📢 CIPL Survey Results: Families Strangled by Fees at the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle

A CIPL survey conducted from January 2025 reveals an alarming financial situation for many families at the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle (LFCG) in London. Faced with ever-rising tuition fees and the imposition of 20% VAT by the British government – barely challenged by our current representatives – the pressure is becoming unbearable for the majority of families.

💸 A Major Financial Shock: The VAT Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back

Over 90% of families who responded to the survey view the addition of VAT as a heavy financial burden, especially following fee increases that have far outstripped inflation over the years.

More than a third of the families who responded to the survey are considering withdrawing their child(ren) from the school, in favour of British establishments, particularly when there are multiple children involved.

📉 An Economic Reality Far Removed from Stereotypes

Contrary to the image portrayed in certain media – such as the documentary broadcast on M6 – the LFCG is not an institution reserved for a privileged elite.

The survey data reveal that:

• More than half of the families earn less than £150,000 per year (gross),
• The cost of schooling profoundly alters educational and family choices.

These figures show that a large majority are unable to save once essential expenses are covered,

🤐 A Growing Divide Between the Administration, the APL, and Families

The survey highlights a profound disconnect between the school administration’s perception of families’ purchasing power and their economic reality. Despite this, the survey has been ignored by the school’s management and removed from class WhatsApp groups by APL representatives, raising questions about the willingness to act and maintain transparency.

📊 A Representative Survey, a Serious Warning

Conducted in compliance with British data protection law, the survey gathered responses from 360 families, representing around 20% of the school’s population. The results provide stark contradiction to the received ideas about the financial affluence of LFCG families.

⚠️ For an Accessible Lycée: One Vote, One Voice, One Change

The AEFE’s primary mission is clear: “To ensure the continuity of the public education service for French children living abroad.”

Yet, the surge in tuition fees – combined with VAT – is jeopardising the accessibility of the French education system abroad for middle-class families. By making the French lycée in London progressively unaffordable, these increases run counter to the founding values of the AEFE network.

In response to this drift, the CIPL (Collectif Indépendant des Parents du Lycée) has been created to defend the interests of the school’s families.

🗳️ In the parent representative elections from 13 to 15 October, vote CIPL, for a strong, independent voice determined to defend the interests of all families.

Vote CIPL, so your interests are represented!