Not speaking French need not end the conversation
Luxembourg’s multilingual setting can sound daunting. A family may wonder how a child still developing English could also cope with French and German.
The language arrangements of an English-medium international school differ from Luxembourg’s national curriculum. ISL, St George’s and the relevant English-medium pathways at OTR are worth exploring. At OTR, we also check how English and French are used in the particular year and pathway, rather than drawing conclusions from the word “bilingual”.
Limited English is a reason for an assessment, not an automatic reason to abandon the idea. We need to establish which course the child can realistically enter and how much support the school can provide.
I want to know whether a child will use the language
Language needs both study and use. Vocabulary and exercises help, but school also means understanding instructions, joining discussions and explaining what you have not understood.
Limited English today does not mean limited ability. Some pupils score well in written tests but hesitate to speak. Others know fewer words yet ask questions and build relationships more readily.
An English mark alone cannot tell me whether a school will fit. Can the child follow part of a lesson, answer in their own words and ask for help? These are practical questions worth exploring.
Start improving listening, speaking and subject reading before the move. That makes the first months easier. Families do not need to wait for “perfect English” before discussing schools or arranging an assessment.
The stage of secondary education matters
| Intended stage | What we look at |
|---|---|
| Lower secondary | Everyday communication, basic classroom comprehension, study habits and suitable English support |
| IGCSE or comparable courses | Reading subject material, understanding questions, written work and continuity with previous learning |
| IB Diploma or A Levels | Academic reading and writing, subject foundations and course requirements; these years cannot primarily be used to learn English from scratch |
Language support helps with transition, but subject knowledge still matters. The closer a student is to university applications, the more carefully we need to plan the move.
What I have learned from the three schools
St George’s has given us concrete responses. In our direct discussions about Chinese pupils, the school described additional language support and a learning buddy. I value arrangements that affect a child’s everyday experience. Students working with LEP can also have a free three-day trial arranged with the school.
OTR felt small and approachable. During a visit I saw one teacher working with four or five pupils in a French support class. This was a particular class on that day, not a fixed class-size promise. It nevertheless showed the attention individual pupils could receive. We discuss English support for the actual year group separately.
ISL provides English support and takes admissions seriously. In my dealings with families whose parents remain abroad, the school has been especially careful about suitability, the host family and parental involvement. Having an English-support programme does not mean every language level will meet every year group’s entry requirements.
How LEP helps turn uncertainty into a workable plan
It can be difficult to judge from abroad whether a school’s language support will be sufficient. We review the child’s current year, academic record and practical English, speak directly with the school and coordinate an assessment, normally remotely at the initial stage for overseas applicants.
Where a trial is appropriate, we agree the dates. If parents will remain abroad, we work on the host-family arrangements alongside the school application. Based locally in Europe, we also organise school visits and can accompany families.
Tell us the child’s current year, English level and preferred starting date. We can discuss the appropriate stage and support before the family commits to a move.
Discuss your child’s plans with LEP
Tell us the current year and curriculum, English level, intended start and whether parents will move too. Based in Luxembourg, LEP coordinates school applications, host-family arrangements and the transition into school.