British provision in Paris
Paris is not a British curriculum city in the way that Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong are. The dominant model for international primary education in Paris pairs the French national curriculum with English in a bilingual sector setup, not a free-standing British school. The British curriculum cluster sits at around six schools running a substantively British programme from Reception through A Level, with another four or five offering Cambridge IGCSE alongside the French baccalaureate at upper school.
The flagship is the British School of Paris in Croissy-sur-Seine, established in 1954 and BSO inspected. It runs the full EYFS to A Level pathway on one of the largest international school campuses in the region, with strong Russell Group and Oxbridge placement. ICS Paris in the 15th arrondissement blends the British curriculum at primary with the IB and IGCSE at senior level. Marymount International School in Neuilly-sur-Seine sits between the British and American sectors with British curriculum elements through Year 11.
The bilingual sector schools, EIB Etoile, EIB Monceau, EIB Lamartine and a small group of arrondissement-level bilingual primaries, deliver IGCSE in Years 10 and 11 before students choose between A Level, the IB Diploma or the French Option Internationale du Baccalaureat. For families committed to the British system from start to finish, the British School of Paris remains the cleanest option.
Fees and the tiers
British-curriculum fees in Paris split into two main tiers. The bilingual sector and entry tier, EUR 17,000 to EUR 23,000 per year, captures EIB Etoile and Monceau at primary, plus the smaller Cambridge-curriculum primaries in central Paris. The premium tier, EUR 24,000 to EUR 33,000, covers the British School of Paris, ICS Paris, and Marymount sixth form. Sixth form A Level fees push 8 to 12 percent above Year 11.
Transport adds a meaningful amount for central Paris families using the British School of Paris bus to Croissy-sur-Seine, typically EUR 3,500 to EUR 4,500 a year. Exam levies at the end of IGCSE and A Level add EUR 600 to EUR 1,200 per cycle. For the full mathematics, our Paris fees guide compares all curricula.
Not sure which Paris British school is the right fit?
Take our 5 minute school finder quiz. We shortlist three options based on your child's age, your home area in Paris or Yvelines, your budget and your timeline.
Illustrative example schools
The three schools below illustrate the British curriculum landscape in Paris. They are not ranked.
British School of Paris in Croissy-sur-Seine is the only full BSO-inspected British school in the region, with EYFS through A Level on a 14 acre site west of Paris. Strong A Level outcomes, well-resourced sport and music, and the natural choice for families committed to the British system end to end.
ICS Paris International School in the 15th arrondissement offers the British curriculum at primary, transitioning to Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma at senior school. Central Paris location, smaller cohorts, and increasingly popular with families who want a city-centre alternative to the British School of Paris commute.
Marymount International School Paris in Neuilly-sur-Seine runs a mixed British-American programme through Year 11 with the IB Diploma at sixth form. Suits families crossing between systems or planning a US university destination.
Where British families live
British curriculum families in Paris cluster around three zones. Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Le Vesinet and Croissy-sur-Seine in Yvelines for proximity to the British School of Paris, with most BSP families living within 20 minutes of the campus. Neuilly-sur-Seine and Levallois for Marymount families and a strong British professional community. The 7th, 8th, 15th and 16th arrondissements for families using ICS Paris, EIB Monceau and EIB Etoile, plus the central British embassy belt. A smaller group of families live near La Defense for the corporate connection and bus into the BSP.
Admissions calendar
The British School of Paris and ICS Paris open admissions for September 2026 entry from October 2025, with assessment visits from November and offers typically issued between December and March. Year 7 and Year 12 are the most competitive single-intake points. Mid-year transfers into Year 1 to Year 9 are usually possible. Year 11 mid-year entry is the only difficult window because IGCSE coursework is partway through.
A Level vs French bac, the Paris decision
The single biggest sixth-form decision for a British-curriculum family in Paris is whether to stay with A Level at the British School of Paris or switch to the IB or French Option Internationale du Baccalaureat at one of the bilingual sector schools. A Level suits students with a clear subject specialism and a UK university destination, which still accounts for around 60 percent of BSP leavers. The IB Diploma at ICS Paris or Ecole Jeannine Manuel suits all-rounders and US-bound students. The French OIB is the right choice for families committed to a French university destination, particularly Sciences Po or HEC. Compare options head-to-head with our comparison tool.
Frequently asked questions
How many British curriculum schools are there in Paris?
Greater Paris has around 6 schools offering a substantively British curriculum from primary through A Level, with another 4 to 5 schools running Cambridge IGCSE alongside the French baccalaureate. The flagship is the British School of Paris in Croissy-sur-Seine, established in 1954.
How much do British schools in Paris cost?
Annual fees at British-curriculum schools in Paris run from about EUR 17,000 at the bilingual sector primaries to EUR 33,000 at the British School of Paris sixth form. Sixth form A Level fees sit at the upper end. Bus transport from central Paris to Croissy-sur-Seine adds roughly EUR 4,000 a year.
Is the British School of Paris the only full British school?
It is the only full BSO-inspected British school in the region delivering the complete EYFS through A Level pathway on one campus. ICS Paris in the 15th offers an IB and Cambridge IGCSE blend. Marymount in Neuilly runs an American programme with British curriculum elements. Bilingual primaries in central Paris use Cambridge IGCSE at lower secondary before splitting between A Level, IB and the French bac.
Can my child move from a UK school into a Paris British school mid-year?
Yes. The British School of Paris and the smaller British-curriculum providers accept mid-year transfers conditional on year-group capacity. Curriculum match is generally seamless from UK independent or state schools. Year 11 mid-year entry is the only difficult window because IGCSE coursework is already underway.
When should I apply for a British school in Paris?
For September entry at the British School of Paris and ICS Paris, apply from October the year before for Reception, EY and Year 1 entry, and by January for senior school. Sixth form A Level entry should be confirmed by February to allow subject choices to lock for September.
