Choosing the right academic pathway is a pivotal decision for globally mobile families navigating international education in France. At the International School of Nice (ISN), we understand that each learner is unique and our graduation routes reflect this commitment to flexibility, inclusivity, and excellence. Whether students pursue the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the ISN High School Diploma, or a combination with IB Certificates, they are guided through a structured and supportive academic journey.

A Choice of Recognised Qualifications

ISN offers three distinct graduation pathways:

• ISN High School Diploma (Externally accredited by the Middle Schools Association). This is a robust, accredited qualification for students preparing for higher education or diverse post-secondary paths.
• IB Diploma or IB Bilingual Diploma (in tandem with the ISN High School Diploma). This is a comprehensive, university-preparatory programme renowned for its academic depth and global orientation.
• ISN High School Diploma with additional IB certificates. This path offers flexibility for learners to engage with individual IB subjects while fulfilling ISN diploma requirements.

These globally respected qualifications equip students with the tools and credentials needed for university entry across Europe, North America, and beyond. They ensure that all students, regardless of background or aspiration, graduate with credentials that reflect their strengths and prepare them for future studies.

Why Flexibility Matters

At ISN, our learners come from a wide range of educational systems and cultural backgrounds. Our graduation pathways accommodate these differences by offering customisable routes:

• Students may choose the full IB Diploma for an immersive academic experience.
• Alternatively, learners can combine IB Certificates with the ISN High School Diploma to suit specific goals.

Whether aiming for Oxbridge, liberal arts colleges in North America, or creative arts institutions in Europe, ISN's academic planning supports each student’s aspirations, learning style, and university trajectory. Our tailored graduation pathways allow each student to choose a course that suits their academic profile, learning style, and career ambitions.

Excellence Through IGCSE Preparation

Before entering the IB Diploma, students engage in a two-year International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme in Grades 9 and 10. This curriculum bridges foundational skills and subject specialisation, cultivating independent inquiry, research abilities, and critical thinking.

The IGCSE provides the ideal framework for informed IB subject selection, fostering readiness for advanced academic challenges.

Tailored Pathways – Supporting Athletes and Artists

ISN is committed to providing a well-rounded education for every student, including those pursuing excellence in sport, music, or the arts. 

The school is recognised as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC); an organisation that supports flexible learning schedules and personalised academic planning for student-athletes and performers. This pathway supports:

• Flexible schedules for elite training or performance.
• The ISN High School Diploma combined with focused IB Certificates.
• Personalised learning plans for conservatory applicants, art portfolio development, or athletic scholarship pursuit.

This flexible approach extends to all learners balancing passion with performance. Whether pursuing a conservatory, a sports scholarship, or dual qualifications, ISN’s tailored approach allows students to thrive.

Global recognition and University readiness

The outcomes speak for themselves. ISN graduates consistently achieve results above the global IB average. Over the past five years:

• Average IB Score: 35+
• University Offers: 100% placement in institutions including Cambridge, Sorbonne, and McGill

Over the past five years, ISN students have consistently achieved IB Diploma scores above the global average, and 100% of university applicants have received offers from institutions in the UK, France, North America, and beyond.

The Futureproof Programme begins in Grade 8, offering structured academic and career counselling. Our counselor guides students in subject selection, application strategy, and university choices. Our graduates are consistently accepted to top-tier institutions worldwide.

Futureproof counselling includes:

• One-on-one university guidance
• Course planning aligned with student goals
• Preparation for diverse application systems (UCAS, Common App, Parcoursup)
• Guest speakers and university visits

Our advisors are available to assist  with subject selection, course alignment, and application strategy. Please do not hesitate to ask us about our FutureProof programme directly. 

Start Planning Your Journey

Choosing a graduation pathway is one of the most significant steps in a student’s educational journey. At ISN, no student navigates their graduation decision alone. Whether pursuing the full International Baccalaureate or the High School Diploma with IB Certificates, learners gain qualifications recognised worldwide, grounded in a community that prioritises care, clarity, and excellence.

Explore our ISN Brochure or contact our team to take the next step.