Mougins British International School continues to expand its commitment to global education with the launch in September 2026 of an exciting new French bilingual pathway for children aged 11 to 14. Designed to nurture linguistic confidence alongside academic excellence, this innovative programme aims to equip students with the skills, adaptability, and cultural awareness needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Here is everything you need to know about it.
1. What is the overall vision behind introducing the new bilingual French–English pathway in middle school? And why now?
The French Bilingual Pathway (FBP) at Mougins British International School is designed for students and families who wish to develop an exceptional level of French proficiency within a demanding academic framework.
The programme offers a structured and ambitious pathway aimed at bringing students’ mastery of French to the highest academic level, closely aligned with the expectations of leading French universities and higher education institutions.
At the same time, the pathway preserves the school’s international outlook and academic rigour, allowing students to continue benefiting from an English-language education and internationally recognised qualifications.
This initiative responds to a growing demand from families seeking a programme that allows their children to excel in French while maintaining access to both international and French academic opportunities.
2. How will the curriculum be structured between French and English?
Students in the French Bilingual Pathway will study four subjects in French, representing approximately 30% of their total learning time.
This structure ensures that students engage deeply with academic French, including written expression, oral fluency, and the mastery of subject-specific vocabulary and concepts.
At the same time, students continue to develop strong English-language academic skills through the remainder of their subjects, ensuring:
- continued mastery of English
- full access to IGCSE and A Level examinations
- pathways to both international and French universities (including institutions such as Sciences Po or preparatory classes).
3. Which subjects will be taught in French and which in English, and will this change by year group?
Students in the pathway will study the following subjects in French:
- French Language and Literature
- History
- Geography
All other subjects will remain taught in English, including:
- Mathematics
- English
- Science
- PE
- Positive Education
- Spanish
- Art
- Music
Students therefore remain fully integrated with their peers in the majority of subjects while benefiting from a deeper academic engagement in French.
4. What level of French and English proficiency is required for students to enter the programme?
Entry to the French Bilingual Pathway is selective to ensure students can thrive academically.
Students must demonstrate:
- a minimum French level equivalent to B1 (assessed through a French test during the admissions process)
- successful completion of the standard MBIS English-language admissions criteria
- positive academic records and references
- participation in a motivation interview
This ensures that students entering the programme are ready to manage an increased academic workload in French.
5. How will you support students who are stronger in one language than the other?
The structure of the pathway naturally supports the balanced development of both languages.
Students continue studying the majority of their subjects in English while developing advanced academic French through French Language & Literature and Humanities.
Teachers also place particular emphasis on academic vocabulary, written expression, and oral argumentation, ensuring that students progressively gain confidence and precision in both languages.
6. Will the bilingual pathway follow a specific framework?
The pathway follows a blended academic model.
The French Language & Literature programme is aligned with the French national curriculum, ensuring depth and academic rigour in linguistic development.
At the same time, the overall academic structure remains rooted in the British international curriculum, preparing students for IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.
7. How will this pathway prepare students for future options in high school?
The pathway has been designed to preserve and expand future academic opportunities.
Key milestones include:
- IGCSE French completed by age 14
- IGCSE First Language French in Year 11 (16 years old)
- All other IGCSE subjects taken in English (16 years old)
Students may also choose to prepare for the Brevet des Collèges from Year 9, taken as a candidat libre if families wish.
This structure ensures students maintain full access to international pathways and universities worldwide, including institutions in France.
8. What makes Mougins School’s bilingual pathway different from other bilingual programmes in the region?
The MBIS French Bilingual Pathway combines the academic depth of French programmes with the flexibility and international outlook of a British international school.
Students remain fully integrated within the wider school community, studying alongside their peers in most subjects while pursuing advanced academic work in French.
This approach ensures that students develop a high level of bilingual academic proficiency without limiting their international academic opportunities, preserving access to both global and French higher education systems.
Mougins British International School’s Next Open Morning is on 13 May at 9am or you can also book a Private Visit.
