Curriculum with global perspectives, creativity and purpose
Because every child matters. With small class sizes, caring teachers and a strong culture of personal growth, your child is supported, encouraged and challenged just enough.
Because we prepare students for life, not just for exams. We help them become confident, wise, resilient and compassionate citizens who can contribute positively in an ever-changing world.
Because our community is warm, diverse and welcoming. We celebrate different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives, and strive for every child and family to feel that they belong and that they can be themselves.
COURAGE
We inspire our students to step outside their comfort zones, face challenges with confidence and stand up for what is right.
HONESTY
Our values
Integrity is at the heart of our school, where students learn the importance of truth, accountability and trust.
KINDNESS
We encourage our students to lead with empathy, treating others with care and compassion in every interaction.
RESPECT
Our diverse community thrives on mutual respect, where every voice is valued and differences are celebrated.
WISDOM
Beyond knowledge, we guide our students to think critically, make thoughtful decisions and apply their learning to real-world challenges.
New in 2024-2025
The 2024-2025 academic year was one of exciting changes and fresh beginnings as St George’s welcomed a new Principal for the first time in 11 years. Zeba Clarke arrived in Luxembourg from Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she had been Deputy Head at St Paul’s School. Mrs Clarke hit the ground running, quickly settling into her new role and identifying areas where she could add her own special touches and build on the strengths of the school she inherited from Dr Christian Barkei.
Below are just some of the changes, achievements and introductions we witnessed this year.
EUROPEAN TEACHER OF THE YEAR
We were immensely proud to celebrate the success of Primary teacher Síghle O’Doherty, who was named Pearson International School Teacher of the Year – Europe. Ms O’Doherty was shortlisted alongside another talented St George’s teacher Mary Davis, an outstanding achievement. Ms O’Doherty’s success is a testament to the exceptional quality of teaching and dedication found throughout our staff team
NEW WEBSITE, LOGO AND BRANDING
St George’s launched a new visual identity alongside an entirely new website in May. The rebranding included a refreshed logo and clearly defined values as a key part of the new identity. The updated website takes visitors on a journey of St George’s, highlighting the school’s best features and showing off our greatest assets, our students and staff.
THE CHICKENS PROJECT
SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS
The Social Media & Digital Safety Workshop in June provided parents with practical strategies to support their children’s wellbeing in the online world. The keynote explored the benefits and challenges of growing up online, followed by two interactive 25-minute workshops tailored to participants’ interests.
A delightful project this year was the arrival of our school chickens. Students in all Primary year groups observed their journey from eggs to fully grown hens, learning valuable lessons about care, responsibility and empathy. The chickens have quickly become beloved members of our school community.
Violin lessons were rolled out to all students in Year 3, allowing them to participate in 12 weeks of violin instruction. The project was the continuation of a successful pilot programme the previous year in which one Year 2 class received eight weeks of violin lessons
Music students in Years 10 to 13 attended the COBIS Music Festival in Qatar where they competed in drums, strings and voice competitions. Year 13 student Crystal received a commendation from the adjudicators, who hailed her the “next upcoming Björk”.
St George’s took steps to ensure a fairer, more sustainable world by becoming a Fairtrade School in collaboration with Fairtrade Lëtzebuerg on World Day Against Child Labour, 12 June. In practice, this means sourcing Fairtrade products and ingredients where possible.
FEATS HAMBURG DRAMA
FEATS HAMBURG DRAMA
St George’s Secondary drama students received nominations for the Stage Management Award and the Discretionary Award at the FEATS festival in Hamburg in May for their performance of My Father Odysseus
The Iftar Event in March, led by students and staff, celebrated faith and community during Ramadan. Families, staff and students came together to break their fasts, socialise, learn and enjoy a shared meal.
February’s Paralympic Week in Primary and Secondary welcomed past and present Olympians to the school. They delivered inspiring talks and led engaging activities, motivating students to explore sport and resilience.
YEAR 3 VIOLIN PROJECT
COBIS MUSIC FESTIVAL DOHA FAIRTRADE SCHOOL
PARALYMPIC WEEK
IFTAR EVENT
Primary highlights
Vice-Principal and Headteacher (Primary) Claire Nuttall shares some of her favourite moments of the year.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Strong emphasis was placed on professional learning and improvement. Learning Communities enabled teachers to collaborate, explore new educational approaches and share best practice. Topics included the use of AI in education, mentoring and emotional literacy.
Several teachers completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), run through UCL’s Institute of Education. We achieved a 100% pass rate, with the Institute commenting positively on the quality of work produced.
01 04 02 05 03 06
Luxembourgish lessons deepened pupils’ understanding of the local language and culture. We welcomed refugee visitors in partnership with the Red Cross, giving children a powerful opportunity to connect their learning with real-life stories of resilience and inclusion.
Students took part in friendly matches with local schools and represented St George’s internationally at the football Mediterranean Cup in Verona. The opportunity to compete internationally is always memorable for students.
WEEK & VISITING POET
We welcomed poet and writer Karl Nova, whose dynamic and interactive performance poetry inspired the children to create their own rhymes and verses. His energy and enthusiasm left a lasting impact, making poetry accessible and fun for all.
Year 5 students participated in a Caribbean Carnival-style parade in April, with dancing, music and a wonderful display of colourful costumes, masks and tie-dyed T-shirts. There was even a limbo competition.
07
During Sustainability Week students recycled plastic into keychains and other creative items. The enthusiasm and engagement were so great that we have now purchased smaller recycling machines for ongoing use in school.
10 08 11 09
SUSTAINABILITY WEEK STAY & PLAY AND COFFEE MORNINGS BANNED BOOK WEEK
Our Early Years Stay & Play sessions offered parents the opportunity to experience a day in the life of their children at school. Our Coffee Mornings were also well attended, covering topics from emotional regulation to our approaches to teaching mathematics.
This event explored why books are censored and highlighted the importance of intellectual freedom and diverse perspectives in literature. The week encouraged students to ask questions, think critically and engage with stories that challenge their views.
12
PLANETS PERFORMANCE TOURS OF AMBASSADOR’S GARDEN ART EXHIBITION
Primary students attended a performance by Individual Music staff of Gustav Holst’s
The Planets. After passing through an interactive planetary experience, the students were guided through the musical performance by Eco-Agent musicians who narrated facts about each planet.
Eco-Agents gave tours of the British Ambassador’s Residence gardens as part of a biodiversity-themed event marking LUGA Insect Week and World Environment Day. The Eco-Agents shared their knowledge of the garden’s flora and fauna.
This year’s Primary Art Exhibition was held in a different venue, the Primary Gym, allowing parents, students and staff to interact with the exhibits in new ways. The displays were vibrant, varied and a beautiful showcase of the students’ hard work throughout the year.
Secondary highlights
Headteacher (Secondary) Claire Simmonds lists some of the events and occasions that shaped her year.
MÉRITE JEUNESSE
The school celebrated European Day of Languages in September 2024 with a vibrant lunchtime filled with fun activities and language-themed games. Staff and students shared and enjoyed different cultures, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere
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EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS
Students successfully completed both practice and real expeditions as part of their Mérite Jeunesse Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. These challenging experiences helped them build resilience, teamwork and confidence.
Students and staff were on stage for our much-anticipated Night at the Musicals in October, one of the busiest events of the year. The evening was filled with incredible performances of well-loved songs, showcasing the school’s amazing talent and teamwork.
SCHOOLS FESTIVAL CAREERS MIXER
The school hosted a Careers Mixer in November, bringing together external businesses, professionals and academic institutions to provide advice and guidance to Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 students to support their future planning and aspirations.
Primary and Secondary musicians performed at the Hamm Hospice Christmas music event in December. Their performances brought joy and festive spirit to the residents, creating a warm and memorable celebration.
The Shakespeare Schools Festival in February brought together Year 8 students and peers from schools across Europe. All students took part, engaging in performances and activities that showcased their creativity and appreciation for Shakespeare’s work.
HAMM HOSPICE SHAKESPEARE
NATIONAL JONK FUERSCHER SCIENCE CONTEST
Students impressed at the National Jonk Fuerscher Science Contest in March, showcasing their innovative projects across multiple scientific fields. Several students received awards and earned trips to science exchange programmes and competitions
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Students took on leadership roles through the Key Stage 5 Student Leaders, Eco-Agents, Humanutopia Heroes, Equalities Committee, Amnesty Group, Year 7 Buddies and Student Parliament. Each group played a role in school events and ensured students had a meaningful voice with the Senior Leadership Team.
YEAR 13 GRADUATION AND PROM ACTIVITY MORNING
The Year 13 Graduation and Prom celebrated the hard work of our eldest students. The events were filled with joy, memories and a sense of accomplishment as students marked the end of their school journey.
Activity Morning in June offered a range of fun and engaging options, from karaoke and chess to Latin dancing, Lego building and jigsaw puzzles. Students enjoyed exploring different activities, trying new skills and socialising with friends.
OUTSTANDING EXAM RESULTS COBIS SECONDARY GAMES
The COBIS Secondary Games in Lithuania in May saw multiple teams competing in a range of sports and activities. Students demonstrated skill, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the event.
Six students achieved the top marks in the Pearson Edexcel exams, including the highest marks in the world, Europe and Luxembourg. Congratulations to Elsa, Mathilda, Elena, Stefan, Sara and Charlotte.
University destinations
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHS
Destination Course
Duke University, USA
Eindhoven University, Netherlands
Imperial College London, UK
University of Loughborough, UK
University of Manchester, UK
University of Nottingham, UK
General Sciences
Mechanical Engineering
Physics
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Engineering and Physical Sciences
ARTS & DESIGN
Destination Course
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, UK
University of The Arts London, UK
Music Composition
Fine Art
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
Destination Course
Bath Spa University, UK
Cork College of FET, Ireland
Durham University, UK
KU Leuven University, Belgium
Maastricht University, Netherlands
Marist University New York, USA
University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
University of Greenwich, UK
University of Northampton, UK
Psychology
Applied Social Studies
Combined Honours in Social Sciences
European Studies
Econometrics and Operations Research
Psychology and Criminology
Psychology and English
Criminology and Criminal Psychology
Multimedia Sports Journalism
BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
Destination Course
Aston University, UK
Bath Spa University, UK
Bocconi University, Italy
London School of Economics (LSE), UK
Maastricht University, Netherlands
University of Colorado, USA
Economics and Politics
Business and Management
International Economics
Management
Economics, Econometrics and Research
Economics
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Destination Course
Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology
Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Teeside University, UK
UC Louvain University, Belgium
University College London (UCL), UK
Nursing
Medicine
Forensic Science
Medicine
Biomedical Engineering
LAW
Destination Course
IE Madrid, Spain
Vrije University Amsterdam, Netherlands
Law
Law and Society
St George’s in numbers
Schools are busy places and there’s much more to St George’s than classroom lessons. The numbers on this page give a glimpse into some of the activities that happened on a daily, weekly, monthly, termly and annual basis throughout the 2024-2025 academic year.
Nationalities
Many students at St George’s have more than one nationality and the figures below reflect the rich cultural diversity of our school community. It is this internationalism that plays a fundamental role in making St George’s an outstanding and understanding learning environment for more than 850 students from 71 countries.
New nationalities that joined St George’s in
NB: Figures above include all nationalities listed by students, including those with multiple nationalities.
Financials
January – December 2024
Expenditure
Great staff make for a great school and that is why salaries and related personnel costs account for the main expenditures of the school.
Income
Like all private international schools, St George’s relies on tuition fees as its main source of income. However, the school also benefits from the generous support of the Luxembourg Ministry of Education. The amount of assistance received for operating costs varies each year and is proportionate to the number of students in the school.
Further details on the amount of subsidy received can be found on page 21 of this report.
1. Summary of Income and Expenditure Accounts 2022 – 2024
Notes :
The School’s 2024 cash-based accounts were audited and approved by the Luxembourg Government in March 2025.
(1) The accumulated net amount raised by parents is ring fenced and planned to be used in 2025.
(2) The Other Income includes both the Income and the Expenses linked with the Erasmus projects.
2. Balance Sheet as of 31 December 2024 (EUR)
Notes
Starting
3. Luxembourg Government Subsidy Law
The school receives three types of subsidy that have been in force since 1 January 2004:
1. Operational subsidy, per student to support annual operating expenditure for all students age 3+ on 1 September and enrolled as of 31 October.
These amounts for 2024 were:
Primary students
Secondary students
€4,368 increase of 6.2% vs 2023
€10,904 increase of 8.7% vs 2023
2. Maintenance subsidy up to a % of the standard government cost per m³ for school buildings. For maintenance of building infrastructure only. The school started to receive this subsidy in 2010.
3. Investment subsidy covering up to 80% of government-approved quotes for new buildings.
4. Stability Fund Bank Accounts
The law does not allow for the subsidy to permit the school to make a surplus. If a loss is made, the government does not provide any further support. However, negotiations with the government have resulted in approval for a Stability Fund.
Contributions to this Stability Fund must be invoiced as a separate item to parents and the amounts received are held in a separate bank account. If the school suffers a loss, the Ministry of Education can allow the school to draw the loss from this Stability Fund.
The Stability Fund is currently capped by law to 6 months of the salaries and related charges in 2023. The school considers it should hold the equivalent of 3 months of salaries and related charges as the minimum permanent reserve.
Transfers into, and out of, the account (EUR):
5. Building Fund Bank Accounts
Building Fund contributions have been in operation since 2003. The account has two principal uses. First, it provides a short-term credit facility for the financing of any new building. Once the total cost of the new building, net of government subsidy payments, has been finalised, the net cost of the building may be transferred to a long-term loan. The repayments on this loan are then financed by drawings on the Building Fund.
Transfers into, and out of, the account (EUR):
6. Budget Jan-Dec 2025 (EUR)
INCOME Jan-Dec 2025 PRODUITS
Net Tuition/Application Fees + Ancillary Activities
13,534,718
Subsidies from the Luxembourg Ministry of Education 6,248,846
Frais de Scolarité/Admission et Activités Annexes
Subventions du Ministère de l’Education Luxembourg
Parents’ Fundraising - Net 0 Fonds levés par les parents
Other Income 0
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
19,783,564
Salaries + Related Expenses 16,066,859
Autres Produits
TOTAL PRODUITS
CHARGES
Salaires et Frais Liés
Educational Expenses 957,263 Matériel Didactique
Buildings (Utilities, Maintenance, Sports Facilities, etc) 1,142,112
Immeubles (Entretien, etc)
Furniture + Equipment (including IT) 840,675 Mobilier et Equipement (y compris Informatique)
Other Expenses 983,148 Autres Charges
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 19,990,057
TOTAL CHARGES
NET RESULT -206,493 RESULTAT
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY INTO OUR COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD TO FLOURISH AT ST GEORGE’S.