Top 10 French Schools in London: A Comprehensive Guide

French schools in London have been gaining popularity over the years, especially among the French community. 

The demand for French education in London has increased, with more and more parents opting for bilingual education for their children. 

The French education system is known for its high academic standards and rigorous curriculum. 

French schools in London offer bilingual education, highly valued by parents who want their children to be proficient in French and English. 

Understanding the French School System in London

One important concept to understand is “homologuées” (accredited) schools. The French Ministry of Education has accredited these schools and follow the French curriculum. 

They must follow strict quality standards and get checked regularly to ensure they meet them.

Accredited schools guarantee quality and adherence to the French curriculum, essential for parents who want their children to receive a French education.

Another critical aspect of the French school system in London is the difference between public and private schools. Public schools, also known as state schools, are funded by the government and are free to attend. 

Private schools, on the other hand, are funded by tuition fees and may offer additional services and facilities. Private schools may also have different admission requirements and a more specialized curriculum.

French schools in London also offer a range of programs and activities outside of the classroom. These may include sports teams, music programs, and cultural events. 

Directly Managed French Schools in London

Many French schools in London are directly managed and funded by the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad). 

These schools provide education in compliance with the French curriculum, educational objectives, and structure while ensuring an excellent command of French and English.

The flagship French school in London is Lycée Charles de Gaulle, located in South Kensington. It educates over 3,000 students from nursery to high school, focusing on academic excellence and bilingualism. 

Ecole de Wix, located in Clapham, is a sought-after primary school that educates children aged 3 to 11. The school strongly focuses on bilingualism and offers both French and English streams. Ecole de Wix has a reputation for academic excellence and a nurturing environment.

Ecole de Marie d’Orliac, located in Fulham, offers French and bilingual streams for children from 4 to 11 years old. The school is linked to the Lycee in South Kensington and runs bilingual classes in cooperation with the local Holy Cross School, a Catholic state school.

Ecole d’André Malraux, located in Ealing, is a unique one-form entry school that educates children aged 3 to 11. The school strongly focuses on bilingualism and offers both French and English streams. Ecole d’André Malraux has a reputation for academic excellence and a nurturing environment.

These directly managed French schools in London provide an excellent education for children who want to learn in a bilingual environment. 

Partially Funded French Schools in London

Partially funded French schools in London receive financial support from the French education ministry. These schools have a management board and a higher level of independence. 

They follow the same curriculum as the Lycée and are partially funded by the French education ministry via AEFE.

One partially funded French school in London is Ecole Jacques Prevert in Hammersmith. This historic school has a charitable status and offers a bilingual education for students aged 3 to 11. The school follows the French national curriculum and offers its students English lessons.

These schools are accredited and inspected by L’Agence de l’Enseignement Français à l’Etranger (AEFE), which translates to ‘The Agency for French Education Abroad.’ AEFE will appoint teachers and the headmaster.

Partially funded French schools in London provide a unique opportunity for students to receive a bilingual education and understand French culture. 

These schools offer a high level of education and are an excellent option for families who want their children to learn French and English simultaneously.

Private Accredited French Schools in London

There are several options for parents looking for a private French school in London. Below are some of the top private accredited French schools in London:

Collège Français Bilingue de Londres (CFBL), Kentish Town: CFBL is a French-English bilingual school that offers modern education from Petite Section to Year 10. 

The school follows the French national curriculum and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. CFBL has a diverse student body with over 35 different nationalities represented.

Lycée International Winston Churchill, Wembley: This school offers a blend of French and international curricula. The French track leads to the French Baccalauréat, while the English track leads to the globally recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school has state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on academic excellence.

L’Ecole des Petits & L’Ecole de Battersea: These two schools are pioneers in bilingual education. They offer a nurturing environment for young learners and follow the French national curriculum. Both schools strongly focus on developing language skills in both French and English.

La Petite Ecole Française: This school offers a nurturing environment for children aged 2 to 6. The school follows the French national curriculum and strongly focuses on developing language skills in both French and English.

L’Ecole Bilingue: This school combines French and English teaching methods to provide a unique learning experience for students. The school follows the French national curriculum and strongly focuses on developing language skills in both French and English.

L’Ecole Internationale Franco-Anglaise (EIFA): This recent addition to the French school scene in London has a global approach to education. The school follows the French national curriculum and offers a bilingual education in French and English. EIFA has a diverse student body with over 20 different nationalities represented.

Le Hérisson School: This secular nursery offers a bilingual twist to early years education. The school follows the French national curriculum and strongly focuses on developing language skills in both French and English. Le Hérisson School provides a nurturing environment for children aged 2 to 5.

Emerging Bilingual Institutions in London

London’s cultural diversity has fueled a rising interest in bilingual education. Besides the well-established French schools, various institutions now offer more extensive bilingual programs.

One such school is Ecole Jeannine Manuel in Fitzrovia. Established in 2015, the school offers a bilingual French-English education to students aged 3-18. 

The school follows the French national curriculum and the International Baccalaureate program, providing students with a well-rounded education.

Another emerging bilingual school is The Roche School in Wandsworth. While the school offers a traditional British curriculum, it has recently introduced a Spanish-English bilingual stream. 

This program targets students aspiring to attain fluency in both languages and provides a distinctive chance to enhance their language proficiency.

In addition to these schools, several other emerging bilingual institutions exist in London. These schools offer a range of language options, including Mandarin, German, and Italian. Many of these schools follow the International Baccalaureate program, providing students with a globally recognized education.

As London grows and diversifies, bilingual education will become even more popular. These emerging bilingual institutions offer a unique opportunity for students to develop their language skills and gain a global perspective.