STRENGTH IN BODY AND MIND
VALIDUS • CORPORE•ANIMOQUE
“Pupils of all ages, abilities and needs show exceptional development of knowledge, skills and understanding across all areas of learning.”
ISI Inspection Report 2019
Welcome
Welcome and thank you for your interest in The British School of Paris.
Seeing is believing…
The pages of this prospectus will give you a flavour of the vibrant, creative and outward looking environment that is the BSP.
It is more difficult to convey the quality of our relationships, and the power of our inspirational people. To truly experience the school I would encourage you to visit us. I can assure you that you will meet happy, confident students at ease with themselves and each other.
For over seventy years The British School of Paris has provided a British education with an international outlook characterised by excellent teaching, warm pastoral care and abundant opportunities for cultural and sporting activities.
Nicholas Hammond Headmaster
To arrange a tour please contact registrar@britishschool.fr
Academic, artistic and sporting excellence
Validus Corpore Animoque
Our aim is to help and support our students to thrive academically; small class sizes, study rooms, well equipped libraries, exceptional facilities, the latest technology to engage students in their studies are all part of the everyday learning environment at the BSP.
Tutors get to know each student; they provide individual support and guidance, monitor academic progress and coax them to challenge themselves continuously.
Starting from the age of three, the tone is set; students are encouraged to reach their personal potential and success follows.
Early years Age 3-5 years
Providing adventure, discovery and opportunity
Happy children, eager learners
Our aim is to develop confident, happy children who are eager to learn and to share their experiences in a safe and secure environment.
This means that learning is carefully planned in a spacious and stimulating setting based on organised play and child initiated activities that encourage exploration and self expression.
Scan to view our EYFS film
we love it!
“It’s hard not to learn – great teachers, great fun, great friends.”
STRENGTH IN BODY AND MIND
VALIDUS • CORPORE • ANIMOQUE
Personal tutors monitoring every student’s progress
Building independence, inclusivity and community
Happy and successful
Pastoral care
Pastoral care is the individual support and guidance provided for all BSP students, creating a safe, secure and inclusive environment. At the BSP, we want your child to be happy and successful in that order.
This individual care is one of the clear differentiators of a British education and underpins the school’s overall approach to teaching and learning.
We look forward to showing you around
Admissions
Registrar:
Email: registrar@britishschool.fr Tel: 01 34 80 45 96
Assistant Registrar:
Email: assistant.registrar@britishschool.fr Tel: 01 30 15 88 39
Junior Age 5-11 years
Developing purpose, endeavour and determination
Teaching and learning
We place high expectations on the teaching staff and they in turn expect the pupils to do their best; both in and out of the classroom.
Scan to see a Junior School music performance
The evident spirit of friendship that exists throughout the school creates an atmosphere in which our pupils feel happy and therefore thrive.
The children are offered a rich and diverse curriculum largely based on the national curriculum of England and Wales. Our aim is to maximize each pupil’s academic potential; everyone is encouraged to develop and to explore their talents.
Scan to view our Junior School film
We Have a Proud History and Heritage
Established in 1954, The British School of Paris is the oldest and largest school in France which is based on the English National Curriculum. The school has developed into a leading international school, high achieving academically, and fully engaged in sports and the arts –the key aspects of a truly rounded British education.
1954
Founded by Mrs Mary Cosyn under the name of the ‘English School of Paris’. The school was located in the heart of the impressionist region in the Château de Monte Cristo, the former home of Alexander Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo
The majority of the BSP’s pupils were British, American and Canadian with parents employed at the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE)
1954-67
The tradition was established whereby the serving British Ambassador to France would additionally be appointed as honorary Patron of the school
The BSP relocated to its current home at Llesna Court along the banks of the River Seine, on Quai de L’Ecluse
1968
Her Excellency the Honourable Mrs Mary Soames, youngest daughter of the late Sir Winston Churchill, was a former patron of the school
Mary Cosyn was appointed officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to education in Paris
David Cope was appointed Headmaster
Princess Caroline of Monaco attended the school Christmas Concert
The new name of the school officially became The British School of Paris
The BSP joined the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) bringing international recognition to the school
1973 1959 1964
The Junior School was relocated to its new home in Bougival
The British School of Paris Society (BSPS) was formed to give a voice to parents as well as provide support to newcomers
The Swedish section of the Junior School opened
Alan Livingstone-Smith was appointed as Headmaster
Alan Livingstone Smith
visited
The school was transferred from private ownership and established under French law as the equivalent of a British charitable trust, a non-for-profit entity 1989
1980
A Board of Governors was formed to be responsible for the running of and the future development of the school
The British School of Paris and unveiled a plaque to open the new Science building
The BSP won the International Schools of Paris Athletics Championships and went on to repeat the achievement over the following two years
The new Science building was inaugurated by Sir Francis Tombs, Chairman of Rolls Royce and Chairman of the Engineering Council 1984
Princess Diana
David Cope
Mary Cosyn
Monte Cristo
BSP pupils lined the entrance foyer of the British Embassy in Paris to help welcome Her Majesty the Queen to France on the occasion of her State Visit
1992 1994
Martin Honour was appointed Headmaster
Sir Roger Bannister, the first man to run a mile in under four minutes, officially opened the new BSP Sports Hall
2002 1992
The Junior School Croissy (JSC) opened
2003
Jacques Bouscarle, former Chairman, was appointed as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for his services to the BSP
2003
School founder Mary Cosyn passed away in her hometown of ChanteloupLes-Vignes on 3 September, at the age of 97
The BSP celebrated its 50-year anniversary
2005
Richard Woodhall was appointed Headmaster
2009
Steffen Sommer was appointed Headmaster
2010 2004
Inauguration of the purpose-built Junior School by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester
2011
Alison Tardivel
Alison Tardivel, former Headmistress of the Junior School, was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to British education in France
The British School of Paris became one of only a handful of schools across Europe to rollout iPads to all students, from 4-year-olds to university-bound 18-yearolds as well as to staff
2014
The British School of Paris celebrated its diamond anniversary year with a year-long programme of events
Peter Kett MBE retired as Chairman of the Board of Governors after 25 years’ service at the BSP
Keith Pearey was appointed as Headmaster and Julia Batters as Head of the Senior School
September
2014
Nicholas Hammond was appointed the eighth Headmaster of The British School of Paris 2013
The Countess of Wessex
The BSP received a visit from Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex
The BSP partnered with United World Schools to build the first BSP funded school in Cambodia
Eric Coutts was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Governors
The Kett Building was inaugurated housing the newly refurbished Redgrave Multi-Purpose Hall
2016 2024
Mark Potter was appointed Head of the Junior School
COVID-19 Pandemic 2020 - The BSP immediately offered remote schooling from March and adapted to strict pandemic guidelines throughout Introduction of Character Education
The BSP celebrated its 70-year anniversary
Year 12 students interviewed HM Ambassador to France, Sir Peter Ricketts in the Salon Bleu of his Residence in Paris
we love it!
“We really were impressed with the BSP and have to say that your facilities and additional benefits of numerous music, art, drama and sports programmes are truly second to none.”
STRENGTH IN BODY AND MIND
VALIDUS • CORPORE • ANIMOQUE
Senior Age 11-16 years
Academic, artistic and sporting excellence
Academic excellence
With high academic standards, a strong and enviable pastoral system and a wide range of art, drama, music, sport and other co-curricular activities, every student is encouraged and expected to excel academically and thrive physically, emotionally and socially.
Ours is a school where young people develop independence of mind, creativity and critical thinking, all of which are underpinned by physical activity, leadership opportunities and mutual respect.
This is a place with a strong sense of purpose and a willingness and determination to succeed. Children flourish here.
Scan to view our Senior School film
great location
“We are so lucky to have Paris on our doorstep; our teachers regularly organise trips to the fantastic art galleries and museums that Paris has to offer.”
STRENGTH IN BODY AND MIND
VALIDUS • CORPORE • ANIMOQUE
Strength in body and mind
6th Form
Age 16-18 years
Building independence, inclusivity and community
Examination success
Many of our students choose to go to UK universities following A Level success but increasingly others are taking the opportunity to study at universities in France, across the rest of Europe, the US, Canada, Africa, Australia and Asia.
Some students select to move onto alternative further education institutes for their studies including Drama, Music, Theatre and Foundation courses in Art whilst others prefer to take a ‘gap year’ before making the decision of what to study post-6th Form.
In all cases our experienced 6th Form team are available to help guide students towards making the right decision for them.
Scan to view our 6th Form film
University destinations include:
confidence
“School outside of the classroom – so much to learn, it has pushed me to try new activities that I never ever thought I could do.”
STRENGTH IN BODY AND MIND
VALIDUS • CORPORE • ANIMOQUE
Co-curricular
Academic, artistic and sporting excellence
Co-curricular
There is a wide variety of co-curricular activities available at the BSP and all students have the opportunity to develop new skills and/or to pursue their passions be it in sport, music or art.
Many activities, especially sport, involve competitions against other British and International schools offering the chance to participate in events throughout Europe.
This important aspect of the BSP curriculum is formative, enriching, enjoyable and an integral part of a BSP education.
Patron: HM aMbassador to France
Senior School – 38, Quai de l’Ecluse 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine Tel: 01 34 80 45 94 Fax: 01 39 76 12 69
Junior School – 12, rue Hans List 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine Tel: 01 30 15 88 30 Fax: 01 73 79 15 71
Admissions: Tel: 01 34 80 45 96, Email: registrar@britishschool.fr www.britishschool.fr