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University Entrance
A Global Pathway
At the British Section, we don't just prepare students for exams; we prepare them for their future academic interests and pursuits. Whether that future lies in France, the United Kingdom, or further afield, we ensure that our students are fully prepared for whatever their futures hold.
The BFI Advantage
The Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) is a distinctive bilingual and bicultural qualification, combining the breadth of the French Baccalaureate with substantial academic study in English. The British version includes English Language and Literature and History-Geography taught and examined in English at A-level standard, providing a strong preparation for university study in the UK and elsewhere.
For students, the BFI develops:
- Academic depth and critical thinking through extended analytical writing, close reading, interpretation and argument. High-level academic English, with the English examinations assessed at first-language level and successful candidates typically demonstrating C1 or C2 proficiency.
- Bilingual and bicultural fluency, requiring students to work academically in both English and French and to engage with different educational traditions and perspectives.
- Intellectual independence and adaptability, developed through a demanding programme that combines the breadth of the French curriculum with the depth and methodology of British-style study.
- Strong preparation for higher education, with the BFI recognised by UK universities and designed to prepare students for university study in Britain, France and beyond.
Success in university applications begins long before the final year. We support students through each stage of the Lycée cycle:
Seconde (Year 11): Exploration
- Broadening Horizons: Students are encouraged to explore interests through self-reflection and external careers programmes: My Future Choice and Unifrog.
- Initial Guidance: Introduction to the different global higher education systems and their specific requirements, together with individual guidance on subject choices.
Première (Year 12): Strategy
- Course Selection: students have one-to-one meetings with a designated University Entrance Advisor to choose appropriate courses and universities.
- Application Support: we organise group workshops and individual guidance on letters of motivation, UCAS Personal Statements, and essays.
- Unifrog: students and parents have access to an award-winning online platform supporting students with careers and university planning. It helps them explore their interests, research courses and career options, and make informed decisions about their next steps.
- Masterclasses: we arrange regular online sessions that give students the opportunity to hear from university speakers, academics and professionals, exploring a wide range of subjects, careers and ideas beyond the classroom. They broaden horizons, encourage curiosity and help students make informed choices about their future.
Terminale (Year 13): Application
- Application Support: students complete their applications with one-to-one interviews and guidance and individualised academic references.
- Entrance Test Support: we provide access to tailored courses to help students prepare for admissions tests
- Mock Interviews: teachers, parents and alumni help students with realistic practice sessions for interviews at selective entrance universities.
Our graduates consistently secure places at world-class institutions. Recent cohorts have moved on to:
- United Kingdom: Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial College, UCL, Durham, St Andrews, and Edinburgh.
- France: Sciences Po, HEC, and top lycées for Prépas (Henri IV, Louis-le-Grand).
- North America: Harvard, Yale, Columbia, McGill, and the University of Toronto.
- Europe: Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), Bocconi (Italy), Queen Mary (Malta), TU Delft (Netherlands), ESADE and IE University (Spain), and EPFL (Switzerland).
- Asia-Pacific: ESSEC (Singapore), University of Western Australia (Australia)
The University Entrance Team
Our advisors understand the nuances of global admissions. We provide:
- Individual support & counselling
- Bespoke Reference Letters written by Section teachers who know your child's academic journey intimately.
Higher Education Fair & Speaker Series
Every year, we host representatives from top-tier universities, both online and in person. These sessions allow students to ask direct questions about campus life, scholarships, and specific degree requirements. We also organise a ‘Carrefour des Etudes et Métiers’ (Careers Fair) that allows current students to speak with alumni about their experiences post-Lycée.
The Alumni Mentor Network
Connect with former students who are currently studying at your target universities. They provide invaluable insights and advice on everything from college choice to managing workload. Interviews are also captured on our UniShorts videos (recorded interviews between current and former students).
- MyFutureChoice - an online career and study guidance platform designed to help students aged 11 to 18+ make informed academic and career decisions.
- Unifrog - an online "destinations platform" that helps students aged 4 to 18 explore careers, academic subjects, and post-school options. Parents and students have their own individual accounts.