The secondary school decision in Paris is, in many respects, a qualification decision — and understanding the qualifications landscape is essential before choosing a school. Paris offers four distinct secondary pathways, each leading to a different terminal qualification and each with different implications for UK university applications:
- IGCSE and A-Levels at BSP — the most familiar British route
- IB Diploma at ISP, ICS, EJM (at lycée level) and ASP
- OIB (Baccalauréat Français International) at LISGL — French Bac plus A-Level-standard English papers
- French Baccalauréat at EJM (French Bac pathway) and state lycées with international sections
Each pathway can lead to a UK university place. The differences are in cost, in the educational experience, and in how familiar each qualification is to university admissions teams and to your child's subsequent employers.
The British School of Paris (BSP): IGCSE and A-Levels
BSP in Croissy-sur-Seine is the only school in the Paris area following the full English National Curriculum through IGCSE (Grades 9–10) and A-Levels (Grades 11–12). It offers the Cambridge International (CAIE) suite of qualifications, which are familiar to UK universities and equivalent in every practical way to Edexcel or AQA qualifications taken in the UK.
Why Choose BSP for Secondary?
BSP suits families who:
- Prioritise curriculum continuity with the UK system and want their child to sit standard IGCSEs and A-Levels
- Are relocating during secondary school years and need to minimise disruption to subject choices and exam preparation
- Have children planning UK university applications and want the most direct pathway through familiar qualifications
- Live in or near the western 16th, Neuilly or the Yvelines suburbs
BSP Secondary Fees (2025–26)
- Grades 6–8: €31,620 per year
- Grades 9–10 (IGCSE): €33,107 per year
- Grades 11–12 (A-Level): €34,065 per year
BSP Academic Results (2025)
- A-Level: 28% of grades A*/A; 55% A*-B
- IGCSE: 67% of grades 7–9 (A*/A equivalent)
These are competitive results by international school standards. The school's university counselling team supports UCAS applications with full knowledge of the process. See our dedicated GCSEs and A-Levels in Paris guide for detailed examination guidance.
International School of Paris (ISP): Full IB Secondary
ISP in the 16th arrondissement offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6–10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. ISP is oversubscribed at Grade 6/7 secondary entry and at DP Year 1, so applications should be submitted during the October–December window, ideally a year ahead.
ISP secondary fees (2026–27):
- Grades 6–9 (MYP): €36,500 per year
- Grades 10–12 (DP): €39,000 per year
Entry fee: €10,000 (non-refundable, applicable from Grade 1 onwards).
ISP suits families who want the full IB Continuum, who may be considering both UK and US university applications, and who live in central or western Paris.
For full IB details, see our IB schools in Paris guide.
ICS Paris: Accessible Full IB Secondary
ICS Paris in the 15th arrondissement offers the same IB pathway as ISP (MYP into Diploma Programme) at a somewhat lower fee level and with a more accessible admissions process (no entrance examination; rolling admissions).
ICS secondary fees (2025–26):
- Grades 6–8 (MYP): €27,840 per year
- Grades 9–12 (MYP/DP): €31,260 per year
ICS is the most practical back-up for families who cannot secure ISP or EJM places, and for many families it is the deliberate first choice. Its shuttle service and pastoral reputation are well regarded. Approximately a third of students use the school's transport service.
École Jeannine Manuel (EJM): Bilingual Secondary, Two Qualification Pathways
EJM in the 15th arrondissement offers secondary provision from Grade 6 (age 11) through lycée (ages 16–18), with two terminal qualification pathways:
- IB Diploma Programme (offered at lycée level alongside the school's bilingual curriculum)
- French Baccalauréat (the French state qualification, taken bilingually)
- OIB option (French Bac with international English-language papers)
EJM middle school fees (Grades 6–8) are €11,185 per year — significantly lower than ISP or ICS at the same level. At lycée (Grades 11–12) fees jump substantially to €32,560 per year, reflecting the shift from Ministry-subsidised to private provision for the IB Diploma years.
EJM is the right secondary choice for families who:
- Have been at EJM since primary (continuing the bilingual pathway is the natural choice)
- Want strong French alongside international qualifications — genuinely so, not as a supplement
- Are comfortable with a bilingual school culture and can engage with French-medium school communications
- Are targeting either the IB or the French Bac, both of which are accepted by UK universities
Apply 12–18 months ahead for secondary entry — EJM is oversubscribed at every year group. See our waiting lists guide.
Lycée International de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (LISGL): OIB at Near-State Fees
LISGL's British Section is the most affordable credible secondary route for UK-bound students in the Paris area. It prepares students for the OIB — the Baccalauréat Français International — which combines the full French Baccalauréat with English-language papers in literature, history and geography at A-Level standard.
Why the OIB Matters
The OIB is recognised by UK universities including Russell Group institutions, which typically require scores of 13–14+/20 overall. Oxbridge typically looks for 16+/20. UK universities are experienced with the OIB and it does not carry the unfamiliarity penalty that some admissions tutors associate with the standard French Bac when taken abroad.
LISGL holds a near-100% Baccalauréat pass rate and ranks among France's top lycées. Its British Section alumni go to UK universities via UCAS, including Russell Group institutions.
LISGL fees for the British Section: approximately €3,746–€9,090 per year. There is no more affordable route to a UK-recognised secondary qualification in the Paris area.
Entry requires native or near-native English via a competitive written and oral examination. See our application guide for the LISGL process.
LISGL vs BSP: The Cost-Quality Comparison
| Factor | BSP (A-Levels) | LISGL (OIB) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fees (secondary) | €31,620–€34,065 | €3,746–€9,090 |
| Qualification | IGCSE / A-Level | OIB (French Bac + English papers) |
| Language of instruction | English (French as additional language) | Mainly French, with English British Section |
| UK university recognition | Fully familiar | Accepted; Russell Group experienced with OIB |
| Entry | Application + school reports | Competitive English language test |
| French fluency required | No | Yes (majority of day in French) |
The American School of Paris (ASP): US Curriculum with IB Option
ASP in Saint-Cloud follows the US curriculum at secondary level (Middle and High School) with the IB Diploma Programme as an option in Grades 11–12. For British families, the US curriculum (graded GPA system; SAT/ACT-focused) is a less natural fit unless the child may apply to US universities. ASP is more relevant to families with a US posting history or a mixed UK/US university target.
ASP secondary fees (2026–27): approximately €35,000–€40,950 per year. Most grades have waiting lists.
Planning the Marymount Transition
Families with children at Marymount International must plan their secondary transition carefully. Marymount ends at Grade 8 (age 13–14). The most oversubscribed entry points at the main secondary schools — ISP at Grade 6/7, EJM at secondary entry — require applications well before Grade 8. The realistic timeline is:
- Grade 6 (age 11): Submit secondary school applications
- Grade 7: Confirm secondary school place and deposit
- Grade 8: Final year at Marymount; full enrolment at secondary school confirmed for September
Families who leave this too late may find themselves applying to secondary schools at the same time that they are most oversubscribed. ICS is the most reliable back-up for late applicants.
Summary: Which Secondary School for Which Family
| Family Profile | Best Secondary Option |
|---|---|
| Returning to UK within 3 years; want IGCSE/A-Level continuity | BSP |
| Long-term Paris stay; want bilingual French-English education | EJM or LISGL |
| Want full IB; central Paris location preferred | ISP |
| Want full IB; value accessibility; shuttle service important | ICS |
| Cost-sensitive; child fluent in English and developing French | LISGL British Section |
| US university potential applications; US curriculum background | ASP |
For a detailed look at qualifications and university applications, see our guide to GCSEs and A-Levels in Paris and our university admissions guide.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments helps British families make coordinated property and school decisions in Paris. Secondary school choice directly affects the right neighbourhood for your family — a BSP family should live in the western arc; a LISGL family belongs in Saint-Germain-en-Laye or along the RER A corridor. Our team understands these connections and can help you find the right property to support your child's secondary education. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
This guide is for general information only. School fees, residency requirements, and educational frameworks change regularly. Always verify current information directly with schools and relevant French authorities.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child do GCSEs in Paris?
Yes. The British School of Paris (BSP) in Croissy-sur-Seine offers IGCSE (Cambridge International) in Grades 9–10, followed by A-Levels in Grades 11–12. It is the only school in the Paris area offering the traditional English National Curriculum at secondary level. LISGL British Section offers the OIB (Baccalauréat Français International) with English-language papers at A-Level standard, which is accepted by UK universities as an alternative to A-Levels.
Which Paris secondary school leads to the IB Diploma?
Four schools offer the IB Diploma Programme in Paris: International School of Paris (ISP, 16th), ICS Paris (15th), École Jeannine Manuel (EJM, 15th, at lycée level), and the American School of Paris (ASP, Saint-Cloud, as an option alongside the US curriculum). ISP and ICS are the two full IB Continuum schools with the broadest IB provision.
What happens to Marymount students at secondary age?
Marymount International only goes to Grade 8 (age 13–14). Families must plan and execute a secondary school transition before that point. The most common destinations for Marymount leavers are ISP, ICS, BSP and ASP. Given the oversubscription at these schools, secondary applications should be submitted no later than when the child is in Grade 6.
Is LISGL British Section a realistic option if my child has no French?
LISGL is not suitable for children without a meaningful level of French. The school operates within the French public system and the majority of the curriculum is taught in French. The British Section provides English-medium supplementary teaching and the OIB qualification, but students spend most of their school day in French-medium classes. Children arriving with no French would need significant immersion before being competitive in the LISGL language entry test.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.