Kensington is a highly renowned central London neighbourhood and one of the most desirable areas in the capital. It is equally popular with British families and families with dual or multiple nationalities. Kensington is sought-after by French and francophone families and by and those seeking a French-English bilingual education. For this reason, it is often referred to as the “French village.” This reputation is largely due to the presence of the French Consulate, located on the major thoroughfare of Cromwell Road. Nearby, the Institut Français plays a key cultural role, offering film screenings, events, and access to a French-language library. Some of the best schools in Kensington are also some of the best in London. This vibrant area benefits from world-class cultural institutions, beautiful architecture, and boasts wonderful green spaces.
Education
Kensington offers a wealth of outstanding education options. Some of the best schools in Kensington include Francis Holland, Sloane Square, a secondary school that is very popular with local families, particularly with its focus on nurturing budding business-women. Francis Holland recently acquired the building that was formerly the home of the Hampshire School, and this is now home to the popular Francis Holland Prep School for girls aged 4 to 11 years. Another leading school in Kensington is Queen’s Gate School, for girls aged 4 to 18, alma mater of the current Queen Consort, which this is particularly well regarded. Its small class sizes and high-quality teaching enable students to thrive both academically and creatively, with several progressing to Oxbridge and, last year, five girls gaining places at medical schools. Close by is the excellent Glendower Prep School, offering outstanding education for girls aged 4 to 11 and the very popular Thomas’s Kensington. For students aged 14 to 18, the co-educational Mander Portman Woodward (MPW) provides exceptional GCSE and A-level courses taught by subject specialists and expert support for medical and business school applications. Ashbourne College is an excellent, family-owned college providing GCSE and A level courses for 14-18 year olds. For families seeing the International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification, one of Southbank International School’s junior and primary departments is located in Kensington. One of the best schools in Kensington is Brighton College Prep, Kensington, which takes pupils from 4-11 years. Unusually for central London, Brighton College Prep, Kensington, has a wealth of outdoor space.
In terms of state education, one of the best schools in Kensington is Fox Primary School, located near Kensington Palace, is considered the leading primary school in the area. At secondary level, Holland Park Academy and Cardinal Vaughan Memorial RC School are both highly regarded and achieve excellent results year after year. To secure a place at a state school, families must live within or close to the school’s designated catchment area.
Another major reason why Kensington is so popular with the French, francophone community and other London families seeking a bilingual education in London is its exceptional educational offering. The neighbourhood is home to some of London’s best French schools including Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, one of the most prestigious French schools in London. Catering for nursery, primary, secondary, and sixth-form pupils, the school welcomes around 3,300 students aged 3 to 18.
Its nursery and primary annexes are spread across London, including one in South Kensington (École de South Kensington). Three additional annexes are located in Ealing (École Primaire André Malraux), Fulham (École Primaire Marie d’Orliac), and Clapham (École Primaire de Wix).
Other French primary schools can be found in nearby neighbourhoods, such as Belleville Wix Academy in Clapham, which offers a bilingual stream, and École de Battersea in Battersea. Kensington itself is also home to a bilingual nursery, Les Chatons Nursery School, welcoming children from 6 months to 5 years. Nearby in Chelsea is the Stewart International School which
offers both a bilingual programme and a caring environment. The school’s philosophy is rooted in self-development and bilingualism. In Fulham, L’Ecole de Petits, like École de Battersea, follows 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. 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 grad
Kensington Life
Kensington is a wonderful place to live, offering a vibrant, yet cultured, lifestyle. With its abundance of museums, restaurants, cafés, and boutiques, the neighbourhood’s main arteries—Cromwell Road and Old Brompton Road—are always lively. Some of London’s most famous free museums, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum, are all located within close proximity, making them ideal destinations for family outings or time spent with friends. Kensington is equally popular with British families and families with dual or multiple nationalities including US, UAE, Russian, Ukrainian, Canadian, Chinese, French, Spanish and Italian. This makes for a vibrant and welcoming community.
Expert Support for School Applications
If you are seeking expert guidance for applications the best state or private schools in Kensington including Francis Holland Sloane Square, the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle or any other British, French, international, or bilingual school in London, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have extensive experience supporting families with applications to both private and state schools across London.
