About the school

Situated 20 kilometers east of Clermont-Ferrand in the center of France, Le Beffroi middle school has 693 pupils aged 11-16. The current school building was constructed in 1994. It faces the historic building which had served first as a Jesuit college before becoming a military school in 1886 and finally a state middle school in 1963. The architectural style of the new building, all concrete and glass, contrasts strikingly with the sober old building which is now, unfortunately, in sad disrepair. Set in the small town of Billom, just beyond the medieval town gates, the Beffroi School sits on 6100 square meters near the foot of a volcanic hill locally known as the Turluron.

This is the third year at the Beffroi school for the senior management team; Headmaster Jacques Bertrand, Assistant Head Maria Meironen, and Bursar Nicole Gex. With the assistance of the support staff they have done their best to make the school more pleasant for pupils and to bring it up to date by investing in new equipment.

The school seeks to ensure that pupils of all abilities are helped to fulfil their potential. The Beffroi is fortunate to have energetic and committed teaching staff. Pupils needing additional academic help are supported by a mentoring system and support groups. All pupils can choose from a range of optional subjects including Vocational Studies, Italian, Spanish, Latin, ancient Greek, and short periods of work experience for a few volunteers. Pupils of diverse social and cultural backgrounds attend the school. Concerted efforts are made to pay attention to each individual pupil and to promote respect and tolerance.