High schools and secondary education in Luxembourg

Starting at age 12, after elementary school, students enter secondary school in Luxembourg. Secondary education is mandatory until age 18 or until a student earns a high school diploma.

Here we outlinethe structure of secondary education, the different types of programs available, and the enrollment procedures for public and private high schools.

Learn more about schools in Luxembourg and the different levels of education.

Organization of Luxembourg’s Public Secondary Education

Secondary education begins at the end of primary school. It lasts between 6 and 7 years, depending on the program chosen.

The choice of track is decided at the end of primary school through consultation between parents and teachers, based on the student’s grades, abilities, and interests. See the orientation process at the end of primary school.

In Luxembourg, around 40 public and private high schools offer secondary education. Public education is free.

Types of secondary programs in the Luxembourg system

Classical Secondary Education (ESC)

The program lasts 7 years (from 7th ESC to 1st ESC). This track is recommended for students with a solid foundation in French, German, and mathematics. It leads to the secondary school diploma, which grants access to higher education in Luxembourg and abroad.

Language and Core Subjects Track

Classes are taught in French and German depending on the subject. Students take courses in:

• literature and languages,
• mathematics,
• natural and social sciences,
• modern languages (English is mandatory starting in 7th grade).

Elective courses at the start of the program

In the early years (7th through 5th grade ESC), specific classes are offered:

• ALLET (“German as a Foreign Language”),
• “French Plus” for non-French-speaking students,
• classes with French as the medium of instruction.

Elective courses in Chinese, English, or Latin may be chosen starting in 7th grade ESC.

Specialization Years

In the upper division (9th → 11th grade), students can pursue specializations such as:

• modern languages,
• mathematics and computer science,
• natural sciences,
• economics,
• arts and humanities.

At the end of the program, the final exam consists of 6 written tests and 2 oral exams, selected based on the subjects studied.

Which high schools offer the Classical Secondary Education (ESC) program?

The classical secondary education (ESC) program is offered at many public high schools and some private institutions in Luxembourg. It is the most academically rigorous track in the Luxembourg education system, designed to prepare students for higher education.

High schools offering the ESC are located throughout the country, notably in Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette, Diekirch, Mersch, and Echternach.

• Athénée de Luxembourg High School
• Lycée de Garçons de Luxembourg
• Michel-Rodange High School (Luxembourg)
• Diekirch Classical High School
• Esch-sur-Alzette Boys’ High School
• Bel-Val High School
• Ermesinde High School (Mersch)

Some private schools also offer a classical education, following the official curricula of the Ministry.

International Secondary Education (IB)

Some public schools prepare students for the International Baccalaureate (IB), a diploma recognized in over 140 countries. The final two years of the curriculum are dedicated to the IB program.

This track is designed for students capable of following a traditional curriculum and wishing to pursue their studies internationally. It is particularly suited to foreign or mobile families.

International sections are available at the Lycée Technique du Centre, the Athénée, and the Lycée de garçons d’Esch-sur-Alzette.

If you prefer a curriculum from your home country, explore the options for private international schools.

British Secondary Education (A-Levels)

This program is taught in English. It prepares students for British qualifications such as the IGCSE, AS-Levels, and A-Levels, which are recognized in over 125 countries.

The Lycée Michel Lucius prepares students for British secondary school qualifications, with English as the primary language and German and French as secondary languages.

European Secondary Education

Based on the model of European schools, certain public institutions offer a comprehensive European curriculum leading to an internationally recognized European Baccalaureate.

• International School of Differdange and Esch-sur-Alzette (EIDE),
• Lenster Lycée International School (LLIS) in Junglinster,
• Edward Steichen School in Clervaux (EIES),
• International School in Mondorf-les-Bains (EIMBL),
• Anne Beffort International School in Mersch (EIMAB).

Instruction is offered in French-, German-, and English-language sections over 7 years.

General Secondary Education (formerly Technical)

This program offers an alternative to the traditional track. It offers:

• pathways geared toward higher education,
• vocational pathways (technician’s diploma, certificate of professional competence, etc.).

The program also lasts 7 years. Depending on the track chosen, students can pursue higher education, technical studies, or enter the workforce directly.

Special classes are provided for students who are new to the country and speak a foreign language.

Final Exam and Certifications

At the end of secondary school, all students take a final exam to earn their diploma (“bac”). This diploma grants access to higher education.

The final grade is calculated based on continuous assessment (1/3) and exam results (2/3), with an integrated oral component. The exam takes place every year in June, with a makeup session in September if necessary.

Customized private tutoring can help students in science or language subjects.

Enrollment and Guidance in Public Secondary Schools

Students choose their course of study in the final year of elementary school. Enrollment in public high schools is based on available spots. If you are not admitted to your first-choice school, a second enrollment round is held.

Need help understanding the Luxembourg secondary education system?

Choosing a public high school

Choosing a high school isn’t just about where you live. To explore your options and view schools on a map, visit Mengschoul.lu.

High school open houses are an excellent opportunity to explore the schools and their programs: Attend high school open houses.

Daily life at high school: practical information

Beyond choosing a curriculum, several practical factors should be considered to make daily life easier for students and families, especially for expats.

School transportation

Luxembourg has a free public transportation network (bus, train, tram), widely used by students to get to high school. Specific school bus routes exist depending on the school and residential area.

School schedules and daily routine

Classes generally take place Monday through Friday, from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with variations depending on the school and grade level. Some days may be shorter or include supervised study periods.

Meals and Cafeterias

Most high schools offer on-site dining services (cafeteria or snack bar). Students may also bring their own meals. Lunch breaks generally last between 45 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Boarding Schools and Housing Options

Some schools (particularly private ones) offer boarding options. For students coming from far away or from abroad, alternative housing options may also be considered (host families, student residences for older students).

Support for international students

Orientation classes, language support courses, and integration programs are offered for newly arrived students who have not yet mastered the languages of the Luxembourg school system.

Discover support options for expatriate students.

Major high schools and secondary schools in Luxembourg

Lycée Athénée, Luxembourg

Founded in 1817, the Athénée is one of the most renowned public high schools in Luxembourg. It offers a classical curriculum as well as an international IB program taught in English. Admission to the international program is based on tests in English and mathematics.

Lycée Michel Lucius, Luxembourg

Lycée Michel Lucius offers general curricula and British-style education (IGCSE, A-Levels) in English. It also welcomes international students starting in elementary school.

Michel-Rodange High School

A traditional high school located on the Geesseknäppchen campus, known for the diversity of its programs (streams, languages, specialized classes) and its focus on student autonomy and personal development.

Aline Mayrisch High School

A school combining tradition with educational innovation, with an emphasis on digital skills, personal projects, and student well-being in a multicultural environment.

Robert Schuman High School

A high school offering a structured classical education with a strong focus on languages, communication, and interdisciplinary projects, particularly through media-oriented teaching approaches.

Luxembourg Boys’ High School

A historic institution in the country, renowned for its academic rigor and humanistic approach, effectively preparing students for higher education. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Lycée Technique du Centre (LTC)

The LTC is one of the largest public high schools in the country, offering Luxembourgish, international (IB), and technical (chemistry, mechanics, administration, etc.) secondary programs.

It also offers language integration classes for students who speak a different language.

European Public International Schools

• International School of Differdange and Esch-sur-Alzette (EIDE)
• Lenster High School in Junglinster (LLIS)
• Edward Steichen School in Clervaux (EIES)
• Mondorf-les-Bains International School (EIMBL)
• Anne Beffort International School in Mersch (EIMAB)

Relevant private schools

Fieldgen Private School – offers general and preparatory secondary education with boarding options for girls.

Notre-Dame Sainte-Sophie Private School – offers the Luxembourgish and French curricula, from elementary through secondary school, in a multilingual and multicultural environment.

Discover other alternative international secondary schools.