Institut Français Language Centre — Local services in London

I started working with Marie-Alice about a month before my French TCF exam. I had already been attending conversation classes at the Institute, but during my assessment for the next level, I was told I needed more targeted preparation for the test.

From the beginning, Marie-Alice was clear and honest about what it would take to succeed. That honesty was crucial—it helped me understand that I had to put in serious work. She’s not someone who sugarcoats things or promises miracles, but what she offers is even more valuable: a rare balance of honesty, kindness, and clarity.

Marie broke down each part of the exam and worked through every skill with me. She helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses, and even when things felt tough, she kept me focused and motivated. Her approach wasn’t easy—in fact, she deliberately gave me exercises that were more challenging than the actual test. But I believe that’s exactly what made the difference. By the time I took the TCF, I felt prepared and confident.

I truly don’t think I would have passed without her guidance. The moment I got my results, the first thing I did was message her—because I knew how much her support had contributed to my success.

If you’re considering working with Marie-Alice, know this: the work is real, but so are the results. I highly recommend her to anyone serious about passing their...

My daughter is in Year 10 and has been having weekly private French lessons with Marie-Alice since Jan 2024; a tutor who is truly excellent. Marie-Alice is methodical, rigorous, reliable and an absolute expert in the exam syllabus requirements. She drives her students to achieve their maximum ability and builds their confidence in all aspects.

Within the space of about 4 months, my daughter's exam result has moved from achieving a bare pass in December 2023, to achieving an 8 in the Higher Level first set of GCSE mocks.

The process has been challenging, as learning and speaking a language to the level required to achieve the higher grades cannot be under-estimated. My daughter simply would not have been able to achieve this without the weekly sessions and we will continue with these into Year 11. I cannot recommend Marie-Alice enough and also the Institut Francais for their efficient and friendly service in finding the tutor and arranging all of the sessions and payments etc. ...

Terrible Customer Service!! I had contacted them back in November 17 and was interested in their beginners course on Saturdays (starting in January) and was told it was to early to register that I should call back in January 18. So I called start of January and was on hold for about 5min when I was told I was next in-line then they hang up on me! I called 4 more times over the course of 40min trying to get in touch to register and still haven’t been able to get through! I then contacted their other number and the man was not helpful at all just said to keep trying. I went on their website and have seen most of their courses for January are now fully booked!

Just really bad customer service and when you do actually get through they are rude and give wrong information! Totally unimpressed and defiantly won’t be giving them my money...