Learning and practising French in London
Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026
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After school French, reading may remain stronger than spontaneous speech. Assessment and a suitable conversation or grammar group can help. Beginners need a sequenced programme; unsupported conversation may be too demanding.
Mention examination preparation, work or relocation when enrolling. General French, professional French and DELF/DALF preparation serve different purposes. Check the receiving organisation’s requirements separately from the school’s level label.
Find a course
London’s Institut français ↗ lists group and private teaching, online provision, conversation and professional options, with placement assessment. Filters help compare times and locations. Confirm the teaching campus and intake; a cultural event venue may differ from your classroom.
Compare adult language programmes at colleges or university language centres too. Ask whether outside learners may enrol, how placement works and whether the group has space. Do not pay simply because a level name looks familiar without checking entry expectations.
Add speaking practice
Choose a repeatable activity such as a film discussion, book meeting or language exchange. Before attending, check the language, expected level and format. A French film followed by discussion may suit continuing learners but cannot replace introductory grammar teaching.
For exchanges, agree time for each language and how corrections should work. Prepare questions and a short account of something, then record useful phrases afterwards. If the conversation repeatedly switches to English, request a specific period in French.
Costs and a sustainable routine
Check total tuition, books, digital access, missed-session rules and group transfers. A small conversation group and private lesson cannot be compared without considering duration and feedback. For an examination, check entry fees and registration separately.
Review your actual availability over the coming month. Sustainable attendance and independent practice may work better than an intensive course you cannot attend. After several lessons, discuss whether the level fits and whether comprehension and speaking are improving.