Ecole Française de Bristol

The school is a non-profit organisation founded on the values of respect, community, curiosity, ambition, creativity, and multilingualism. It operates on a unique teaching model that emphasizes the cognitive and cultural benefits of bilingualism. The school prioritizes a close partnership with families, viewing parental involvement as the cornerstone of pupil wellbeing and academic success.

The school provides a range of programmes including the 'Les Bambins' toddler group, pre-school, and Maternelle. For primary and secondary students, the curriculum covers French as a mother tongue and French as a foreign language. Secondary pupils may also pursue the French GCSE. The educational approach is designed to align with English teaching methods to ensure fluency in both languages.

Pupils develop the ability to understand, read, write, and speak French independently by the end of their primary education. The curriculum aims to enrich their understanding of francophone culture and foster global citizenship. Older students have the opportunity to study for the French GCSE.

The school employs a dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to support pupil wellbeing. Staff are experienced in working with bi- and multilingual children, providing a structured environment that encourages independence and autonomy. Regular "Spotlight" meetings are held to discuss individual child development with parents.

Prospective families are encouraged to contact the school to schedule an appointment for a visit. The admissions process involves close partnership with parents, who are expected to support their child's learning at home by speaking French and assisting with reading and writing.

The school operates during the week, with primary and secondary pupils attending on a part-time basis. Primary school children attend one day per week, while secondary pupils attend for two hours per week. Pre-school and Maternelle programmes can be attended up to five days per week.

Located in north Bristol, the purpose-built campus features bright, spacious classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, reading corners, and personal desks. Early years facilities include two large interconnected rooms, a dormitory, and dedicated personal care areas. Outdoor spaces comprise a garden, a vegetable patch, and a playground equipped with a sandpit, mud kitchen, Wendy houses, scooters, balance bikes, tricycles, and a climbing frame.

The school offers a range of activities including weekly yoga sessions and indoor physical activities such as obstacle courses. Pupils also engage in themed exercises, book lending, and exchanges with schools in France. The school community participates in various events throughout the year, such as the Halloween Contest and the Fête de l'Hiver.