When Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill opened in 2015, it arrived with clear purpose: to bridge French and English education inside a Grade II-listed Art Deco building that once housed Brent Town Hall. The school occupies a leafy five-acre campus just two stops from Baker Street, offering bilingual education to roughly 800 students aged 3 to 18 drawn from 40 countries. Mireille Rabaté, who led the school from its opening, continues as Head of School. In its first cohort to enter higher education, 92% of those pursuing university chose Russell Group institutions, a striking testament to the quality of its academic pathways.
The school's design is intentional: sitting between the strict French curriculum and the International Baccalaureate, it serves international families unwilling to surrender either language or educational flexibility. An Ofsted inspection in January 2020 rated the school as Good overall, with a specific Outstanding judgment for Sixth Form provision and Personal Growth and Welfare. For families considering this school, understanding its bilingual mission and the choice between curricula is essential.
The building itself tells the story. Completed in 1937, the former Brent Town Hall's late Art Deco style — with its grand proportions and period grandeur — now houses classrooms, science laboratories, a music room, and the striking Council Chamber, repurposed with modern audio-visual systems for assemblies and performances. Five acres of green space surround the main building, providing the breathing room that many London independent schools lack.
Lycée International is genuinely multicultural without feeling tokenistic about it. With students from 45 nationalities and staff representing 29 different nations, the school's international character penetrates everyday life rather than existing as a marketing footnote. Daily instruction integrates two teachers per class (one native French speaker, one native English speaker), which creates a natural bilingual environment from Early Years onward.
The school's stated mission emphasises critical thinking and global citizenship. Head of School Rabaté describes placing "the wellbeing and the intellectual development of each student at the heart of every lesson." This manifests in practice through a peer counselling programme where trained student volunteers support their peers, art therapy groups in Primary, and playground buddy training to develop listening skills. Visiting therapy dogs (named Dogtor George and Dogtor Bertie) provide non-verbal support.
The atmosphere balances academic rigour with international mindedness. Teaching methods blend traditional French educational discipline with modern IB inquiry-based approaches. Classroom spaces are bright and equipped with video projectors and Apple TV throughout; WiFi connects the entire campus. The purpose-built Annex houses modern Science, Arts, and Technology rooms alongside the canteen.
Lycée International's strength lies in its sixth form. The school ranks 533rd in England for A-level results, placing it in the top 25% nationally and first in Brent (FindMySchool ranking). At A-level, 68% of grades achieved A*-B, well above the England average of 48%. The school offers 22 subjects at Advanced level, spanning Sciences, Mathematics, Languages, Humanities, and the Arts, allowing genuine subject breadth.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, introduced in 2019, has become the preferred pathway for many secondary students. The school provides six subject groups alongside the IB Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service). In 2022, the average IB score was 33.1 with a 75% pass rate. The bilingual option allows students to sit papers in both English and French, creating a genuine competitive advantage for multilingual learners.
The school offers IGCSE qualifications (English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, French) for students on the English International Programme. For the French Track, pupils complete the Brevet at the end of Collège (Year 9 equivalent), then progress toward the French Baccalauréat. The school's published exam results emphasise bilingual qualifications rather than GCSEs; parents should contact the school directly for detailed data on IGCSE outcomes.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
68.18%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The bilingual approach is the school's defining pedagogical feature. From Early Years, dual-language immersion means children encounter instruction from two teachers, each using their mother tongue. In Primary (Years 1-6), the split is 50% English and 50% French across the day. Secondary students choose their pathway at Year 7: either the Baccalaureate Français (70% French instruction, leading to the French Bac and OIB option) or the English International Programme (90% English, with French as a studied subject, leading to IGCSE and IB).
Importantly, students do not require prior French fluency to join. Many enter at Secondary with only English competency and rapidly acquire French through immersion. This openness contrasts with many traditional French schools.
Teaching draws on both traditions. The French strand emphasises structured academic content, close reading, and mathematical rigour. The IB strand stresses inquiry-based learning, student agency, and interdisciplinary thinking. Classroom observation across both tracks reveals high expectations: teachers explain concepts clearly; pupils engage actively; critical thinking is modelled and expected.
The purpose-built Science wing houses fully equipped laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Art and Technology rooms feature modern equipment. The Music Room supports both individual tuition and ensemble work. The Drama Studio enables practical theatre studies. All students in Secondary receive a school-owned iPad with software, apps, and digital textbooks pre-loaded, easing the transition to paperless learning whilst maintaining flexibility for physical texts where preferred.
The first graduating cohort (2019) saw 92% of those pursuing higher education secure places at Russell Group universities. This remarkable early figure reflects the school's selective admissions and cohesive bilingual education. Recent destination data confirms continued strength.
Specific universities named in recent graduate cohorts include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, London School of Economics, Sciences Po, Durham, Bath, Edinburgh, and international institutions including Stanford, Cornell, Duke, and McGill. French graduates also progress to Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles, the elite preparatory pathway for French university selection.
The school runs a dedicated University Counselling programme. For IBDP students, individual counsellors guide applications to international universities. For Baccalauréat students, support includes navigation of the French higher education system and European alternatives.
Entry to Year 12 (Première) is possible for external candidates with strong French language skills (for the French Track) or English language competency (for the International Track). The school welcomes mid-stream entrants subject to space availability. Admissions runs year-round; the school states willingness to admit students throughout the academic year when places permit.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 8.3%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
The school operates 30+ activities across sports, arts, music, and academic enrichment. Sports partnerships include the prominent Serge Betsen Rugby Club, which brings elite coaching to pupils. Additional athletic offerings span football, badminton, basketball, cross-country running, fencing, gymnastics, martial arts, table tennis, and yoga. The Paul Daisley Hall (indoor gymnasium) accommodates badminton, basketball, and indoor tennis. Three outdoor sports courts and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) provide space for pitch sports and casual recreation.
Young pupils participate in Forest School lessons on the wooded areas of campus, combining outdoor learning with physical activity.
The Drama Studio supports theatrical productions. Secondary students mount regular productions; recent programmes have included contemporary and classical works. The Council Chamber, with its professional audio-visual setup, hosts school assemblies, performances, and community events. Music performances occur in both the dedicated Music Room (for chamber and solo work) and larger spaces for orchestral or choral concerts.
The school maintains a Music Room fully equipped for individual and group tuition. Named ensembles include student orchestras and choirs. Private instrumental lessons are available on-campus for most instruments. Over 50% of pupils across primary and secondary learn an instrument, indicating a strong music culture.
The Art Club and broader arts curriculum emphasise painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media. Studio spaces enable hands-on creative work. Visual arts exhibitions featuring student work are displayed regularly around campus.
Coding Club, Chess Club, and subject-specific societies supplement classroom learning. The robust Science curriculum includes practical investigations; advanced students may pursue extended research projects. Debating and Model United Nations participation (including hosting the MUN conference) develop public speaking and international affairs literacy.
Service learning trips and overseas excursions integrate volunteering and cultural immersion. Students engage in formal community service projects aligned to the IB's Creativity, Activity, Service component. The school's location in London offers easy access to museums, galleries, theatres, and research institutions; field trips leverage these resources.
Lycée Churchill offers wraparound care (Garderie) for Primary pupils from 3:30pm to 6pm, with optional after-school activities running from 3:30pm to 4:30pm (Primary) and 4:30pm to 5:30pm (Secondary). Activity sessions include sports, drama, arts, music, and academic support.
Lycée International operates as an independent school with charitable status. The school receives no subsidies from the French, British, or any other government.
Fees are tiered by year group and curriculum track:
£18,521–£22,916 annually (including lunch)
£18,521 annually
£29,251 annually
Fees include tuition, lunch (served on-site daily), classroom consumables, and in Secondary, a school-owned iPad with software and digital textbooks. Additional costs cover exam fees, after-school activities, school trips, and optional extras such as individual music lessons.
Fees are invoiced annually and payable in 12 monthly instalments from May.
Three funding sources are available:
A merit-based award of £3,000 funded by the Wembley Education Charitable Trust, available to new students with outstanding academic results. Limited to one student per family for maximum three years, subject to annual review.
Available to French citizens registered with the French Consulate. The school tops up AEFE bursaries with complementary funds; students receiving 100% AEFE support pay no fees.
Means-tested bursaries of up to £3,000 per student, awarded for up to two years, subject to annual financial review. Applications close 1 June.
An independent charity offering grants to families of any nationality with students at Lycée Churchill or its sister school, Collège Français Bilingue de Londres.
Families eligible for the UK Government's Tax Free Childcare scheme can apply credits toward EYFS and Primary fees until the child's fifth birthday.
Fees data coming soon.
The school admits rolling admissions throughout the year depending on space availability. Entry is most common at Nursery (age 3), Reception, Year 1, Year 7 (when curriculum choices begin), and Year 12 (sixth form entry for external candidates).
Prospective families register via the school website (admissions@lyceeinternational.london). Registration requires an application fee (£180 per student) and non-refundable registration fee (£1,680 for the first child, declining for subsequent children). A refundable deposit of £1,100 secures the place.
For younger years, assessments typically include age-appropriate observation and informal testing. Secondary entry candidates sit written exams in English, Mathematics, and French to determine language placement and academic level. Year 12 entry requires evidence of strong academic performance at GCSE or equivalent; French language proficiency is tested for Baccalaureate track entry.
The school emphasises that no prior French is necessary for entry; language competency develops rapidly in the immersive environment.
The school draws students across London and beyond, reflecting its appeal to international and bilingual families. No formal catchment boundary applies. Proximity to Baker Street and Wembley Park (two Underground lines) makes the site relatively accessible, though families with long commutes should factor travel time into their decision.
The school maintains a formal pastoral structure. A Head of Pastoral Care and Designated Safeguarding Lead oversees student welfare. Bilingual and bicultural counsellors understand the psychological demands of multilingual education and international family relocation.
Additional support includes a Peer Counselling Programme where trained secondary student volunteers offer supervised support to peers, addressing mental health, friendship difficulties, and academic stress. Art therapy groups run weekly in Primary. Playground Buddy training teaches listening and empathy skills to facilitate inclusion.
Safeguarding is prioritised. All staff undergo Level 1 training in child protection; over 30 staff hold Level 3 certification. A dedicated security team manages site access, and visitor identification is verified before entry.
Pronote (an online portal) allows parents to monitor homework, grades, and progress in real-time. Secondary families receive Google Classroom access, enabling observation of class participation and assignments.
9:00am to 3:20pm (standard schedule may vary by year group; confirm with admissions).
After-school Garderie (care) available 3:30pm–6pm for EYFS and Primary pupils. After-school activities (ASP) run 3:30–4:30pm (Primary) and 4:30–5:30pm (Secondary).
Nearest Underground stations are Baker Street (District, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan lines) and Wembley Park (Jubilee, Metropolitan lines), both approximately 10 minutes' walk from the school gates. Public buses also serve the area. The school does not operate a formal coach service; families arrange independent transport or use London's public networks.
The school maintains a formal dress code reflecting its international and French traditions. Specific requirements are provided upon admission.
On-site catering (Holroyd Howe) prepares hot, three-course lunches daily, included in fees. Menus are published weekly; dietary requirements and allergies must be registered and are monitored closely for safety.
Language Commitment Required. Bilingual education demands genuine commitment from families. Children who arrive with zero French competency will acquire the language rapidly through immersion, but parents must accept that a significant portion of primary school communication occurs in French. Families uncomfortable with this bilingual reality should select English-dominant schools.
Not Suitable for Students with Limited Proficiency. Students joining the French Track at Secondary require strong French language skills; those without them will struggle. The school does not offer intensive French language support as a prerequisite. The English International Track accepts English-dominant pupils, but even here, French is present as a studied subject throughout.
Exam Results Data Limitations. Published results focus on IGCSE and IB outcomes rather than traditional GCSEs, reflecting the school's alternative pathways. Parents seeking to compare GCSE-level performance should request detailed data directly from admissions.
Commute Considerations. While well-located on transport links, a significant commute may challenge younger pupils, particularly those requiring early breakfast and late-afternoon care. Verify travel logistics before committing to entry.
Choice of Curriculum is Binding. Switching between the French Baccalaureate track and the English International track after Year 7 is difficult and disruptive. Families must be confident in their curriculum choice before entry.
Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill succeeds in a distinctive mission: providing genuine bilingual education within reach of London families without demanding relocation to Kensington or the 16th arrondissement. For children of expatriate or binational families, or for British families seeking a truly international education, the school delivers. Results place its sixth form firmly in the top tier nationally, and university destinations confirm strong preparation for competitive entry. The Ofsted judgment of Good overall (and Outstanding for sixth form) reflects consistent quality.
The school suits bilingual families, international professionals, and British families committed to multilingual education and who value the global mindset that bilingual immersion develops. The five-acre campus, professional staff, and emphasis on both academic rigour and pastoral care create a genuine learning community. This is not a school for families seeking traditional British education in a familiar accent; it is an excellent option for those seeking genuine global education within London.
Yes. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in January 2020, with Outstanding judgments for Sixth Form provision and Personal Growth and Welfare. The sixth form ranks 533rd in England (top 25% nationally, FindMySchool ranking). A-level results consistently exceed England average: 68% achieve A*-B grades. Of the first graduating cohort entering higher education, 92% secured places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
Fees for 2025-2026 range from £18,521 to £29,251 per year depending on year group and curriculum track. Primary fees average £18,521–£22,916 (including lunch). Secondary fees are £18,521 (French Track) or £29,251 (International Track, IB pathway). Fees are payable in 12 monthly instalments from May. Additional costs include exam fees, school trips, and optional activities. Financial aid is available through merit scholarships, government bursaries, and means-tested support; the school offers over £3,000 in annual assistance to qualifying families.
No prior French is required for entry to Nursery or Primary, or for Secondary entry via the English International Programme. Children acquire French fluently through bilingual immersion within the first academic year. However, students joining the French Baccalauréat track in Secondary must demonstrate strong French language competency beforehand. Families uncomfortable with a bilingual curriculum should consider English-focused schools.
The school offers three pathways. In Early Years and Primary, all students follow a bilingual curriculum (50% English, 50% French). From Year 7, students choose either the French Baccalauréat (French curriculum, accredited by the French Ministry of Education, 70% French/30% English instruction) or the English International Programme (90% English instruction, leading to IGCSE and IB Diploma in Years 12-13). Both pathways remain bilingual throughout, preserving language development.
At A-level, 68% of grades achieve A*-B (England average: 48%). The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, introduced in 2019, achieved an average score of 33.1 in 2022 with a 75% pass rate. The school ranks 533rd in England for A-level and IB combined (top 25% nationally). Students can sit IB exams in English or follow a bilingual track with components in both English and French. Recent IB cohorts have progressed to Imperial College, UCL, London School of Economics, Stanford, Cornell, and Sciences Po.
The school offers over 30 after-school activities including the Serge Betsen Rugby Club, football, basketball, badminton, fencing, gymnastics, yoga, dance, drama, art, music, coding, and chess. The Paul Daisley Hall (gymnasium) accommodates indoor sports; three outdoor courts and a MUGA support pitch sports. Primary pupils participate in Forest School lessons. Drama productions are staged in the purpose-built Drama Studio and the historic Council Chamber. Music tuition is available on-site; over 50% of pupils learn an instrument.
The school is located near Baker Street (District, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan lines) and Wembley Park (Jubilee, Metropolitan lines), approximately 10 minutes' walk away. Local buses also serve the area. The school operates no coach service; families arrange independent transport or use London Underground and bus networks.
Yes. Lunch is compulsory and included in school fees. On-site catering (Holroyd Howe) provides hot, three-course lunches daily. Weekly menus are published; dietary needs and allergies are registered and closely monitored for safety.
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