Celebrating the Class of 2026

When John Corlette founded Aiglon, he sought to develop a school that could be about the “whole person,” and as Aiglon celebrates this year’s Class of 2026, we seek to demonstrate how important it is that our educational approach on the mountain highlights the ways students have taken this principle to heart throughout their time in myriad, diverse ways.

The majority of students graduate with the IB Diploma, but this robust, global programme does not stand alone. An Aiglon graduating class has also spent countless hours on expedition, in activities, competing in sport competitions or building friendships across cultural and national boundaries. It is through this melting pot of experiences that students come to discover more about themselves and what they want to pursue when they finally walk across that stage. As a result Aiglon offers multiple pathways for graduation, giving students more opportunities to pursue their passions.

Personal Pathways & Passions

Martina found this passion thanks to the diverse opportunities available to her. “Everyone always says, ‘You have to study what you love.’ I always assumed I was going to study marketing because that’s what everyone around me suggested. I never found a subject I was passionate about until I started doing Psychology with Mr Rowntree.”

Martina will study Psychology at St Andrews in the UK after spending four years at Aiglon. She took a number of IB courses, but ultimately decided to pursue the Aiglon Diploma. “The IB is great, but it's intense,” she says. “It’s nice to have a little more space to explore other things.”

By contrast, Sonisa came to Aiglon as a scholarship student from Cambodia in Year 11. “I chose my IB subjects because I love them. I enjoy spending time alone studying for them.” But it was not just the subjects that gave Sonisa her love for the Aiglon experience. For her, community is synonymous with house life. “We’re a chill house. I think it’s very supportive,” she says, which had a significant impact on her university choice. “Coming to Aiglon, I realised I really like being in a tranquil place.” Sonisa was awarded a full scholarship to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, USA, where she plans to study chemistry. The small-town environment, as well as the comprehensive Dartmouth Plan with its flexible quarters, gives her the flexibility and opportunity to continue doing what she loves.

Vincent’s motivation to study International Relations at IE University in Madrid, Spain comes directly from his conversations and relationships beyond the classroom. “I realised that having an open mindset and connecting with people who are different from you helps you grow as a person way more than anything else could. I think that’s one of the things I’m most grateful to Aiglon for.”

Diverse Destinations

Martina, Sonisa and Vincent are just three from a graduating class of 97, who pack their bags for universities across the world. 60% will go to the USA, 23% to the UK, 12% to other global destinations and 5% will take a gap year. “Since our team works with the students from Year 10, it's not just about their final destination,” says Patience Fanella-Koch, Director of University Advising. “We help each cohort develop a well-rounded application list that really reflects their priorities and interests. Exam results are key, but we encourage graduates to think about their larger goals, and how these might evolve as they continue to grow and learn.”

This year’s destinations are built on a strong set of initial IB results that were released this week. “I am enormously proud of every member of the Class of 2026,” says School Director, Nicola Sparrow, commenting on this year’s results. “Each result represents years of hard work, determination and personal growth, and every student should be congratulated on what they have achieved."

Class of 2026 IB Results

For those of the Class of 2026 entered in the IB, the cohort achieved an average score of 36.3, with a 100% pass rate that is now six consecutive years running. Two students achieved a perfect 45 out of 45 points, with 19 students achieving 40 points or more. “While these statistics are impressive,” Nicola continues, “this week is first and foremost about our students. The graduating class has arrived at this point in so many different ways, and there is much to celebrate.”

These different paths are what makes an Aiglon education special. No matter where someone is from, where they are going, or their academic course, the Aiglon community is united in a shared understanding of what really matters in a holistic education.  “Spirit,” Martina answered without hesitation when asked which of the Guiding Principles mean the most to her. 

“I would say Spirit is having the ability to channel bad things into good things. It’s knowing that, beyond any adversities you might face, the most important thing is having a positive outlook on life. My best friend, Jimena, always says, ‘The way you live today shapes tomorrow.’ It's about always looking toward tomorrow.”