FAQs

How does the British Section differ from a traditional International School?

Most international schools operate as "islands," teaching an English-only curriculum (like the IB or A-Levels) to a primarily expat community. The British Section is integrated. Our pupils are part of the French state system, meaning they gain a top-tier French education plus a native-level British one. They leave with a dual-cultural identity and a world-recognised qualification (the BFI).
 

Does my child need to be a British citizen to apply?

Not at all. While we follow a British curriculum, our community is global. We welcome children of all nationalities, provided they have the required near-native level of English and the academic potential to handle a dual curriculum.
 

What is the ‘Externé’ programme?

The Externé programme offers a unique and flexible pathway for primary-aged pupils to benefit from both the French and British educational systems. Children attend their local French state school for most of the week, fostering strong connections within their local community, while joining the British Section at the Lycée International for two half-days each week (6 hours in total). 

During these dedicated sessions, pupils receive intensive teaching in English language and literacy, helping them maintain and develop native-level English skills while following the high academic standards of the British curriculum. 

The Externé model provides the ideal balance between local integration and bilingual education. It allows children to enjoy a traditional French school experience, build friendships in their local area, and at the same time benefit from a rich dual-curriculum environment that nurtures excellence in both languages and cultures. Most primary pupils join the British Section through this popular and highly successful programme.
 

Which year will my child be in?

How "fluent" does my child’s English need to be?

Because our curriculum is academic (Literature, History, Geography), we require native or near-native proficiency. We are not an English-as-a-foreign-language school. At the assessment stage, we look for age-appropriate vocabulary, reading comprehension, and the ability to express complex ideas.
 

What if my child speaks no French?

We have a world-class immersion programme called Français Spécial (FS). Native English speakers with limited French are placed in a dedicated intensive French class for one year. By the end of that year, they are usually fluent enough to join the mainstream French classes while staying with their British Section peers for their Section subject lessons.
 

Can we apply mid-year?

No. To ensure academic continuity and fair assessment, we only admit new students for a September start. The application window opens in November and closes in mid-December/early January for the following school year.
 

Do we need to live in Saint-Germain-en-Laye to apply? 

No, but you must reside within the catchment area by the time the school year begins in September.
 

Can my child apply if they aren't British?

Absolutely. We welcome children of all nationalities. The primary requirement is a native-level command of the English language and a commitment to the dual-curriculum model.

What if we miss the January deadline?

Late applications are only considered in exceptional circumstances (such as a sudden professional relocation) and only if places remain.
 

Do you offer discounts for enrolling more than one child?

We do not currently offer sibling discounts for applications to the British Section.

What is the BFI?

The Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) is the international version of the French Baccalauréat. It is a highly rigorous diploma where the British Section provides the English Literature and History-Geography components. It is globally recognised and carries significant weight with UCAS (UK), the Common App (USA), and European universities.
 

Do you offer A-Levels or the IB?

No. We specialise in the BFI. However, the BFI is considered equivalent in rigour (and often more broad in scope) than A-Levels or the standard IB, particularly because it requires students to master two different academic methodologies.

Is there a school bus?

Yes. A network of local buses (managed by the Yvelines Department) serves the Lycée International and its partner schools, covering Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the surrounding area.
 

Are there tuition fees?

Yes. While the French side of the education is state-funded, the British Section is a non-profit association. Fees cover our UK-qualified staff, our extensive libraries, and our pastoral and university guidance services. You can find our current fee schedule on the Tuition Fees page.
 

Where will my child actually be based?

This depends on their age and the language option they are admitted under. They may be at the main Lycée International campus in Saint-Germain-en-Laye or at one of our Partner Schools in Saint-Germain-en-Laye or Le Pecq.

Is there a school uniform?

No. In keeping with the French state system, there is no school uniform.
 

How involved can parents be?

Very! As a parent-led association, we rely on our community. You can join the Parent Teacher Group, and as a parent, you will be a member of the British Section Parents Association (BSPA) and can even stand for election to the Governing Board.

If your query wasn't answered here, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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