Jeannine Manuel's conviction that education could reshape the world through language and understanding remains the heartbeat of her London school, which opened in 2015 in the heart of Bloomsbury as an outpost of her visionary Paris institution, ranked among France's finest schools for two decades. Set across three listed buildings surrounding Russell Square and Bedford Square, steps from the British Museum, this bilingual international school serves 700 students from nursery through sixth form, drawing from more than 40 nationalities. What distinguishes the school from London's many international options is its unwavering commitment to genuine bilingual fluency, not mere language study. Students emerge from Jeannine Manuel speaking, reading, and writing in French and English with near-native ease. A-level results place the school in the top 5% nationally (FindMySchool ranking), a position earned through rigorous teaching, intellectual challenge, and pedagogical innovation rooted in research on how children learn.
The three buildings breathe a particular energy. The Primary School sits on the south side of Russell Square in a 2022 addition, bright and purpose-built, with outdoor play space at a premium in central London. The Middle School occupies Bedford Square, a Regency listed building adapted thoughtfully for Years 7-10, with the architecture holding the formality of its era while the curriculum demands innovation. The Upper School returned to Russell Square in 2019, creating a sense of ascent and progression through the student experience. Teachers describe the school as "a place that asks much of children, and gives much in return."
Mrs Pauline Prévot has led Jeannine Manuel London since its founding, a tenure of a decade that has seen the school mature from ambitious newcomer to established centre of academic rigour. She brings credentials in biology, science education, and computer science, having spent two decades working within the Jeannine Manuel system in Paris. Staff turnover remains notably low, and the teaching team includes native speakers of both French and English, alongside specialists in mathematics, sciences, and the humanities.
Class sizes are intentionally small, averaging 12-15 pupils. This matters. Teachers know students genuinely, and the feedback loop between instruction and individual progress is immediate and visible. Parents consistently report that "there are very rarely any problems in (noted) also the classroom; everyone behaves nicely plus listens." The bilingual immersion creates a rhythm distinct from English independent schools; the pace is brisk, and expectation is high.
The school's pedagogical philosophy, drawn from cognitive science research and innovation studies, emphasises action and accomplishment. Students do not simply learn about history; they engage with primary sources. In science, hands-on manipulation precedes theory. Mathematical concepts are explored before formulae are introduced. This approach suits curious, intellectually engaged families who value depth over breadth.
The sixth form delivers exceptional results, placing Jeannine Manuel among the highest-performing independent schools in England (FindMySchool ranking: top 5% nationally). In 2025, the final results underline this strength: 17% of grades achieved A*, 47% A, and 27% B, meaning 90% of all A-level entries reached A*-B. This significantly exceeds the England average of 24% A*-A.
Students sit either the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or the French International Baccalaureate (BFI). Both cohorts perform at the highest level. Recent IB cohorts have achieved consistently strong results, with 100% pass rates and numerous distinctions. The BFI cohort achieved 100% success, with all students obtaining a "bien" or "très bien" (equivalent to A/A* grades).
Beyond raw grades, the curriculum breadth is notable. Students choose from an enriched bilingual programme spanning languages (French, English, Mandarin, Spanish), sciences, humanities, economics, and the arts. The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) exams in History and English, allowing students flexibility in their pathways to US universities.
The school does not follow the traditional English GCSE examination system. Instead, Year 11 students complete the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in key subjects, including English and Mathematics. IGCSE results in 2024 were described as "outstanding," with the school's cohort achieving exceptional grades. The average points score for 2024 stood at 42.90, significantly above both the local authority average (31.21) and the England average (35.69), indicating that progress from entry is substantial.
In the measurement period, six students applied to Oxbridge; three received offers, with one securing a place. This modest number reflects the school's smaller cohort size rather than weak attainment. Beyond Oxbridge, leavers consistently progress to leading universities. The 2024 cohort of 26 students sent representatives to Cambridge, Columbia, Georgetown, Imperial College, LSE, St Andrews, and the University of Toronto, among others. Students also pursue education in France, with several opting for Sciences Po and ESSEC, prestigious French business schools.
The school's success in university admissions is shaped by a dedicated university counselling programme that begins in Year 10. A dedicated staff member guides students through applications, course selection, and the logistics of studying abroad. Parents report that this support extends beyond academic positioning to include personal development and character formation.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
90%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is anchored in the French national framework but diverges significantly in key areas. English, Science, and Mandarin Chinese are taught to proprietary standards developed by the school, ensuring bilingual depth. From Reception onwards, subjects are taught in both languages by native speakers, creating an immersion experience rather than translation-based learning.
The pedagogical drivers across all disciplines are consistency and innovation. Teachers employ structured inquiry-based approaches in sciences, hands-on manipulations in mathematics, and close reading and essay writing in humanities. The school actively incorporates findings from cognitive science research, including spaced repetition, interleaving of topics, and metacognitive reflection. Professional development is continuous, with staff engaged in monthly forums focused on pedagogy and wellbeing.
For non-French-speaking pupils, the school offers intensive adaptation programmes. Beginners entering before Year 7 typically reach functional bilingual fluency by Year 9. Non-English speakers are admitted only up to Year 7, given the immersive English demands thereafter. The school is selective in these admissions, prioritising students with strong learning foundations and family commitment to the bilingual mission.
Individual needs are met through departmental oversight rather than a formal SENCO structure. The school reviews support on a case-by-case basis and will arrange art therapy, speech and language support, or specialist tutoring when needed. This approach works well for students with specific learning needs (dyslexia, ADHD) but places responsibility on departments and parents to coordinate support proactively.
The school cultivates a strong culture of problem-solving and technical creativity. Coding, robotics, and Python programming are offered as clubs and integrated into the upper school curriculum where relevant. A robotics programme engages students in engineering challenges, moving from theory to practical construction. The Coding Club and Python programme are particularly strong, attracting students interested in computer science pathways.
The school's approach to science teaching emphasises experimentation and discovery. Laboratory work is structured and rigorous. In mathematics, there is visible confidence in abstract reasoning; students tackle challenging problem sets and olympiad-level questions. Several students have participated in mathematics competitions, though the school does not trumpet individual achievement in the manner of some selective independents.
Beyond the bilingual core, the school offers Spanish and Mandarin Chinese to older students, creating genuine multilingual fluency for the committed. The Languages Department runs the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, introducing students to sustained personal challenge and reflection. Student cohorts have completed Bronze and Silver expeditions; recent participants have achieved Gold.
The school hosts the International History Olympiad annually, underlining its commitment to intellectual depth in humanities. This competition attracts student historians from around the world, positioning Jeannine Manuel as a centre of historical scholarship and debate.
Drama is embedded in the curriculum up to Year 10 (45 minutes weekly) and remains integral to sixth form life. The school mounts substantial production each year, drawing talent from across all ages. Recent productions have showcased student writing and directing alongside acting, expanding the definition of dramatic engagement beyond traditional school plays. The Shakespeare Club meets regularly and engages with both classical texts and contemporary adaptations.
Music is studied for 45 minutes per week to Year 10. Individual instrument lessons are arranged externally. In 2023, the school introduced "Music Sparks," a new nursery programme inspired by the Kodály method, investing in a new piano to support early musical development. A school choir performs at school events and collaborates with parent musicians and external ensembles.
The school acknowledges the limitation of space in central London. Regular PE is timetabled, and external facilities supplement on-site options. Basketball and football clubs are popular; the school also offers fencing, gymnastics, and street dance. A small number of students pursue competitive sport externally, but the school's focus is broader: physical activity as part of balanced growth rather than elite athletic development.
The Model United Nations (MUN) society continues to grow. Students simulate diplomatic negotiation and international affairs, preparing for leadership in a globalized world. This aligns with the school's foundational mission, rooted in Jeannine Manuel's conviction that education could reduce conflict through mutual understanding.
Debating and public speaking are encouraged. The school enters debating competitions and has small internal competition structures. Sixth form students participate in leading younger cohorts through these activities, embedding leadership alongside intellectual challenge.
Tuition fees for 2025-2026 are £24,780 per annum (excluding VAT) for pupils from Reception to Year 10. Students in Year 11 pay the same for the French Baccalaureate track, or £29,340 (excluding VAT) for the International Baccalaureate track. VAT at 20% applies from January 2025, bringing fees to £29,736 or £35,208 respectively, with the exception of nursery provision, which is VAT-exempt.
Additional costs include lunch plans (£1,970 per annum, available to Year 10 and below), school transport via one of six bus routes (£2,710 one-way or £4,060 return per annum), and registration fees (£2,750, one-time). The school offers a bursary programme to support families with demonstrated financial need. Currently, 16% of students receive bursarial aid, covering an average of two-thirds of school fees. The school aims to reach 20% bursary provision, reflecting its commitment to accessibility. All bursaries are need-based, awarded regardless of nationality, and require evidence of financial need and genuine commitment to the school's mission.
French families may be eligible for bursarial support from the French Government's Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger (AEFE), with the school matching any shortfall between government support and full fees.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per annum
Entry is competitive and selective. The school seeks students who will benefit from a demanding bilingual curriculum and whose families embrace the school's mission of international understanding. Admissions emphasise academic potential, character, and family commitment rather than test scores alone.
Admissions occur at multiple entry points: Nursery, Reception, Year 7, and Year 12 (sixth form). Entry assessments include interviews with leadership, review of prior school reports, and demonstration of learning potential. The school welcomes non‑French speakers at all levels, and pupils who are not yet English speakers up to Year 7. For sixth form, candidates sit entrance examinations in English and Mathematics, and interviews assess intellectual curiosity and fit.
In recent years, the school has received increasing applications, particularly from families relocating to London and those seeking rigorous bilingual education. Places are offered based on a holistic review, with the aim of building a diverse cohort reflective of the school's international mission.
Student wellbeing is positioned centrally in school policy and practice. The school was a pioneer in implementing structured wellbeing programmes; pastoral systems include small tutor groups (typically 6-8 students), advisors familiar with each child's progress, and peer support schemes in which older students mentor younger cohorts.
Teachers are alert to signs of struggle. The small class sizes enable rapid identification of academic or emotional difficulty. While there is no on-site counsellor, the school arranges specialist support (art therapy, speech and language) as needed. Parents report that teachers "know their children well and are able to pick up issues quickly," enabling responsive intervention.
The school cultivates a culture of mutual respect and openness. Students describe feeling heard and supported. Disciplinary matters are handled fairly and proportionately. There are no reported endemic behaviour issues; the combination of small classes, clear expectations, and purposeful curriculum creates an environment where misconduct is rare.
The school operates across three sites in central London: the Primary School (21-24 Russell Square), Middle School (43-45 Bedford Square), and Upper School (52-53 Russell Square), all within a short walk of each other. The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm for main school pupils. Extended care arrangements are limited; families are expected to collect pupils punctually.
Transport is arranged via six dedicated bus routes serving Fulham, South Kensington, Notting Hill, Paddington, North London, and the West End, reducing the logistical barrier of central location. Many families walk or cycle to school. Parking near the school is limited; the school does not provide on-site parking.
The calendar follows the English academic year with half-term breaks aligned to maintained schools. Holiday club is not offered; families managing holidays independently should plan accordingly.
Bilingual immersion is non-negotiable. The school's strength depends entirely on this commitment. Families seeking a primarily English education with French as an add-on will find the programme overwhelming. Parents must genuinely value bilingualism for their children and be ready to support French learning at home or through tutoring if needed.
GCSE does not exist here. The school does not enter students for English GCSE examinations, instead using IGCSE and IB frameworks. For families planning subsequent UK state sixth form entry, this creates friction; however, for those planning to remain within the international or French education ecosystem, it is seamless.
Limited pastoral support infrastructure. While the school is attentive and responsive, it does not have a full-time counsellor or formal SEN support structure. Families with children requiring intensive mental health support or those on the autism spectrum with high support needs should verify directly whether the school's case-by-case approach meets their child's specific requirements.
Space and facilities. The school makes excellent use of constrained space, but there is no playing field, swimming pool, or gym on-site. External provision supplements timetabled PE. Families expecting the facilities of a traditional independent school should adjust expectations.
Selective admissions. The school is increasingly competitive. Places are limited, and the school prioritises fit over financial capacity. Families should start the admissions process early and prepare thoughtfully.
Jeannine Manuel School is a genuine bilingual education in one of the world's great capitals, delivered by educators who believe in the transformative power of language and cultural understanding. The results — especially at A-level — demonstrate that academic rigour and international-mindedness are not mutually exclusive. The school is best suited to families who have deliberately chosen bilingual education as a long-term commitment, who value intellectual challenge and cultural breadth, and who can afford the fees or qualify for bursarial support. It is not a school for families seeking primarily English education with French as an optional extra, nor for those who value sporting glory or expansive facilities. For the right family, it is exceptional.
Yes. The school ranks in the top 5% of schools nationally for A-level results (FindMySchool data), with 90% of grades at A*-B in 2025. The latest ISI inspection (2024) evaluated the school's academic provision and pastoral systems. University destinations consistently include Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia, LSE, and Imperial College. The school is selective and competitive, with growing demand from families seeking genuine bilingual education.
Tuition fees are £24,780 per annum (excluding VAT; £29,736 including VAT from January 2025) for pupils from Reception to Year 10 and Year 11 on the French Baccalaureate track. Students pursuing the International Baccalaureate track in Year 11 pay £29,340 (exc. VAT; £35,208 inc. VAT). Nursery fees are £24,780 per annum, VAT-exempt. Additional costs include lunch (£1,970) and transport (£2,710-£4,060), available to Year 10 and below. 16% of pupils currently receive need-based bursaries.
Yes. The school welcomes non-French-speaking students at all levels and provides intensive adaptation programmes. Non-English speakers are admitted only up to Year 7. By Year 9, most non-French speakers achieve functional bilingual fluency. Families must be committed to supporting French learning at home or externally if needed.
The curriculum follows the French national framework in core subjects, with English, Science, and Mandarin Chinese taught to proprietary standards developed by the school. All subjects are taught bilingually by native speakers up to Year 10. Sixth form students choose between the French International Baccalaureate (BFI) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). The school emphasises pedagogical innovation informed by cognitive science research.
Activities include coding, robotics, Python programming, basketball, football, fencing, gymnastics, street dance, Shakespeare Club, Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh Award, debating, choir, and drama production. Drama is embedded in the curriculum through Year 10. Individual music lessons are arranged externally. The school hosts the International History Olympiad annually.
Recent cohorts have secured places at Oxford, Cambridge, Columbia, Georgetown, Imperial College, LSE, St Andrews, Edinburgh, and the University of Toronto. Several students pursue education in France, including Sciences Po and ESSEC. The school provides dedicated university counselling from Year 10, and destinations reflect the school's international character and strong academic performance.
Yes. Nursery provision begins at age 2 and follows the same bilingual immersion approach as the rest of the school. The new Nursery building, opened on the south side of Russell Square in 2022, includes outdoor play space. From 2023, the Nursery introduced "Music Sparks," a programme inspired by the Kodály method. Nursery fees are £24,780 per annum (VAT-exempt).
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