La Petite Ecole Francaise is an independent bilingual primary school in North Kensington, London, offering French Education Nationale 'Homologation' status and serving pupils aged 2 to 11. Founded in 1983, the school provides an immersive French curriculum with increasing English instruction, preparing children for progression to French-speaking secondary schools such as the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle and Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill. With capacity for 190 pupils across small classes, the school combines French educational traditions with a multicultural environment. Located at 73 St Charles Square, W10 6EJ, the school operates as a mixed, secular institution with nursery provision. The most recent Ofsted inspection in April 2023 rated the school as "Requires Improvement", with a progress monitoring visit in March 2023. Fees are £3,450 per term for the highest grade offered, with Early Years funding available for pupils under five. The school offers over 20 after-school clubs and maintains a distinctive French-English bilingual approach aligned with the French national curriculum.
La Petite Ecole Francaise was founded in 1983 with a mission to provide authentic French education to children of all nationalities in London. The school is part of the AEFE network and holds the prestigious 'Homologation' status from the French Ministry of Education, confirming that its curriculum and standards align with those of schools in France. This accreditation enables pupils to transition seamlessly to French-speaking schools both in the UK and internationally.
The school describes itself as inclusive and secular, welcoming families from diverse backgrounds who value bilingual education. The atmosphere is characterised by its small scale and family environment, where each child is known individually by staff. French educational philosophy underpins the approach: the school deliberately avoids early academic pressure, allowing children to enjoy childhood while building solid foundations. Reading begins at age six, and homework is minimal until pupils reach the upper primary years.
The bilingual model is distinctive. From nursery through to Year 1 equivalent, all teaching is conducted in French except for dedicated English lessons, which begin with two hours per week for three-year-olds and gradually increase to approximately 25% of teaching time in the primary years. This immersion approach aims to develop native-level fluency in French while maintaining strong English language development.
Pupils enjoy attending what inspectors described as a friendly, welcoming school. They learn a broad range of subjects in both languages and benefit from a curriculum that includes strong emphasis on the arts, physical education, and cultural education. The school's location in multicultural North Kensington contributes to its cosmopolitan character, with families drawn from French-speaking communities, international professionals, and British families seeking bilingual education.
As an independent school following the French national curriculum, La Petite Ecole Francaise does not participate in UK SATs testing, and therefore does not have published performance data in the usual metrics tracked for English state schools. Instead, the school's academic programme aligns with the curriculum set by the French Ministry of Education, progressing through the standard French educational stages from Petite Section (nursery) through to CM2 (Year 6 equivalent).
The French curriculum emphasises a broad knowledge base with particular strengths in literacy, mathematics, sciences, history, geography, and the arts. Children study grammar, spelling, and written expression in French, alongside mathematics taught using French methods. From the early years, pupils are introduced to cultural subjects including French history and geography. English teaching intensifies as children move through primary school, with separate English curriculum strands for language, reading, and writing.
Class sizes are deliberately kept small to support individualised attention. In the Early Years (Maternelle), there is a maximum of 18 pupils per class, with a qualified teacher and assistant teacher. Primary classes (Élémentaire) accommodate a maximum of 20 pupils with a teacher. This structure allows for personalised learning and close monitoring of each child's progress.
The school's 'Homologation' status means that pupils' progress is assessed according to French national standards. Children who complete their primary education at La Petite Ecole Francaise typically progress to French-speaking secondary schools including the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, Ecole Primaire Jacques Prévert, or Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill. The school's curriculum is specifically designed to prepare pupils for entry to these institutions.
The most recent Ofsted inspection in April 2023 rated the school as "Requires Improvement". A progress monitoring inspection in March 2023 focused on quality of leadership and management, quality of education provided, and welfare, health and safety of pupils. Inspectors noted that pupils learn a broad range of subjects in French and English and that children enjoy their learning environment. The school has been working to address the areas identified for improvement.
Parents seeking a school aligned with the English national curriculum or published performance data comparable to UK state schools should note that this is not the school's focus. La Petite Ecole Francaise serves families specifically seeking French educational pathways and bilingual fluency within the framework of the French national education system.
La Petite Ecole Francaise occupies premises at 73 St Charles Square in North Kensington, an attractive residential area close to Notting Hill. The school operates from a building that accommodates its maximum capacity of 190 pupils across nursery and primary years. While the site is not extensive compared to larger independent schools, it provides dedicated learning spaces appropriate for a small bilingual primary.
Physical education is an integral part of the French curriculum, and the school ensures regular sports provision despite the constraints of an urban location. From Petite Section to Grande Section (nursery through reception equivalent), sport sessions are organised in a large gymnasium next to the school, with two sessions per week for each class. Additional sports activities take place in the school hall and outdoor playground on other days. Teachers use motor-skills circuits with varied equipment to develop children's physical coordination, balance, and social skills through active play.
Outdoor spaces include a playground used for break times and outdoor learning. The school's North Kensington location provides proximity to cultural landmarks and recreational facilities in the surrounding area, including Holland Park and the museums of South Kensington, which support the broader curriculum.
Extracurricular provision is notably strong for a school of this size. La Petite Ecole Francaise offers over 20 after-school clubs, tailored to different age groups and interests. Clubs include gardening, drama, pottery, martial arts, and chess, giving pupils opportunities to explore creative and physical activities beyond the formal curriculum. These clubs are organised by specialist teachers, with timetables and pricing communicated to parents before each term begins. Ofsted inspectors noted that pupils spoke with enthusiasm about the range of clubs available.
The school also arranges enrichment trips. The oldest pupils recently enjoyed a residential trip to Edinburgh, providing cultural and educational experiences beyond London. Such trips are valued within the French educational tradition for building independence and broadening children's horizons.
Hot lunch and dessert are provided four days per week as part of the school's inclusive approach to daily routines. The school environment is described as family-oriented, with staff knowing each child individually and fostering a close-knit community among pupils and their families.
La Petite Ecole Francaise operates as an independent fee-paying school, and admissions are managed directly by the school rather than through local authority coordinated arrangements. Parents interested in applying should contact the school through its official website at lapetiteecolefrancaise.co.uk or by telephone on 020 8960 1278.
The school welcomes children aged 2 to 11 from all nationalities, including those already speaking French, English, or both, as well as families who wish their children to acquire both languages. Entry points include the nursery (from age 2, with a new Pre-Nursery class introduced in September 2025), Maternelle (from age 3), and primary classes subject to availability. Given the small class sizes and maximum capacity of 190 pupils, places can be limited, and prospective families are advised to register early.
There is no published admissions data indicating subscription rates or distances offered, as is typical for independent schools managing their own admissions. Demand for bilingual French-English education in London is generally strong, particularly from French-speaking expatriate families, international professionals, and British families seeking immersion education. Schools with French 'Homologation' status, such as La Petite Ecole Francaise, are sought after by families planning to continue French educational pathways at secondary level or who may relocate to France or other francophone regions.
The admissions process typically involves an application form, an informal assessment or taster session to understand the child's readiness and language background, and a conversation with parents about the school's bilingual approach and expectations. Prospective families should be prepared for a curriculum delivered primarily in French, especially in the early years, and for progression pathways oriented toward French-speaking secondary schools rather than English grammar or independent schools.
Financial commitments include termly fees of £3,450 for the highest grade offered, a registration fee, and a refundable deposit held until the child leaves the school, provided one full term's written notice is given. Early Years funding (15 or 30 hours per week) is available for all pupils under five, unless fees are paid by an employer or French government bursary (Bourse). Fees must be paid within the first week of each term, preferably by bank transfer. Hot lunch and dessert four days per week are included in the fees for most year groups, though VAT does not apply for Petite Section (Nursery) and Moyenne Section (Reception).
Parents should note that if they wish to withdraw their child, a full term's written notice is required for the deposit to be returned. For example, if a child leaves in January, written notice must have been given by the previous September. The deposit amount may increase if school fees increase.
Given the school's specialised bilingual mission, families should carefully consider whether the French curriculum and progression pathways align with their long-term educational plans before committing.
La Petite Ecole Francaise offers a distinctive proposition for families seeking authentic French bilingual education in London. Its principal strength lies in its French 'Homologation' status and alignment with the French national curriculum, providing a recognised pathway for pupils continuing to French-speaking secondary schools in the UK or abroad. The school's small class sizes, immersive French teaching, and family atmosphere create an environment where children can develop bilingual fluency in a supportive setting.
The school suits families with strong connections to French language and culture, including French-speaking expatriates, international professionals planning potential relocation, and British families committed to bilingual education within the French educational framework. Children who thrive in smaller, nurturing school environments and who are comfortable with French as the primary language of instruction will find the school's approach well-matched to their needs.
However, the school's recent Ofsted rating of "Requires Improvement" signals areas that prospective parents should investigate. While the inspection noted that pupils enjoy the friendly atmosphere and broad curriculum, the rating indicates that leadership, educational quality, or welfare standards fell short of expectations in some respects. Parents should seek updated information directly from the school about progress made since the March 2023 monitoring visit and any subsequent inspections.
The absence of UK performance data is an inherent feature of the French curriculum model and should not be viewed as a weakness by families seeking this educational pathway. However, families expecting alignment with the English national curriculum, preparation for UK independent school entrance exams, or published academic benchmarks comparable to English state schools will find this school does not meet those expectations.
Fees of £3,450 per term (approximately £10,350 per year for three terms) are competitive compared to many London independent primary schools, particularly given the included hot lunch provision and extensive after-school clubs. Early Years funding eligibility further supports affordability for younger pupils. However, the long-term cost of independent bilingual education through to age 18, given the expectation of progression to fee-paying French lycées, should be factored into financial planning.
The urban North Kensington site offers limited outdoor space and facilities compared to larger independent schools with extensive grounds, though the school makes effective use of nearby gymnasium facilities and local cultural amenities. Families prioritising expansive sports fields, specialist science laboratories, or extensive performing arts facilities may find the physical environment more modest than some alternatives.
For the right family, La Petite Ecole Francaise provides a valuable route to bilingual fluency and French educational credentials within a warm, multicultural community. Prospective parents should visit the school, speak with current families, and verify recent progress on areas identified for improvement before making their decision. Those fully committed to the French educational pathway and bilingual development will find the school serves its specific mission with care and cultural authenticity.
La Petite Ecole Francaise is a bilingual French-English independent primary school with French Ministry of Education 'Homologation' status, indicating its curriculum meets French national standards. The school received a "Requires Improvement" rating from Ofsted in April 2023, with a progress monitoring visit in March 2023. It is well-suited to families seeking authentic French education and bilingual fluency, particularly those planning progression to French-speaking secondary schools. Parents should investigate current progress on areas identified for improvement and consider whether the French curriculum aligns with their long-term educational goals.
Admissions are managed directly by the school. Parents should contact the school through its website at lapetiteecolefrancaise.co.uk or by telephone on 020 8960 1278 to begin the application process. The school welcomes children from age 2 to 11, with entry points at nursery (including a new Pre-Nursery from September 2025), Maternelle (age 3), and primary classes subject to availability. The admissions process typically includes an application form, an informal assessment or taster session, and discussions with parents about the bilingual approach. Fees are £3,450 per term for the highest grade, with a registration fee and refundable deposit required. Early Years funding is available for children under five.
The school holds French Ministry of Education 'Homologation' status, confirming full alignment with the French national curriculum and standards used in France. This distinguishes it from some bilingual schools that blend elements of French and English curricula without formal French accreditation. Teaching is conducted almost entirely in French in the early years, with English instruction increasing to approximately 25% of time in primary classes. The school specifically prepares pupils for transition to French-speaking secondary schools such as the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle. Small class sizes (maximum 18 in Early Years with teacher and assistant; maximum 20 in primary) support personalised attention within the French educational framework.
Pupils typically progress to French-speaking secondary schools in London, including the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, Ecole Primaire Jacques Prévert, and Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill. The school's French 'Homologation' status ensures pupils meet entry requirements for these and other French curriculum schools internationally. The curriculum is designed to prepare children for these specific progression routes rather than for English independent school entrance exams or state secondary admissions.
Free Early Years funding (15 or 30 hours per week) is available for all pupils under five years old, unless fees are paid by an employer or French government bursary (Bourse). This government support can significantly offset fees for nursery and reception-aged children. Parents should contact the school directly to discuss specific bursary or scholarship availability beyond statutory Early Years funding. Fees are £3,450 per term for the highest grade and include hot lunch and dessert four days per week. A refundable deposit is required and returned when the child leaves, provided one full term's written notice is given.
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