Just as the middle school certificate exams wrap up, the verdict is in! The 2026 ranking of the best middle schools in France, published by L'Étudiant, once again highlights the quality of many schools in Lyon. No fewer than 21 Lyon schools received the top "A" grade, awarded to the most outstanding institutions based on various criteria determined from the data of the Ministry of National Education.
Contrary to what one might think, this ranking does not solely rely on the middle school certificate exam results. It also considers the ability of schools to help their students progress and their level of social mix, providing a more complete picture of their performance.
The Majority Private Schools, but Five Public Colleges Get Recognized
The ranking clearly shows a strong dominance of private education. Out of the 21 distinguished colleges in Lyon, 16 are private institutions. Historic names like the Lazarists, Chartreux, Chevreul, Fénelon, Sainte-Marie Lyon, and La Favorite Sainte-Thérèse are among the best-rated establishments.
However, public education is not missing from this list. Five Lyon public colleges also earn an A grade: Clément-Marot in the 4th arrondissement, Jean-Moulin in the 5th, La Tourette in the 1st, Professeur Dargent in the 3rd, and Vendôme.In the 6th district. A recognition that highlights their ability to effectively support their students throughout their schooling.
The list of schools rated A in Lyon:
- Clement Marot College - Lyon 4th
- Jean Moulin College - Lyon 5th
- La Tourette College - Lyon 1st
- Private College Aux Lazaristes - Lyon 5th
- Private College Charles De Foucauld - Lyon 3rd
- Private College Chevreul - Lyon 2nd
- Private College Chevreul Lestonnac - Lyon 7th
- Private College Deborde - Lyon 6th
- Private College Fenelon - Lyon 6th
- Private College Institution Des Chartreux - Lyon 1st
- Private College La Favorite Sainte Therese - Lyon 5th
- College
- Private School Les Chartreux-St Charles - Lyon 4th
- Private School Notre Dame De Bellecombe - Lyon 6th
- Private School Pierre Termier - Montchat Site - Lyon 3rd
- Private School Pierre Termier - Monplaisir Site - Lyon 8th
- Private School Saint Denis - Lyon 4th
- Private School Saint Louis De La Guillotiere - Lyon 7th
- Private School Saint Louis-Saint Bruno - Lyon 1st
- Private School Saint Marc - Lyon 5th
- Private School Sainte Marie Lyon - Lyon 5th
- Professor Dargent College - Lyon 3rd
- Vendome College - Lyon 6th
The Rhône is also well represented
Outside of Lyon, 60 establishments...ts of the department are also among the best in France. This is particularly true for the colleges Maurice-Utrillo in Villefranche-sur-Saône, Collège de la Haute Azergues in Lamure-sur-Azergues, Bertrand Tavernier in Villeurbanne, Val d'Ardières in Beaujeu, Eugénie de Pomey in Amplepuis, Francoise Dolto in Chaponost, Georges Charpak in Brindas, Marcel-Pagnol in Oullins-Pierre-Bénite, and André-Lassagne in Caluire-et-Cuire, which also achieve the highest score.
To establish its ranking, L'Étudiant relies on four indicators: the success rate in the diploma over the last three years, the average score obtained in the written tests for the 2025 session, the added value of the institution – in other words, its ability to help its students progress – as well as the social position index (IPS), which is used to measure social diversity.
Source: Student