The French school in London “Jacques Prévert” reviewed by our consultant, Isaline, who has two children at the school.
What do you think makes Jacques Prévert school unique?
We moved to Brook Green in order to put our two children in the school. It’s not too big and the children are very well looked after by a dedicated teaching team.
In your opinion, what are the key values of the school?
A few words to describe the school: kindness, security, autonomy, respect and effort. What is important for me as a parent is to see my children flourish and grow both academically and personally.
What is the atmosphere like in Jacques Prévert and what is the role of families like yours?
There is a warm, family atmosphere. Due to its size, the hands-on approach of the teaching staff and the involvement of parents in the life of the school, Jacques Prévert offers children a warm learning environment. Jacques Prévert is indeed a special institution where families are part of the life of the school. The governance of the school is largely parental because it is run by a management committee made up of parents recruited on a voluntary basis – my husband is a member. The clubs are also run by an extremely active parents’ association, of which I have been a member for several years.
In short, it is easy to get involved in the school, a little or a lot, depending on your wishes and your availability.
In your opinion, what is the academic level of Jacques Prévert school?
OFSTED gave it an “Outstanding” for the 3rd time in a row in September 2022. Of course, it has AEFE (the agency for French education abroad) accreditation. These two criteria are guarantees of the academic excellence provided by Jacques Prévert.
The other essential factor for me as a parent is the personal development that I see in my children every day because they are always happy to go to school.
Finally, at the end of primary, the vast majority of the students join the secondary school of their choice, should it be the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle as was the case for many of the students in my eldest’s intake last year or Latymer Upper School for those who are looking at joining the British education system.
What is the level of English teaching at the school?
They learn the English language but also about British culture, which, in my opinion, creates an emotional and cultural attachment to both languages and a certain open-mindedness.
Many subjects and various activities are taught in English. My husband and I are both French, however the children can already express themselves very convincingly in the language of Shakespeare.
Which extracurricular activities are offered at Jacques Prévert?
Jacques Prévert is the French school in London which offers the widest range of extracurricular activities. We benefit from more than 20 options including sports, art and cultural activities. The clubs are held locally to limit travel. They are complemented by a system of morning and evening childcare and guided study.
What do you think is the educational approach of the school?
I see Jacques Prévert as a springboard to secondary education and the development of autonomy. Core subjects are supplemented by numerous projects: art workshops, rock climbing, outings to the opera or outdoor classes just to name a few examples for my children from last year.
How do you join Jacques Prévert?
Just like for us, the majority of the students will join the school in the pre-school or first year of primary. Some students will also join in other years or part-way through the year; this will be dealt with directly by the admissions department.
To find out more about the London Jacques Prévert school:
Email: info@ecoleprevert.org.uk.
Website: ecoleprevert.org.uk
