Lycee Francoise Combes, Montpellier, France

Opened in 2010, the Lycée Françoise-Combes is a state-funded boarding secondary school of excellence located in Montpellier. The school occupies a historic 18th-century former military building, now transformed into a modern educational campus surrounded by a park. The campus includes a canteen, gymnasium, and four dormitories, providing a safe and supportive environment for students.

Facilities and Resources

The school is well-equipped to foster academic and cultural development, featuring:

A conference room Multiple IT rooms

A small chapel repurposed for yoga classes 

A radio studio

Dedicated theatre rehearsal spaces

These facilities support a rich programme of artistic and cultural education, which is central to the school’s ethos. 

Educational Approach and Student Life

The Lycée Françoise-Combes welcomes up to 460 students aged 11–18 years (Years 7 to 13). As a boarding school primarily serving vulnerable students, it provides a secure and inclusive environment aimed at promoting academic success and social integration.

The curriculum follows national standards but is closely linked to artistic and cultural education. Students are encouraged to participate in:

Theatre workshops and performances Music training.

Specialised theatre programmes in collaboration with the Conservatory.

Classes finish at 4 pm, allowing students to engage in cultural, artistic, or sports activities until 7 pm, ensuring a balanced and enriching school experience.

Pastoral Care and Inclusion

A significant proportion of students have social and emotional needs, and pastoral care is a cornerstone of the school’s mission. Support services include:

Psychologists School nurses

Specialist hearing support

These services are regularly accessed by students and staff, ensuring wellbeing and inclusion.

Recently, the school has expanded its provision to accommodate students with physical and cognitive special needs, including those who are hard of hearing, alongside its ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable learners.

Staff and Pedagogical Innovation

The school employs 40 highly dedicated teachers, all committed to pedagogical innovation and the integration of creative approaches into teaching. Teachers and counsellors work collaboratively to ensure educational success and holistic development for every student. 

https://francoise-combes.mon-ent-occitanie.fr/