At English School Lyon (ESL), learning naturally takes place in a bilingual environment, but the core subjects remain an essential pillar of education.
Our school strictly follows the academic programs in French, mathematics, history, geography, science, and world exploration.
Subjects are divided between the two languages to allow for a true bilingual learning experience.
Thus, science, geography, and world exploration are taught in English, while mathematics and history are taught in French.
In primary school, our goal remains the same: to provide children with a balanced education combining English immersion, mastery of core subjects in French, and the joy of learning.
In primary school, pupils learn in an environment where French and English are used every day. From CP to CM2, 50% of teaching time is in English and 50% in French.
Subjects are taught across both languages: science, geography and discovery of the world are taught in English, while mathematics and history are taught in French. Children develop their knowledge and learn to communicate in both languages.
Our English-language learning programme draws on the Cambridge curriculum. From CP to CM2, we plan to prepare pupils for a Cambridge English examination suited to their level each year. Their results and the certificates awarded under each examination’s assessment criteria recognise their achievements and help families understand their progress.
By the end of CM2, the final year of primary school, pupils’ assessed English levels are currently around B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Our ambition is to support future cohorts in progressing towards B2, taking each child’s learning journey and individual progress into account.
Our small class sizes allow for personalized attention and encourage active participation.
Each child progresses at their own pace, supported by an experienced and caring teaching team.
Our method promotes:
This framework provides a safe learning environment where the child feels motivated, valued, and engaged in their learning.
To enrich their learning, our students participate each year in:
Cultural outings (museums, exhibitions, performances)
Scientific activities and thematic projects
School trips:
– In France for CE classes
– In an English-speaking country for CM classes
These experiences enhance cultural awareness, curiosity, and autonomy.
In addition to classes, we offer workshops to continue learning in a different way:
🎭 English theater
🔬 Science club
🎨 Creative workshops
🍳 Cooking
🎹 Piano
♟️ Chess
Admissions in primary school: an accessible and adapted pathway
We welcome students with varying levels of exposure to English.
🟢 Entry into Grade 1: open to all
Even without prior experience, a child can join Grade 1.
Our program is designed to support beginners and help them gradually enter immersion.
🟡 Entry into Grades 2, 3, 4, or 5: subject to prior assessment
An English test is required to ensure that the student can comfortably follow the pace of the English classes.
This step ensures a smooth integration into the bilingual pathway.
✨ A genuine bilingual immersion starting in Grade 1
✨ A curriculum aligned with national academic standards
✨ Qualified teachers, native or bilingual
✨ A caring and structured pedagogy
✨ Projects and experiences that give meaning to learning