Over the last 20 years France’s Naval Training College (l’École navale) has changed considerably, while conserving its status as a grande école of higher education. The most striking reforms include extension of the course to four years, the creation of a research institute and reorganisation of the course to allow exchanges as part of a European system. In line with its strategy of openness, the college has established many partnerships with universities, other grandes écoles and industry. The college now awards all qualifications found in France five years after leaving school. In future it intends to further emphasise its naval character and look for synergies with other European naval academies.