English Lessons

Bilingual French/English School in London

Nursery and Primary open for all

La Petite Ecole Française

Excellence in Tailor-Made Bilingual Education

At La Petite Ecole Française, excellence is at the core of our bilingual program. We provide our students with enhanced English immersion, offering a reinforced timetable compared to the standard French curriculum.

Our native English-speaking teachers follow the British curriculum while also integrating key subjects from the French program—such as history, geography, and science—into their English lessons. This unique and dynamic approach enables students to learn English in an engaging and natural environment.

Our tailor-made curriculum blends the best of the British and French education systems. From nursery school, children benefit from 50/50 English and French, preparing them for a truly International education. In the primary school, English is taught in small groups, ensuring individualised attention and a personalized learning experience that fosters linguistic excellence.
Through our immersive and rigorous approach, our students develop authentic and lasting bilingualism, opening doors to top English and French schools.

Nursery - Immersion from an Early Age

At La Petite Ecole Française, we provide our youngest learners with true bilingual immersion from the very start of their education from Nursery to Year 1 (PS to Grande Section). With a 50-50 bilingual program, children are taught alternately by an English-speaking teacher and a French-speaking teacher, ensuring balanced exposure to both languages.

Our approach to learning English is engaging and interactive, inspired by the British curriculum and incorporating the Phonics program, allowing children to start reading and writing in English from Reception (Moyenne Section). Our English-speaking teachers, who are trained in EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage), use a play-based methodology to help children absorb the language naturally. They work closely with the French teacher and are supported by an assistant to provide personalised teaching.

We emphasize project-based learning, with diverse themes that spark curiosity and foster a love of learning. In addition, we promote cultural awareness, encouraging children to explore different cultures around the world to develop their intercultural sensitivity and their understanding of an International environment. In this rich and stimulating bilingual setting, our students build a strong foundation in both English and French.

Encouraging development

Primary - small classes with a personalised approach

At La Petite Ecole Française, English learning in primary school is part of a rich and immersive educational approach. Our students follow the British curriculum in reading, writing, and literature, building strong skills in comprehension and written expression.

To further enhance their learning, our teachers incorporate key elements of the French curriculum in history, geography, and science, following a program that has been carefully designed by both English and French speaking teachers. This blended approach allows students to develop not only a high level of English proficiency but also a deep understanding of the cultural and academic foundations of both the British and French education systems.

Thanks to the small group lessons the teaching is highly effective. This format enables teachers to challenge each student to reach their full potential, while also providing personalised support to those who need it.

Through this structured bilingual environment, our students continue to grow with confidence and excellence, strengthening their bilingualism and broadening their global perspective.

Testimonials

Kind Words from our Parents

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.

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.

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.

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

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