For British families in Paris, the question of GCSE and A-Level provision comes down to one school: the British School of Paris (BSP) in Croissy-sur-Seine is the only institution in the Paris area that offers the traditional English National Curriculum leading to Cambridge International IGCSE and A-Levels. A second route — the OIB at the Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye — offers qualifications accepted by UK universities at a fraction of the cost, but via a different examination and curriculum structure. The IB Diploma at ISP and ICS is a third option well regarded by UK universities.
This guide focuses on the IGCSE and A-Level pathway specifically, with comparisons to the two main alternatives.
The British School of Paris: The Only Full A-Level Provider
Overview
BSP was established to serve the English-speaking expatriate community in Paris and remains the benchmark British curriculum school in France. Located in Croissy-sur-Seine in the Yvelines, it admits students from KG1 (age 3) through to A-Level (Grade 12, age 17–18) on a continuous English National Curriculum pathway.
At secondary level, BSP delivers:
- Grades 6–8: Lower secondary preparation (English National Curriculum)
- Grades 9–10: IGCSE — Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (CAIE)
- Grades 11–12: A-Levels — Cambridge International Advanced Level (CAIE)
Cambridge International (CAIE) Versus Edexcel and AQA
BSP uses Cambridge International (CAIE) qualifications rather than the Edexcel or AQA specifications more common in UK schools. CAIE IGCSEs and A-Levels are the same qualification type and carry the same UCAS tariff points as UK-board equivalents. UK universities treat them identically in terms of entry requirements and grade offers. Admissions tutors are fully familiar with CAIE papers, and A* grades in CAIE A-Levels carry the same weight as A* grades in AQA or Edexcel.
The subject availability at BSP is broader than some international schools but narrower than a large UK sixth form. Families should confirm that their child's preferred A-Level combination is available before applying at Sixth Form level.
BSP 2025 Examination Results
BSP's 2025 results demonstrate competitive academic performance:
A-Levels:
- 28% of grades A*/A
- 55% of grades A*-B
IGCSE:
- 67% of grades 7–9 (the equivalent of A*/A on the 9–1 scale)
For context, a UK school achieving 28% A*/A at A-Level and 67% A*/A equivalent at GCSE would be considered a well-performing independent school. These figures reflect BSP's position as a serious academic environment rather than a holding school for transient expatriate children.
Fees for IGCSE and A-Level Years
| Year Group | Annual Fee 2025–26 |
|---|---|
| Grades 6–8 (Secondary) | €31,620 |
| Grades 9–10 (IGCSE) | €33,107 |
| Grades 11–12 (A-Level) | €34,065 |
First-year one-time costs: Registration €1,500 + Development Fund €8,000 = approximately €9,500.
Transport from Paris to BSP
BSP's location in Croissy-sur-Seine is approximately 25 km west of central Paris. Key transport options:
- RER A from central Paris to Chatou-Croissy station (approximately 25–30 minutes from central Paris); short walk or bus from the station to school
- School buses: Cover the western 16th and 17th arrondissements and Yvelines suburbs; cost approximately €2,500–€4,500 per year depending on route
See our best areas guide for neighbourhood recommendations near BSP.
The OIB at LISGL: An A-Level-Standard Alternative at Radically Lower Cost
The Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (LISGL) British Section prepares students for the OIB — the Baccalauréat Français International (also written BFI). This is the French Baccalauréat combined with English-language international papers in literature, history and geography, delivered at a level described as A-Level standard.
What the OIB Involves
The OIB is not a separate qualification from the French Baccalauréat — it is the French Bac with additional English-language papers substituted for some of the standard French-medium papers. Students study the majority of their curriculum in French (as is standard in the French lycée system) and take additional English-medium classes through the British Section. The terminal examinations include:
- Standard French Baccalauréat papers in French, mathematics and other subjects
- English-language OIB papers in English literature, history and geography
The qualification is scored on the standard French 0–20 scale. LISGL's near-100% Baccalauréat pass rate places it among France's top-ranked lycées.
UK University Acceptance of the OIB
UK universities — including Russell Group institutions — accept the OIB. Standard offers from Russell Group institutions are typically in the range of 13–14+/20 overall, with Oxbridge typically requiring 16+/20. Families planning OIB applications to the most competitive universities should research specific departmental requirements: requirements vary by subject and by institution.
One timing issue is relevant: French Baccalauréat results are issued in July, after the UCAS conditional offer period closes. This means OIB students must navigate UCAS conditional offers without confirmed final results, then confirm acceptance once results arrive. This is a well-understood pattern for French schools applying to UCAS, and UK universities manage it routinely. See our university admissions guide for full detail.
LISGL Fees vs BSP: The Cost Comparison
| LISGL British Section | BSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fees (secondary) | ~€3,746–€9,090 | €31,620–€34,065 |
| Qualification | OIB (French Bac + English papers) | IGCSE → A-Level |
| Entry requirement | Language test (native/near-native English) | Application + school reports |
| French required | Yes (majority of curriculum) | No (French as additional language) |
The saving over a 7-year secondary career (ages 11–18) is roughly €170,000–€210,000 in tuition costs. This is a very significant financial consideration, particularly for families planning to remain in France through the full secondary cycle.
Why Some Families Choose the IB Instead
The IB Diploma Programme (available at ISP, ICS, EJM lycée level and ASP) is increasingly chosen by British families who might previously have defaulted to A-Levels. The principal reasons:
Breadth: The IB Diploma requires students to study six subjects across arts, sciences, languages, mathematics and individuals/societies — compared to typically three subjects at A-Level. Families who find the narrowness of A-Levels limiting often prefer the IB's structure.
International portability: The IB is recognised worldwide. Families who are uncertain whether their child will attend a UK university, a US university, or a European institution find the IB provides more flexibility than A-Levels.
US university applications: A-Levels are not the natural qualification for US university applications. The IB, with its broad curriculum and extended essay requirement, is well suited to both US and UK applications simultaneously.
UK university recognition: Russell Group institutions typically make IB offers in the range of 36–38 points overall. This is well understood by universities and by school leavers applying through UCAS.
For families whose children are confident they want a UK university (particularly Russell Group or Oxbridge), A-Levels remain the most direct and familiar pathway. For families with any uncertainty about destination — or who value the IB's breadth — the IB is equally valid.
Sciences Po Paris
Sciences Po Paris is one of France's most prestigious institutions. It operates a separate international admissions track that accepts A-Levels, the IB Diploma and the French Baccalauréat through distinct criteria. BSP, ISP, ICS and EJM alumni have all progressed to Sciences Po. For families who see Sciences Po as a potential destination, any of the Paris international school pathways can lead there.
UCAS Application Timeline from BSP
BSP students follow the standard UK UCAS process with identical deadlines:
- 15 October: Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary science
- 14 January: Most other courses at UK universities
- 30 June: Late applications (spaces permitting)
BSP has a university counselling team that supports students from approximately Year 11 onwards with university research, personal statement drafting and reference preparation. The school's familiarity with the UCAS process is a meaningful advantage over schools with limited UK university counselling experience.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments works with British families who want to maintain a direct UK educational pathway during a Paris posting. We understand the BSP and LISGL catchments and can advise on properties in the western arc that make the daily school run to Croissy-sur-Seine or Saint-Germain-en-Laye straightforward. Contact us to discuss your family's specific situation.
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
Which Paris school offers A-Levels?
The British School of Paris (BSP) in Croissy-sur-Seine is the only school in the Paris area offering traditional Cambridge International A-Levels (CAIE). It covers the full A-Level range from Year 12 to Year 13 (Grades 11–12), following the English National Curriculum from Early Years onwards.
What were BSP A-Level results in 2025?
28% of A-Level grades were A*/A and 55% were A*-B. At IGCSE, 67% of grades were 7–9 (the A*/A equivalent). These are competitive results by international school standards and comfortably within the range required for strong UK university applications.
Can A-Level students in Paris apply to UCAS normally?
Yes. BSP students follow the standard UCAS process with the same deadlines as UK students: 15 October for Oxford, Cambridge and medicine; 14 January for most other courses. BSP has a dedicated university counselling team to support the process. Predicted A-Level grades are issued in the standard UK format, which UK university admissions tutors are familiar with.
Is the OIB (LISGL) accepted by UK universities instead of A-Levels?
Yes. The OIB (Baccalauréat Français International) is accepted by UK universities including Russell Group institutions. It combines the French Baccalauréat with English-language international papers at A-Level standard. Russell Group institutions typically require scores of 13–14+/20 overall; Oxbridge typically looks for 16+/20. Timing is slightly awkward for UCAS as Bac results come out in July, but this is a well-understood issue.
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.