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L'Ecole de Battersea

United Kingdom, London

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The school at a glance
Instructs in French, English
Fees £5,740 - 6,750
Ages 3 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 259
Type Co-educational
Opened 2005
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum French Curriculum, British Curriculum
Taught languages French, English
Typical class size 16
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

Located in Battersea, L'Ecole de Battersea offers a bilingual French-English education for children aged 3 to 11. The school delivers a bilingual curriculum with parallel teaching from the French national curriculum and the English National Curriculum, immersing pupils in both languages and cultures across class, playground, canteen, arts and sports, and outings. It is homologuée by the French Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale, a partner of AEFE, and registered with the English Department for Education; Ofsted inspects the school. All teachers hold English or French degrees and teach in both languages daily. The school serves Pre-Prep (3-6) and Prep (6-11); it opened in 2005 with 85 pupils and now educates up to 265. Facilities include two mezzanine floors housing an IT suite and library, interactive whiteboards, a gym, a large indoor sports hall, and a canteen. From Year 4 onward, students undertake residential trips to France and Great Britain each year.

Trott St, London SW11 3DS, United Kingdom

The Essentials

L'Ecole de Battersea has 259 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in French, English.

Location

Trott Street, Battersea, London SW11 3DS. The school is located in Battersea, London. It serves pre-primary and primary pupils in a bilingual French-English program.

Stages

Pre-Primary & Primary (ages 3–11)

Type

Pre-Primary & Primary bilingual school

Additional learning support

The school is non-selective and welcomes pupils from diverse backgrounds. Support is provided within class or in one-to-one sessions or small groups by a member of staff. Individual plans from UK or French authorities can be used to support pupils; a Learning Support Assistant may accompany more severely challenged pupils; Occupational/Speech therapy sessions are not funded by the school.

School day structure

School hours start at 8:30–8:45am with doors open at 8:45am. Home time is 3:15pm for most pupils, with late stayers until 4:00pm (doors close around 4:10pm). There are no classes on Wednesday afternoons; home time is 11:50am for Pre-Primary and 12:00pm for Primary.

Bus service

Private School Bus Services are organised by Mark Bennett Ltd. A daily bus runs mornings and afternoons between Lycée Charles de Gaulle (South Kensington) and L'Ecole de Battersea.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

No boarding is offered; the school operates as a day school.

Uniform Requirement

The Battersea school uniform is compulsory for all pupils from CP to CM2; nursery classes use a school smock.

Food Options

Kindergarten lunch by term (optional); Pre-primary lunch by term (optional); Primary school lunch by term (optional).

Governance and Ownership

The school is a proud member of Globeducate, a leading international K12 education group comprising 65+ premium bilingual and international schools across 11 countries.
Fees

Annual tuition at L'Ecole de Battersea ranges from GBP 5,740 to GBP 6,750 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration fees

- Registration fee (payable on application): Petite Section (Nursery) – GBP 95 per child (VAT exempt); Moyenne Section to CM2 (Reception to Year 6) – GBP 114 per child (inclusive of VAT).
- Admission (offer) fee (non‑refundable) on acceptance of a place: Petite Section – GBP 1,350 per child (VAT exempt); Moyenne Section to CM2 – GBP 1,620 per child (inclusive of VAT). New pupils joining in September must pay their first term fees in advance to secure their place.

Tuition fees (per term) and annual totals (three terms)

- Petite Section (Nursery): GBP 5,740 per term (VAT exempt).
- Annual total (calculated as three terms): GBP 17,220 (GBP 5,740 × 3).
- Moyenne Section (Reception) through CM2 (Year 6): GBP 6,750 per term (inclusive of VAT).
- Annual total (calculated as three terms): GBP 20,250 (GBP 6,750 × 3).
- Reduced pattern for Petite Section (3‑year‑olds) — “4 days/week” (no school on Wednesday): GBP 5,630 per term (VAT exempt); occasional Wednesday morning sessions available at GBP 30 per session. Annual total for the 4‑day option (three terms): GBP 16,890 (GBP 5,630 × 3).

Additional services and regular extras (per term unless stated)

- Pre‑primary school lunch (Petite, Moyenne, Grande Sections): approximately GBP 210 per term (VAT exempt).
- Primary school lunch (CP to CM2 / Years 2–6): approximately GBP 240 per term (VAT exempt).
- Before & After School Care (pre‑primary pupils only): Morning & Afternoon (8:30–8:45 / 15:30–16:00) – GBP 100 per term (VAT exempt); Morning only – GBP 50 per term (VAT exempt); Afternoon only – GBP 80 per term (VAT exempt).
- Optional After‑School Clubs: invoiced separately by participation at the start of each term (not included in tuition).
- Families with three or more full‑time children receive reductions: 3rd child 15% reduction per term; 4th child 20% reduction per term.

Uniform and compulsory equipment costs

- Primary uniform is compulsory for CP to CM2 and must be purchased from the listed supplier; items and accessories are specified (blazers, cardigans, ties, sportswear, etc.). Certain items (smart shoes, some socks, boots) are not supplied by the uniform supplier and are purchased separately. Pre‑primary classes require a compulsory smock and school satchel; smocks are sold by the school at the start of the school year. No fixed uniform price is published on the fee pages.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- School fees are invoiced per term and are payable by the end of the first week of each term. For the 2025–2026 academic year the term start/payment reference dates shown are: 3 September 2025, 5 January 2026, and 1 April 2026. New pupils starting in September must pay the first term's fees in advance by 1 April prior to starting in order to secure the place.
- Any delay in payment after the first week of term will attract a penalty surcharge of GBP 50 for every two weeks of delay; accumulated surcharges must be paid with the term fees. Fees for any term started are due in full.
- One full school term's written notice is required for premature withdrawal; failing to give proper notice requires payment of fees in lieu of that notice (fees in lieu of notice).

Refunds and non‑refundable items

- Fees are not refundable in the event of absence or removal of a child. A new pupil's term fees are not refundable if the pupil does not attend at the expected time of entry. Registration fees and admission fees are non‑refundable. The school may require fees in lieu of notice if correct notice is not provided.

Boarding

- There is no boarding provision; the school operates as a day school only.

Accepted payment methods and voucher schemes

- The school accepts employer Childcare Vouchers for eligible 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds and is registered for the Government Tax‑Free Childcare scheme. Specific card or bank transfer instructions are not published on the public fee pages.

Late/penalty and other contract points affecting fees

- The school reserves the right to exclude a pupil with three days' written notice while fees remain unpaid; exclusion may lead to withdrawal and fees in lieu becoming payable. Annual fee scales are published in advance each year and are subject to annual increases. Extra costs for trips that involve overnight stays or travel abroad are charged separately and notified in advance.

Summary checklist (quick reference)

- Registration fee on application: Petite GBP 95 (VAT exempt) / Moyenne→CM2 GBP 114 (incl. VAT).
- Admission fee on acceptance (non‑refundable): Petite GBP 1,350 / Moyenne→CM2 GBP 1,620.
- Tuition per term: Petite GBP 5,740 / Moyenne→CM2 GBP 6,750. Annual totals shown above are calculated as three terms.
- Lunches, before/after care, clubs, and uniform are additional and charged as noted above.
- Fees payable by the end of the first week of each term; penalty surcharge and one‑term notice conditions apply; fees are not refundable for absence or withdrawal.
Academics

L'Ecole de Battersea teaches French Curriculum, British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 11.

Curriculum

The school is an international bilingual school following the French curriculum with parallel teaching from the English curriculum. Children are immersed in both languages and cultures throughout the day, in class, on the playground, in the canteen, in arts and sports, and on outings. The school is homologuée by the French Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale and is a partner of AEFE and registered with the English Department for Education. The school is inspected by the Inspector for French National Education and by Ofsted. All teachers hold English or French degrees, with teaching in both languages every day. Pupils aged three to eleven are taught across Pre-Prep (3 to 6) and Prep (6 to 11); the school opened in 2005 with 85 pupils and now caters for up to 265. Pupils born between September and December are equivalent to the English year below.

Higher Education Progression

Following the French system, all pupils who complete their CM2 year (Year 6) have priority to enter AEFE secondary schools across the globe, with London options including Lycée Charles de Gaulle, Lycée Winston Churchill, and Collège Français Bilingue de Londres. Following the English system, many pupils go on to top senior schools in London such as King's College London, Whitgift, St Paul's, City of London School, and Dulwich College. The Prep School route helps prepare for 13+ at schools like Broomwood Hall, Fulham Prep, Newton Prep, and Thomas's Battersea, with 13+ destinations including Alleyn's, Eton College, King's College, St Paul's, Wellington, and Winchester. Local community secondary options are also available.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school places pastoral care at the heart of its ethos; pupils' wellbeing is as important as academic achievements. It teaches values of friendship and respect and fosters a culture of care to support balanced daily life through activities and dedicated days. Weekly drop-in sessions are led by the Pastoral Care leader to give pupils a space to share concerns or feelings. Each class uses Sharing Boxes to enable pupils to express themselves and speak about worries in confidence. The school supports social and emotional development to help pupils grow into resilient and well-rounded individuals.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school is non-selective and welcomes pupils from diverse cultural, linguistic and academic backgrounds. Pupils with specific needs are valued equally and supported to develop reading comprehension, spelling, personal organisation, and social skills. Support is provided within class and/or in one-to-one sessions or small groups by teaching staff, who regularly communicate with parents. Individual plans can be arranged with UK or French authorities to support neurodivergence conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD or ASD; specialist services like Occupational or Speech therapy are not funded by the school and would be integrated into the educational team where appropriate. Some children may have a Learning Support Assistant to accompany them in lessons; EHCP funding can be provided by the council if applicable; otherwise funding is the parent's responsibility.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school is an international bilingual school following the French curriculum with parallel teaching from the English curriculum. Languages are integrated across subjects, and pupils are immersed in English and French throughout the day in class, on the playground, in the canteen, in arts and sports, and on outings. All teachers are qualified with either an English or French degree, and pupils receive teaching in both languages daily. The school is homologuée by the French Ministère de l'Education Nationale and a partner of AEFE, and is registered with the English Department for Education (DfE); it is inspected by the Inspector for French National Education and by Ofsted.

Mental Wellbeing

Pastoral care is at the heart of the school's ethos; pupils' wellbeing is as important as academic achievements. Activities and dedicated days promote a balanced daily life. The Pastoral Care leader runs weekly drop-in sessions for pupils to share concerns or feelings. Sharing Boxes in each class provide a confidential channel for pupils to express worries. The school fosters a supportive environment to nurture mental wellbeing and resilience.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a paramount priority; the safety, security and comfort of children and staff, both physically and online, are addressed to meet safeguarding and technological requirements. L'Ecole de Battersea recognises its responsibilities for child protection and the welfare of children, and safeguarding is a shared community responsibility. The school maintains up-to-date facilities and policies, including a Safeguarding Children Policy.
Parent Experience

History

L'Ecole de Battersea evolved from L'Ecole des Petits, founded in 1977 by Mme Otten in London, combining the French curriculum with bilingualism. A dedicated building was established in 1991 to create a home-from-home atmosphere, and the former Princess Beatrice Social Centre plaque remains on the playground wall. In 1995 L'Ecole des Petits became the first independent nursery in the UK officially recognised as an Ecole Homologuée by the French Ministry of Education, and Mme Otten was honoured as Officier des Palmes Academiques. In 2003 the AEFE requested that L'Ecole des Petits extend to primary education, leading to the start of L'Ecole de Battersea in 2005. L'Ecole de Battersea opened in September 2005 with five classes and 85 pupils and has since grown to cater for up to 265 pupils aged 3 to 11, serving an international client base of over 30 nationalities and regularly achieving Outstanding in Ofsted inspections.

Community

The school supports a diverse, international community and develops bilingual, open-minded, confident, respectful and resilient children who can transition to top British or international schools. The staff emphasise a bilingual approach and a commitment to cultivating inquiring minds and social responsibility. The Alumni network keeps past pupils, parents and staff connected through events and communications, including reunions and news updates. The LEF (L'Ecole Families) serves as the parent community fostering involvement, welcoming new families, and supporting school life through events and volunteering.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

L'Ecole Families (LEF) was set up in 2007 to create a united school community. It is a voluntary, non-profit group founded by the school's parents; it serves as a welcome group for new parents and a support system for all non-academic issues. LEF is here to answer questions and provide practical information about life at school, helping new families settle in. It invites volunteers and ideas for new projects and activities, and provides contact via lef.battersea@gmail.com. LEF represents the school's parent-involved life and coordinates engagement and events as part of the school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school provides a bilingual French-English education in Battersea, London. Two mezzanine floors house an IT suite and library facilities. Classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and tablets to support learning in the digital age. There is a gym and a large indoor sports hall for PE and sports lessons, and the school has canteen facilities. Day trips to theatres and museums in London are offered, and from Year 4 onward pupils undertake residential trips to France and Great Britain.

Sports Facilities

Sports lessons take place in a large indoor sports hall and in the school's own gym. Pupils participate in netball, tag rugby, sports hall athletics, badminton and cricket, and there is a football club for ages 6 to 11. From CE1 onward fencing is taught weekly by coaches from Escrime Academy as part of the sport curriculum. The programme emphasizes teamwork, discipline and fair play.

Academic Facilities

Computing is taught to all pupils from Year 2 to Year 6, with IT sessions and interactive whiteboards and tablets in classrooms. Art lessons are taught in English, and from Year 4 art and history of art take place in the art studio with a dedicated art teacher. Music classes form part of the curriculum from Moyenne Section and are taught by an English music teacher, with opportunities to perform. Dance classes are provided for younger pupils up to Year 2, taught by a Royal Academy of Dance-trained teacher. The library houses around 9000 books in English and French.

Extra Curricular Facilities

After School Clubs offer a diverse range of activities including sports, dance, fencing, gym, football, art and drama. Clubs run from 4:00 to 5:10pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 12:00 to 1:00pm on Wednesdays. Before- and after-school care is available for pre-primary pupils, including Fruity Club after-school care. Drama and assemblies provide annual full-scale productions and weekly assemblies. From Year 4 onward pupils participate in residential trips to France and Great Britain.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school provides an exceptional bilingual education with a curriculum that combines the French National Education system with the English National Curriculum. Pupils master skills in both languages from an early age and develop open-minded, adaptable approaches to learning. The school is homologuée by the Ministère de l'Education Nationale, a partner of AEFE, and is registered with the English Department for Education; Ofsted inspects the school. All teachers are qualified with either English or French degrees, and pupils receive teaching in both languages throughout the day.

Arts & Creative

The school stages full-scale annual productions in front of parents. CM2/Year 6 produce a Shakespeare play every year, scripted and adapted by the Drama team in both English and French. Assemblies are held on Friday mornings, where pupils present topics to peers, building self-esteem and leadership.

Cultural & Language

L'Ecole de Battersea is an international bilingual school that follows the French curriculum with parallel teaching from the English curriculum. Children are immersed in both languages and cultures throughout their day, in class, on the playground, in the canteen, in arts and sports or on outings. All teachers are qualified with either English or French degrees, and pupils receive teaching in both languages throughout the day. The school is homologuée by the Ministère de l'Education Nationale, a partner of AEFE, and is registered with the English Department for Education; Ofsted inspects the school.

Social & Hobbies

The school offers a diverse range of clubs and activities, including sports, dance, fencing, gym, football, art, and drama. After-school clubs run from 4:00 to 5:10pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 12:00 to 1:00pm on Wednesdays. Before and after-school care is organised for pre-primary pupils; Fruity Club provides after-school care every day from 4:00pm to 6:00pm (except Wednesdays – from 12:00pm to 3:00pm). Additional fees apply for after-school clubs.

Community & Service

The school is committed to opening up opportunities to local communities, supporting and engaging with their initiatives, and also supports national and international actions. L'Ecole Families (LEF) is a voluntary, non-profit group set up by the schools' parents to welcome new families and support non-academic issues. LEF offers opportunities to join projects and to volunteer to help life at the school.

Leadership & Professional

LEF provides opportunities for parents to take on leadership roles and volunteer for projects. Alumni participate in school events, including alumni pub quizzes celebrating the 20th anniversary. Pupils completing CM2 have priority to enter AEFE secondary schools worldwide and to attend top English senior schools, with destinations including Lycée Charles de Gaulle, Lycée Winston Churchill, CFBL, King's College, St Paul's, City of London, and others.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Pastoral care is at the heart of the school's ethos, with wellbeing considered as important as academic achievement. There are weekly drop-in sessions where children can share concerns, and activities to promote a balanced daily life. The canteen provides balanced, nutritious meals prepared by a dietitian, with healthy menus and international dishes. After-school care options include Fruity Club, which operates daily from 4:00pm to 6:00pm (except Wednesdays 12:00pm to 3:00pm).
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught are English and French. All teachers come from either an English or French degree, and pupils receive teaching in both languages throughout the day. The school is homologuée by the Ministère de l'Education Nationale and is a partner of AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) and is registered with the English Department for Education (DfE). The school is inspected by the Inspector for French National Education as well as by Ofsted.

Bilingual Teaching

The school provides a bilingual education in French and English. The curriculum combines the French National Education system with the English educational system, taking the best elements from both. It aims to nurture bilingual, open-minded, confident, respectful and resilient children with inquiring minds who are well prepared to progress to top British or international schools such as the Lycée Français. The school welcomes children aged 3-11.

Immersion Programs

Our method blends different languages across subjects. Children are immersed in both languages throughout the day in all settings—class, playground, canteen, arts and sports, and outings.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Age and intake. We welcome children from three years of age. For the September intake, children who turn three between September and December can start (age 2 years 9 months +), known as rising three's, and they must be potty trained to start. Children born in the same calendar year are placed in the same year group (for example, children born in 2022 could start in September 2025). 2. Waiting list and priorities. As soon as you submit your application, your child is added to the waiting list. Priorities are: siblings (registered within the 1st year of birth); pupils from L'Ecole des Petits moving to L'Ecole de Battersea; siblings of former pupils; children of former pupils. New applicants are listed by registration dates, with the time between birth and registration also considered. 3. Registration fee. A registration fee is payable when you apply: Petite Section £95 (VAT Exempt) or Moyenne Section to CM2 £114 (incl VAT). 4. Offers and admission fees. Offers are sent from October in the year before starting. On acceptance of a place, a non-refundable admission fee is due: Petite Section £1,350 (VAT Exempt) or Moyenne Section to CM2 £1,620 (incl VAT). 5. Fees and securing a place. New pupils joining in September must pay their first term fees in advance before 1 April to secure their place (see school terms and conditions). 6. Registration and visits. The school office is open Monday–Friday, 9:15am–12:00pm and 1:00pm–4:30pm. To proceed with registration, contact Mrs Daniélou to request a registration package. We encourage visits before enrolling; school visits are conducted on Friday mornings from October to May.

Waitlist

Waiting list priorities: siblings (registered within the 1st year of birth); pupils from L'Ecole des Petits moving to L'Ecole de Battersea; siblings of former pupils; children of former pupils. As soon as an application is received, your child is added to the waiting list. New applicants are listed by registration dates, with consideration given to the time between birth and registration.
School Events
The school has not added events