There are two very big reasons for choosing a French primary school in London. Firstly, your child will reap the rewards of a bilingual education which are said to include greater cognitive flexibility and decision-making skills, increased academic performance, cross cultural competency, superior communication skills and a reduced risk of dementia. Secondly, on a more immediate and practical level, many of the French schools in London offer excellent value for money, particularly when compared to their private English counterparts.
Below is a list of French primary schools, ordered by price.
*Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle (£8,000 – £10,000, depending on programme chosen) South Kensington
Age 3-11 followed by a Senior School
The school offers a French programme, with reinforced teaching of English of 3 or 4 hours per week, depending on the class level of the student.
Attached to the Lycee are the three primary schools Marie d’Orliac, Ecole de Wix and Ecole d’Andre Malraux. Attendance guarantees priority for a senior school place at the Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle. Fees remain the same as the South Kensington branch.
Marie d’Orliac Fulham
Parents can choose between:
– a bilingual programme (French Curriculum and intensive English from nursery to Year 6).
– a 50/50 bilingual programme from Reception to Year 6, in partnership with the English state school, Holy Cross Primary School
Ecole de Wix Clapham
Parents can choose between:
– a bilingual programme (French Curriculum and intensive English from nursery to Year 6).
– a 50/50 bilingual programme from Reception to Year 6, in partnership with the English school, Wix Primary.
Ecole d’André Malraux Ealing
Follows the French national education system.
*Ecole Francaise Jacques Prevert (£8,798 – £10,965 a year, depending on the year group) Brook Green
Age 3-11
The school provides a French education with a strong focus on English learning and has the approval of the French ministry for Education.
*La Petite Ecole Francaise (£3,450 per term) Kensal Town
Age 3-11
Offers a bilingual education and has accreditation from the French Ministry of Education.
*L’Ecole des Petits (£5470 per term) Fulham
Age 3-6
L’Ecole de Battersea (£5625 per term) Battersea
Age 3-11
These schools follow the French national curriculum but combine elements of the English system to ‘take the best of both systems.’ Students from L’Ecole des Petits are given priority entry to L’Ecole de Battersea. If you are looking for a French primary before switching to the English system at secondary, this is the best option, as the school has a programme of preparation for the 11+ which we have not come across in any of the other French schools.
*L’Ecole Internationale Franco-Anglaise, EIFA (£7,107 – £7,769 per term) Marylebone
Age 3-11 plus a Senior School
EIFA rovides an English-French bilingual education.
*Ecole Jeannine Manuel (£23,970 per year) Bloomsbury
Age 3-11 plus a Senior School
The school follows the French national curriculum with the exception of the English, Science and Chinese programmes, which are developed by and for the school.