At a glance
Curriculum and academics
L'Ecole de Battersea is a bilingual primary school in south west London, one of the cluster of French and English schools that relocating families weigh on the London city hub. It opened in 2005 as the sister school of L'Ecole des Petits in Fulham, and the two share a common philosophy of immersive bilingual education in the early and primary years. Around 260 children attend, from age 3 in the preschool classes to age 11 at the end of primary.
The school follows a French curriculum blended with elements of the English system, taking what it sees as the strongest features of both. Children work in French and English across the timetable rather than treating one language as a single lesson, which builds genuine fluency by the end of primary. The approach suits French and francophone families who want their children to keep the French system within reach, and English speaking families who want a bilingual grounding before senior school. The school has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted. As a primary, it prepares children to move on to senior schools across London or to French lycee provision at age 11.
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L'Ecole de Battersea fees
L'Ecole de Battersea fees sit in the mid band of our London fees guide, broadly in line with other independent prep and primary schools in south west London, charged across three terms. As with all UK independent schools, headline tuition moved after the introduction of VAT on private school fees in January 2025, so confirm the current figure with the school directly.
Beyond tuition, budget for a registration fee at application, a deposit on accepting a place, lunches, and the usual trips and activities. As a primary day school there is no boarding cost, but families weigh fees against the premium of living within easy reach of Battersea. To set the school against other London options on cost and stage, open our compare tool.
Admissions
The largest entry points are in the early years and Reception, where most children join, with smaller numbers entering higher up the primary as places arise. A child does not need to arrive bilingual to start in the youngest classes, as the immersive approach builds the second language from the beginning. Older applicants are placed according to age, prior schooling and language background.
Because the early years fill quickly, registering ahead matters. Families relocating to London mid year are common, so later applications are reviewed on a rolling basis subject to space. Contact the admissions office early to discuss timing and how the bilingual programme would suit your child.
Location and who goes there
The school is in Battersea in the SW11 postcode in south west London, an area that has become a magnet for young international and professional families thanks to its riverside regeneration, parks and transport into the City and West End. Families live across Battersea, Clapham, Wandsworth and the surrounding south west London neighbourhoods.
The community is a mix of French, francophone and English speaking families who value a bilingual start for their children, alongside the broader international population of this part of the capital. For how Battersea and south west London compare on schools, commute and cost, see the London city hub and our London fees guide.
L'Ecole de Battersea reviews
GlobalSchoolGuide does not yet hold verified parent reviews for this school. We publish reviews only once they are submitted by named families and checked by our editorial team, so you will not find an invented star rating here. If your family has attended, you can help other relocating parents by sharing an honest account through our school reviews hub.
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Frequently asked questions
How much are L'Ecole de Battersea fees?
As a bilingual primary in south west London, tuition sits in the mid band of London fees, broadly comparable with other independent prep schools in the area, charged across three terms. Confirm the current figure with the school, since fees moved after VAT was applied to private school fees in 2025.
Is L'Ecole de Battersea a good school?
L'Ecole de Battersea is a well established bilingual primary that has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted, with a curriculum combining the French and English systems. It is the sister school of L'Ecole des Petits. We do not publish an invented rating.
What ages does L'Ecole de Battersea take?
The school is coeducational and takes children from age 3 in the early years through to age 11 at the end of primary, covering preschool and primary stages.
What curriculum does L'Ecole de Battersea follow?
The school follows a bilingual curriculum that combines the French national programme with elements of the English system, so children work in both French and English across the primary years.
When do L'Ecole de Battersea applications open?
Entry is largest at the early years and Reception, and places higher up depend on availability. Register ahead of your intended start, and contact admissions early if you are relocating to London mid year.
