For British families relocating to Paris, the most pressing educational question is usually whether to maintain the English National Curriculum pathway their children know — or to pivot to something new. Paris offers two credible routes to British-recognised qualifications: the British School of Paris (BSP), which delivers the full traditional English curriculum, and the Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (LISGL), which offers the OIB — a bilingual French Baccalauréat with A-Level-standard English papers. Beyond these, several other Paris schools offer the IB Diploma, which is equally well regarded by UK universities.
Understanding the differences, costs and practical realities of each route is essential before committing to a neighbourhood or property purchase.
The British School of Paris (BSP)
Overview
BSP is the primary British school in the Paris area and the only institution following the full English National Curriculum from Early Years (KG1, age 3) through to A-Levels (ages 17–18). It is located in Croissy-sur-Seine in the Yvelines department (78), approximately 25 km west of central Paris. The campus is not within Paris itself, but is well served by RER A to Chatou-Croissy station (approximately 25–30 minutes from central Paris) and by the school's own bus routes covering the western 16th and 17th arrondissements and the Yvelines suburbs.
The school admits students from age 3 to 18 across a continuous pathway: Early Years (KG1–KG3), Primary (Grades 1–5), Lower Secondary (Grades 6–8), IGCSE (Grades 9–10) and A-Levels (Grades 11–12). This end-to-end provision makes it a natural choice for families who expect to remain in Paris through secondary years and want their children to sit A-Levels rather than transition to the IB or French Bac.
Fees 2025–26
| Year Group | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| KG1 (age 3) | €20,684 |
| KG2 (age 4) | €26,240 |
| KG3 (age 5) | €27,273 |
| Grades 1–5 (ages 6–10) | €27,273–€28,680 |
| Grades 6–8 (ages 11–13) | €31,620 |
| Grades 9–10 / IGCSE | €33,107 |
| Grades 11–12 / A-Level | €34,065 |
One-time costs: Registration €1,500 + Development Fund €8,000 = approximately €9,500 in the first year.
Bus transport, where used, adds approximately €2,500–€4,500 per year depending on route.
For a full breakdown of all costs across Paris schools, see our international school fees guide.
Academic Results 2025
BSP's 2025 results are competitive by international school standards:
- A-Level: 28% of grades were A*/A; 55% were A*-B.
- IGCSE: 67% of grades were 7–9 (the A*/A equivalent on the new 9-1 scale).
The school teaches Cambridge International (CAIE) IGCSE and A-Level papers. UK universities are fully familiar with CAIE qualifications, and BSP's grade profile will typically satisfy standard Russell Group entry requirements.
BSP maintains a university counselling team to support students through UCAS applications. Standard UCAS deadlines apply: 15 October for Oxford, Cambridge and medicine; 14 January for most other courses.
Transport and Location
The Croissy-sur-Seine location places BSP outside the Périphérique, which can feel peripheral to families based in central or eastern Paris. However, families in the 16th arrondissement, Neuilly or the western suburbs find the commute straightforward — either by RER A (alighting at Chatou-Croissy, then a short walk or bus) or by the school bus network.
BSP buses serve the western 16th and 17th arrondissements and the Yvelines suburbs, making it accessible from Saint-Germain-en-Laye (where LISGL is also located) and Croissy-adjacent residential areas. Families in the 7th, 8th or central Paris can reach Chatou-Croissy by RER A in around 30 minutes.
For neighbourhood guidance, see our guide to best areas in Paris near schools.
The LISGL British Section: The Affordable Alternative
Overview
Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (LISGL) is a French public school with 14 national sections, established in 1952 to serve NATO SHAPE personnel. Today it serves the children of diplomats, international executives and long-term expatriate families. Its British Section is one of the most respected English-language academic environments in France, and it operates at a fraction of the cost of any private international school.
LISGL is located in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, approximately 25 minutes west of central Paris by RER A (Saint-Germain-en-Laye is the western terminus of the A Line). The school does not offer the same extensive bus network as BSP, but is easily reached from the town centre and from areas along the RER A corridor.
The OIB Qualification
LISGL's British Section prepares students for the OIB — the Baccalauréat Français International (also known as the BFI). This is the French Baccalauréat with additional English-language international papers in literature, history and geography. The English papers are delivered at A-Level standard, in English. The qualification holds a near-100% pass rate at LISGL, which ranks among France's top lycées.
UK universities accept the French Baccalauréat including the OIB. Russell Group institutions typically seek overall scores of 13–14+/20; the most competitive faculties (including Oxbridge) typically look for 16+/20. British families considering this route should research the specific score requirements of their target universities in advance. The principal timing consideration is that French Baccalauréat results are issued in July — after the UCAS conditional offer period — which requires some planning. Full guidance on navigating UCAS from Paris is in our university admissions guide.
Fees and Entry
LISGL British Section fees are approximately €3,746–€9,090 per year, with a one-time registration fee of around €1,500–€1,750. As a public school, the base teaching cost is state-funded; the fees cover the British Section's supplementary provision.
Entry is selective and requires a written English comprehension and essay test followed by an oral examination. The standard is native or near-native — this is not an EFL entry process. The application timeline is: apply September–December; written test around March; oral April–May; results June–July. Families should not apply to LISGL expecting to use the test process as a reason to delay their move — results come out in late summer, just weeks before the September start date.
LISGL is not a practical option for families whose children have been educated entirely in English but have no meaningful French. The school operates within the French public system: French-medium classes are the majority of the curriculum, with the British Section providing the English-medium supplement and the OIB pathway.
Comparing the Three Main Routes
British families in Paris effectively choose between three pathways:
| Route | School | Annual Fees | Qualification | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full British curriculum | BSP | €20,684–€34,065 | IGCSE / A-Level | Highest cost; direct UK pathway; most familiar |
| Bilingual state | LISGL British Section | €3,746–€9,090 | OIB (French Bac + English papers) | Lowest cost; selective entry; requires French |
| IB Diploma | ISP, ICS, EJM | €20,595–€39,000 | IB Diploma | Widely accepted; US + UK; different structure from A-Levels |
Who Should Choose BSP
BSP is the natural choice for families who:
- Want the English National Curriculum throughout, with no disruption to their child's existing schooling framework
- Are relocating mid-secondary (GCSE or A-Level years) and need curriculum continuity
- Have children who will take UCAS applications through the most straightforward pathway
- Can absorb fees of €27,000–€34,000 at secondary level
- Are living in or near the western 16th, Neuilly or Yvelines suburbs
Who Should Consider LISGL
LISGL is the right choice for families who:
- Plan a longer-term stay in France (3–5+ years) and want their children to develop genuine French alongside English
- Have children who arrive with solid English and can build French through immersion in the French system
- Want a rigorous qualification that is accepted by UK universities at a fraction of private school fees
- Are comfortable with the French public school culture and administrative environment
- Live along the RER A corridor, particularly in Saint-Germain-en-Laye itself
Who Should Consider the IB
The IB Diploma — offered at ISP, ICS, EJM (lycée level) and ASP — is the best choice for families who:
- May return to the UK or move to a third country and want maximum international portability
- Are considering US university applications alongside UK
- Prefer the broad IB curriculum (six subjects) to the narrow A-Level model (typically three subjects)
- Are not specifically committed to the English National Curriculum format
For a full comparison of IB options, see our IB schools guide.
Preparing for GCSE and A-Level Years
Families moving to Paris at secondary age — particularly at GCSE or A-Level stage — face the most acute choice. Starting IGCSE at a new school mid-cycle (for example, joining in Year 10 or 11) can create gaps, particularly in subjects with coursework components. BSP admissions staff are experienced in managing mid-cycle entries and it is worth discussing the specific situation openly at the application stage.
A-Level entrants transferring from UK schools should be aware that the range of subjects available at an international school may be narrower than at a large UK sixth form. BSP offers a broad but not unlimited A-Level curriculum, and families should confirm that their child's specific subject combination is available.
For detailed examination guidance, see our guide to GCSEs and A-Levels in Paris.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments works with British families relocating to Paris, advising on property in the western neighbourhoods that best serve BSP, LISGL and the other main English-medium schools. Our team understands the connection between school catchment, RER A access and property value in the western arc, and can help you identify homes that work both educationally and financially. Contact us to discuss your relocation timeline and property requirements.
This guide is for general information only. School fees, residency requirements, and educational frameworks change regularly. Always verify current information directly with schools and relevant French authorities.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a school in Paris that teaches the English National Curriculum?
Yes. The British School of Paris (BSP) in Croissy-sur-Seine follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels. It is the only school in the Paris area offering a traditional IGCSE to A-Level pathway.
What A-Level results does BSP achieve?
In 2025, BSP A-Level results showed 28% A*/A grades and 55% A*-B. At GCSE, 67% of grades were 7–9 (the equivalent of A*/A). These are competitive results by international school standards.
What is the OIB and is it accepted by UK universities?
The OIB (Baccalauréat Français International) is the French Baccalauréat combined with English-language international papers delivered at A-Level standard. It is accepted by UK universities including Russell Group institutions, which typically require scores of 13–14+/20 overall.
How do BSP fees compare to LISGL?
BSP annual fees for 2025–26 range from €20,684 at KG1 to €34,065 at A-Level, plus a first-year one-time cost of approximately €9,500. LISGL British Section fees are approximately €3,746–€9,090 per year — roughly a quarter of BSP fees at secondary level, but entry is selective and requires a rigorous language test.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.