●London Schools Guide · French Families · 2026
London Schools for French Families
Relocating to London from France? This guide covers the Lycée Charles de Gaulle, bilingual schools, and how to navigate the British state school system for French children.
Key Questions for French Parents
What year group is my French child in?
French CP (Cours Préparatoire, age 6-7) is equivalent to Year 2 in England. French 6ème (age 11-12, first year of collège) is equivalent to Year 7. French Terminale (age 17-18, final year of lycée) is equivalent to Year 13 (Lower Sixth).
Can my child keep up with the French curriculum in London?
The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in South Kensington follows the French national curriculum entirely, so your child can continue their French schooling uninterrupted. Complementary courses at the Lycée are also available alongside British state school attendance.
Is the French Baccalaureate recognised by British universities?
Yes. The French Baccalauréat is widely recognised by British universities as equivalent to A-Levels. UCAS has a published tariff for the French Bac.
French-linked Schools in London
Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle
Kensington and Chelsea · French national curriculum, ages 3–18, fees from £8,000
L'École Bilingue Élémentaire
Westminster · Bilingual French-English, ages 4–11
About state schools
French children with good English often thrive in Outstanding-rated British state schools. Many French parents also use CNED (Centre National d'Enseignement à Distance) to keep their children current with the French curriculum alongside British schooling.
How the London School System Works
→State schools are free
All state schools in England are free to attend for children legally resident in the UK. This includes primary (ages 4–11) and secondary (ages 11–18) schools.
→Ofsted is the inspection body
Ofsted inspects state schools and rates them Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. Most London state schools are Good or Outstanding. Use ofsted.london to search any school by rating or borough.
→Admissions are through the local council
Apply for a school place through your local council's website. Primary places must be applied for by 15 January for September entry. Secondary places by 31 October. You can list up to six schools in preference order.
→Year groups run September to July
The UK school year runs from September to July. Children are placed in year groups by their date of birth. Year 1 is for children who turn 5 or 6 during the academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my French child attend a London state school?
Yes. Children legally resident in the UK are entitled to a free state school place. There is no requirement to be a British citizen. Apply through your local council.
Is there a French school in London?
Yes — the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle is the official French government school in London, located in South Kensington. It follows the French national curriculum from maternelle through terminale. There are also several bilingual French-English private schools.
Search London schools by Ofsted rating →
Use ofsted.london to search all 3,195 London state schools by Ofsted rating, borough, phase and KS2 results. Free, no login required.