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La Petite Ecole Francaise

United Kingdom, London

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees £11,250 - 13,500
Ages 2 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 140
Type Co-educational
Opened 1983
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, British Curriculum
Taught languages French, English, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths Languages, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

La Petite Ecole Française is a bilingual independent day school in Notting Hill, London, serving children aged 2 to 11. It teaches a French national curriculum alongside the British system within the AEFE network and holds Homologation status from the French Education Nationale. The school is located at 73 Saint Charles Square, occupying two ground-floor areas and a first floor that have been refurbished to feel homely. Its extensive outdoor spaces include a large playground, a separate Nursery playground and a gardening area, plus access to a gym and local sport centres for swimming and tennis. Lessons are delivered in a bilingual English/French framework, with Spanish introduced in primary. In Maternelle (Nursery to Year 1), 40% of lessons are taught in English, rising to 50% by September 2025; from Year 2 onwards, 25% of teaching time is in English. CM2 results for September 2025 were strong compared with AEFE peers and the French national average. Wrap-around care, after-school clubs, museum and theatre visits, and a project-led approach to plurilingualism complete the offering.

73 Saint Charles Square, London W10 6EJ, United Kingdom

The Essentials

La Petite Ecole Francaise has 140 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in French, English.

Location
The school is located at 73 Saint Charles Square, London W10 6EJ, in Notting Hill, West London. It is in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The building serves as a bilingual French-English nursery and primary school.

Stages
Nursery and Primary, for ages 2 to 11.

Type
Co-educational independent day school

Additional learning support
Assistance and Support: Gifted children are stretched and challenged, and those needing more assistance are supported.

Country affiliation
France via the AEFE network (French national education curriculum).

School day structure
School hours are 9:00 to 15:30, with a Wednesday half-day from 9:00 to 12:20.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunch is a nutritious hot meal served daily by Apetito and pork is not served; vegetarian, vegan, halal and dairy-free options are available. A healthy dessert is provided, and a snack is brought by parents. Lunch is optional and costs £240 per term; a vegetarian menu is available on request.

Governance and Ownership
Inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
Fees

Annual tuition at La Petite Ecole Francaise ranges from GBP 11,250 to GBP 13,500 for 2026/27.

Application and registration fees

- Registration / application fee: £120 (payable by bank transfer when submitting the application form; VAT is applied for children over 5).
- Waiting-list inscription fee: £100 (charged when parents request a place on the waiting list).

Deposit and administration fees (when a place is offered)

- Deposit: £3,200 (held by the school and returned when the child leaves provided a full term's written notice is given).
- Administration fee charged with the offer: £240 (including VAT for children over 5) — this is payable at the time the place is accepted.
- Combined initial payment on acceptance: deposit plus administration fee (deposit £3,200 + admin fee £240).

Tuition fees by year group (per term / academic year details)

- Toute Petite Section (TPS / Pre-Nursery): £4,500 per term.
- Petite Section to CM2 (PS through end of primary / Petite Section, Moyenne Section, Grande Section, CP, CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2): £3,750 per term (2025/26 figure; excludes VAT where applicable).

Note: lunch is an optional additional cost charged per term (see the separate line below).

Optional and additional costs

- Lunch (hot lunch and dessert four days per week): £240 per term (optional).
- Materials / small consumables and incidental items: parents are responsible for personal school items and any curriculum-related materials not included in tuition; the school recommends labelling all clothing and materials.
- Insurance: the school maintains insurance for accidents for which it is responsible; parents are advised to hold personal insurance for their child's belongings and personal cover.
- Uniform: no specific uniform cost is published in the school fee schedule; any uniform purchase costs are borne by families.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Frequency: fees are billed termly. The school requires payment at the start of each term.
- Deadline: school fees must be paid within the first week (or within 10 days) of the term's commencement.
- VAT: VAT treatment varies by age and fee type (some items are shown as excluding VAT, and VAT is applied for children over 5 where indicated).

Refund and cancellation terms

- Deposit refund: the deposit is returned when the child leaves provided a full term's written notice is given. If written notice is not given in the required time, the deposit is retained. Examples of timing obligations and effects on the deposit are stated in the school's terms and rules.
- Administration / registration fees: administration/registration fees paid with acceptance are non-refundable.

Boarding

- Boarding: not applicable. The school operates as a day school with stated school hours and half-day Wednesdays.

Accepted methods of payment and payment instructions

- Preferred method: bank transfer (parents are asked to use the child's name as the payment reference). Cheques are accepted where indicated, payable to ‘La Petite Ecole Francaise' or ‘La Petite Ecole Francaise ltd' as specified.

Summary of key headline amounts (termly)

- TPS (Pre-Nursery): £4,500 per term.
- PS–CM2 (Nursery through end of primary): £3,750 per term.
- Lunch (optional): £240 per term.
- Deposit: £3,200 (held and refundable subject to one full term's written notice). Administration fee with offer: £240. Registration/application fee: £120 (waiting-list inscription fee: £100).
Academics

La Petite Ecole Francaise teaches French Curriculum, British Curriculum for students aged 2 to 11.

Curriculum
The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and follows the official French National Curriculum. The French Inspector checks conformity each year, with a mission report and inspections of teachers. French National Assessments are used to monitor pupil progress. The CM2 results for September 2025 show very strong outcomes compared with AEFE network schools worldwide and the national average in France. Download Curriculum in English Here.

Student Teacher Ratio
Maternelle class sizes cap at 18 pupils per teacher and assistant; older classes cap at 20 pupils per teacher. For specialised lessons (dance, music, English), classes are split into small groups of 9. 40% of lessons in English in Maternelle, rising to 50% by September 2025; from Year 2, 25% of teaching time is in English. All English teachers are native speakers. Pupils who have been at the school since Maternelle leave CM2 as fully bilingual and can progress to English or French schools.

Exam Results
CM2 French National Assessment results for September 2025 show very strong outcomes compared with AEFE network schools worldwide and the national average in France.

Higher Education Progression
Pupils transition to Lycée CDG in Section Internationale for secondary education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
La Petite Ecole Française delivers PSHE and, where relevant, Relationships Education as part of a bilingual curriculum that combines the French Socle Commun with English statutory guidance to support pupil wellbeing. PSHE aims to help pupils become responsible, healthy and self-confident individuals who value themselves and others, develop positive relationships, and contribute to their community. The curriculum uses a range of teaching methods, including group work, debates, role-play, visits and external speakers, to build social and emotional skills. It is designed for inclusion and equal opportunities for all learners, with content on rights, duties and respect within a diverse society. Safeguarding and pastoral care underpin mental and emotional welfare, with staff trained to identify concerns early and provide appropriate support to pupils and families as needed.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
La Petite Ecole Française has a Special Educational Needs (SEN) and EAL provision policy. The school identifies pupils' needs in four areas: Communication and Interaction; Cognition and Learning; Social, Emotional and Mental Health; and Sensory and/or Physical Needs. The SEN and EAL provision is led by the Head Teacher, Camie Steuer, who is the SENDCO, and all staff share responsibility for SEN across classes. Admission is non-discriminatory and early assessment with parents allows appropriate provision, including differentiated work, in-class support and small-group sessions, with access to external professionals when needed. The school maintains a Special Needs Register and provision plans (e.g., PAP, IEP) with termly reviews and ongoing coordination with families and external services. Difficulties related solely to French as an additional language are not considered SEN.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
La Petite Ecole Française operates a bilingual French/English curriculum. In Maternelle (Nursery to Year 1) 40% of lessons are in English, rising to 50% by September 2025; from Year 2 onwards, 25% of teaching time is conducted in English in small groups. All English teachers are native English speakers and teach English grammar and literacy but also cultural aspects and topics within the French curriculum. Pupils who have attended since Maternelle leave in CM2 as fully bilingual and can progress to English or French schools. English language provision is integrated with the French curriculum to support bilingual development from early years.

Mental Wellbeing
La Petite Ecole Française supports mental wellbeing through PSHE and safeguarding provisions. PSHE covers personal, social, health and economic education, promoting wellbeing, healthy relationships, empathy and inclusion. The school provides pastoral care and a safe environment, with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and staff trained to respond to concerns and provide support for pupils and families as needed. The integrated bilingual curriculum supports wellbeing across the school, and safeguarding policies reinforce mental and emotional welfare.

Safeguarding
La Petite Ecole Française has a Safeguarding Children Policy updated annually; The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is the Headteacher, Anthony Artist, with deputies as appropriate. The policy sets out prevention, protection and support, and works with parents and local agencies including MASH to promote welfare and keep children safe. It aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE), as well as related guidance, and covers online safety, safer recruitment, data protection and procedures for reporting concerns, allegations or possible abuse. The policy adopts a child-centered approach and keeps pupil welfare as the paramount concern, with staff trained to identify concerns early and act in accordance with procedures.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1983 in Notting Hill, La Petite Ecole Française is a bilingual nursery and primary school in London. In 2010 it relocated to 73 Saint Charles Square, Notting Hill, London W10 6EJ. The school teaches in English and French and follows the French national education system as well as the British national curriculum. It is part of the AEFE network and holds the French Education Nationale Homologation status for all levels from Petite Section to CM2. The school welcomes non-French speakers and serves around 140 pupils aged 2 to 11.

Community
La Petite Ecole Française has a diverse, international community of parents who are very involved in the school. Each class has two parent representatives who meet every half term with the Headteacher. Parents are actively involved in outings and volunteer for major events such as sports day and the school fete, and are encouraged to share their culture, work and experiences at the school. All communication with families is in both English and French.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Two parent representatives per class form the parent involvement structure, meeting with the Headteacher every half term. Parents volunteer for outings, sports day and the school fete, and contribute by reading books, sharing culture and professions. All communications with families are in both English and French.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
La Petite Ecole Française is located in Notting Hill, London at 73 Saint Charles Square. The school operates from two ground floors and a first floor, which have been extensively refurbished to maintain a homely feel. The classrooms are light and well designed, and there is a large playground with a separate Nursery playground, plus a gardening area for pupils. The spacious outdoor areas provide opportunities for physical development and outdoor learning. The school serves a bilingual English/French curriculum and is located in central London.

Sports Facilities
Sport sessions are organized in the large gymnasium next to the school, with two sessions per week for each class. In addition, sports classes take place in the school hall or in the playground on other days. In Primaire (CP to CM2), pupils do tennis, climbing and swimming, with activities hosted at Westway Sports Centre and Kensington Leisure Centre by professional coaches. All activities are taught in English.

Academic Facilities
ICT resources include 20 iPads, 4 video-projectors, four Apple TVs, a Coding Robot and 10 BBC Micro Bits for coding sessions. The school uses ICT projects across the curriculum to support learning, with dedicated technology equipment and projects. An E-Safety policy guides digital learning and use of technology.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Garderie (wrap-around care) runs in the morning from 8:00 to 8:45 and after school from 3:30 to 5:00. A wide range of after-school clubs is offered, including Coding, Science, Gardening, Music, Drama, Capoeira, Art, English, Football, Rugby and more; the club list is shared with parents before each term. The school resumes outings to support projects, with London museum visits and theatre outings; CM2 trips have included Edinburgh in the past.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is a bilingual French/English school in London. In Maternelle (Nursery to Year 1), 40% of lessons are taught in English, rising to 50% by September 2025; from Year 2 onwards, 25% of teaching time is in English. All English teachers are native English speakers and teach English grammar and literacy as well as cultural topics within the French curriculum. Students who complete CM2 leave fully bilingual and can progress to English or French secondary schooling.

Arts & Creative
Weekly dance lessons (expression corporelle) and music lessons are provided, with English and Spanish language input as part of the curriculum. The school offers after-school activities in areas such as coding, science, gardening, music, drama, capoeira, art, English, football, and rugby. The timetable for these after-school clubs is communicated to parents before each term.

Cultural & Language
The curriculum is bilingual in French and English, with English lessons starting in early years and Spanish introduced at primary level (from CP). English hours are substantial in the early years and increase with age, with native English-speaking teachers delivering English language instruction and cultural content within the French curriculum. The school's project framework emphasises plurilingualism and multiculturalism, and theme weeks and school projects run throughout the year. Spanish is taught from CP, and English remains a core part of the bilingual approach.

Social & Hobbies
The school provides Garderie (wrap-around care) from 8:00–8:45 and from 15:30–17:00, with a Wednesday early finish available (14:00). There is a wide range of after-school clubs depending on age and interest, including coding, sciences, gardening, music, theatre, capoeira, arts, English, football and rugby. The club timetable and pricing are set by the after-school club teachers and communicated to families each term.

Community & Service
The school hosts an international community of parents and encourages parental involvement. Educational trips are organised throughout the year to museums, galleries and key London buildings, and visitors are welcomed to the school to enrich the learning experience.

Leadership & Professional
The school runs a multi-year ‘Projet d'école' linked to the national framework, focusing on plurilingualism and multiculturalism, oral-based activities, and science and sustainable development. This project-led approach underpins a diverse range of school projects throughout the year, including theme weeks such as World Tour, Multicultural Week, Nutrition Week, Zero Waste Week, Francophonie Day, Garden Day and Science Day, with cross-curricular links across subjects.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wrap-around care and after-school activities support busy families, with sports sessions and arts activities taught by specialists. Sport is a core part of the curriculum, with sessions organized in the large gymnasium and at local centres, led by professional coaches and taught in English. Dance and music are integrated into the timetable and delivered in English, contributing to physical and creative development.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught: English and French. The curriculum follows both the French and English frameworks, enabling bilingual education. The school has AEFE homologation accreditation, allowing pupils to progress onto French or English schools.

Bilingual Teaching
La Petite Ecole Française is a bilingual nursery and primary school in Notting Hill. It teaches in English and French. It follows both the French and English curricula and maintains small class sizes with a personalised approach. It is inclusive and secular.

Immersion Programs
Bilingual learning is woven into the heart of the school's approach. From the earliest years, children learn through both English and French in a natural, joyful and immersive way. Lessons flow between both languages through songs, stories, conversations, projects and structured activities.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
Internationally Accredited; Homologation status from the French Ministry of Education AEFE
Admissions

Admissions
1. Application process and eligibility: La Petite Ecole Française is a bilingual French/English school registered for 190 children. Children are admitted in September and must be between 2 years and 11 years old, depending on the class. The school operates 9:00am–3:30pm on weekdays, with a Wednesday half-day from 9:00am–12:20pm. The school follows the French national education curriculum and is inspected by the French National Education Authority, AEFE, and the Independent Schools Inspectorate; admission depends on space, age, and registration requirements. Prospective families are invited to visit the school during the process.

2. Waiting list considerations: When an application is received, extra weight is given to those who have been on the waiting list the longest, to children who are siblings of current or past pupils, and the school aims to balance the numbers of boys and girls in the class.

3. Offer of place and enrollment steps: An email informs parents whether their child has been offered a place or placed on the waiting list. If a place is offered and accepted, the inscription fee and a deposit must be paid, and the school's terms and conditions, the internal regulations, and the charter of homologues French schools in London are signed.

4. Fees, payments and funding: The inscription fee is £120, the deposit is £3,200, and admin fees with the offer are £240. Per-term fees for 2025/26 are £3,750 for Petite Section PS-CM2 and £4,500 for Toute Petite Section TPS, with lunch fees of £240 per term. The deposit is held and returned on departure with full-term notice. Early Years Funding may be available for 2–4 year olds through the local authority.

Scholarships
French Government Grants: Grants are available to encourage the schooling of French children abroad. Eligibility criteria include that the child must be a French citizen, the family must live in the host country, the child and parent must be on the register of French citizens residing abroad held by the French Consulate, the child must be over 3 years old, and the school must be accredited by the Ministry of Education. A request for financial support must be made to the French Consulate.

Waitlist
Waitlist: The school maintains a waiting list. Priority is given to those on the waiting list the longest, to siblings of current or past pupils, and to balancing the class by gender where possible. Admission remains subject to space, staff/child ratios, and registration requirements. The school does not discriminate on sex, race, disability, religion, or color.
School Events
The school has not added events
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