Timeline

Belleville Wix Academy set out how bilingual English–French education will continue once the current partnership with Wix comes to an end. School leaders reassured families that they remain committed to a high-quality programme that is both bilingual and bicultural.

Key messages

1. Parents’ feedback has shaped the new programme

Having carefully reviewed what parents asked for, the school identified clear priorities that will underpin the new offer:

• Strong French language teaching
• Grammar, spelling (dictation), pronunciation and poetry
• French history taught alongside English history
• French culture and traditions
• High academic standards
• A genuine sense of belonging to a bilingual community

Leadership made clear that these priorities will sit at the heart of the new programme.

2. French history and culture will have a bigger role

Parents asked for a richer French cultural presence at school — including French history, values and traditions, idioms and expressions, celebrations such as Bastille Day, and a stronger French identity overall. The school agreed: children should encounter French culture as well as the language. Families may also be invited to help shape cultural events through the PTA and the wider school community.

3. The French curriculum

French National Curriculum teaching is expected to be delivered through CNED (Centre National d’Enseignement à Distance). That route would let pupils stay aligned with the French curriculum, hold recognised assessment records, and move more easily into schools in France or other French-speaking countries if a family relocates.

Decisions still to come in the autumn term include which CNED programme will be used, what it will cost, and how delivery will be organised day to day.

4. Qualified French teachers

Teaching will be led by French-qualified staff, native French speakers, and teachers trained in the French system. The intention is authentic French education — not French taught merely as a foreign language.

5. Academic standards

Leaders returned several times to standards. Expectations will stay high; children should leave primary ready for either the English or the French pathway; and the school aims to protect the level of achievement bilingual pupils already reach today.

6. Curriculum organisation

Both the English National Curriculum and the French National Curriculum will be taught. Pupils should cover the required content from each by the end of Key Stage 2, with the two languages woven together rather than French treated as a stand-alone subject.

7. School space and organisation

Practical constraints — especially classroom space — were acknowledged openly. Room has already been found for six additional classes, and work continues on a seventh. Leaders said they would rather wait for confirmed plans than share speculation before decisions are settled.

Parent questions and school responses

Parents raised practical points including class size (around 30 pupils), admission to the bilingual stream, homework, joint working between English and French teachers, recruitment of qualified French staff, timetables, long-term funding, and whether the Trust is fully behind the provision.

In reply, the school confirmed strong backing from the Academy Trust and the CEO; that the bilingual programme is meant to last; that French teacher recruitment is already under way; and that further detail on staffing, funding and timetables will follow once those pieces are finalised. The commitment to a genuine bilingual and bicultural education was restated.

Overall tone

The evening felt positive and reassuring. Leaders did not pretend every detail is settled, but they repeatedly stressed the same commitments: keep bilingual education, protect French language and culture, recruit properly qualified French teachers, and prepare children for both the English and French systems. The meeting closed with thanks to parents for their support, and with confidence that, together, the school can build a strong future for the bilingual programme through this period of change.

The letter confirms that, from September 2027, the current bilingual provision will no longer be offered in partnership with École de Wix. Belleville Wix Academy expresses its sadness at the Lycée’s unilateral decision to end the twenty-year shared provision, while noting that it worked hard to ensure the existing bilingual stream would remain in place for the 2026/27 academic year so that parents were not forced into unnecessarily hasty decisions.

Following the parent consultation evening on 15th January, the school has been researching and refining a successor provision. It is delighted to confirm that it has the full support of the Q1E Trust board to continue offering an excellent, free, and fully bilingual provision from September 2027, meeting the requirements of both the English and French National Curricula.

A meeting for families in the bilingual stream registered at Belleville Wix Academy will be held on Tuesday 14th July at 7pm. This will be an opportunity to hear about plans for September 2027 and to provide ongoing feedback. Families registered with the English stream who are interested in attending are also welcome. The school intends to hold another such meeting shortly after the summer break, as part of its commitment to keep families regularly informed as preparations continue.

The letter from Kathleen Williams, Executive Headteacher of Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, and Catherine Bellus-Ferreira, Head of School at the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, updates families on the future of the Fulham Bilingual Partnership. It confirms that the partnership between Holy Cross and the Lycée will end in July 2027, at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 academic year, owing to changes in the legal and financial context that chiefly affect the Lycée.

The authors reassure families that bilingual education will continue to be available at the Clancarty Road site. From September 2027, both Holy Cross and the Lycée will remain on the site: Holy Cross will continue to offer a state-maintained bilingual pathway, while the Lycée will continue its own bilingual and French language provision. A feasibility study is underway to plan the works needed to support the separation of the two schools on the shared site.

Both schools commit to providing further information by the end of September 2026 about the provision available from September 2027. During 2026–2027, Holy Cross, the Lycée and the Council will work closely together to manage day-to-day operations and support a smooth transition, while looking for opportunities for pupils from both schools to connect and benefit from shared experiences. A set of frequently asked questions will be shared with families before the end of term.

The joint letter from John Grove, CEO of Quality First Education Trust, and Catherine Bellus-Ferreira, Headmistress of the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, confirms that the existing bilingual provision — shared between Belleville Wix Academy and École de Wix — will come to an end at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 academic year.

From September 2027, both schools will nevertheless continue to operate alongside one another on the Belleville Wix School site on Wix’s Lane. Each school will continue to offer bilingual provision on these premises, in accordance with its respective operating model and within the terms of the Lease.

The letter states that details of the respective provisions will be shared by each school, providing families with the greatest possible clarity regarding their options from the 2027–2028 academic year onwards. The signatories express regret that this twenty-year shared venture is coming to an end, but look forward to developing new opportunities for pupils from both schools to continue interacting in the future.

The letter confirms that, following a series of constructive and positive discussions, an agreement has been reached to continue the 50/50 bilingual stream at Belleville Wix Academy / École de Wix for the 2026/27 academic year. This decision ensures that the existing bilingual provision will remain in place for the next school year.

It acknowledges that families may still have questions following this announcement and indicates that further details will be shared in the coming days. In the meantime, parents and carers are reassured that their children will be able to continue their education in its current bilingual format from September, without immediate changes.

The message also recognises the uncertainty and disruption experienced by families during this period. It expresses regret for the concern caused to parents and pupils and thanks them for their patience, understanding and continued support throughout this challenging time.

Belleville Wix Academy reassures families that, from September 2026, a fully state-funded bilingual education will continue to be delivered directly by the school. The Academy remains committed to providing a high-quality bilingual provision for all pupils and to fulfilling its commitment to educate children from Reception to Year 6.

The school explains that its long-standing partnership with the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, in place for twenty years and recognised for its quality by Ofsted, is ending following the Lycée’s decision to withdraw from the shared bilingual provision. This decision, announced without prior notice, is not linked to any shortcomings in the provision but rather to changes in French law regarding the accreditation of overseas schools. Despite entering discussions in good faith and seeking solutions, it has become clear that the current partnership cannot continue from 2026.

Belleville Wix Academy confirms its confidence in delivering a strong, academically and culturally rich bilingual education independently, ensuring pupils are well prepared for future pathways in either the British or French education systems. Where possible, the school will also seek to offer places to children currently educated through the Lycée. Acknowledging the uncertainty this situation has caused, the school reassures families that a clear plan is in place to ensure continuity and stability, and commits to ongoing communication and support.

The letter reaffirms that Belleville Wix Primary School’s first priority is to the children and families it serves, and that the school and Q1E Trust are committed to offering an excellent, state-funded bilingual provision from September 2026. The Trust, Trustees and leadership emphasise their long-standing commitment to the bilingual partnership with the Lycée, noting years of work to strengthen the relationship and uphold the lease agreement.

It outlines the significant efforts and investment made by Belleville Wix Academy to support the partnership, including building improvements, meeting additional French requirements, reducing accommodation costs, improving cleaning and meals, and introducing a new school caterer. The school also highlights its support for curriculum development, provision of clubs at short notice, and assistance during challenging periods for the Lycée, including following its Ofsted inspection, with discussions even taking place about expanding the bilingual offer.

The letter then explains the school’s surprise and disappointment at being informed—without prior notice—that the Lycée intended to withdraw from the bilingual provision. Since then, the Trust has been working with the French Embassy to try to preserve the existing arrangement, while also planning for a strong free bilingual provision should the issues remain unresolved. Despite recent uncertainty caused by communications from the Lycée, the Trust reiterates that maintaining and developing the 20-year bilingual relationship remains its preferred outcome.

The letter explains that recent communications from the school have raised serious concerns for the Council about both process and practicality. The Council, along with parents, staff and partners, was taken by surprise by the Lycée’s position, and the proposed rapid structural changes are described as unrealistic given the number of children involved and the complexity of the arrangements at the Clancarty Road site. The Council also notes that it was not informed in advance by the Lycée or French authorities, which it finds both surprising and concerning.

The author makes clear that the site is not owned or controlled by the institution issuing the letters, and that significant changes cannot be imposed without agreement, due process or respect for existing legal arrangements. Proposals affecting governance, staffing, admissions, funding and curriculum cannot responsibly be developed and implemented within weeks, and the Council rejects both the substance of such rushed proposals and the way they have been communicated directly to parents, causing unnecessary anxiety.

Finally, the letter reassures families that the bilingual partnership is governed by binding legal agreements that remain in force. The Council is actively seeking clarification from the Lycée, engaging with all partners, and examining feasibility, timelines and legal constraints. It emphasises that no decisions have been agreed and no changes can be imposed, reaffirming that its overriding priority is continuity, stability and high-quality, state-funded bilingual education for children in Hammersmith & Fulham.

The letter responds to a communication sent by the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle regarding the Fulham bilingual provision, making clear that it was issued without consultation, prior knowledge, or agreement. The authors stress that it does not represent a joint position and should not be interpreted as such.

It strongly challenges the Lycée’s stated reasons for ending the partnership, describing them as inaccurate and misleading. According to the letter, these claims do not reflect how the programme has actually been delivered or the nature of discussions between the partners. The authors believe families deserve a full and truthful account and commit to providing more detailed information shortly.

Finally, the letter criticises the way the situation has been handled, calling it irresponsible and disrespectful to both families and staff. While acknowledging the concern and uncertainty caused, it reassures families of an ongoing commitment to genuine bilingual education, high standards, and transparent communication.

Dated 15/01, but sent to parents on 19/01.

The letter explains that the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle (LFCG) has decided to end its historic partnership with Belleville Wix Academy due to the increasing challenges of running two separate bilingual programs. The Lycée cites difficulties in coordination, declining quality compared to other AEFE schools in London, and inequalities between students as key reasons for the change, emphasizing that maintaining a deteriorating version of the bilingual stream was no longer acceptable.

Despite ending the partnership, the Lycée reassures families that bilingual education will continue in Fulham through a fully maintained 50/50 program under LFCG’s direct responsibility. Students will benefit from a balanced and structured curriculum in both French and English, delivered by qualified staff, with English lessons taught by newly recruited teachers and French lessons continuing with experienced existing staff, ensuring stability and continuity.

The letter also outlines key pedagogical priorities, including phonics in the English program and maintaining multiple approaches in mathematics to strengthen transferable skills in a bilingual environment. The Lycée frames this transition as part of a broader strategy to enhance teaching quality, modernize the program, support staff stability, and promote student success, and it assures families that leadership is available to answer questions and provide further information in upcoming communications and meetings.

This FAQ explains that the bilingual partnership between Belleville Wix Academy (BWA) and École de Wix (EDW) is based on two distinct schools operating within one shared community. It combines UK state education and French private education in a bilingual programme that has functioned successfully for over 20 years. While leadership may change, the partnership respects the legal, cultural and pedagogical autonomy of each school, and differences in decision-making or priorities are an expected and longstanding feature of this model.

The FAQ clarifies several common misconceptions around funding, staffing and access to services. EDW does not subsidise BWA classrooms, staff or the school canteen: each school funds its own teachers, and EDW pays rent and service charges for its space. BWA pupils receive free school meals funded by the Mayor of London, while EDW parents pay separately for meals. Bilingual EDW pupils may attend most BWA clubs, except for a limited number of free clubs run by BWA staff, and access to boosters or extra lessons depends on EDW leadership approval. Playground equipment is shared by all pupils, and movement between schools has always been driven by parental choice rather than school encouragement.

The FAQ also addresses assessment arrangements and governance structures. EDW pupils do not formally sit UK SATs because they are not registered in the state system, but they complete past SATs papers under equivalent conditions to ensure fairness. Finally, it explains the different roles of the PTA and the EDW APL: the PTA is an independent charity focused on fundraising and community-building with no role in school governance, while the APL has formal representative responsibilities. Despite these differences, both organisations work closely together to support a strong, inclusive school community.

The document confirms that the decision to end the bilingual partnership with Belleville Wix Academy has been formally taken and communicated in mid-December. It states that the decision is final and results from a combination of political, economic and operational factors, including ongoing communication difficulties with the partner school and concerns about unequal treatment of families. It also places the decision in the wider context of French state policy and AEFE funding constraints.

From a practical standpoint, the document reassures families that core arrangements remain secure. The lease for the premises is confirmed until 2030, ensuring continuity of the Lycée’s presence on site. Extracurricular services, including school meals and after-school care, are unaffected, and there will be no increase in school fees, even if pupil numbers decrease.

Regarding the bilingual “B” classes, the document outlines plans for a new pedagogical project, including the development of a redesigned bilingual curriculum taught in both French and English, the recruitment of English-speaking teachers, and the intention to maintain one bilingual class per year group. It also notes that there is no guaranteed entry into secondary education at the Lycée for pupils not directly enrolled with LFCG. The “A” stream (enhanced English) remains unchanged. Finally, the document sets out a timeline for early 2026 covering consultation and curriculum finalisation, while allowing families the option to leave the programme or the school once details are clarified.

The letter informs parents that the bilingual partnership between the Lycée Français Charles-de-Gaulle and Belleville Wix Academy, which has operated for several years on an equal French–English basis, will end in its current form at the start of the 2026–2027 school year. This decision follows a period of reflection involving diplomatic services, the AEFE and the Lycée, and is presented as a strategic organisational change rather than a judgement on the quality of the programme or the commitment of the teams involved.

It explains that the decision is intended to allow the Lycée to adapt its structure and operating methods in order to ensure a coherent, stable and sustainable educational framework that meets current requirements while protecting the interests of pupils, families and the school. The letter explicitly recognises the value of the partnership and thanks Belleville Wix Academy for the years of collaboration and contribution to pupils’ learning.

Finally, the letter reassures families that maintaining a balanced bilingual education remains a priority. The Lycée is preparing a bilingual stream that will be delivered entirely by its own institution, ensuring no disruption to pupils currently enrolled at École de Wix. Families will be informed of the practical arrangements once the project is finalised, and the letter reiterates the school’s commitment to educational and linguistic excellence, equity and high-quality learning pathways for all pupils.

The letter informs parents that the Lycée Charles de Gaulle has announced its intention to withdraw from the jointly run bilingual provision at Belleville Wix Academy at the end of July 2026. The school recognises that this announcement may be surprising and unsettling for families and reassures them that work is already underway to fully understand the implications of this decision.

It emphasises that the school’s priority remains the children and families it serves, and highlights pride in the quality of its bilingual provision. The letter notes that both the bilingual and English provision were assessed by Ofsted earlier in the year, which concluded there was sufficient evidence that the school would be judged outstanding in a graded inspection.

Finally, the school confirms its intention to continue offering a free bilingual provision to all registered bilingual-stream pupils at Belleville Wix Academy, as well as to other interested families. While acknowledging that not all questions can yet be answered, the school asks for patience and understanding and commits to providing a further update in January.