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Lower secondary school

Lower secondary school

A stepping stone to success in upper secondary school

Levels
6ème to 3ème (ages 11 to 15)
Pathways
2 sections
Examination results
100% pass rate in 2026
Overview

Secondary school, a stepping stone to upper secondary school

Lower secondary school is an essential stage in each pupil’s educational journey. Pupils acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills they need to prepare for the Diplôme national du brevet (DNB) or the international brevet (DNBI), before progressing to upper secondary school.

In a structured and academically challenging environment, our pupils consolidate their knowledge, develop their independence and strengthen their skills across all subjects in the French curriculum. Emphasis is placed on rigorous work, a thorough understanding of concepts and the development of effective learning strategies. Pupils develop their ability to think abstractly and to organise and express their ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.

ndividualised support helps meet each pupil’s needs, supports those experiencing difficulties and challenges those ready to progress further. Our teaching teams foster an atmosphere of trust that encourages progress and initiative.

Preparation for the Diplôme national du brevet is integrated throughout the programme, with regular assessments and careful monitoring of pupils’ progress. This academic rigour is complemented by comprehensive careers guidance and preparation for the transition to upper secondary school, ensuring continuity in each pupil’s educational journey and supporting their ambitions.

Un élève de collège en classe au Lycée Français Anna de Noailles

Lower secondary school is designed as a stepping stone to success in upper secondary school, helping pupils become independent, organised and confident in their abilities.

Secondary school provision

An enriching and tailored path

Core curriculum

At secondary school, pupils have a choice between two pathways:

Deux élèves travaillent sur l'écran interactif de la classe
General pathway

High-quality teaching in line with the requirements of the French curriculum.

Cours en anglais dans une salle de classe de la Section internationale américaine
American international section

A creative and innovative bilingual programme that complements the French curriculum with the culture and teaching approaches of the English-speaking world.

Optional subjects and activities

In addition to the core curriculum, lower secondary pupils can broaden their learning experience through the following options and activities :

Two options

Latin : exploring the roots of our language and the culture of the ancient world

Mathematics taught in English : developing mathematical understanding through English 

Workshops

Outdoor sports : discovering and practising a range of outdoor activities 

Theatre : developing creativity and oral expression 

«But is it art?» : exploring a range of visual art practices with renowned artists from Romania’s contemporary art scene

English-language debate
The school sports association

UNSS Volleyball, multisport, football, climbing, badminton and athletics

The aviation initiation certificate (BIA) is a distinctive qualification recognised by the French Ministry of Education. It bridges education and the worlds of aviation and space, combining passion with reason, knowledge with practical experience, and civilian with military perspectives.

Results

The Brevet and the International Brevet

2022
99 %
pass rate

93 % achieved a distinction

2023
96 %
pass rate

91 % achieved a distinction

2024
100 %
pass rate

99 % achieved a distinction

2025
100 %
pass rate

98 % achieved a distinction

2026
100 %
pass rate

% 100 achieved a distinction

Breakdown of distinctions in 2026
Diplôme national du brevet (DNB): 69 candidates, 100% pass rate

Highest honours, with the jury’s congratulations:: 22 %

Très bien : 51 %

Bien : 17 %

Pass: 10 %

International Brevet (DNBI)

Highest honours, with the jury’s congratulations:: 37 %

Très bien : 63 %

2026 results: all 69 candidates passed the DNB, and all achieved a distinction. Pupils in the American International Section who took the DNBI also achieved a 100% distinction rate.

Careers guidance

Exploring future pathways from 5ème (ages 12-13) onwards

Careers guidance is provided throughout lower secondary school by a psychologist specialising in educational and careers guidance, in collaboration with head teachers.

Anna Galley
Educational and Careers Guidance Psychologist
Individual meetings with pupils and their families
Support for head of year teachers in the classroom
Presentations on higher education institutions and courses
Organisation of the Careers and Higher Education Fair
Liaison with partner companies
Parcours Avenir coordinator
65
Professionals taking part in the Careers Fair
22
French, Romanian, Italian, Swiss and other international schools and universities

5ème (ages 12-13)

Exploring career options
Meetings with professionals : industry, translation professionals, authors and pilots...
ONISEP careers guidance resources in the school library
Careers guidance resources and a themed exhibition in the school library
Form tutor period dedicated to careers guidance
Careers guidance sessions throughout the year during form time, led by form tutors

4ème (ages 13-14)

Exploring career options
Company visit organised by the careers guidance psychologist and form tutors, including meetings with professionals
Careers and Further Education Fair
First opportunity to attend the fair, which is open to pupils from 4ème (ages 13-14) to Terminale (ages 17-18) and organised by the careers guidance psychologist

3ème (ages 14-15)

Work experience placement
Support with finding a work placement during form time and individual guidance meetings, introductions to the school’s partner companies, and follow-up by designated teachers throughout the placement
Exploring higher education pathways
Presentations by École Polytechnique and Lycée Louis-le-Grand on preparatory classes for France’s leading higher education institutions
Encouraging girls to pursue careers in science
Three science pupils in Terminale (ages 17-18) appointed as ambassadors for the Elles bougent pour l’Orientation programme
Portrait

«Education is not the filling of a vessel, but the kindling of a flame»

This quotation by Michel de Montaigne has guided me for as long as I can remember.For me, teaching is less about transmitting ready-made knowledge than about awakening in every pupil a desire to understand, question and move forward with enthusiasm and confidence along their own path.

I believe that culture is a powerful force in developing independent, open-minded individuals and should be an integral part of all educational practice.

Iwona Collorig
Teacher of French Literature
In pictures

Lower secondary school in pictures

Élèves en costumes lors d'une représentation théâtrale
Un élève joue aux échecs en classe
Deux élèves travaillent sur l'écran interactif de la classe
Deux élèves devant les casiers du collège-lycée
Élèves en régie au studio radio de l'école
Une élève progresse sur le mur d'escalade du gymnase
From lower to upper secondary school

Continuity of education through to Terminale (ages 17-18)