7 most expensive schools in the world are all in Switzerland, fit for royals and racing drivers – but what do you get for your money?

The playground for the rich and famous starts at the world’s most expensive schools which offer small, multicultural classes and everything from sailing to mountaineering

There are few better investments than a good education. That perhaps explains why the very best schools in the world are so expensive these days, with the most premium ones costing up to six figures each year.

What might surprise is the fact that these pricey places of learning are all concentrated in Switzerland rather than a traditional bastion of private education like Britain.

Their geographical location aside, here are the seven most expensive schools in the world and a small idea of what you get for your money.

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Institut Le Rosey Where: Rolle, Switzerland Cost: US$129,192 per year

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We love this photo taken by @maddiehelen90 really showcases our campus beauty.

A post shared by Institut Le Rosey (@institutlerosey) on Aug 7, 2015 at 1:04pm PDT

What do the highest school fees in the world get you? How about a medieval chAteau for a main campus, a winter retreat in the picturesque ski resort of Gstaad and a sailing centre along Lake Geneva. As well as having fabulous facilities, Le Rosey is truly international. A quota system ensures no more than 10 per cent of the student body comes from any one country.

CollEge Alpin Beau Soleil Where: Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland Cost: US$129,328 per year

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Cloudy or not, we never get tired of this view #alpinecampus #view #switzerland #boardingshool #cabslife

A post shared by CollEge Alpin Beau Soleil (@collegebeausoleil) on Jan 30, 2020 at 6:57am PST

Often considered one of the world's most exclusive schools, Beau Soleil has an enviable list of alumni that includes the likes of French actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg, two princes of Luxembourg, Princess Marie of Denmark, and former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve. Eye-watering though the fees are, that is not the end of the story. The uniform package costs an extra 6,000 Swiss francs (US$6,200) as on Mondays pupils must wear a more fancy uniform compared to their standard one.

Aiglon College Where: Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland Cost: US$120,463 per year

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Loving that these sort of snow days are back on campus! Students between classes in a winter wonderland. #mountaincampus #almostChristmas

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This school, which sits high in the Swiss Alps, 1,250 metres above Lausanne, is modelled on traditional British boarding schools. It was founded in 1949 by John C Corlette, who had experience teaching at Gordonstoun, the Scottish independent school now famous for educating Prince Charles. Gordonstoun emphasises outdoor activities and that is something Corlette brought with him to Switzerland too " students must undertake expeditions every term, with activities including camping, hiking, rock-climbing, mountaineering and kayaking.

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St George's International School Where: Montreux, Switzerland Cost: US$108,646 per year

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Putting this half term's learning focus into action: a very thoughtful year 9 held a graduation ceremony when they learned Ms Read couldn't attend her offical one. Celebrations involved a student- delivered speech, a certificate and cupcakes! #ISG #celebration #success #studentsandteachers #teacherappreciation #Switzerland #Montreux

A post shared by SGIS (@stgeorgesmontreux) on Jan 28, 2020 at 5:59am PST

Given its name, it's unsurprising that St George's was founded by two English graduates of Oxford University, Lorna Southwell and Osyth Potts. Established in 1927, the pair hoped to build a school where students of all nationalities could live and grow together, and avoid repeating the conflict that generated the First World War. That heritage is alive and well, with the student body typically comprising about 50 nationalities who adhere to a timetable based on the British national curriculum.

Leysin American School Where: Leysin, Switzerland Cost: US$103,254 per year

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An appreciation post for both this lovely, sunny day and for the newly-dubbed "Edge Chalet" where our LAS edge students are furthering their education by pursuing topics one of four concentrations: innovation (Da Vinci Lab), entrepreneurship (Young Founder's Incubator), alpinism (Alpine Institute), or the arts (Conservatory).

A post shared by Leysin American School (@leysinamericanschool) on Oct 16, 2019 at 6:02am PDT

Despite its name, only about 12 per cent of students at Leysin are American. A hugely multicultural school, the institution is home to students from about 60 countries. Class sizes are small " typically around 12 pupils " and the student to teacher ratio is an excellent 8:1. In 2008 the school bought the Grand Hotel in Leysin, a Belle epoque structure built in 1890 as a posh hotel and sanatorium for the world's rich. After two years of renovations the building reopened as the school's International Baccalaureate (IB) campus.

CollEge du Leman Where: Versoix, Switzerland Cost: US$96,475 per year

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@kempinskigeneva @collegeduleman #graduation

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When you see this school's 10 hectares of landscaped grounds, situated between the Jura Mountains and Lac Leman, you understand why the fees are so hefty. It's not just stunning scenery that CollEge du Leman has in its favour, though. The facilities are world class and include a 5,000-square metre gymnasium. Pupils can learn how to sail " an activity that teaches "teamwork, leadership and purpose" " on the lake and enter regattas throughout the year.

Brillantmont International School Where: Lausanne, Switzerland Cost: US$89,695 per year

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Located in the centre of Lausanne, Brillantmont is one of Switzerland's oldest boarding schools, having been established in 1882. The student body is relatively small, typically about 100 boarders and a further 50 day students. There are regular weekend excursions to allow students to explore Switzerland and nearby countries in Europe.

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