Most girls joining the High School in Year 7 have had some prior learning of French and each year in the Summer Term before they start in September, Year 6 girls joining the High School from local Primary Schools are invited to take part in the French Club. This meets weekly for about eight weeks and is an opportunity for the girls to get to know each other and, as importantly, to get to know their way around the school. In this way, in September, their surroundings feel a little less unfamiliar and they are more confident about their new start at the High School.
French is taught throughout the school at Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) at GCSE  (Years 10 and 11) and is a popular AS and A level option in the Sixth Form.

The philosophy in the department is to combine practical, communication skills with a sound understanding of grammar so that pupils learn to use the language independently and can transfer their knowledge across different contexts. Much importance is attached to vocabulary learning and there are regular tests to monitor the pupils’ progress and achievement. While much of the learning is linked to course-books and accompanying audio material, this is supplemented with listening and reading materials from authentic sources including video, DVD, and Internet resources.