Free School of Political Science

In 1883, Pierre de Coubertin pursued law studies while also enrolling at the École libre des sciences politiques, now Sciences Po.

These formative years played a crucial role in shaping his thinking. Passionate about history, pedagogy, and social issues, he forged his vision of a new education, based on the complete development of the individual.

At only 20 years old, he made his first trip to England, a decisive discovery. Coubertin observed the British educational model inspired by Thomas Arnold, director of the famous Rugby school, which placed sport at the heart of the moral and physical development of young people.

Seduced by this balance between effort, discipline, and team spirit, Coubertin returned deeply marked by this experience. His stays across the Channel reinforced his conviction: sport must become a pillar of education in France—an ideal he would champion until the revival of the modern Olympic Games.



The family archives deposited today at Sciences Po remind us how decisive the institution was in the education of the young Coubertin.