Jeannine Manuel School vs North London Collegiate School

	J Jeannine Manuel School London, United Kingdom	N North London Collegiate School London, United Kingdom
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year £24,780 - 29,340	Fees / year £25,620 - 29,751
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Girls School
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), French Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 600	Pupils 1,108
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1954	Opened 1850
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Primary School: 21-24 Russell Square, London WC1B 5EA; Middle School: 43-45 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3DN; Upper School: 52-53 Russell Square, London WC1B 4HP.	Location Located in north‑west London, NLCS's Senior School is on Dalkeith Grove in Stanmore (HA7 4SQ) and has a Canons Drive entrance in Edgware (HA8 7RJ). The school sits in the London Borough of Harrow. Stanmore Station (Jubilee Line) is about a 10‑minute walk to NLCS; Canons Park Station (Jubilee Line) is about 8 minutes away; Edgware Station (Northern Line) is about a 15‑minute walk to the Canons Drive entrance.
Stages	Stages Primary School; Middle School; Upper School.	Stages Girls aged 4-18; Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form.
School type	School type Independent, co-educational bilingual international school.	School type Independent day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Pupils hail from over 80 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school welcomes students with SEN and provides support to accommodate their needs where possible.	Additional learning support The Medical Centre and Cedar Space provide health and wellbeing support, including a Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, a School Nurse, a healthcare professional, and two counsellors; tailored support to meet individual needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation France; UNESCO IB World School; accredited by NEASC and CIS; international school with UNESCO ASPnet.	Country affiliation United Kingdom
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Junior School day: First School (Reception–Year 2) arrives 8.30–8.45am; registration 8.50am; lessons finish 3.20pm; Lower School (Years 3–6) arrives after 8.15am; registration 8.40am; lessons finish 3.25pm; after-school clubs 3.30–4.00pm. Senior School day: nine 35-minute lessons; arrivals 8.15am–8.35am; Period 1 8.40–9.15; Period 2 9.15–9.50; Form time/assembly 9.50–10.25.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Coach and minibus services operate; morning coaches aim to reach the School by 8.25am.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Fees for academic year 2025–2026 - Nursery (per annum, VAT exempt): GBP 24,780; per term (three equal instalments): GBP 8,260. - Reception to Year 10 (per annum): GBP 24,780 (exc. VAT) / GBP 29,736 (inc. 20% VAT); per term: GBP 8,260 (exc. VAT) / GBP 9,912 (inc. VAT). - Year 11 (French International Baccalaureate - BFI) (per annum): GBP 24,780 (exc. VAT) / GBP 29,736 (inc. VAT); per term: GBP 8,260 (exc. VAT) / GBP 9,912 (inc. VAT). - Year 11 (International Baccalaureate Diploma - IB) (per annum): GBP 29,340 (exc. VAT) / GBP 35,208 (inc. VAT); per term: GBP 9,780 (exc. VAT) / GBP 11,736 (inc. VAT). Application and registration fees - Application fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): GBP 275. Payment methods accepted for the application fee include Stripe or bank transfer. - First registration fee (one‑time, non‑refundable on acceptance): GBP 2,750. Additional services and other charges (per annum and per term equivalents) - School lunch plan: GBP 1,970 per year; per term approx. GBP 656.67. Lunches and bus services are available only for pupils up to Year 10 (inclusive). - Bus service (return): GBP 4,060 per year; per term approx. GBP 1,353.33. - Bus service (one way): GBP 2,710 per year; per term approx. GBP 903.33. - Supplemental charges (examples): co‑curricular clubs and after‑school activities, private music tuition, school trips and visits, public examination fees, and additional costs associated with special educational needs where applicable. Such supplemental charges are invoiced separately. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are charged for each term and are payable in three equal instalments unless an alternative Fees‑in‑Advance arrangement is agreed: - Autumn term: due 1 June preceding the Autumn Term. - Spring term: due 1 November preceding the Spring Term. - Summer term: due 1 March preceding the Summer Term. - Termly fees must be paid in full by direct bank transfer (net of any bank charges), unless covered by an agreed Fees‑in‑Advance Agreement. Supplemental charges are invoiced separately and are normally payable within two weeks of invoice. Late payments may attract interest (3% per annum above the School's bank base rate) and recovery costs. VAT treatment - From January 2025, 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) applies where relevant; the fees table shows amounts excluding and including VAT for taxable cohorts. Nursery fees are VAT exempt. Uniform / dress code and related costs - The School does not require a uniform; a Dress Code applies and indoor tops (shirts, polo shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, dresses, etc.) worn indoors are expected to bear the School logo to promote identity. Any costs for logoed items or optional branded clothing are therefore optional rather than mandatory uniform charges. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; the School operates as a day school. Refunds, withdrawals and notice - The Initial Registration Fee and the Application Fee are non‑refundable. If a parent withdraws a child after accepting a place, a term's notice is required; failing to give the required notice will render a term's fees payable in lieu of notice. Fees and prepaid supplemental charges are not normally refundable for absence or part‑term withdrawal. - If a pupil is suspended or expelled, no refund or remission of fees is payable for the term in which the suspension or exclusion occurs; in certain cases of required removal or permanent exclusion, any prepaid fees for periods after the term in which removal occurred will be refunded. - There is a statutory/contractual right to cancel the Acceptance Form within a 14‑day cooling‑off period: if cancellation takes place within that period all payments received will be reimbursed except the non‑refundable Initial Registration Fee; if the pupil has already started to attend, reimbursement will be made pro‑rata for days attended. Reimbursements are made without undue delay and normally within 14 days of cancellation. Fee payment options and special arrangements - Standard termly fee payments: direct bank transfer (net of bank charges). The application fee may be paid by Stripe or bank transfer at application. The School may accept payment from a third party by agreement, but parents who sign the Acceptance Form remain contractually liable for fees unless the School agrees otherwise in writing. A Fees‑in‑Advance Agreement (capital prepayment) is available under separate terms. Supplemental charges are invoiced and payable within two weeks. Interest and recovery costs apply for overdue sums. Other practical points on costs - Public examination fees, optional trips, private music lessons, elective activities and additional SEN provision are charged in addition to the standard fees and will be invoiced separately as supplemental charges. Parents should expect separate invoices for these items and for bus/lunch where taken. (End of fees overview.)	Fee details Application / Entry assessment fee - Entry assessment fee (non‑refundable): GBP 150 for UK applicants and GBP 200 for overseas applicants. Tuition fees (per term and per year) - Junior School: GBP 8,540 per term; GBP 25,620 per year (three terms). - Senior School: GBP 9,917 per term; GBP 29,751 per year (three terms). Coaches and lunches (additional annual charges) - Coach travel: GBP 2,937 per year for a return coach fare (billed termly). GBP 2,329 per year for a single coach fare (billed termly). - Lunches: GBP 1,215 per year for pupils in the Lower and Senior School (billed termly). GBP 1,029 per year for the First School. Senior School pupils may alternatively bring a packed lunch. - No additional charge is made for textbooks, stationery or examination fees. Deposit - An Acceptance Deposit equal to one half of one term's fees is required when a place is accepted. The Acceptance Deposit is retained until the pupil leaves and is repaid as a credit on the final fee bill (unless donated). A pro‑rata deposit applies to holders of bursary awards. An Additional Deposit may be required where the pupil's normal residence is outside the United Kingdom or where fees are paid from accounts or income outside the UK. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing frequency options: Termly in full on the first day of each term, or monthly in ten equal instalments. Annual charges (tuition, buses, lunches etc.) are collected in ten equal instalments on the first day of the month from 1 August to 1 May. Extras (for example trips) are collected on 1 August for the Autumn Term, 1 January for the Spring Term and 1 May for the Summer Term and are added to the existing instalment collections. Invoices are issued by email in advance of the term to which they relate. Fee payment methods and administrative charges - Payment by direct debit is the standard method; fees for each term are due as cleared funds by direct debit before the commencement of the term unless a separate arrangement has been agreed. Payment by cheque or by bank transfer is permitted but the School reserves the right to charge an administration fee of GBP 50 each time such a payment is made. Cash payments are not accepted. The School may refuse a payment if it is not satisfied as to the identity of the payer or the source of the funds. Agreements with third‑party payers do not release parents from liability if the third party defaults. Other costs and extras - Extras may include charges for educational visits, overseas trips, additional tuition, coach charges, lunches, clothing and equipment, photographs or other items ordered by parents or pupils, and damage where the pupil has caused wilful loss or damage. Extras are billed on the dates noted under the billing schedule. Some financial assistance awards may include support for uniform, lunches, coach transport, essential curriculum materials, exam fees and compulsory school trips. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; the School is a mainstream day school for girls aged 4 to 18 years. No boarding fees apply. Refunds, cancellations and notice - Fees are non‑refundable in the ordinary course: fees will not be refunded, reduced or waived for pupil absence through illness, for a shortened Term or extended vacation, for early release before or after public examinations, for temporary closure due to adverse weather, or except in exceptional cases at the sole discretion of the Headmistress. An offer and acceptance made entirely at distance may be cancelled within the statutory 14‑day cancellation period; in such cases Acceptance and Additional Deposits, if paid, will be refunded together with any fees paid pro‑rata for educational services already provided. If parents withdraw a pupil without giving at least one full Term's written notice they will be liable to pay one Term's fees in lieu of notice (special rules apply where a pupil leaves at the end of Year 13). Acceptance and Additional Deposits may be refunded in specified circumstances as set out in the School's terms and conditions. Summary notes on inclusions - Textbooks, stationery and examination fees are included within the published fees and are not charged separately. Extras such as trips, additional tuition or optional activities are billed separately on the dates listed under the billing schedule. Bursaries and scholarships are discretionary and any award terms (including what costs they cover) are notified at the time of offer.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Lille campus offers co-educational boarding for students in grades 6-12. The boarding accommodation is hotel-standard and houses around 120 boarders; facilities include private bathrooms, a study space, storage, and a dining hall, plus a common room. A dedicated boarding team, including housemasters, supports boarders, and there is on-site health provision.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Pupils wear school uniform until the end of Year 11; Sixth Formers are not required to wear uniform.
Food options	Food options Lunch plan is offered; school lunches are available for pupils up to Year 10; the Lunch Plan for 2025-2026 is £1,970 per year.	Food options Thomas Franks provides healthy, balanced meals with three‑week rotating menus and accommodation for dietary needs and allergens. Breakfast is available in the dining room from 07:30 to 08:15, and a supervised packed tea is offered after school for Junior School pupils.
House system	House system —	House system The school is organized through a house system with inter‑house competitions.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a charity registered with the Charity Commission. It is registered as Company No. 09014998 and Charity No. 1158643. The governing body is the Board of Trustees.	Governance and ownership The school is The North London Collegiate School Limited, a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity (1115843). It is governed by a Governing Body, including the Chair of Governors, Gabrielle Gower OBE.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school follows the French national curriculum with English, Science and Chinese programmes developed by and for the School. In Primary School, teaching is shared equally between French and English. In Secondary School, Science is taught in English and follows an inquiry-based science curriculum conceived at School. The Sixth Form offers the French International Baccalaureate (BFI) with English-language modules that replace their French-language counterparts.	Curriculum details In Years 7–9 the curriculum follows the National Curriculum, and in Years 10–11 pupils study the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus, with all students taking IGCSE Language and Literature in Year 11. In the Sixth Form the school offers two pathways: A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with English Literature available through IB and Cambridge Pre-U. The Mathematics department uses the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus in Years 10–11, and about three-quarters of Sixth Form students study A Level or IB Mathematics, with some choosing Further Mathematics or IB Higher Level. Pupils can study six modern languages—French, Spanish, German, Russian, Mandarin and Italian—with language exchanges and a Polyglot Society. The Music Department offers IB, A Level and IGCSE music syllabuses, following Cambridge IGCSE Music and AQA A Level Music.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 7:1	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IB Diploma 2025 average score 42.94, making NLCS the second highest performing IB school in the world and the best in the country. A Level 2025 results were outstanding with 54.3% A* grades, 86.1% A-A and 96.1% A-B. GCSE/IGCSE 2025 results were record-breaking with 83.4% grade 9, 95.9% 9/8 and 99.2% 9/8/7.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University offers for 2023-2025 include destinations across the United Kingdom (Imperial College London, University College London, King's College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, SOAS, LSE, University of Edinburgh), the United States (e.g., NYU, Boston College), Canada (e.g., McGill University, University of Toronto), France (e.g., Sciences Po, ESCP) and other countries.	Higher education progression Notable university destinations include Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL, King's College London and LSE, with many graduates also going to Yale, Brown, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, McGill and other leading institutions. Destinations span the UK, USA, Canada and Europe.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The Sophie Bryant Scholarship commemorates the intellectual brilliance of Sophie Bryant and offers an individualized mentoring and enrichment programme. It includes termly mentoring sessions, a Sophie Bryant Symposium, a Sophie Bryant Journal and potential fee remission, and is offered to a small number of girls entering NLCS in Year 7 and Year 12 who demonstrate a deep love of learning.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning PSHCE aims to promote self-esteem and healthy relationships, and to support emotional and social development and personal fulfilment. It fosters spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and equips pupils to build supportive relationships and become active citizens in the wider community. The bilingual curriculum integrates well-being and social development across the curriculum and emphasizes respect for others and cultural diversity. PSHCE is delivered through discrete Well Being sessions in the Primary School and is central to form periods and EMC classes, debates and cross-curricular projects in the Secondary School. The programme seeks self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence, and encourages responsible behaviour, rights and responsibilities within the school and the wider community. The school promotes autonomy, initiative and collaboration, while fostering empathy and social responsibility.	Social & emotional learning NLCS places safeguarding and wellbeing at the center of pastoral care. Staff receive regular safeguarding training to recognise and respond to concerns. The school operates a whole-school Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy, promoting regular physical activity and addressing adolescence challenges such as social media pressures and healthy boundaries around tech. The wider pastoral team includes Heads of Year, Heads of Section, a Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, the School Nurse, a Healthcare Professional and two Counsellors. The Medical Centre and Cedar Space provide spaces and activities for physical and emotional wellbeing, including Mindfulness and wellbeing-focused clubs. Peer support and PSHE help students develop resilience, confidence and healthy relationships.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) We do not discriminate in entry, but we are academically selective and will accommodate pupils according to their needs where possible. We welcome pupils with physical disabilities provided that we can make the site suitable. The School may require a medical report or psychologist's report to support requests for special arrangements. The number of pupils with SEN / specific learning difficulties is necessarily limited. The School is committed to equal treatment for all applicants, regardless of disability or SEN, and to providing support where feasible. SEN provisions are assessed on an individual basis as part of admissions, with the emphasis on making reasonable adjustments where possible.	Special educational needs (SEN) NLCS operates a whole-school SEND approach. Every teacher is a teacher of all pupils, including those with SEND, and each pupil is supported to reach her full potential, academically, socially and emotionally. The school has two SEND advisers: Mrs Lisa Weisgard (Junior School including EYFS) and Mrs Sonya Beale (Senior School). The SEND policy emphasises equality under the Equality Act 2010 and the Children and Families Act 2014, and embraces the neurodiversity of its pupil population. The policy follows a graduated approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review) to identify and address needs and involves parents in planning and reviewing support. It covers admissions, assessment and the provision of Individual Support Plans, with liaison to outside professionals where appropriate.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Jeannine Manuel School welcomes non French-speaking students at all levels and beginners in English up to Year 7. The school accepts non-English-speaking students with appropriate language support. The curriculum is bilingual, with French and English playing equal roles; English language and literature are taught, and some subjects may be taught in both languages. From Year 4 to Year 6, Chinese is compulsory (2 hours per week) and becomes elective in Year 7, with continued emphasis on multilingualism. The school follows the French National Curriculum with adjustments to deliver an English-language program, aiming for native proficiency in both French and English and providing language support for non-native speakers. Language support is provided in small groups to assist non-English and/or non-French speakers.	English as an additional language The School has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Policy. EAL is defined as language used at home differing from the language of instruction. EAL pupils may come from multilingual backgrounds and may be fully bilingual. The policy promotes equality of access to the curriculum and compliance with the Equality Act 2010. A five-stage model of English acquisition is used, ranging from New to English through Fluent. When pupils are identified as having EAL needs, the Deputy Head (Academic) works with SEND advisers to provide support, including Individual Support Plans and targeted differentiation; additional English teaching is provided as required.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Student wellbeing is prioritized with policies and programs to support physical and mental health. A dedicated wellbeing program runs as part of the curriculum; younger students (Kindergarten to 3rd grade) participate in Social and Emotional Learning on themes such as being oneself, friendship and solidarity. From Year 4, the wellbeing program is based on Ilona Boniwell's work and focuses on emotional resilience and coping with stress or conflict. In higher grades (1ère and Terminale), mindfulness or meditation workshops are offered. The school maintains a safe campus with security measures and a proactive approach to bullying and discrimination, supported by accredited safeguarding and wellbeing practices.	Mental wellbeing NLCS runs a school-wide Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy. The team includes a Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, School Nurse, part-time Health Care Professional and two part-time Counsellors. The Medical Centre and the Cedar Space host wellbeing spaces and activities. The PSHE programme supports pupils to develop resilience, healthy relationships and to manage issues such as online safety and body image. Tooled Up Education provides resources to families to support wellbeing at home.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection policies follow Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance and Working Together to Safeguard Children, with duties to protect and promote welfare. The Governing Body appoints a designated safeguarding lead (the Head of School) and deputy DSLs, and ensures regular safeguarding training and annual updates for all staff, including online safety. The policy requires safe recruitment, IT filtering and monitoring, and secure record-keeping; staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse and to refer concerns appropriately. Written safeguarding records are kept securely and transferred when pupils move schools. The school works with local authorities on safeguarding matters, makes referrals when needed, and informs parents as appropriate. The policy is reviewed regularly by the Board of Governors to ensure ongoing effectiveness.	Safeguarding NLCS has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. Safeguarding is central to all activities and all staff are trained to identify and respond to concerns. The school designates safeguarding leads; details are available in the policy. The policy sets out staff responsibilities to identify and report abuse and to involve external services when necessary. Early help is provided by staff, and safeguarding information is kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Safeguarding records are securely stored and disposed of in line with policy. The policy requires at least annual safeguarding training for staff and annual review by the Governing Body, with oversight by the Pastoral, Safeguarding and Compliance Committee.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school operates across three London campuses: Primary School at 21-24 Russell Square, Middle School at 43-45 Bedford Square, and Upper School at 52-53 Russell Square. The Primary building includes a Reception Area, classrooms, an Art and Music room, and a Lab, plus two outdoor playgrounds. The Middle School provides a Reception Area, three classrooms, a DEAR Room, a Reading and Research Room, Labs, a Music Room, the Blue Main Hall and a Common Room, and two Games Rooms. The Upper School features an Upper School Classroom, a Library, Labs, an Art and Music Room, a Common Room and a Staff Room. The spaces across levels illustrate a mix of science, arts and social spaces across campuses.	Facilities overview The school sits on a 30-acre site with extensive playing fields. It has a Sports Hall, Gym, pitches, cricket nets, tennis and netball courts, and a swimming pool. The NLCS Drawing School offers facilities for drawing, painting, photography, CAD, print-making, textile design, welding and ceramics. The McLauchlan Library houses over 38,000 resources, with the Anderson Reading Room for Sixth Form and full digital access via Accessit, and the IDEAS Hub hosts exhibitions and interdisciplinary work. The Engineering, Design and Technology facilities include a CAD Suite with 3D printing and laser cutting, supported by five computer suites and three specialist suites including two digital language labs
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Primary has two outdoor playgrounds for active play. Middle School provides Games Room 1 and Games Room 2 for indoor physical activities.	Sports facilities The school has a Sports Hall, Gym, pitches, cricket nets, Tennis and Netball Courts, and a Swimming Pool. Facilities are located on the 30-acre site with extensive playing fields and a track. The sport programme encompasses netball, lacrosse, badminton, tennis, swimming, cross-country, dance, athletics, gymnastics, and fencing, with additional offerings in cricket, water polo and skiing. The indoor swimming pool and fitness suite support sport and fitness for all levels of ability. Cricket nets and a range of outdoor pitches and courts enable competitive fixtures and clubs
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Science labs are available at Primary, Middle and Upper levels. Art and Music Rooms are provided across levels (Art and Music room in Primary; Music Room in Middle; Art and Music Room in Upper). The Upper School includes a Library. Middle School also has a DEAR Room and a Reading and Research Room.	Academic facilities In 2020, the Design and Technology facilities were refurbished to provide a CAD Suite with 3D printing and laser cutting, a new studio and a dedicated workshop, with a second workshop added in 2022 and moving to the IDEAS Hub in 2024. The Computing department has five computer suites, three specialist suites including two digital language labs, and a Sixth Form study suite. The Drama Department uses a dedicated Performing Arts Centre, a proscenium auditorium with a hydraulic orchestra pit, and a programme of regular productions and visiting performances. The McLauchlan Library offers 38,000 resources, a range of premium digital resources and the Accessit catalogue, with the IDEAS Hub hosting exhibitions and collaborative work
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities are offered, and all students in the IB track complete the Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) program to contribute to wider society and develop collaboration, problem solving and decision-making.	Extra curricular facilities Drama provides extensive productions and opportunities for involvement across the year, including Edinburgh Fringe performances and a dedicated Performing Arts Centre. Music offers around 500 instrumental lessons weekly by more than 25 visiting specialists, with choirs, orchestras and ensembles, plus tours and scholarships. Art & Design runs the NLCS Drawing School with workshops and trips to major European cities. Sport features an extensive programme on the 30-acre site with a wide range of sports and fixtures. Extra-curricular clubs include a Digital Photography Club, IT Club, CAD/CAM, and an Engineering Society with regular workshops; language exchanges and other language-related activities are also offered
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Jeannine Manuel UK is the London sister school of École Jeannine Manuel in Paris. Jeannine Manuel founded the Ecole Active Bilingue in 1954 with the mission to promote international understanding through bilingual education starting in the nursery years. In France, École Jeannine Manuel has become the largest non-denominational independent school with 3,250 students in Paris and Lille, representing more than eighty nationalities. The London campus opened in September 2015 and operates as a charitable company in England and Wales, established as a charity in 2014 under the governance of a Board of Trustees.	History North London Collegiate School was founded in April 1850 by Frances Mary Buss, who opened the school in her family home at 46 Camden Street. Buss championed girls' education and helped shape the school's early curriculum, including a revolutionary science program. As the school grew, it moved from Camden Road to Sandall Road, before relocating to Canons in Edgware; the Canons estate was purchased in 1929 and the move was completed in May 1940. The school has continued to innovate, including offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma alongside A levels and the Pre-U.
Community	Community Jeannine Manuel UK builds a strong community through events, newsletters and cross-campus activities. The Charity Gala 2025 is an example of the school's community fundraising event, organized with the involvement of a Gala Committee. It also publishes Think, Dare, Share & Care newsletters and supports the Parents Association, which runs Welcome events for new families and social and cultural activities across the Jeannine Manuel network. The Parents Association supports initiatives such as the exchange student program and charity projects including Race Against Hunger.	Community NLCS is a community for life, with the relationship between the school and its pupils extending beyond their time at Canons. The school describes its ongoing commitment to students' development and lifelong engagement with the NLCS community. The NLCS Community page also notes bursaries to widen access to NLCS education.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association All NLCS parents are members of the Parents' Guild, which organises social events for the School community. The Guild also supports activities and manages good-as-new uniform sales, musical instrument exchanges and a babysitter list. Regular events include the annual Fireworks Display, Bring & Buy Sale, the Parents' Quiz, and teas at Open Days, Taster Afternoons and Junior School functions. Parents readily help in the school libraries, on trips and in special activities. The Guild has its own Facebook group: NLCS – Parents' Guild.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school has a bilingual curriculum. In Primary School, teaching is shared equally between French and English; French language and literature are taught in French, while English language and literature, Art, Music and P.E. are taught in English. Science is taught in French until Year 3 and in English thereafter; Mathematics, History and Geography are taught in both languages. In Secondary School, History and Geography are taught in both languages and English remains the language of instruction for almost all other subjects.	Academic & intellectual The Sixth Form offers a Senior Societies programme with around 50 societies to explore academic passions in depth. These societies host external speakers, publish journals, and lead discussions or conferences, with events such as Black History Month and International Women's Day. Year 12 and 13 students can apply for leadership posts and participate in clubs and other extracurricular activities, shaping the school's intellectual life.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art and Music are taught in English in the Primary years; English language and literature are taught in English. Visual Arts in Lille are taught in French. The school also supports student-led creative initiatives such as Le Bilingue, a bilingual, multicultural magazine.	Arts & creative The school provides a broad range of musical opportunities as part of its extracurricular life. There are numerous performing opportunities, including end-of-term concerts and the Old House Concert Series, with a Steinway Grand Piano in the Drummond Room for performances. Students can participate in auditioned and non-auditioned ensembles, including an a cappella group and a choir that performs in care homes; the department also arranges masterclasses and visits and coordinates external engagements.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Mandarin instruction is introduced from CE2 (Year 4) with Latin optional from Year 7. The school provides language and cultural trips and exchanges to various countries, including France, Spain, Italy and China, with six partner schools.	Cultural & language Language exchanges are arranged with partner schools in France, Spain and Germany, and there are regular London-based cultural excursions to museums, theatres and cinemas. The department competes in national and in-house competitions, including the Andrea Bell Competition, UKLO, foreign language debates and the national MFL translation bee, and hosts events such as the Hispanic Theatre Festival. A Polyglot Society promotes Modern Languages through a Languages Week, a languages symposium, a mentor system for younger learners and guest speakers.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The Globe Theatre in London is part of the school's community language and cultural initiatives, and guest speakers regularly visit to discuss current events, social, economic or literary topics. Le Bilingue, a student-produced bilingual magazine, fosters student collaboration and creative expression.	Social & hobbies Nearly 100 clubs run at lunchtime or after-school each week, many student-led, covering topics from philosophy to climate change, human rights to chess, and dance to literature. In Sixth Form, extra-curricular clubs include a Community Outreach Programme with options such as First Aid or Sign Language, and opportunities to write for a weekly newspaper or work on Theatre Tech. Sport and physical activities are available through a broad program with frequent fixtures, inter-house competitions, and specialist sessions.
Community & service	Community & service Students participate in volunteering as part of the program, reflecting the school's emphasis on service and active engagement beyond classroom learning.	Community & service The Community Service Programme enables every Senior School student to participate in charitable work and involves regular visits to a local care home for the elderly and to a school for disabled children, along with fundraising events. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered, providing challenges and adventure as part of NLCS extracurricular life.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Le Bilingue is a student-produced bilingual, multicultural and internationally-minded magazine that provides leadership opportunities for students and a voice for the school community.	Leadership & professional There are around 50 Senior Societies giving students leadership opportunities and room to develop their interests. Societies host external speakers, publish journals, and lead discussions and conferences, and run subject weeks and major events such as Black History Month and International Women's Day. Year 12 and 13 students are encouraged to apply for responsibility posts and participate in clubs and extra-curricular activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are taught in English along with English language and literature, Art and Music, reinforcing the emphasis on physical education and wellbeing within the bilingual program.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport at NLCS is for everyone, with a programme that includes weekly fixtures, inter-house competitions, recreational clubs and specialist sessions. The programme supports wellbeing, confidence and personal growth through movement. Facilities include a Canons Sports Centre with a sports hall, gym, pitches and an indoor swimming pool.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French and English are the primary languages of instruction at Jeannine Manuel School London for pupils aged 3 to 18. The school follows the French national curriculum with English, Science and Chinese programmes developed by and for the School. In Primary, French language and literature are taught in French; English language and literature, Art, Music and P.E. are taught in English; Science is taught in French until Year 3 and in English thereafter; Mathematics, History and Geography are taught in both languages. In Secondary, Science is taught in English, while History and Geography are taught in both French and English.	Language provision Six modern languages are taught: French, Spanish, German, Russian, Mandarin and Italian. In Years 8 and 9, pupils choose any two of these languages. In Years 10-11, a Modern Language is compulsory for all pupils, with optional courses including French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. Foreign language support includes native-speaking assistants who provide conversation sessions in all six languages to pupils from Year 10 upwards.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching French and English are the two languages of instruction. In Primary School, teaching is shared equally between French and English, with French language and literature taught in French and English language and literature, Art, Music and P.E. taught in English. Science is taught in French until Year 3 and in English thereafter; Mathematics, History and Geography are taught in both languages throughout. All teachers are native speakers educated in English-speaking countries.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Language learning is embedded in a bilingual context with structured language immersion. For young EFL learners, the interactive Knock-Knock method is used from Year 1 through Year 5. EMT (English Mother Tongue) follows a native-English-speaking program using American and British teaching resources. In Primary, teaching is shared between French and English and Science is taught in French until Year 3 and in English thereafter; in Secondary, Science is taught in English and History and Geography are taught in both languages.	Immersion programs Native-speaking language assistants provide conversation sessions in all six languages to pupils from Year 10 upwards. Language exchanges are held with schools in France, Spain and Germany, and study visits to Italy, Russia and China are offered. The lessons emphasise using the target language where possible, with language culture supported by a Polyglot Society and a dedicated Modern Languages Week.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations The school is accredited by the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), as the ISA acts for private UK schools; the school is exempt from certain EYFS requirements while safeguarding rules apply.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Admissions open the year before entry and are conducted on a rolling basis throughout the year. After the completed application form is received, the family is contacted to schedule an interview with a member of the Leadership Team. Families are invited to attend a school presentation to learn about the school's mission, pedagogical approaches, and philosophy. 2. Complete the online application. For each applicant upload copies of the students picture, birth certificate, passport, school reports for the last two years and current year when available (or EYFS progress checks for applicants who have them), a letter of recommendation about the family, and co-signed authorisation if parents are divorced or separated. A non-refundable application fee of 3275 is payable via Stripe or bank transfer. New users must set up a user account to use the Admissions Portal to register for events or submit an application form. 3. Attend appointments. Families living in the UK are required to attend a school presentation followed by a Q&A, after which an appointment is arranged for the parents and child with a Head of School or senior staff member. Families enrolled at Ecole Jeannine Manuel Paris or Lille do not need an admissions appointment. Families living abroad can join virtual school presentations and arrange appointments via Zoom. 4. Review decisions and entry requirements. Admissions are on a rolling basis. The Admissions Commission decision will be communicated within two weeks of the appointment. Applicant age eligibility: Nursery applicants must turn three during the first term of the academic year; questions about year groups and age of entry are handled by the Admissions Office. Linguistic entry requirements: The school welcomes non-French-speaking students at all levels and beginners in English up to Year 7.	Admissions Entry points for NLCS: 4+ (40 places), 7+ (8–10 places), 11+ (approximately 70–75 places), and 16+ (approximately 20 places). There are also Junior School Occasional Places and Years 8–10 Occasional Places. Registrations for 2026 entry are closed. NLCS seeks students with strong academic potential, curiosity about the world, ambition, and readiness to embrace opportunities, and it values diversity. A range of scholarships and bursaries is offered, including music scholarships, sports scholarships, and the Sophie Bryant Scholarship, available to Senior School entrants at 11+ and 16+. Occasional places may be available in other year groups, and School in Action mornings can be booked to visit.
Scholarships	Scholarships Bursaries are available. At present, 12% of pupils benefit from financial aid, covering an average of two thirds of their school fees. To apply for a bursary, a separate Bursary Application is submitted at the same time as the Admissions Application so that both can be reviewed together. More information on fees and bursaries is available on the Fees & Bursaries page.	Scholarships Music Scholarships are offered at 11+ and 16+ for outstanding musical promise; Handel Music Scholarship provides a remission of 10–20% of school fees and 11+ scholarships last for the duration of studies while 16+ scholarships cover the duration of Sixth Form. The Sophie Bryant Scholarship is awarded to a small number of Year 7 or Year 12 entrants, includes mentoring and enrichment, and usually fee remission (not guaranteed); assessment follows the 11+ or 16+ process and is open to external and some internal applicants. Sports Scholarships are open to external 11+ and 16+ applicants as well as current Year 6 and Year 11 pupils; candidates must demonstrate high-level sport and potential; recipients receive mentorship, a strength and conditioning programme, some NLCS kit, nutritional support, and usually fee remission; assessments include fitness tests, skill evaluations, and interviews.
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