French Lessons for Children in London: Age-by-Age Guide (4–17)
- Sazzadur Rahman
- Dec 15
- 10 min read
If you’re looking for French lessons for children in London, the “right” option depends heavily on your child’s age, attention span, and goals (confidence, school support, or exams).
Gaëlle & French Tutors works with children aged 4–17, offering native French tutors in London and online, and tailoring lessons very differently for a 5-year-old vs a 15-year-old preparing for GCSE or DELF.
Key takeaways
Ages 4–7: Short, playful lessons (30–45 minutes), focused on songs, games, stories, and simple words. Best mainly in-person at home.
Ages 8–11: 45–60 minute lessons combining fun activities with school support and reading/writing basics.
Ages 12–14: French classes for teenagers in London that bridge school French and real conversations; ideal for building confidence before GCSE.
Ages 15–17: Structured exam-focused lessons (GCSE, A-Level, DELF Junior), with speaking practice, past papers, and clear progress plans.
Gaëlle & French Tutors offers private French lessons for children at home in London and online, with native tutors who specialise in kids and teens, not just adults.
Why Your Child’s Age Matters So Much
A 5-year-old and a 15-year-old don’t just need different vocabulary. They need totally different lesson formats, teaching methods, and expectations.
Younger children learn best through play, repetition, and movement.
Older children and teenagers need structure, goals, and visible progress, especially when exams are involved.
Parents in London also have different priorities at each stage:
“I want my 5-year-old to enjoy French.”
“I want my 9-year-old to feel confident in class.”
“I want my 16-year-old to get top grades and speak fluently.”
This guide walks through each age group and shows how a specialist French tutor for kids in London should adapt lessons for your child.
Throughout, we’ll show how Gaëlle & French Tutors works with ages 4–17, so you can see whether our approach fits your family.
Ages 4–5: Playful First Steps into French
What children need at 4–5
At this age, the goal is exposure and enjoyment, not grammar drills.
Very short attention span (10–15 minutes per activity).
They learn by seeing, touching, singing, and moving.
They need French to feel like a game, not a school subject.
What good French lessons look like at 4–5
For 4–5-year-olds, the ideal French lessons for children in London look like:
Session length: 30 minutes (max 45).
Activities:
Songs and rhymes with actions.
Picture books and story time in simple French.
Games with toys, colours, animals, food, and family words.
Drawing and pointing (“Montre-moi le chat”, “Colorie la pomme en rouge”).
Outcomes:
Recognising and using a few key words and phrases.
Feeling happy and relaxed when they hear French.
Asking “When is my French lesson?” because they enjoy it.
How Gaëlle & French Tutors teaches this age
For 4–5-year-olds, Gaëlle & French Tutors:
Sends a native French tutor to your home in London (this age is usually better in-person than online).
Uses a play-based structure: 3–4 short activities per lesson so your child never has to sit still too long.
Introduces French gently with lots of visuals, songs, and movement, so your child associates French with fun and warmth.
If you’d like your child’s first contact with French to be joyful and natural, this is the age to start.
Ages 6–8: Building Confidence and Curiosity
What children need at 6–8
By 6–8, many children are:
Starting to read and write comfortably in English.
Asking more questions and able to follow simple instructions in a second language.
Sometimes meeting French for the first time at school.
They need lessons that are still fun, but with just a bit more structure.
What good French lessons look like at 6–8
For 6–8-year-olds, strong French lessons include:
Session length: 45 minutes (sometimes 60 for focused kids).
Activities:
Short reading tasks with big, clear print and pictures.
Simple writing: labels, short sentences, filling in blanks.
Role plays (shopping, greetings, family, pets).Games involving numbers, days, weather, and classroom objects.
Outcomes:
Understanding simple spoken French with gestures.
Being able to introduce themselves, talk about family, likes/dislikes.
Feeling confident enough to answer in French in class.
How Gaëlle & French Tutors teaches this age
For 6–8-year-olds, Gaëlle & French Tutors:
Designs age-appropriate private French lessons for children that mix games with short reading and writing tasks.
Matches lessons to your child’s school curriculum so they feel ahead in class, not lost.
Gives you simple activities you can repeat at home in 5–10 minutes a day (e.g. a French bedtime routine, “French word of the day”).
For parents in London who want more than just school French, this age is perfect to build confidence and curiosity.
Ages 9–11: Foundations and School Support
What children need at 9–11
Now you’re dealing with:
More serious school expectations: tests, grades, reports.
Children who can talk about their day, opinions, and hobbies.
Pre-GCSE foundations in vocabulary and basic grammar.
They need lessons that tie together school success and real-life use.
What good French lessons look like at 9–11
A strong programme for 9–11-year-olds:
Session length: 60 minutes.
Focus areas:
Solidifying basics: present tense, key verbs, gender, simple sentence patterns.
School topics: family, school, town, hobbies, holidays, food, daily routine.
Listening tasks with short audio clips.
Structured speaking: Q&A, describing pictures, small presentations.
Outcomes:
For 9–11-year-olds, Gaëlle & French Tutors:
Provides one-to-one French lessons for children in London or online, tailored to the school’s pace.
Review school homework and upcoming tests, so your child knows what to expect.
Uses fun but focused tasks: short role plays, timed vocab games, mini writing tasks.
If your child has started saying “French is hard” or “I’m not good at languages”, this is where a specialist French tutor for kids in London can completely change the story.
Ages 12–14: From School French to Real Conversations
What teenagers need at 12–14
Early teenagers often:
Have had several years of French at school, but don’t feel able to speak.
Are starting to think about GCSEs and future options.
Need motivation and real-life relevance, not just textbook exercises.
They need French classes for teenagers in London that show them French is a living language, not just vocabulary lists.
What good French lessons look like at 12–14
For 12–14-year-olds:
Session length: 60 minutes.
Focus areas:
Building speaking confidence through role plays and guided conversations.
Listening exercises with age-appropriate topics (music, hobbies, social media, travel).
Strengthening grammar in context (present, near future, perfect tense).
Introducing GCSE-style tasks (photo cards, short writing tasks).
Outcomes:
Teenagers who can actually chat in French about their interests.
Better school grades because they finally understand how the language works.
A clearer idea of what GCSE French will ask of them.
How Gaëlle & French Tutors teaches this age
For 12–14-year-olds, Gaëlle & French Tutors:
Offers private French lessons for children and teenagers that combine school topics with real-life themes your teen actually cares about.
Uses native French tutors who push students gently out of their comfort zone in a supportive way.
Gradually introduces exam-style speaking and writing tasks, so GCSE-level work doesn’t feel like a shock later.
This is the age where the right tutor can shift your teenager from “I hate French” to “I can actually do this.”
Ages 15–17: GCSE, A-Level and DELF Junior Prep
What teenagers need at 15–17
At this stage, there’s usually a specific goal:
GCSE French
French classes for teenagers in London aiming at A-Level
DELF Junior (B1/B2) for international recognition
They need highly structured, exam-focused lessons with a clear timeline.
What good French lessons look like at 15–17
For 15–17-year-olds, strong exam-focused French lessons include:
Session length: 60–90 minutes (depending on intensity).
Focus areas:
Detailed GCSE / A-Level / DELF Junior requirements.
Past papers, mark schemes, and targeted feedback.
Intensive speaking practice: role plays, photo cards, general conversation, exam-style questions.
Writing practice with word counts and timing.
Listening practice using exam-style audio.
Outcomes:
Clear understanding of what examiners want.
Improved grades in mocks and class tests.
Teenagers who go into the exam calm and prepared, not panicked.
How Gaëlle & French Tutors teaches this age
For 15–17-year-olds, Gaëlle & French Tutors:
Builds individual exam prep plans – for example, a 12-week sprint before GCSE or a longer schedule for DELF Junior.
Uses tutors with specific experience in GCSE, A-Level, and DELF assessment.
Tracks progress in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, so both you and your teenager can see measurable improvement.
If your child has important exams coming up, this is where personalised French classes for teenagers in London make the biggest difference.
In-Person vs Online French Lessons for Children in London
Parents often ask: “Is online French tutoring really as good as face-to-face?” The honest answer: it depends on the age.
For younger children (4–7)
Best option: In-person at home in London.
Online can work only for very focused children and with a parent nearby for support.
At this age, physical presence, props, and movement matter a lot.
For 8–11
Both online and in-person can work well.
A hybrid model (e.g., 1 in-person lesson + 1 short online session) can be excellent.
If you live further from central London, online saves time while still giving your child a French tutor for kids London-based and connected to the UK curriculum.
For teenagers (12–17)
Online works extremely well for teens: they’re comfortable with screens and often more relaxed at home.
In-person is valuable if your teenager is anxious, easily distracted, or prefers face-to-face interaction.
How Gaëlle & French Tutors handles it
Offers in-person private French lessons for children across parts of London.
Offers online lessons for children and teens across the UK and beyond, with the same native tutors.
Advises you on the best format after a short consultation, based on age, attention span, and goals.
Read more: How can I learn to Speak Frenc
How Quickly Will My Child Progress?
Progress depends on:
Age and starting level
Lesson frequency (once a week vs twice)
What happens between lessons (tiny routines at home matter)
You can use these rough expectations (assuming weekly lessons plus 5–10 minutes of home practice 3–4 times a week):
4–7: Within a term, most children can understand basic instructions and use simple words and phrases confidently.
8–11: Within 3–6 months, you should see stronger school performance, better test results, and more willingness to speak.
12–14: In a school year, teenagers can move from silent/passive to holding basic conversations and feeling ready for GCSE.
15–17: Over a few months, focused exam prep can move a student from “borderline” into a secure grade band, or from a solid grade to an excellent one with targeted speaking and writing work.
Gaëlle & French Tutors supports this by giving parents:
Clear feedback on strengths and weaknesses.
Suggestions for short home activities that don’t feel like extra homework (label objects, short games, quick question cards).
Read more: How Many Lessons Are in Duolingo French?
How to Choose the Right French Tutor for Your Child in London
When you’re comparing options, don’t just ask “Do they teach French?” Ask:
Are they native French speakers with teaching experience with children?
Do they understand the UK school system (and exams) well?
Can they explain how lessons look different for a 6-year-old vs a 16-year-old?
Do they offer consistent 1:1 support (not changing tutors every few weeks)?
Can they give clear feedback to you as a parent?
With Gaëlle & French Tutors, you get:
A small team of native French tutors specialising in children and teenagers.
Experience with school support, GCSE, A-Level, and DELF Junior.
Tailored in-home and online lessons for ages 4–17.
Ongoing communication and updates, so you always know how your child is progressing.
Next Step: Plan French Lessons for Your Child (4–17)
If you’re in London and you’re serious about French for your child:
Decide your main goal right now: confidence, school support, exam prep, or bilingual future.
Choose the age band from this guide that matches your child.
Book a call or enquiry with Gaëlle & French Tutors to discuss:
The right lesson length and frequency for their age.
Whether in-person or online makes more sense for your situation.
A realistic progress plan for the next 3–6 months.
FAQs: French Lessons for Children in London
1. What is the best age to start French lessons for children in London?
There’s no single “perfect” age, but 4–7 is ideal for playful exposure, while 8–11 is excellent for building strong foundations and school support. If your child is already older, it’s not too late — teenagers can make fast progress with focused, 1:1 tuition.
2. How long should a French lesson be for my child?
4–5 years: 30 minutes (up to 45 with breaks).
6–8 years: 45–60 minutes.
9–17 years: 60 minutes is standard; 90 minutes can work for exam-focused teenagers.
Gaëlle & French Tutors adjusts lesson length based on your child’s age, attention span, and goals.
3. Do you offer private French lessons for children at home in London?
Yes. Gaëlle & French Tutors offers private French lessons for children at home in many parts of London, so your child can learn in a familiar, comfortable environment. If you’re outside the in-person area, the same tutors also teach online.
4. Are your tutors native French speakers?
Yes. All tutors at Gaëlle & French Tutors are native French speakers with experience teaching children and teenagers. That means your child hears authentic pronunciation and natural expressions from the very first lesson.
5. Can you help with school French and homework?
Absolutely. Many families come to us because their child feels lost or bored in school French. We:
Align lessons with the school curriculum.
Help with homework, tests, and projects.
Build underlying skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) so school French feels easier and more enjoyable.
6. Do you offer French classes for teenagers in London preparing for exams?
Yes. Gaëlle & French Tutors offers French classes for teenagers in London and online, with:
GCSE French preparation.
A-Level French support.
DELF Junior exam preparation for international certification.
Lessons include past papers, exam-style speaking practice, and detailed feedback.
7. Are online French lessons effective for children?
For older children and teenagers, yes — online can be just as effective as in-person when lessons are interactive and well-structured. For younger children (4–7), in-person is usually better, though short, carefully planned online sessions can work in some cases. We’ll recommend the best format for your child after a short chat.
8. How do I get started with Gaëlle & French Tutors?
You can:
Enquire via the contact form on the Gaëlle & French Tutors website.
Book a short call to discuss your child’s age, level, and goals.
From there, we’ll recommend the right tutor, format, and lesson plan so your child can start French lessons for children in London that are truly tailored to them.
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