Secondary education
Bilingual education, the IB or the French Baccalauréat — and lower fees than in Switzerland or the UK.
France has a single, centralised school system: the state sets education policy, trains and hires teachers and approves the curriculum. State schools enrol children by address — through the town hall for primary school and through education authorities for secondary.
Applying to a private school usually involves a form, school reports translated into French and certified by the school, and a reference from the class teacher or head. Some schools hold entrance tests or interviews for international students, but many have no strict French requirement at entry. Most private schools are day schools; some offer boarding. One of the best-known boarding schools for international students is École des Roches in Normandy, where fees usually include accommodation and meals — convenient for families who travel or do not live in France.
Many families value the option of the International Baccalaureate in English. In France the IB Diploma is generally treated as equivalent to the French Baccalauréat and allows applications through Parcoursup. Many French-taught university programmes require B2 French or higher, proven with DELF or DALF.
Options in this selection: 1. We shortlist the ones that truly fit your child — and confirm current dates, fees and availability.
Tell us about your child and your plans. We will suggest the right country, school or programme and explain the next steps.
Information is for guidance only. Entry requirements, fees and dates change every year — we confirm the details for each family.
Tell us about your child and your goals — we will reply within 24 hours with our thoughts and possible next steps.
Kate will reply to you personally within 24 hours.
