French school agreed
Tuesday March 10, 2010
There was a warm welcome for the French ambassador, Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, in Fulham last week.
The ambassador and H&F Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh (pictured) were guests of honour at L'Ecole Marie D'Orliac, and listened to a concert from pupils at the ecole and Holy Cross School.
The pair signed an agreement to usher in a partnership between the French and British education systems with the Diocese of Westminster, and sponsored by Holy Cross.
It means the French government's school in Clancarty Road will open its doors to local state pupils who, for the first time, will be taught in both English and French.
From September, 28 local children will begin bilingual classes. There have already been 70 applications for the places.
The council is now looking at the possibility of introducing similar bilingual courses in other European languages.
Cllr Greenhalgh said: "This is a milestone for the borough and I'm thrilled so many parents have decided this will be a great way for their children to learn."
Guests included Holy Cross head Gerry Mulligan, l'Ecole head Carine Capel and Spanish education counsellor, José Antonio del Tejo.
Download the signed agreement document» (pdf, 61KB)
