Hi Nick,

In France children can start 'école maternelle' when they are two years old, many start when they are three.They stay in 'école maternelle' until they are four.At the age of five they attend the CP (cours préparatoire).In the CP they start learning to read and write.The school day generally begins at 8.00 and ends at 4.00.There are also international school in Geneva with an English section, if it's not too late.The international school of Geneva ,The Institut International de Lancy,Le Collège du Léman in Versoix andhe Institut Florimont are well-known international schools.

It's much easier to find accomodation in nearby France than in Geneva, life is also less expensive in France.

Goodmorning and welcome to Geneva!!

French Primary school (école primaire) runs from age 6 to 11, and corresponds to UK Infant 2 through to Junior 4 classes

Before the age of 6 they go to nursery school (Kindergarten) (from the age of 3)

I don't know about swiss education system but the french one has really really good reputation probably one of the best in the world!

That's all I know Hope it helps

Good luck! 

Divonne is a very nice town to live with small children as they have many possibilities for children ....school,music,sport,the lake and only ten minutes to the big shopping center in Chavanne de bogis in switzerland......for having a lady to take care of your child is easier and cheaper then in switzerland.....

Even if you decide the international school in founex its only twenty min drive max....even though its the most expensive town in Pays de gex it's still cheaper then switzerland....

plus much more facilities if both parents work...the arrangement easier xith school hours and maman de jour...hope this helps..good luck

so what did you decide Nick?

Thanks everyone for your input.  Well, i 've been here almost a month, working in a new job, looking for somewhere to live and getting our flat in London rented out whilst my wife and son are on holiday.

Well, after bouncing around hotels, sublets and serviced appartments i have finally managed to rent a house in Gex.  My boy is 5 and a half years old.  Can anyone recommend how (the process) I get my boy into school ,what documents I need to bring and any reccomendations on which school to send him to.  Any help would be very much appreciated, Thanks!

Thanks for your reply Nick.It's a little bit late for the school year 2013-2014.

Anyway,you'll have to go to the nearest primary school and have an interview with the headmaster, he will tell you what documents you need to bring.Everybody is on holiday in France, however try now maybe you'll find somebody who will help you otherwise you'll have to wait till August 15th-20th.Also get in touch with the puclic and private schools in Geneva in case ther's no possibility in France.Good luck!