Celebrating Growth, Spirit, and Global Sisterhood at Surval Montreux
Prizegiving and Graduation at Surval Montreux is always a highlight of the year, and 2025 was no exception. As Principal Mrs Woodhouse welcomed families and guests, she beautifully captured the heart of our school perfectly: “Surval remains a beautiful home-from-home to our diverse, international, caring community, where life-long friendships are forged.” Her return this year brought a renewed sense of joy as she reflected on Surval’s traditions — from festive celebrations like St Nicholas Feast and the Spring Gala to newly student-led moments such as our sparkling Thanksgiving Dinner. Each tradition deepens the bonds between our girls and reinforces Surval's vibrant identity.
The year has been one of remarkable student-led creativity, academic achievements, and personal transformation. “Every girl has created a powerful story to tell of her time here,” Mrs Woodhouse shared, highlighting the adventures, hard work, and personal milestones that shape each girl’s Surval journey. With 69 students from 12 nationalities and staff from 18 different countries, Surval continues to thrive as a global learning community — a true “United Nations of Surval.” Academic highlights included a 100% pass rate in the DELF French exams, successful Advanced Placement results, and the growing strength of our Honours programme, each preparing our students for the challenges ahead.
As we bid farewell to our graduating Class of 2025, we do so with immense pride. Each girl’s path is unique, whether heading to Glion, Exeter, Bentley, or Anahuac University, but all leave with the same indelible mark of Surval. “From here, I know that each of you will go on to do marvellous things,” Mrs Woodhouse said, reminding us all of our shared commitment to purpose, kindness, and courage.
This year’s Graduation was a truly beautiful celebration, held at the elegant Victoria Hotel just above Surval, with breathtaking views over Lac Léman. The day began with our Prizegiving and Graduation Ceremony — a joyful and moving occasion. We were deeply honoured to welcome back Survalienne Amalia López (Class of 1996, Mexico) and her mother, Amalia Villarreal, who joined us all the way from Mexico to be our inspiring guest speakers. Their presence reminded us of the enduring bonds and lasting impact of the Surval journey. We were proud to announce Catalina (Grade 10, Panama) as our Student of the Year — a recognition of her outstanding contribution, warmth, and leadership within our school community. After the ceremony, students, families, and staff gathered in the hotel’s beautiful gardens for an apéro overlooking the lake, followed by a celebratory lunch — a perfect setting to mark the occasion and toast to the future of our graduates.
We are delighted to introduce our Surval Graduates 2025 — a remarkable group of young women whose journeys have been shaped by determination, global ambition, and a spirit of adventure. As we celebrate their achievements, we also honour the unique paths they’ve chosen beyond Surval.
Quel, who joined us from China two years ago, has been offered places on foundation programmes at both York and Exeter Universities in England, and will be continuing her academic journey at Exeter.
Malak, from Saudi Arabia, also joined two years ago and has secured a place at her first choice — the prestigious Glion Hospitality School.
Camelia, who joined us this year from Panama in search of a beautiful place to graduate, has been offered academic scholarships to both Bentley and Northeastern University in the U.S., and has chosen to attend Bentley.
Camila, from Mexico, also joined this year with the goal of graduating at Surval. She is excited to continue her education at Anahuac University in Mexico, where she will study Psychology.
In addition, we are proud to welcome Sofia as an Honorary Graduate. Sofia joined Surval as part of our Swiss Gap programme, taking extra academic lessons alongside Grade 12 students. Although she graduated last year, she never had a ceremony.
