British schools in France: Paris and beyond
British and English-language education in France: international schools in Paris and the regions, French sections, the BFI, and what families should know.
France offers families two quite different routes to an English-language education: independent British and international schools, and international sections within the French system. Choosing between them is the first decision.
Independent British schools
The largest group is in the Paris region, especially in the western suburbs (around Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Croissy-sur-Seine and the Yvelines), where many international companies and families are based. There are also British and international schools in Lyon, on the Côte d’Azur (Nice, Sophia Antipolis, Monaco area), and in some regional cities such as Bordeaux and Toulouse.
These schools follow the English curriculum, with IGCSEs and A-Levels and in some cases the IB Diploma, and they teach French as a subject.
International sections and the BFI
French state and private schools under contract can run international sections, including British sections. Pupils follow the French curriculum, with extra hours of English language and literature and, in secondary, history-geography partly taught in English. Since 2022 these sections lead to the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI).
This route suits bilingual children who will stay in France for a long time and want a French qualification. It is usually selective and much cheaper than independent schools.
Choosing between the two
| Independent British school | International section (BFI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | English National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Level/IB | French curriculum + English |
| Language | Mainly English | Mainly French |
| Best for | Short or medium stays, return to UK/international | Long-term, bilingual families |
| Cost | Fee-paying | Low or no fees (state) / moderate (private under contract) |
| Entry | Assessment, availability | Language test, selective |
Practical points
- The French school year runs from early September to early July, with a long winter break in February and the spring holidays set by zone.
- Many French schools have Wednesday afternoons free in primary. Independent British schools usually follow a five-day week.
- Plan for French language support for the whole family. Daily life outside school will be in French.
Next steps: choosing a British school and the British vs IB vs American curriculum.
Directory: British schools in France
| School | City | Ages | Curricula |
|---|---|---|---|
| The British School of Paris | Croissy-sur-Seine (Paris) | 3–18 | British curriculum, GCSE, A-Level |
| Mougins British International School | Mougins (Côte d'Azur) | 3–18 | English National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Level, BTEC |
Frequently asked questions
At what age is school compulsory in France?
Instruction has been compulsory in France from age 3 since 2019, and continues to 16, with a training obligation to 18. Home education requires prior authorisation.
What is the BFI?
The Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) replaced the OIB (Option Internationale du Baccalauréat) from 2022. It is a French baccalaureate with extra international and language components, offered in international sections of French schools, including British sections.
Are international schools in France expensive?
Independent British and international schools charge fees comparable with other Western European capitals. International sections within French state schools can be much cheaper, but entry is selective and teaching is mainly in French.