Hi Fi, I've just read all your replies and I can understand your frustration at asking a simple question and getting a lecture in response ! Maybe I can help a little. We're moving back to Pau this summer having spent 2 years away. Our girls are going to start ISB in September. When we lived in Pau 2 years ago they went to Ste Ursule which is a private Catholic school (private in the French system doesn't equate to the same fees as the UK). We found Ste Ursule to be a good school, but we felt the French (perhaps especially private) education system demands a lot from the kids at a young age. At the time, our eldest was 7 and already getting a good hours worth of prep. Our kids are both bilingual having spent 5 years in French schools. Our plan is for them to receive their education in English, then subscribe them to activities after school run by French organizations - like ski clubs (which the eldest did 2 years ago & it was fantastic), gymnastics, swimming, horse-riding etc. That way, they'll be more than competent in spoken French. English is the International language and we feel that the kids need to have a good command of written English. Our eldest had to work hard to bring her English up to a scratch after all the years spent in the French system. Regarding the school itself, I spent a morning there in March and was VERY impressed. The class sizes are small and the standards are high. I also spoke to some parents, all of which had very positive things to say. I hope this helps a little. Good luck with your decision !
