Education consultants for schools in Paris
Do you need help finding a school in Paris?
For many families, the challenge of finding a school in Paris begins long before they start comparing individual schools.
Parents often ask whether their child would be happier in an international school or in a French state or private school, and whether to choose a bilingual environment. They may be unfamiliar with the French and international education systems, unsure how admissions work, or concerned about how a move to France will affect their child's education pathway.
Our experienced education consultants work with both families relocating to Paris and those already living in France who are considering a change of school.
We help families understand the differences between systems and identify schools where children are most likely to feel confident, supported and happy.
We provide expert, independent guidance to help families make informed decisions and navigate school applications in Paris with clarity and confidence.
Speak to an education consultant in Paris
If you would like expert guidance on finding the right school in Paris for your child, we are here to help.
How we support families
Every family arrives with different priorities.
Some want continuity with the British or international education system; others are focused on language acquisition. Many are trying to understand how different educational pathways may influence future opportunities, including applications to universities in the UK, Paris, the USA, and beyond.
Some ways we can help
- Understanding the French education system
- Supporting families relocating to Paris
- Exploring private education in France
- Finding the right bilingual schools in Paris
- Understanding long-term educational pathways
- Exploring SEN provision in French schools
- Choosing between French and international schools
- Comparing British, French and international curricula
- Supporting applications and admissions to schools in Paris
- Considering routes to universities in Paris, the UK and overseas
- Understanding admissions into international schools
Our heritage
France offers a huge range of educational opportunities, but that choice can also make decision-making more difficult.
Over the years, we have worked with families moving to Paris from all over the world, helping them navigate unfamiliar educational systems and understand the differences between French, bilingual and international schooling.
Our consultancy service helps families understand their options. We combine decades of educational expertise with our first-hand knowledge of schools to help parents make decisions with confidence and identify environments where their children are most likely to thrive.
Who are our education consultants?
Our education consultants in Paris have extensive experience supporting internationally mobile families and advising on schools throughout France. We also have years of experience reviewing the schools and know them inside-out.
Families come to us when they want independent advice, local insight and a deeper understanding of the educational options available. Our consultants provide practical guidance based on years of experience and first-hand knowledge of schools and educational pathways.
Our role is to help families find schools where children can flourish while giving parents confidence that they are making the right decisions.
We provide:
Totally independent advice — we receive no payment or commission from schools
Deep expertise across schools in Paris and the wider French education landscape
Guidance on both French and international educational pathways
Advice focused on wellbeing as well as academic outcomes
Discreet, family-focused consultancy
Talk to us about schools in Paris
We’ll help you understand your options and find the right school for your child.
A move to Paris can feel overwhelming. Big decisions need to be made, not only which type of school to choose, but also where in the city to live. We have many years' experience helping parents navigate their options and make confident choices for themselves and their children. We would be delighted to help you too.Selina Boyd, International editor
Some of our team
Selina Boyd
International director
An experienced education consultant with over a decade in international education, Selina Boyd has been with The Good Schools Guide since 2020.
Clare Hepburn
France writer & education consultant
Clare joined The Good Schools Guide in 2023 as writer and educational consultant for the Paris area in France.
Grace Moody-Stuart
Consultancy director
Grace is director of The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants and has worked for The Guide for 20 years.
Some other services
London consultancy
With our team of consultants, we are ideally placed to advise families navigating the wide range of schools in London.
Singapore education consultancy
Our experienced team of education consultants supports families relocating to Singapore.
Moving to the UK consultancy
Our education consultants can help if you’re relocating to the UK and are looking for the right school for your child.
FAQs about choosing a school in Paris
Can you help families relocating to Paris find schools?
Yes, we have many years’ experience supporting families who are relocating to Paris or elsewhere in France and are considering school options for their children. Please give us a call.
Should we choose a French or international school?
What is right for one child is not always right for another. There are many good reasons to choose either an international school or a French school and it will depend on your circumstances and your child. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the different school systems with you and help you find the right school for your child. Do get in touch.
What are bilingual schools in Paris and how do they work?
There are many bilingual schools across all areas of Paris where children are taught in both French and English, helping them to achieve fluency in both languages simultaneously. We can explain the landscape and help you consider what is the right pathway for your child.
Can British children attend French schools?
Yes, British children can attend both French and international schools, provided they have the correct visa allowing them to live and study in the country. There are many French and international schools across Paris. We can help you find the right school, in the right location for your family.
How competitive are school admissions in Paris?
Admissions is very competitive at the most sought-after schools in Paris and we recommend making enquiries and applications as early as you can. We understand that for many families this isn’t always possible and that you may be looking for spaces at short notice. We can help you navigate which schools have places and can advise and support you through the admissions process.
Can you help us apply before we move to France?
Yes, we can help with every step of your journey. From identifying a short list of schools for you to consider, to liaising with admissions teams for further information, tours (virtual or in person) and supporting you through the application process and preparing your child for any entry tests or interviews. Our experienced consultants are used to working with families at every step of the way.
What are the options for private education in France?
Private education is very varied in France. It covers both state-funded private schools (Sous Contrat) as well as private schools without contract (Hors Contrat). There are options for privately funded international and bilingual schools. In short, there is a huge amount of choice for education in Paris and across the whole of France. We can help you navigate the options and find the school in which your child will thrive.
How do secondary schools in France differ from the UK system?
French secondary schools follow the French curriculum which is divided into two distinct sections: Collège (ages 11-15) and Lycée (ages 15-18). The latter is equivalent to a British sixth form but runs for three years and results in the French Baccalauréat which is notoriously demanding. In some French schools, students can study for the international version of the Baccalauréat, the BFI. In international schools, students might follow a British, international, American or other nationality curriculum with senior and sixth form or middle and high school sections accordingly.
Can you advise on pathways to universities in Paris and beyond?
The pathway to a university in Paris or France will differ depending on the school that you have been attending, the curriculum followed and the language in which you have studied. If intending to study at a French language university you will need to demonstrate a high level of spoken and written French. There are universities in France where you can study in English. Many students who are at school in Paris also consider university in the UK, USA, other European destinations or elsewhere in the world. We can help you navigate the pathways between school and university and advise you on the best choices for you or your child.
Can you help compare French, British and IB curricula?
The French, British and IB curricula are all very different programmes of study, each resulting in different graduation pathways. We can help you understand the differences between each of these curricula and advise you on the best route for your child.
Can you advise on SEN support in Paris schools?
French and international schools in Paris offer different approaches to supporting children with learning needs. Our specialist SEN consultant has years of experience in working in the learning support departments of international schools around the world. We would be delighted to talk to you about your family and circumstances and help you navigate and find the most supportive environment for your child.
Can you liaise with schools on our behalf?
Yes. We can work with you throughout your journey moving your child to a school in Paris; we can also work directly with schools to ensure a smooth application and admissions process. We help book in tours for you to visit schools, find the answers to specific questions and can talk to admissions teams about place availability. While we cannot guarantee a school place, we are always delighted to talk to schools on your behalf and support your application, admissions and transition process into your child’s new school.