Intensive training several times a week, competitions at weekends, training camps in Switzerland or abroad: for a young athlete in a national or cantonal squad, or in a competitive club, sport takes up a great deal of time. That leaves little room for a standard school timetable. Yet academic success remains just as important as sporting progress.
At École Vinet, a private school in Lausanne, we offer a practical solution for these students. We welcome students from 7th to 11th grade (aged roughly 10 to 16) in classes of no more than 18, with attentive, personalised support to help them balance sport and study.
The Essentials in 1 Minute
- École Vinet is a private school in Lausanne for students from 7th to 11th grade (aged roughly 10 to 16), as well as in the RAC Matu and pre-apprenticeship classes, with a maximum of 18 students per class.
- It does not offer an official sport-études programme, but has its own support arrangements for high-level young athletes and artists.
- Everything starts with a conversation with the family, to see how far the student's timetable can be lightened or adjusted.
- Students who train for more than eight hours a week can be exempted from PE lessons and use that time for study.
- During international tournaments, remote learning can be arranged for a few days.
- Students follow the same lessons as their classmates up to 11VP or 11VG, and can then go on to the gymnase, a bridging class (RAC) or a pre-apprenticeship.
High-Level Sport and Schooling in Switzerland: The Context
In the canton of Vaud, the official sport-études programme (a combined sport and study pathway) allows some students to attend sports classes or sections with an adapted timetable. Families looking for a sport-études programme in Lausanne or elsewhere in the canton should know that access depends on specific conditions: the athlete's level must be recognised by their sports federation, some disciplines are not available everywhere, and places are limited.
As a result, not all young athletes, even those aiming for the top, meet these criteria, or meet them at the right point in their development. École Vinet takes a different approach, with its own support arrangements designed around the specific demands of high-level sport.
How Does École Vinet Support High-Level Young Athletes?
Everything starts with a conversation with the family. This helps us understand the student's situation and see how far their timetable can be lightened or adjusted to fit training around schoolwork. Depending on their needs, support can then take several forms:
- access to online resources during absences;
- targeted support in certain subjects;
- occasional rescheduling of assessments.
The full arrangements are explained on our page on timetable arrangements for athletes and artists.
A Sample Week
Students who train for more than eight hours a week can be exempted from PE lessons. That time is then used for study, so they can keep up with lessons while continuing their sport. For a student with this exemption, a typical week might look like this:
- In class: regular lessons, the same as their classmates.
- During PE lessons: study time to get ahead with homework or review lessons.
- Outside school: training and physical conditioning with their club.
- At weekends: competitions.
This example is for illustration only. Arrangements are agreed case by case with the family, depending on the student's sport and academic needs.
Working with the Club and the Federation
What makes the difference for a high-level athlete is close cooperation with their club and federation. If needed, the school can liaise with the student's coach or sports staff. This makes it possible to plan ahead for intensive competition periods, training camps or travel, and to organise schooling accordingly throughout the year.
Away for Training Camps or Competitions
Taking part in an international tournament or a training camp can take a student away from class. In some cases, remote learning can be arranged for a few days. This is organised in three stages:
- Before leaving: the family informs the school as soon as the dates are known, and the work to be done during the absence is planned.
- During the absence: the student follows lessons remotely through the online class platform, with support from their family.
- On return: missed assessments and exams are made up, and the student gets back into the rhythm of the class.
Tournaments abroad are a valuable sporting experience, and also a great way for young people to broaden their horizons.
Does your child compete at a high level?
Book an appointment with our teamA Solid Academic Path up to 11VP or 11VG
École Vinet supports its students up to 11VP or 11VG and prepares them for the next stage of their education: the gymnase (Matura school or general culture school), a bridging class (RAC) or a pre-apprenticeship, a first step towards vocational training, depending on each student's profile and plans. The flexibility lies in the organisation, not in academic standards: all students follow the same lessons. Combining sport and study therefore does not prevent students from reaching this milestone at the end of 11th grade in good shape, and from pursuing their sporting ambitions afterwards, whichever path they choose.
What If Sporting Plans Change?
An injury, missing out on selection or simply wanting to take a step back: at this age, sporting plans can change quickly. Because the student follows the same programme and meets the same standards as their classmates, there is no gap to make up and no separate track to leave. The support is adjusted or stopped, and schooling continues as normal through to 11th grade, the bridging class or the pre-apprenticeship. The organisation, commitment and work ethic developed through sport remain real strengths for the future.
Testimonials from Our Student Athletes
"I am currently at the University of Texas at El Paso in the United States, where I have a scholarship to continue my studies and play for the university golf team. I have just finished my first year and I am preparing to represent Switzerland at the European Championships for the second year running. What I learned at École Vinet, especially respect and organisation, continues to guide me in both my studies and my sport. I am grateful to École Vinet for helping me find the right path for my future career."
Patrick Foley
Would you like to find out more about the school and how it works?
Contact usFAQ
Which sports are covered by École Vinet's support arrangements?
Any sport practised at a high level can be considered: football, ice hockey, basketball, skiing, water sports and many more. What matters is the intensity of training (training volume, competition calendar, travel) and its impact on school time. Each situation is assessed according to the student's profile.
Are these arrangements also available to talented young artists?
Yes. Students involved in high-level artistic activities, such as dance, music or theatre, can also benefit from adjustments to their schooling. The principle is the same: a conversation with the family helps us assess the situation and see how to fit the organisation around rehearsals, lessons or competitions. Full details are available on our page on timetable arrangements for athletes and artists.
Can my child join École Vinet during the school year?
Yes, you can apply for mid-year admission, subject to places being available in the relevant class. The procedure and the documents required are explained on our admissions process page.
How can I get in touch to discuss my child's situation?
Simply fill in our contact form. We will then suggest a meeting to understand your child's sporting goals and explore possible arrangements together. To prepare for it, you may want to gather a few details:
- the season calendar (training, competitions, planned camps);
- your child's current level (club, cantonal or national squad);
- their coach's contact details;
- their latest school reports.
