doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
E

Ecole Française Les Grands Lacs

Uganda, Kampala

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees UGX 8,970 - 10,560
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 285
Type Co-educational
Opened 1968
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum
Taught languages English, Spanish, French
Typical class size 13
Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

The Ecole Française Les Grands Lacs, also known as the French School of Kampala, is a French international school in Uganda affiliated with AEFE and approved by the French Ministry of National Education. It educates children from age 2 to 18 under the French National Education system and maintains AEFE alignment across all stages. Preschool follows the French national framework with French as a Foreign Language (FLE) support for non-French-speaking children. Primary uses the AEFE CLIL program to reinforce English, while Middle School features the PARLE program with reinforced English and several subjects taught in English. High School completes the terminal cycle via CNED distance learning, with EFK teachers guiding students toward the Baccalaureate. The campus sits on a wooded site with a library, interactive whiteboards, and digital learning tools; a primary covered courtyard and a synthetic football field support physical activity. The school emphasizes sustainability through project-based initiatives (EFE3D) and offers language certifications such as DELF and Cambridge.

The Essentials

Ecole Française Les Grands Lacs has 285 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in French, English.

Location
Plot 22-24 Lugogo By-Pass, Kampala, Uganda. The school is located on Lugogo By-Pass, a major road in central Kampala. The contact number is +256 414 341 660.

Stages
Nursery; Elementary (CP-CE1-CE2-CM1-CM2); Middle School (grades 6–11); High School (grades 12–13).

Type
French international school approved by the French Ministry of National Education.

Country affiliation
France (affiliated with the French Ministry of National Education).
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is an independent non-profit association under Ugandan law. It has two governing bodies: a Management Committee (CG) that directs and manages the French School of Kampala in compliance with Ugandan law and AEFE recommendations; its members are elected by the Parents' Association (APE). The School Board (CE) includes teaching and non-teaching staff, students, and parents, and works with AEFE; it votes on the school calendar, updates rules of procedure, and validates school trips.
Fees

Annual tuition at Ecole Française Les Grands Lacs ranges from UGX 8,970 to UGX 10,560 for 2026/27.

Application and registration fees

- First enrolment fee (per child, payable in full on registration): EUR 950.
- Capital levy (per family, payable once on registration): EUR 500.
- Downpayment on tuition at enrolment (deducted from the second instalment): EUR 1,000.

Annual tuition fees (by year group and payer type)

Pupils of French or Ugandan nationality — annual totals:
- Early Nursery (TPS–PS) — Individual rate: EUR 4,300; Employer rate: EUR 8,320.
- Nursery (MS–GS) — Individual rate: EUR 5,600; Employer rate: EUR 8,320.
- Elementary (CP–CM2) — Individual rate: EUR 7,520; Employer rate: EUR 10,280.
- Middle School (6ème–3ème / 2nde) — Individual rate: EUR 8,950; Employer rate: EUR 11,360.
- High School (2nde–Terminale) — Individual rate: EUR 9,930; Employer rate: EUR 12,610.

Pupils of other nationalities — annual totals:
- Early Nursery (TPS–PS) — Individual rate: EUR 4,300; Employer rate: EUR 8,320.
- Nursery (MS–GS) — Individual rate: EUR 6,050; Employer rate: EUR 8,320.
- Elementary (CP–CM2) — Individual rate: EUR 8,250; Employer rate: EUR 10,280.
- Middle School (6ème–3ème / 2nde) — Individual rate: EUR 9,110; Employer rate: EUR 11,360.
- High School (2nde–Terminale) — Individual rate: EUR 10,110; Employer rate: EUR 12,610.

Per-term (instalment) breakdown (how annual fees are billed)

- The annual tuition is divided into four instalments with a fixed downpayment of EUR 1,000 on enrolment (this downpayment is deducted from the second instalment). The instalment structure is: first instalment = EUR 1,000; second instalment = 40% of the annual tuition minus the downpayment; third instalment = 30% of the annual tuition; fourth instalment = 30% of the annual tuition. The school issues invoices by email and via the EDUKA administrative portal.

Examples (amounts shown in EUR) using the instalment formula above for each annual rate given in the tuition list:

- Pupils of French/Ugandan nationality — Individual rate:
- Early Nursery (annual EUR 4,300): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 720 / EUR 1,290 / EUR 1,290.
- Nursery (annual EUR 5,600): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 1,240 / EUR 1,680 / EUR 1,680.
- Elementary (annual EUR 7,520): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 2,008 / EUR 2,256 / EUR 2,256.
- Middle School (annual EUR 8,950): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 2,580 / EUR 2,685 / EUR 2,685.
- High School (annual EUR 9,930): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 2,972 / EUR 2,979 / EUR 2,979.

- Pupils of French/Ugandan nationality — Employer rate:
- Early Nursery (annual EUR 8,320): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 2,328 / EUR 2,496 / EUR 2,496.
- Nursery (annual EUR 8,320): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 2,328 / EUR 2,496 / EUR 2,496.
- Elementary (annual EUR 10,280): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 3,112 / EUR 3,084 / EUR 3,084.
- Middle School (annual EUR 11,360): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 3,544 / EUR 3,408 / EUR 3,408.
- High School (annual EUR 12,610): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 4,044 / EUR 3,783 / EUR 3,783.

- Pupils of other nationalities — Individual rate:
- Early Nursery (annual EUR 4,300): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 720 / EUR 1,290 / EUR 1,290.
- Nursery (annual EUR 6,050): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 1,420 / EUR 1,815 / EUR 1,815.
- Elementary (annual EUR 8,250): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 2,300 / EUR 2,475 / EUR 2,475.
- Middle School (annual EUR 9,110): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 2,644 / EUR 2,733 / EUR 2,733.
- High School (annual EUR 10,110): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 3,044 / EUR 3,033 / EUR 3,033.

- Pupils of other nationalities — Employer rate (annual rates mirror employer column):
- Early Nursery (EUR 8,320): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 2,328 / EUR 2,496 / EUR 2,496.
- Nursery (EUR 8,320): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 2,328 / EUR 2,496 / EUR 2,496.
- Elementary (EUR 10,280): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 3,112 / EUR 3,084 / EUR 3,084.
- Middle School (EUR 11,360): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 3,544 / EUR 3,408 / EUR 3,408.
- High School (EUR 12,610): instalments = EUR 1,000 / EUR 4,044 / EUR 3,783 / EUR 3,783.

Billing schedule, penalties and invoicing

- Standard timing for instalments: the downpayment is due on (re)enrolment; the second instalment (term 1) is due at the start of the academic year (the school sets the deadline at the start of term 1, traditionally before 30 September); the third instalment (term 2) is due before mid-January; the fourth instalment (term 3) is due before 1 April. Invoices are sent by email and available on the EDUKA portal. A one‑off annual payment in full is accepted on request (deadline tied to the first term). A 5% penalty is applied to late payments; persistent delays can lead to suspension until payment is made. All recovery costs are payable by the payer.

Boarding

- The school operates as a day school; no boarding fees apply.

Other costs and regular extras

- Lunch (catering) is offered and billed separately: the agreed per-meal price indicated is UGX 17,000 per meal (registration and billing on a quarterly basis). The catering price may be updated periodically. Registration and billing for extracurricular activities and supervision are done quarterly; trips and some activities may require additional parental contributions. The catering and activities fees are flat-term rates; refunds are not generally granted except for absences of more than 15 days supported by medical documentation or in case of force majeure. For all students a school insurance policy is taken out and a school supplies kit is provided at the start of the year; both are included in the tuition fees.

Discounts and bonuses

- Large-family discount on tuition fees only: 5% for the second child; 10% for the third child and subsequent children.
- Nursery sponsorship bonus: EUR 1,000 credit on tuition for families who refer new Nursery students (conditions apply and bonus is applied to family-rate tuition).

Refunds and departures

- In case of cancellation prior to the start of attendance: the downpayment on tuition fees and the capital levy are refundable upon written request to the Principal (conditions apply). Re-enrolment downpayments are refundable on request under the school's stated conditions. For admissions or departures during the school year tuition is calculated pro rata (any month started is due). No refund is made in the event of expulsion or suspension.

Payment methods and bank details

- Accepted payment method for enrolment fees, capital levy and tuition: bank transfer only. Cash and Mobile Money are not accepted for these items. The school provides accounts in UGX, USD and EUR for transfers; an international IBAN account in France is also available for EUR transfers. When payment is made in a currency other than EUR, an official chancery conversion rate is applied. Example account details (use the information below when making transfers; include proof of payment as required by the school):
- STANBIC BANK UGANDA Ltd — Account name: ECOLE FRANCAISE LES GRANDS LACS — UGX account (BIC SBICUGKX): Account number 9030005608502.
- STANBIC BANK UGANDA Ltd — Account name: ECOLE FRANCAISE LES GRANDS LACS — USD account (BIC SBICUGKX): Account number 9030008119170.
- STANBIC BANK UGANDA Ltd — Account name: ECOLE FRANCAISE LES GRANDS LACS — EUR account (BIC SBICUGKX): Account number 9030004080075.
- BANQUE TRANSATLANTIQUE (France) — Account name: ECOLE FRANCAISE INTERNATIONALE DE KAMPALA LTD — EUR IBAN FR76 3056 8199 2600 0138 7010 152 (BIC CMCIFRPP).

Administrative notes (practical points for parents)

- Invoices and payment proof must be submitted through the school's administrative process; proof of payment for enrolment and re-enrolment fees is required within the timeframe indicated by the school to secure places. Delays in submitting proof of payment may result in placement on a waiting list.
Academics

Ecole Française Les Grands Lacs teaches French Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows the French National Education system and is affiliated with AEFE. Preschool programs are aligned with the French national framework and include French as a Foreign Language (FLE) support for non-French-speaking children. Primary education includes the AEFE CLIL program, with reinforced English instruction. In Middle School, AEFE's PARLE program provides reinforced English, with several subjects taught in English (e.g., Plastic Arts, Music, EPS, and Sciences). High School uses CNED for the terminal cycle, with EFK teachers supporting students to complete and prepare for the Baccalaureate exams. The school is homologated by the French Ministry of National Education and maintains an AEFE agreement.

Higher Education Progression
High School aims to guide students toward higher education and professional integration. It helps students choose a course in the final cycle (two years of Première and Terminale) and to obtain the Baccalaureate (general or technological). The program emphasizes preparation for university study and future career paths. Where applicable, CNED final-year study is integrated with school support to ensure a successful progression to higher education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The project to establish the French School of Kampala is based on common objectives and shared values in a democratic society, including respect for others, autonomy, responsibility, trust, integration of differences, secularism, solidarity, equity and tolerance. It is a plurilingual school, open to the world. From kindergarten, English teaching is reinforced with non-linguistic disciplines taught by native English-speaking teachers. Teachers care about the well-being and success of their students. Depending on the needs, support plans (PPRE, PAP, PPS) are put in place. The school engages students in projects and activities that promote social and emotional development and awareness of rights, such as days dedicated to the rights of the child and students' welfare.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Non-French-speaking native speakers receive in-depth support in French as a Foreign Language (FLE) from a qualified teacher. Throughout their schooling, students can sit for certification exams in French (DELF) and English (Cambridge). Individualize and promote success paths guide support for students, with plans tailored to needs (PPRE, PAP, PPS). The program prepares students for the French exams of the DNB (end of 3rd grade) and, at the end of Terminale, the General Baccalaureate. The orientation and information resources help students plan post-Baccalaureate studies.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
From kindergarten, reinforced teaching in English with non-linguistic disciplines taught by native English-speaking teachers. In preschool and primary, hours of English are integrated into the curriculum alongside non-linguistic teaching. In middle school, English is taught with dedicated hours across grades. The program includes opportunities for English-language certification (Cambridge). The school supports English language development as part of its plurilingual approach.

Mental Wellbeing
Teachers care about the well-being and success of their students. Educational counselling is available to support students' personal development and future planning. For learners needing extra help, individual support plans (PPRE, PAP, PPS) are employed. A sense of community and shared projects contribute to students' well-being and a positive school climate. The school fosters values such as respect, autonomy, responsibility, and solidarity as part of daily life.

Safeguarding
A Code of Good Conduct online is available as part of student life. The school provides safeguarding resources as part of the student life framework. The school emphasizes safeguarding through its core values and student welfare practices. The school marks important days addressing child rights and the fight against bullying, including the day of the rights of the child and the day dedicated to the struggle against school bullying. Students are encouraged to participate in a culture of safety and respect through the school's programs and activities.
Parent Experience

History
50 years of presence in Uganda. The school began in the late 1960s as the Little French School to provide French education for children of French-speaking families, and on January 28, 1973, moved to 18 Lumumba Avenue, the site occupied today by the French Embassy. Within five years enrollment reached 47 students, with Ugandan students increasingly represented. The school moved to its current site in 1991; the first stone was laid by Mrs. Danielle Mitterrand on March 20, 1991, and the move occurred on October 30, 1991, bringing enrollment to 71 students and beginning an agreement with AEFE. The Lycée section was created in 2008 with CNED support; the last college class was approved in 2015; the school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018; after the 2020-2021 pandemic closures, it reopened in January 2022 with 210 students. The French school is today the concrete face given to the friendship between France and Uganda for 50 years.

Community
EF Kampala is a school of the AEFE network. In Kampala, the French School welcomes 265 students from 41 different countries. It describes itself as a multicultural school with a multilingual education and a community committed to sustainable development.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus sits on a wooded site with preschool facilities welcoming children from age 2 to 5 across Very Small Section, Small Section, Medium Section, and Large Section, on a layout that includes three preschool classrooms, a motor room, and a large protected courtyard with play areas. A library welcomes students, and one preschool classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard; digital technology supports learning in the early years. The Primary campus features a covered courtyard and a synthetic football field, with elementary rooms spread across the campus and a library for student use. Some classrooms are renovated to include interactive video projectors. English is taught from the Middle Section as part of CLIL, and FLE support is available for non-French-speaking students.

Sports Facilities
The school has a covered courtyard and a synthetic football field for outdoor activities. Physical education and sports are integrated into the curriculum, with a sports association supporting middle school students' participation in sports. Extracurricular activities are offered until 3:30 p.m., including after-school sports and clubs.

Academic Facilities
The French School of Kampala is part of the AEFE network. The programs align with the French National Education system taught in all French schools. In Primary, the curriculum uses CLIL to reinforce English, with about 4 hours 30 minutes of English per week. FLE (French as a Foreign Language) is offered for non-French-speaking students. The campus includes a library and digital learning tools; some spaces have interactive whiteboards and projectors. In High School, the terminal cycle includes CNED distance learning, and the 2nd year class is being approved by the French Ministry of National Education.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular activities are offered until 3:30 p.m. The middle school offers additional sports opportunities through a sports association. In Preschool, project-based learning and after-school activities are part of the program, including artistic and cultural projects and use of digital technologies.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
From kindergarten, reinforced English instruction is provided with non-linguistic disciplines taught by native English-speaking teachers. For non-French-speaking native speakers, French as a Foreign Language (FLE) is offered by a qualified teacher. Students may sit for DELF (French) and Cambridge (English) certification exams during their schooling. The school prepares students for the French national examinations, including the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) at the end of 3e and the General Baccalaureate at the end of Terminale, with Campus France information available for post-Baccalaureate studies in France.

Arts & Creative
Art, music, and plastic arts are included in the weekly timetable. In middle school, Plastic Arts is 1 hour and Music is 1 hour per week, with additional non-linguistic subjects such as EPS (physical education) and others. Non-French speaking students receive targeted FLE support to help access the curriculum. These arts and creative activities form part of the overall timetabled learning experience.

Cultural & Language
The school is part of the AEFE network and has an agreement with the Agency for French Education Abroad. In Kampala, the French School welcomes students from many nationalities. The multilingual approach includes reinforced English instruction from early years and French language support for non-French speakers, with opportunities to take DELF and Cambridge certifications.

Social & Hobbies
The school engages in sustainability and environmental initiatives, including a drive toward being labeled as a French Establishment Abroad in Sustainable Development Approach (EFE3D). The Ekikere mascot represents recycling efforts, and students bring empty bottles for recycling. The school marks global and cultural days, such as Earth Day and the Francophonie day, fostering a community spirit around shared projects.

Community & Service
The project-based school ethos emphasizes respect for others, autonomy, responsibility, trust, integration of differences, secularism, solidarity, equity, and tolerance. The AEFE framework supports ongoing collaboration with host-country culture while maintaining French-language educational standards. The school emphasizes a federated community around common projects and sustainable development values, reinforcing social responsibility within the student body.

Leadership & Professional
Teachers focus on the well-being and success of students, tailoring support plans as needed to individual learners. Students build their personal orientation projects with guidance from teacher resources and orientation services. The school provides information on post-Baccalaureate studies in France through Campus France, assisting students with international study pathways.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
A healthy catering service operates five days a week during lunch, with meals priced at 17,000 UGX each (registration and billing are quarterly). Extracurricular activities and supervision are offered after school from Monday to Thursday, with details and rates shared at the start of each term. The school provides a CGEA school insurance policy included in tuition and delivers a student supplies kit at the start of the school year. Payments are made by bank transfer; cash and Mobile Money payments are not accepted.
Languages

Language Provision
French is the language of instruction for the core curriculum; English is taught as a language with weekly hours (CP/CE1/CE2: 4h30; CM1/CM2: 5h15; 6th grade: 4h). Spanish is taught from 6th grade (2h30). Non-French-speaking students receive FLE support, and students may sit for DELF and Cambridge exams.

Bilingual Teaching
The school uses bilingual education through CLIL and PARLE programs. From kindergarten, English is reinforced with non-linguistic disciplines taught by native English-speaking teachers. In primary, English is reinforced through CLIL, with CP/CE1/CE2 totaling 4h30 of English per week and CM1/CM2 totaling 5h15 per week. In middle school, English education continues under PARLE, with some subjects taught in English and non-French-speaking students receiving FLE support.

Immersion Programs
English is used as the medium for several non-language subjects starting in preschool and continuing through primary, with native English-speaking teachers delivering those classes. Elementary PARLE and CLIL arrangements in middle school include English-taught courses in specific subjects, and Spanish is introduced as a second living language from 6th grade.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year is open. Applications are submitted through the Eduka login portal (lfkampala.eduka.school/login). The site directs applicants to click the link to apply and to create an account to access the parents' portal. 2. To access the parents' portal, create an account and follow the on-screen instructions. During account creation you select one of three family-status options and provide your full name, email address, and a password; an activation email is sent to validate the account. 3. If your family already has one or more children currently at the school or currently enrolling, you likely already have an account; you may access the portal by connecting to your existing account or by using the password recovery option, or you can contact the administration of the school for assistance. 4. If you do not know your login account or password, contact the administration of the school for help. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and visits are by appointment. 5. Enrollment for future years is facilitated through the Eduka portal; an explicit enrollment link for 2026-2027 is available on the site directing users to lfkampala.eduka.school for enrollment actions.

Scholarships
Consulate scholarships are available for French citizens; grants are provided to families with modest incomes. Grant applications and renewal forms are available from the French Consulate General in Kampala. An appointment to discuss school grants can be arranged by contacting marie-sylvie.atangana@diplomatie.gouv.fr. Two commissions meet during the year: in April for the regular commission ruling on requests for the coming school year (filing is open in February) and in September/October for late registration requests.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Uganda View all schools in Kampala View all schools in Uganda French curriculum schools in Uganda Open days & tours in Kampala What is the French curriculum? View all schools Search all schools