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Bilingual Curriculum and Activities

Our classes and extra-curricular activities are second to none amongst the bilingual schools in London

We Are Passionate About Teaching

Our Teachers and Classes

The school has excellent teachers who are enthusiastic, motivated and passionate about teaching. The teachers are supported by class assistants.

In addition to the regular classes, the children have weekly dance lessons (expression corporelle), music lessons, English lessons, Spanish lessons (primary level) and sports lessons that are conducted by specialist teachers in small groups of 9 children. 

During these times, the rest of the class remains with the regular teacher and benefits from a more personalised lesson in which each child’s area of weakness can be addressed.

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Small Class Sizes

We pride ourselves on our small class sizes and a personalised approach to teaching. Children learn best in small groups, so our Maternelle (Nursery to Year 1) class sizes have a maximum of 18 pupils with a teacher and assistant teacher. 

The older classes have a maximum of 20 pupils with a teacher. When the children do specialised lessons such as dance, music or English the classes are split further into small groups of 9. Learning and activities take place in small groups, ensuring that the pupils get more one-to-one time with the teacher.

About The School

English Lessons - A Bilingual Approach

The Best Start for your Child

In Maternelle (Nursery to Year 1) 40% of lessons are taught in English. This will increase to 50% by September 2025. From Year 2 onwards, 25% of teaching time is conducted in English in small groups. 

All our English teachers are native English speakers. They teach English grammar and literacy but also cultural aspects and topics within the French curriculum.

Due to the small English classes and excellent teaching, pupils who have been with the school since Maternelle leave in CM2 as fully bilingual students and can progress on to English or French schools.

Extra Curricular Activities and Wrap-Around Care

We know that parents are very busy with work commitments and are looking for a school that offers wrap-around care and after school clubs. We have a Garderie in the morning from 8am until school starts as well as from 3.30pm until 5pm. La Petite Ecole Française offers a wide range of after school clubs depending on the age of the pupil and his/her interest. These include, Coding, Science. Gardening, Music, Drama, Capoeira (Brazilian Martial Arts), Art club, English, Football, Rugby and so on.

The list of after school clubs is communicated to the parents before the beginning of each term. More information, for example on timetable and price, can be provided by the school office or the after school club teacher who directly organises each activity.

The Science Behind the Benefits of Bilingualism

This BBC video (Lee please link to the BBC page) explains why being bilingual at an early age increases the development of neural networks and has long term benefits for the brain. Learning new languages exercises the mind. It improves our concentration, problem solving, memory and concentration. It can delay the onset of dementia and lead to quicker recovery from a stroke. The best time to learn a new language is when you are a child and building neural networks. It is a wonderful gift for any parent to give their child to broaden their opportunities in life.

BBC Clip: Why Being Bilingual is good for your brain

Next Step: The Application Process

Read about the school’s application process, how to apply, fees, and what happens next.

Applications

Kind words from our parents

Testimonials

Parents and children alike love the school, and here are some of their thoughts.

    Our two daughters Sophie (15) and Charlotte (10) have been pupils at la PEF from PS until the end of CM2, from September 2010 to July 2022.

    We were part of the first few that saw the opening of the primary school and have always been delighted with the high level of education and teaching provided. La PEF is one of the truly bilingual schools in London with both English and French native speakers. The focus on the individual students is possible thanks to the relatively small classes at la PEF and this enables a smooth transition to the curriculum of the secondary school – in the case of our eldest Lycee CDG in section internationale.

    Also given the extraordinary times we lived the last couple of years during the numerous lock downs, the PEF really stepped up to the challenge and were amongst the first schools in London to offer continuation of lessons online. With this important achievement during such formative years of our children, the PEF will remain with us in fond memory and we will always be delighted to recommend la PEF to future students.

    One of the best schools in London: education, management, teachers … Top quality.

    I feel very blessed to have had my 3 children in this wonderful school for now 12 years. The small classes and attentive teachers combine to help children flourish, both academically and personally. The lovely and friendly atmosphere has also helped foster close and genuine friendships that will probably last my children for life.

    Our sons have been with La Petite Ecole for the past 5 and 2 years respectively. We’ve always been extremely happy with the standard of education and learning.

    With smaller class sizes, the school offers the best care and attention to the children’s individual needs to learn and grow. There is a real sense of community in the school and after these fundamental years in their development, the children from the same age group become like a family, which is lovely to see.

    As a Franco-British family, we truly value that whilst being a French school following the French curriculum, there are also positive influences from the English system from empathy to a positive approach and encouragement to learning.

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If you’re interested in a first-class bilingual education for your child at one of London’s best schools, please get in touch to arrange a visit. We’d love to meet you.

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