Ground broke on a new 18,831 square metre Lower School Building in April 2011. The Luxembourg government is contributing 80 percent of the project’s €48.5 million total cost.

The finance minister, Luc Frieden (photo, right), said during Tuesday’s ceremony that he “recognised the key role international schools play in helping to attract and retain foreign investors” which the government has said is a vital part of securing the Grand Duchy’s economic future.

Over the past five years, the ISL’s enrolment has increased from 724 to 1,078 students as Luxembourg’s international community has continued to expand. Today it is the largest English-language school in Luxembourg, and has students from more than 45 countries and teachers from more than 20, the school reports.

When the structure is completed, expected in August 2013, the ISL will be able accommodate between 300 and 400 additional primary school students.