Supporting athletic excellence without compromise

Choosing an AFEC School in France means selecting a school where elite sports training and academic achievement progress side by side. At the International School of Nice (ISN Nice), student-athletes benefit from an internationally respected, inclusive setting that nurtures ambition, resilience, and personal growth.

What is AFEC and why does it matters

ISN Nice holds accreditation as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) through the World Academy of Sport. This distinction affirms our commitment to adaptable learning for students engaged in elite-level training.

As one of only a few AFEC-accredited schools in France, ISN enables learners to balance rigorous academics with the demands of high-performance sport. This status reflects our inclusive ethos, flexible learning pathways, and prioritisation of well-being.

 

"The AFEC accreditation demonstrates our dedication to nurturing dual career pathways where student-athletes are not forced to choose between academic excellence and sporting ambition." —  Lorna Jones, ISN Director of Sport and Health

 

Our families value ISN as a school where high expectations meet personalised support, allowing each learner to thrive in the classroom and in competition.

Learn more about our School Life.

 

 

Flexible learning for elite performers

ISN’s flexible academic pathways allow student-athletes to adapt schedules without compromising educational standards. Learners may:

• Reschedule assessments during tournament
• Access asynchronous learning resources
• Receive personalised timetable adjustments

Close coordination between teachers, families, and coaches ensures these adaptations are purposeful and sustainable. This provides a foundation for long-term success.

Holistic support for well-being and performance

Support extends beyond academics. Our Director of Student Life, school counsellor, and physical education specialists collaborate to ensure each learner’s physical, emotional, and mental health is safeguarded.

This includes regular check-ins and individual coaching. This integrated approach develops not only sporting capacity but also resilience, balance, and self-awareness.

Learn more about our Student Well Being Programme.

 

“Every student deserves to feel safe at school, and needs to know that they will be understood and supported whatever happens." — Victor Fernandez, Director of Student Life & Safeguarding

Pathways to University and professional sport

Through our Futureproof Programme, university and career guidance begins in Grade 8. For high-performance students, this includes:

• Strategic IB subject guidance aligned with sports goals
• Support with applications to sport-focused universities
• Help navigating scholarships, dual degrees, and career planning

Graduates have progressed to institutions including the University of Cambridge, UCLA, Sorbonne University, and IE Business School. Many combine advanced study with ongoing athletic competition, such as participation in national and international events.

Be part of a school that champions athletic potential

From Kindergarten to Grade 12, ISN fosters a vibrant sporting culture supported by facilities such as a football pitch, athletics track, basketball court, and gymnasium. Students represent the school in competitions including the French Riviera International Schools League and the Globeducate Global Olympics.

Take a virtual tour of our campus here.

 

Families are warmly invited to connect with our Sports Programme Coordinator to explore how ISN’s environment inspires, supports, and nourishes high-performance learners within a globally minded, inclusive community.

 

Arrange your visit and discover ISN Nice