Andorra's Lycée Comte de Foix Ranks 21st in France's Top Public High Schools

The Lycée Comte de Foix in Andorra la Vella has ranked 21st among France's top public high schools, according to a classification by the newspaper *Le Figaro*. The ranking covers 1,470 public lycées under the French Ministry of National Education and assesses factors including the 2025 baccalauréat pass rate, mention rates, access to the second year of high school, and support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds through to graduation.

The school recorded a perfect 100% baccalauréat pass rate, with 89% of students progressing to the second year, 91% receiving mentions, and 16 added-value points. Under director Olivier Salvan, it earned 18.1 out of 20 points overall. It surpassed regional rivals such as Lycée Pierre du Terrail in Pontcharra and Lycée Vaugelas in Chambéry, which scored equally but trailed in added-value measures. Within the Montpellier Academy, it leads institutions in the Eastern Pyrenees, ahead of those primarily in Perpignan. The national leader among public lycées is Lycée Louis Le Grand in Paris's 5th arrondissement.

Salvan described the result as unexpected and credited it mainly to the school's student support model, which spans from sixth grade to the end of high school. He emphasised that the ranking weighs academic outcomes, mentions, and accompaniment equally, with the latter driving the lycée's position. "What pushes us forward is our ability to guide students through their path and academic success," he said, praising teachers' efforts across the full cycle. He linked this approach to initiatives like the Young Mountain Gastronomy Talents Award, which enhance students' career outlook and employability beyond grades.

Students returned after Easter break to record enrolment of 1,654—60 more than in 2024-25—the highest in the school's history. The increase led to an additional terminale class and a new Arts option, shifting some elective lessons from 6:15pm to 6:45pm, with mandatory attendance and absences recorded like other subjects.

As the only overseas school under the French Ministry of National Education rather than Foreign Affairs, it retains public status, unlike others abroad. French education in Andorra marks 125 years this year; the lycée launched in 1980 after initial seconde classes in 1979-80, with its first baccalauréat graduates in 1982 across literature, maths-physics, and sciences streams.

Last December, Andorra and France renewed their 10-year educational agreement, ratified without changes by the Consell General last month. It secures ongoing cooperation, co-funds an eight-year lycée reform—70% by Andorra, 30% by France—and commits Andorra to primary school operating costs. This is the fourth bilateral deal since the 1993 Constitution.

Salvan expressed high hopes for the reform to modernise facilities largely unchanged for decades, describing much of the centre as still "in its original state" after over 50 years. He stressed its importance for improving daily conditions for students and staff, given the lycée's key role in Andorra's education system.

Relacions Institucionals, Educació i Universitats Minister Ladislau Baró described the partnership as "long-standing and structurally vital," dating to the early 20th century and central to Andorra's plural model. He cited French President Emmanuel Macron's 2024 Meritxell message praising the diverse, public, and free system.