Finding the best English French bilingual education is an absolute priority for francophone parents relocating to London. For London families looking for a English French bilingual education, finding the right bilingual school is key. We’ve selected three primary schools for their excellent reputation: l’École des Petits, l’École de Battersea and the Stewart Bilingual School. We also look at l’Ecole Française de Londres Jacques Prévert, which follows the French curriculum with English immersion.
Bilingual curriculum
L’École des Petits and l’École de Battersea (two branches of the same institution) and the Stewart Bilingual School, are renowned private schools in London, noted for their bilingual approach. With academic rigour and personal development, these three schools offer a stimulating curriculum, combining the best of the French and British education systems.
L’Ecole de Petits in Fulham and l’Ecole de Battersea, founded respectively in 1977 and 2005, nurture children from 3 to 11 years old. The small class sizes (from 12 to 20 pupils) enable close focus on the academic development of each individual child. The family atmosphere of both schools allows children to grow up in a warm and secure environment, encouraging their self-confidence. The schools follow the curriculum approved by the Ministry of National Education and Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger (AEFE), thus ensuring continuity for families wishing to continue in the French system. At the same time, children are prepared for the UK 10+ and 11+ exams through the English Preparatory Course (EPC), facilitating integration into the best British schools in the UK, should families choose to move to the British system for secondary education. Learning English begins early, with a phonetic approach from the age of 5, allowing for gradual and effective immersion. Instruction is provided by native English teachers and each class has an assigned “English Teacher.”
L’Ecole des Petits and l’Ecole de Battersea boast a gymnasium, art and music rooms, as well as a secure playground. Their extracurricular programme has activities ranging from sports (dance, fencing, basketball) to the arts (theatre, drawing, music). The schools also encourage mutual help and support through a system of “houses” inspired by British tradition, encouraging collaboration between pupils of different ages. Extra individual support is given to students with academic or personal difficulties. Smooth communication with parents is ensured to ensure optimal follow-up.
The Stewart International School in Chelsea, London also offers both a bilingual programme and a caring environment. The school’s philosophy is rooted in self-development and bilingualism. The curriculum combines both the French National Curriculum and the British Curriculum. The timetable is structured to ensure balanced learning, is carefully adapted to each individual age group. In addition to academic subjects, the school has a rich offering in the arts, music, theatre and sports, characteristic of British education. The assessment of students is based on a continuous review of knowledge. For students with special needs, the school offers tutoring and courses in French as a Foreign Language (FLE). Learning English is based on an immersive method, promoting a natural and progressive mastery of the language. Up to the middle section, all instruction is in English. From the main section to the fifth grade, the programme is balanced with a 50/50 balance between French and English. The overall atmosphere is caring and culturally dynamic.
The school’s flagship projects include Christmas and New Year shows, as well as various field trips to enrich the students’ educational journey.
French curriculum with English immersion
More of a French school, and at the same time, warm and nurturing l’Ecole Française de Londres Jacques Prévert, nestled in the heart of the leafy district of Brook Green, is a small primary school welcoming about 260 children from the middle section of kindergarten to fifth grade. Approved by the French Ministry of Education and agreed with AEFE, the school follows the French curriculum whilst, at the same time, integrating the English language and culture. The family atmosphere of the school fosters a relationship of trust and respect between teachers, students and parents. The school brings together a real community of mainly French expatriates. The school follows the French National curriculum, enriched by English courses taught daily by native teachers in small groups. Some subjects, such as science and moral and civic education, are also taught in English, depending on the level. Immersion in the English language is complemented by artistic, cultural and sporting activities, as well as educational outings in London, offering students an insight into British culture and the English-speaking world. Most students progress on to the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in South Kensington.
The choice of these four primary schools is not exhaustive. London offers other French bilingual primary schools such as the four official feeder primaries to the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle. You can read more about these here: The Lycée Charles de Gaulle’s feeder primary schools – Lumos Education
Lumos Education is here to help you to find the best bilingual school for your child. Please contact our experts to learn more
