French Secondary Schools in London : A Guide for Families

London offers several schools following the French curriculum, but their academic pathways can differ significantly.

For families moving to London or planning their child’s long-term education, understanding these differences is essential, especially when thinking about university options in France, the UK or internationally.

Each offers a different academic environment and different options in the final years of secondary school.

Overview of French secondary schools in London

Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle

Located in South Kensington, the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle is the largest and most established French school in London.

Students mainly follow the French national curriculum, leading to the Baccalauréat.

The school also offers:

• the BFI (Baccalauréat Français International)Students follow the French curriculum but study certain subjects partly in another language (such as history-geography or literature) and take additional exams in that international section.
• a European Section, where some subjects such as mathematics may be partly taught in English
• a British Section, where students move towards GCSEs and A-Levels from Year 10.

This structure allows families to remain closely connected to the French education system while keeping the possibility of a British academic pathway.

Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill

Located in Wembley, the Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill offers several international academic pathways.

Students can prepare for:

• the French Baccalauréat
• the BFI
• the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma Programme)

This flexibility allows families to adapt the academic pathway depending on future university plans.

École Jeannine Manuel

Located in Bloomsbury, École Jeannine Manuel is known for its strongly international academic environment.

Students can prepare for the BFI, but the school also offers an international section leading to the International baccalaureate.

Before entering the final years of secondary school, students also sit IGCSE examinations, particularly in English, which strengthen their academic preparation in a bilingual environment.

The school also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which can be useful for students considering applications to American universities.

Collège Français Bilingue de Londres (CFBL)

Located in Kentish Town, CFBL follows the French curriculum up to Troisième.

Students take the Brevet, and then move to another school for the lycée years.

This transition is often an important moment for families to decide which academic pathway their child will follow.

Which French school should families choose?

There is no single “best” French school in London. The right choice depends on the academic pathway a family is considering for their child.

Families who want to remain closely aligned with the French education system often choose the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, which offers the traditional Baccalauréat alongside international options such as the BFI and the British Section.

Those looking for multiple international pathways may consider the Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill, where students can choose between the French Baccalauréat, the BFI and the IB.

Families seeking a highly international academic environment often look at École Jeannine Manuel, which combines the French curriculum with international academic pathways.

For students at CFBL, the key decision usually comes after the Brevet, when families choose which lycée the student will attend for the final years of secondary education.

Because each school offers different academic pathways, families often compare them carefully depending on whether their child may later apply to universities in France, the UK or internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which French school in London offers the International Baccalaureate?
The IB is offered at Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill and through the international section at École Jeannine Manuel.

Do all French schools in London prepare students for the French Baccalauréat?
Several schools do, including Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill and Jeannine Manuel with the BFI.

What happens after the Brevet at CFBL?
Students usually move to another school for the lycée years, such as Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill or another international school.

Which French school offers the most flexibility in academic pathways?
Schools such as Winston Churchill and Jeannine Manuel offer several international options, including the IB, while Charles de Gaulle offers both the traditional Baccalauréat and a British Section.

How Tutoright supports students across these different academic pathways

The French education landscape in London includes several academic pathways, from the Brevet and the French Baccalauréat to international programmes such as the IB, as well as GCSE, A-Levels and Advanced Placement courses in some schools.

Because these programmes follow different structures and expectations, students often benefit from support that is specifically aligned with their curriculum.

At Tutoright, our tutors regularly support students preparing for these different academic programmes and understand the expectations of the schools and examination systems involved.

If you would like to discuss how we can support your child’s academic progress, feel free to get in touch.