Is French required to join the school?

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Primary Years 1 and 2
(PS – CP): We welcome non-French speaking children and offer French as a Foreign Language (FLE) and small group support.

Primary Years 3 and 4 (CE1 and CE2): The school considers applications on a case-by-case basis for students with limited French and English.

Primary Years 5 and 6 (CM1 and CM2): Fluency in French and English is required.

Secondary French Track (Year 7 and above): Fluency in French is required.

Secondary International Track (Year 7 and above): Non-French speakers can enrol in the International Track, which leads to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).  Fluency in English is required.

How do you manage bilingualism?

Our unique Early Years dual language immersion programme from the age of three is guided by two qualified teachers (one French, one English) in the classroom who each use their mother tongue alongside each other. This setting creates the ideal conditions for bilingualism to flourish naturally in a safe and nurturing environment.

In Primary, the curriculum is divided between two class teachers. Instruction delivered 50/50 from Year 1/GS to Year 6/CM2. Each class alternates with one French-speaking and one English-speaking teacher, learning in French one day, and English the next. Students are taught by specialty teachers in subjects such as PE, language, and music who work in both Primary and Secondary sections.

In Secondary, in the French Track the Bac Français programme is taught in around 70% French and 30% English, while in the International Track, the English International Program (EIP) and IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) are taught mainly in English with regular French classes.

For more details, please see our Teaching and Learning Policy in the School Policies section of our website.

Who can apply to the school?

Our school is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Our school is open to children of all nationalities from age 3 to 18. There is no specific entry exam, however, offers are dependent upon the number of available spaces and the three most recent school reports are considered as part of the application.

For students with specific special needs or long-term illnesses, the school will assess the child’s needs and the School’s ability to meet those needs.

Do you have an admissions test?

There is no entry exam, however, offers are dependent upon the number of available places in each year and the three most recent school reports are considered as part of the application.

For applications for International Track in Year 10 and above we ask for grades in Maths, English and other specified subjects. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a beneficial programme for students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.  However, the School adheres to the IB statement that the Diploma Programme is academically demanding and may not be the best educational choice for all students.

External candidates will be considered according to our Admissions Policy.

For students with specific special needs or long-term illness, the school will assess the child’s needs and the School’s ability to meet those needs.

Please consult our Admissions Policy for more information.

What are the fees?

Our tuition fees include:

Lunch is onsite and compulsory for all pupils.

EYFS and Primary classroom consumables such as textbooks, notebooks, and writing materials.

In Secondary individual school-owned tablet including all software/apps/digital textbooks and resources needed for our academic programme. Families may be asked to purchase physical textbooks and notebooks as required in Secondary.

EYFS Pre-Reception and Reception (Petite and Moyenne Section)

£19,320 (£6,440 per term)

Primary

Year 1 (Grande Section)                   £16,764      (£5,588 per term)
Year 2-6 (CP – CM2)                           £15,658      (£5,219 per term)

International Track

Year 7-11 English International Programme                                       £24,599 (£8,199 per term)
Year 12-13 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme    £24,599 (£8,199 per term)

French Track
Collège 6ieme-3ieme                         £15,658      (£5,219 per term)
Lycée 2nde-Terminale                       £16,764      (£5,588 per term)

Unless otherwise agreed with the school, tuition fees will be split into ten installments, payable every month from 15 June.

A full breakdown of the Tuition and Application Fees can be found on our Fees page.

Do you offer bursaries?

When can I start the registration process?

You can begin the registration process at any time. Our Admissions Department is open year round (including mosts of the summer) and we welcome students throughout the school year, depending on the availability of space in each year group.

For more details on how to start your pre-enrolment application, please visit our admissions page.

What if I have to cancel or postpone my child’s enrolment? Will I lose my deposit?

In the case of postponement: We can freeze the application and the first registration fee you paid for one or two years. Please note that you would still have to restart the application process and go through the Admissions Committee.

In the case of cancellation: As per our Terms & Conditions, the deposit is non-refundable unless a on school term’s notice is given.

Can you help me get a visa for my child?

We do not provide any assistance with visas as we are not a Tier 4 school.  We cannot sponsor families settling in the UK.

Are you a boarding school?

No, we are not a boarding school.  Our school operates as a day school.

We do not offer boarding facilities or on-campus accommodations. Our focus is on providing a comprehensive day programme that supports students’ academic and extracurricular development.

How are the students prepared for higher education?

Students who complete the Baccalauréat Francais, Baccalaureat Francais International (BFI) or the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) are well-prepared to apply to any university globally. Their bilingual and multicultural backgrounds are highly valued in today’s interconnected world.

Our graduates have been accepted into prestigious universities, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, the London School of Economics (LSE), Sciences Po, Cornell University, Stanford University, Duke University, Maastricht University, and McGill University, among others.

Our Career Service prepares students for the selection and admission processes of internationally recognised universities from an early stage. We focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in gaining entry to top-ranked universities worldwide.

What qualifications do you offer for Secondary students?

Secondary

At the beginning of Year 7 (6ieme) pupils choose between two programmes.

The International Track leads to IGCSEs and the IB Diploma and is taught mainly in English.  It offers an opportunity for English speakers to join the school, or for existing students to focus on studying in English.  Pupils enrolled in this English International Programme (EIP) need to have a high level of fluency in English

Or

The French Track leads to the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) and Baccalauréat Français or the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) and is taught mainly in French, with an enhanced English provision. This programme follows the French curriculum as defined by the French Ministère de l’Education from Year 7 to Year 13.  Pupils enrolled in the French Track need to have a high level of fluency in French.

Both programmes introduce the formal study of a third modern language in Year 7

Sixth Form

In Year 12 of the International Track, we welcome new pupils from the EIP as well as new pupils who wish to complete the two-year IB Diploma course.  External candidates will be considered according to our Admissions Policy.  Pupils enrolled in the International Track will need to have a high level of fluency in English.

From 1ere of the French Track pupils choose between preparing for the Baccalauréat Français or the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI).  Pupils enrolled in the French Track need to have a high level of fluency in French.

What are the differences between the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?

Both the French Baccalaureat and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) are highly respected and rigorous qualifications recognized by universities worldwide. Graduates who earn these diplomas from our school have successfully pursued higher education at top universities globally.

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is studied by students in our International Track in Years 12 and 13. In the International Track, all subjects are taught in English, except for French and a third language. The IBDP focuses on developing students’ critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural understanding through a diverse curriculum that includes six subject groups, the Theory of Knowledge course, an extended essay, and participation in creativity, activity, and service (CAS) projects. Students in the International Track also have the opportunity to take IGCSE exams at the end of Year 11.

The French Baccalaureat is part of our French track and is studied by students in Years 12 and 13 (Première and Terminale). It is a comprehensive academic programme that provides students with a broad and deep understanding of various subjects, including humanities, sciences, and languages. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness.  Students in the French track study in a bilingual environment, primarily in French, with some courses offered in other languages.

Our school is committed to supporting students from both tracks in achieving their academic goals and preparing them for successful futures.

Please visit our Secondary page for more information.

How is technology used at the school?

1. Complementary Tool
Complementary Role: Technology is used to complement, not replace, traditional teaching methods.

Differentiated Learning: Digital devices provide versatile means to differentiate the learning experience, allowing for instruction tailored to students’ needs and learning pace.

Encouragement of Creativity and Collaboration: The use of technology fosters creativity and collaboration among students.

iPads in Education: The school has chosen iPads as the primary digital tool for students. iPads support interactive learning and provide access to a wide range of educational apps and resources.

2. Focus on Digital Citizenship
Common Sense License for Digital Citizenship: The school has been recognized with the Common Sense License for Digital Citizenship, underscoring its commitment to teaching students to use technology responsibly and ethically.

Responsible Use of Technology: The school prepares students to actively and responsibly navigate the digital world.

3. Enhanced Learning Experience
New Teaching Methods: Technology enables innovative and efficient teaching methods, including flipped classrooms, blended learning, and project-based learning.

Audiovisual Materials: Access to multimedia content enhances the learning experience by providing diverse ways to explore and understand complex topics.

Interactive Classrooms: All classrooms are connected and interactive, leveraging technology to facilitate real-time communication and engagement.

4. Communication and Weblibrary
Dedicated Communication Portal: The school uses a dedicated online portal to communicate homework assignments, grades, and other important information. This facilitates efficient communication between teachers, students, and parents.

Connected Learning Spaces: The Weblibrary is an interactive, digital learning environment that provides students with access to a vast array of resources and materials.

What sort of textbooks do students use at school?

Lycée Winston Churchill  combines traditional and digital textbooks to enhance learning and prepare students for their future.

Primary School (Years 5 and 6)
Mix of Paper and Online Textbooks: Students use both paper textbooks and digital resources to balances traditional learning with early exposure to technology, easing the transition to digital tools.

Secondary School
Digital Textbooks on iPads: All textbooks and resources are available online through iPads, which removes physical burden of textbooks. Students can add notes, comments, maps, and diagrams directly on their iPads. Online textbooks ensure access to the latest information and reduce paper usage and environmental impact.

The school’s blend of paper and digital textbooks supports a modern and interactive learning environment. This approach equips students with essential skills and prepares them for success in an increasingly digital world.

How does the school monitor the use of tablet computers?

The iPad is a powerful educational tool that the school provides for academic purposes.

The school is protected by Sophos security software, which is specifically designed for education and currently protects more 100 million users in 150 countries for endpoint communication and encryption, as well as network, email, and mobile security.The school only permits Google Safe Search, which adds an extra level of protection.

The school ensures iPads are used safely and effectively for educational purposes through strict policies and robust security measures.

Security Measures
The school uses Sophos security software to protect networks, emails, and mobile devices, providing strong defences against online threats. Additionally, Google Safe Search is enforced to filter out inappropriate content.

iPad Usage in Primary School

In the Primary school, iPad access is limited and supervised by teachers. iPads are used for specific classroom activities and are not taken home by students, ensuring technology use aligns with educational goals.

iPad Usage in Secondary School

In the Secondary students are loaned iPads for the academic year, with the devices remaining school property. The IT team remotely manages these iPads to ensure only age-appropriate apps are installed. Game applications are not authorized.

Guidelines, Agreements and Family Commitment
Strict iPad User Guidelines and Agreements are in place, which both students and families must sign. Additionally, a Family Media Agreement sets clear expectations for responsible device use. Parents must complete an iPad induction course before their child receives an iPad, ensuring they understand how to support their child’s use of technology. The school provides ongoing support sessions to assist
parents with IT-related needs.

How much do Secondary students write by hand vs. typing on their tablets?

The school provides secondary students with the flexibility to choose between writing by hand and typing on their tablets, allowing them to tailor their learning experiences to their individual preferences and needs.

Note-Taking and Homework
For those who prefer digital note-taking, tablets offer the ability to organise notes, integrate multimedia resources, and access them anywhere. For students who benefit from the tactile experience of writing by hand, paper notebooks and binders are also supported. Homework assignments can be submitted in any format, whether
handwritten or typed.

Written Tests and Exams
Despite the emphasis on flexibility in daily work, all secondary students are required to complete written tests and mock exams on paper in each subject throughout the academic year. This ensures that students maintain proficiency in handwriting and are prepared for traditional exam formats.

What is the dress code?

Is there an after-school activity programme?

Lycée Winston Churchill offers a diverse after-school activity program with over 20 options. Students can engage in a variety of interests, including sports, theatre, dance, chess and cooking.

These activities provide students with opportunities to explore new hobbies, develop skills, and engage with their peers outside of regular classroom hours.

For more details on available activities and schedules, visit our After School Programmes and Care page.

How can I track my child’s progress in class?

Parents can monitor their child’s academic progress through Pronote.  This online software allows parents to track homework assignments, student progress, and performance at any time. It provides a comprehensive view of your child’s academic activities and achievements.  

Parents of Secondary students can be invited as “guardians” to Google Classroom. This feature enables you to observe your child’s progress, interactions, and participation in their classes.

Parents can reach out to individual teachers for additional information or concerns regarding your child’s education.

Are our children safe at school?

Ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority.

We adhere to all legal standards and regulations regarding school safety and activities.  All staff members undergo rigorous background checks and screening processes to ensure their suitability and safety for working with children.  All our staff are Safeguarding Level 1 trained with over 30 at Level 3.

We work with a highly trained security team, which is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment.  Access to the school is strictly regulated. No one can enter the premises unannounced. We ensure that the identity of everyone coming to the school is verified.

These measures collectively ensure a secure and protected environment for all students at Lycée Winston Churchill.