If you are looking for a school in Geneva, you may come across two very different educational frameworks: the Plan d’études romand (PER) and Cambridge International programmes. But what exactly is the difference between them? And how should parents decide which approach is right for their child? The answer is not necessarily one or the other. For many international families, a school that combines elements of both approaches can offer the advantages of a Swiss education while maintaining an international outlook. At École Mosaic, our approach brings together the Swiss PER curriculum and Cambridge International programmes, creating a bilingual and internationally minded educational environment. What is the PER? The Plan d’études romand, usually known as the PER, is the curriculum framework used in the French-speaking cantons of Switzerland. It provides a common educational framework for schools across French-speaking Switzerland, including Geneva. The PER covers a broad range of learning areas and aims to develop children's knowledge, skills and competencies throughout their education. It is not simply a list of subjects. The curriculum also places importance on areas such as: languages; mathematics and science; humanities and social sciences; arts; physical and health education; digital education; personal and social development. The PER is therefore designed to provide children with a broad and balanced education while supporting their development as individuals and members of society. What is the Cambridge curriculum? Cambridge International Education provides internationally recognised educational programmes and qualifications used by schools around the world, that are aligned with the English National Curriculum. Rather than being a single curriculum covering every year of schooling, Cambridge offers programmes and qualifications for different stages of education. These can include Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Level. Cambridge programmes are designed to provide a structured and internationally transferable educational pathway, with a strong emphasis on subject knowledge, critical thinking and independent learning. This can be particularly attractive to families who may move between countries or who want their children to have access to internationally recognised qualifications. PER and Cambridge: what is the difference? The most important distinction is that the two frameworks have different origins and purposes. The PER is a Swiss regional curriculum framework, designed specifically for the French-speaking Swiss education system. Cambridge International programmes are international educational programmes and qualifications, designed for use by schools and students around the world. This difference can be particularly important for international families. A family planning to remain in Geneva for many years may value the continuity of a Swiss curriculum. A family that expects to move to another country may appreciate the portability and international recognition associated with Cambridge qualifications. Does the PER mean a child is only prepared for Switzerland? No. Following the PER does not prevent children from continuing their education elsewhere. The Swiss education system provides strong academic foundations, and students can progress to a range of further education pathways. However, families who are highly mobile internationally may want to consider how easily their child's particular programme will transfer if they move to another country. This is where an international programme can offer additional flexibility. Does Cambridge mean children miss out on Swiss education? Not necessarily. A school can incorporate Cambridge programmes while maintaining a strong connection to the Swiss educational context. This can be particularly interesting for bilingual schools in Geneva. Children can develop an understanding of the Swiss environment while also gaining experience with an internationally oriented programme. At École Mosaic, we believe these two perspectives can complement one another. What about languages? Language is an important consideration when comparing educational approaches in Geneva. The PER operates within the Swiss educational context and places significant importance on language learning. Cambridge programmes, meanwhile, are frequently delivered in English and are widely used by international schools. For a bilingual school, this creates an opportunity to combine French and English as languages of learning. At École Mosaic, bilingual education is central to our approach. We believe that children can develop strong academic foundations while learning to communicate confidently in both French and English. Which approach is more academically demanding? It is difficult — and misleading — to say that one curriculum is simply "more difficult" than the other. The academic experience depends on the age of the child, the school, the subjects studied and how the curriculum is taught. Both approaches can provide a rigorous education. What matters is whether the school challenges children appropriately while providing the support they need to make progress. A strong school should encourage children not simply to remember information, but to understand, question, apply and communicate what they have learned. What about examinations? One of the key differences becomes more visible as students get older. Cambridge International programmes can lead to internationally recognised qualifications such as Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Level. The Swiss education system has its own pathways and qualifications, including the Swiss Maturité. For parents, this means that it is important to think about the longer-term educational pathway rather than simply comparing individual subjects. Ask: Where might my child study after secondary school? Will we remain in Switzerland? Could we move to another country? Which qualifications will be appropriate for our child's future plans? Does the school provide clear pathways into further education? What about university? Both Swiss and international educational pathways can lead to university. However, admission requirements vary between countries and universities. Families considering universities outside Switzerland should therefore look carefully at the qualifications offered by their child's school and the entry requirements of the countries in which they may eventually apply. One of the advantages of an international qualification is that it can provide a familiar educational framework for universities and admissions teams in many different countries. Why combine the PER and Cambridge? For some families, the most interesting question is not: "PER or Cambridge?" but rather: "How can my child benefit from both?" A school combining the two can offer a number of advantages. A connection to Switzerland The PER provides a strong connection to the Swiss educational environment and the local context in which children live. An international outlook Cambridge programmes can provide an internationally oriented academic framework and qualifications that are familiar to schools and universities around the world. Bilingual learning Combining Swiss and international approaches within a bilingual environment can give children meaningful opportunities to learn and communicate in both French and English. Greater flexibility For internationally mobile families, having experience of both Swiss and international educational approaches can make future transitions easier. What should parents ask when choosing a school? If you are comparing schools in Geneva, don't simply ask which curriculum they follow. Ask how the curriculum is actually experienced by children. Questions worth asking include: How are French and English used in the classroom? Which parts of the PER does the school follow? Which Cambridge programmes or qualifications are offered? How are the two approaches integrated? What happens when children transition between educational stages? What pathways are available after secondary school? How does the school support children who join from another country? What happens if our family moves abroad? The answers can tell you much more about the educational experience than the name of the curriculum alone. The Mosaic approach At École Mosaic, we believe that children can benefit from the strengths of both the Swiss and international educational traditions. Our approach combines the Plan d'études romand with Cambridge International programmes, within a bilingual French-English environment. This allows children to develop strong foundations in the Swiss educational context while also developing the international perspective, language skills and adaptability that can be valuable in an increasingly connected world. We don't believe parents should have to choose between Swiss roots and an international outlook. For us, the goal is to give children the best of both. Thinking about your child's education in Geneva? If you would like to find out more about how the PER and Cambridge approaches are combined at École Mosaic, contact our admissions team or arrange a visit to the school. We would be delighted to show you how our bilingual, multicultural approach works in practice.
