Bilingual Middle School in Bordeaux
Ages 11–13
Grades 6 & 7 (6ème & 5ème)
Ermitage International School Bordeaux will open its international bilingual middle school in September 2027, welcoming students into Grade 6 (6ème) and Grade 7 (5ème). Designed as a seamless continuation from our bilingual primary school, the middle school builds on the same international and student-centred approach that students and families already know. This new chapter is rooted in the same core values: academic ambition, genuine French-English bilingualism, and a deep commitment to every child's wellbeing.
Our programme combines a bilingual French-English education with internationally recognised approaches to teaching and learning. While the curriculum is delivered through an international educational framework, students develop the knowledge and competencies expected within the French education system, ensuring strong academic foundations and future flexibility.
A Bilingual Education Combining Academic Excellence and International Perspectives
At Ermitage International School Bordeaux, students learn through a bilingual and internationally minded educational approach designed to foster academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and confidence. Throughout their middle school years, they acquire the competencies expected within the French education system while developing critical thinking, collaboration, and independent learning skills. In a genuinely bilingual French-English environment, students build strong academic foundations and gain the confidence to engage with the world around them.
- French educational competencies: Students develop the competencies expected by the French education system, ensuring seamless transitions to French secondary schools and preparation for national examinations (Diplôme National du Brevet), all while maintaining flexibility for international pathways.
- International perspective: Learning extends beyond traditional subject boundaries, encouraging students to make connections across disciplines, think critically, and develop an understanding of the world around them.
- Genuine bilingualism: French and English are not just subjects, they are languages of instruction. Students build true fluency and cultural understanding in both languages every day.
- Personalised learning: Small classes and attentive teachers mean each student is known, supported, and guided at their own pace.
An Education that Prepares Students for the Real World
Our international bilingual middle school programme goes beyond academic achievement. Inspired by internationally recognised educational approaches, we design learning experiences that develop the whole child: intellectually, personally, and socially.
Students at Ermitage International School Bordeaux:
- Gain confidence as independent learners, taking ownership of their own academic journey.
- Build strong academic foundations in both French and English through daily immersion.
- Develop effective study methods, critical thinking, and lasting intellectual curiosity.
- Grow into internationally aware, responsible citizens with an understanding of global issues.
- Thrive in a positive, caring school environment where engagement and ambition are celebrated.
Three Pathways to Meet Every Student’s Needs
Ermitage International School Bordeaux welcomes children of all nationalities and language backgrounds. To accommodate each student’s language level and educational plans, we offer three pathways from Grade 6 (6ème), all leading to recognised academic outcomes.
Whichever pathway they choose, students benefit from the same personalised support, bilingual learning environment, and international outlook that define the Ermitage educational journey from primary through middle school.
French Section: A Strong Foundation with an International Outlook
Students in the French Section follow a predominantly French-language academic pathway while developing the competencies expected within the French education system. Teaching is delivered through an engaging and internationally minded approach that encourages analytical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and academic confidence.
English language and literature are taught by experienced first language speakers, enabling students to develop advanced communication, comprehension, and analytical skills, well beyond traditional language learning.
Bilingual French-English Section: A Perfect Balance Between Two Cultures
In the Bilingual French-English Section, students study both French language and literature and English language and literature at an advanced level. This dual literary and linguistic foundation enables students to develop strong academic skills in both languages.
For other subjects, students progressively choose the language in which they learn, allowing them to build confidence while developing genuine bilingual fluency across the curriculum.
The skills acquired in both languages provide a decisive advantage for students’ academic future. Students develop the academic, linguistic, and intercultural competencies needed to thrive in both French and international educational pathways, while building a strong foundation for future success in the Diplôme National du Brevet and other national or internationally recognised programs.
International English Section: A Welcome for Non-French Speakers
Designed for international students who have recently arrived in France, as well as non-French speakers, this section follows the programme in English. No prior knowledge of French is required, allowing students to integrate smoothly into a stimulating and supportive learning environment, regardless of their background.
French is taught as a foreign language (FLE) or second language (FLS), depending on each student’s level. Tailored support allows students to progress quickly at their own pace while preparing for a successful transition to bilingual or French-speaking pathways, if desired.
All three pathways prepare students for a successful transition to French or international secondary schools, with strong language skills and a solid academic foundation.
Supportive and Individualised Guidance, at Every Step
With a maximum of 18 students per class, our teachers know each child - their strengths, their questions, their pace. Time for tutoring, methodology, or remedial support are integrated into the schedule to reinforce autonomy, consolidate knowledge, or deepen certain areas.
Regular academic assessments and ongoing attention to student well-being enable us to provide personalised support and guide each student’s progress. The school-family dialogue is at the heart of our approach: parents are kept informed, involved in decision-making, and invited to take an active role in the life of the school.
Our goal is to help each student build self-confidence, develop curiosity, and fully engage in their learning journey to progress towards a French or international curriculum.
- Students progress at their own pace within a rigorous shared framework
- Personalised support plans for students who need additional challenge or extra help
- Regular parent–teacher communication and transparent progress tracking
- A seamless educational journey from primary through middle school
A Healthy and Enriching Learning Environment
Languages at the Heart of Everything
At Ermitage International School Bordeaux, bilingualism is not confined to the classroom: it is lived throughout the school day. Students learn, collaborate, and communicate in both French and English, developing confidence and fluency through authentic daily interactions.
Beyond French and English, our international community brings a rich diversity of languages and cultures to campus. Students regularly hear and share different languages, traditions and perspectives, creating an environment where international-mindedness grows naturally through everyday experiences.
Guided by an experienced international team, students develop strong communication skills, cultural awareness and the confidence to engage with the world around them. At Ermitage, multilingualism is celebrated as an asset that enriches both learning and community life.
A Stimulating Environment
Our Bordeaux Caudéran campus provides a learning environment conducive to growth, with a leafy campus, a fully renovated building, and walking distance access to local top-tier sports facilities. In this inspiring setting, students also explore tomorrow’s technologies: artificial intelligence is gradually integrated into projects, helping them develop essential digital skills while adopting a responsible and creative use of digital tools.