Lycee International British Section
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$4K - US$10K
Curriculum: British · French
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~830
Location: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Paris
Updated April 2026
In Brief
If your children are bright, motivated and can handle two rigorous academic systems simultaneously, the Lycee International British Section is probably the best-value quality education in the Paris region. The fees make it possible for families who can't stretch to private school fees - but the commute to Saint-Germain and the academic intensity are real considerations.
The Lycee International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a French state school with internationally managed language sections (British, American, German, Swedish, Spanish and more) operating within the French national curriculum. The British Section, run as a non-profit charitable association, wraps British bilingual education around the French academic framework. Around 830 students, 53 nationalities, and a BFI results profile that puts it in the top tier nationally: 80% of students achieved Mention Bien or Tres Bien in 2024. Established 70 years ago to serve NATO families - that institutional depth shows in every aspect of how the school operates.
Fees are the most compelling argument: EUR 7,492-9,090 per year plus modest application and admissions fees. For British families on self-funded assignments, this is an order of magnitude cheaper than BSP (EUR 27,000-34,000) while offering comparable or better academic results. Director James Cathcart has been in post since 2010, bringing exactly the kind of leadership continuity that matters in a complex multi-section school. Children who arrive with little French join via intensive Francais Special classes and integrate into mainstream within a year.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a 40-minute RER A journey from central Paris - manageable from western arrondissements and the western suburbs, but a real daily commitment from the 11th, 12th or 13th. The school is academically selective; it is not the place for children who need extra support or a gentler pace. SEN provision is basic by international school standards. The complex multi-site structure (main Lycee plus partner colleges) takes time to work out. PE is the French state provision - which parents tend to find insufficient.
What parents value
- –Fees of EUR 7,492-9,090 per year - the lowest of any serious international-track school in the Paris region. Outstanding academic results: 80% BFI Mention Bien/Tres Bien in 2024. Director in post since 2010; institutional stability that private schools struggle to match.
- –53 nationalities; established community of international families going back to NATO origins. French as a Second Language (Francais Special) programme integrates non-French speakers within a year. Dual qualification pathway gives graduates flexibility for UK, French and international universities.
Points of consideration
- –Selective admissions - children need a good level of English and the potential to thrive in a demanding bilingual curriculum. Not suitable for children requiring SEN support or a less pressured academic environment.
- –Saint-Germain-en-Laye is 35-40 minutes from central Paris by RER A; families in eastern or northern arrondissements should test the real commute. The multi-section, multi-site structure of the Lycee takes time to work out - allow time to understand the different pathways.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Maternelle / Nursery (Petite Section) | 3 | 4,320 |
| Maternelle / Nursery (Moyenne-Grande Section) | 4 | 8,640 |
| Primary / CP to CM2 (Years 2-6) | 6 | 8,640 |
| Secondary / Sixieme to Troisieme (Years 7-10) | 11 | 8,915 |
| Secondary / Seconde to Terminale (Years 11-13) | 15 | 10,483 |
Fees converted from EUR. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee - Maternelle (non-refundable) | 185 |
| Application Fee - Primary (non-refundable) | 231 |
| Application Fee - Secondary (non-refundable) | 288 |
| Admissions Fee - Maternelle to Troisieme (non-refundable) | 1,730 |
| Admissions Fee - Seconde to Terminale (non-refundable) | 2,018 |
Photos
Academic Results
| BFI Mention Tres Bien/Bien (2024) | 80% |
Key results: BFI Mention Tres Bien/Bien (2024) 80%.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Paris's international schools draw students from across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.