AZBUKA Russian-English International School & Nursery vs The Stewart Bilingual School - Main School Campus
AZBUKA Russian-English International School & Nursery and The Stewart Bilingual School - Main School Campus are both in London, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer EYFS programmes, and The Stewart Bilingual School - Main School Campus also offers British and French. Published annual fees are close, at £11,310 for AZBUKA Russian-English International School & Nursery and £9,600 - 14,304 for The Stewart Bilingual School - Main School Campus. Both take pupils from 2 to 11. The two are similar in size, at around 58 and 70 pupils. Typical class sizes are 12 at AZBUKA Russian-English International School & Nursery and 15 at The Stewart Bilingual School - Main School Campus.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), French Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
58
Pupils
70
Typical class size
Typical class size
12
Typical class size
15
Instruction language
Instruction language
Russian, English
Instruction language
English, French
Opened
Opened
2002
Opened
2010
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Studland Hall, Studland Street, Hammersmith, London W6 0JS. The school is located in the Hammersmith area of London. The address is listed with a contact phone +44 (0)208 392 2286. Head teacher: Ms Maria Gavrilova.
Location
London, England. Primary School at 85 Clarendon Road, London, W11 4XQ; Cambridge Gardens Nursery at 80 Cambridge Gardens, London, W10 6HS. It is a long-established family-owned nursery and primary school offering a dual French and British curriculum.
Stages
Stages
Nursery and Pre-school (ages 2-4); AZBUKA Russian-English Primary School (ages 5-10); AZBUKA Saturday School (ages 5-16).
Stages
Nursery and Primary School; serves children aged 2 to 11.
School type
School type
Independent Russian-English bilingual day school and nursery in London.
School type
Nursery and Primary School
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
SEN policy exists (policy document linked on the site).
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United Kingdom
Country affiliation
France and United Kingdom
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
Hours: Monday to Friday. Doors open at 8:30; 8:45 start for Years 2–6 (Primaire); 9:00 start for Maternelle; 4:00 end of lessons (Wednesdays 12:00). After-school care, language support classes and clubs run 4:00–6:30; Wednesday workshops 12:00–16:00. Nursery includes a mid-day nap after lunch and a fresh lunch is provided.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and registration fees
- A non-refundable Administration (registration) fee of GBP 60 (GBP 50 + VAT) is billed for each child prior to admission interviews. - A refundable main school deposit of GBP 2,000 (applies to both Nursery and School) is charged on registration and is held until the child leaves Azbuka; any unpaid bills will be deducted from this deposit before it is repaid. One full term's notice is required for any refunds related to the deposit.
Tuition fees (per term) and equivalent per academic year (three terms)
- Nursery (Long Stay — 6 hours, 09:00–15:00): - 5 days: GBP 4,710 per term — GBP 14,130 per academic year. - 4 days: GBP 3,770 per term — GBP 11,310 per academic year. - 3 days: GBP 2,830 per term — GBP 8,490 per academic year. (3-day Long Stay option applies as published.)
- Nursery (Short Stay — 4 hours, 09:00–13:00): - 5 days: GBP 3,170 per term — GBP 9,510 per academic year. - 4 days: GBP 2,540 per term — GBP 7,620 per academic year. - 3 days*: GBP 1,910 per term — GBP 5,730 per academic year. (*3-day Short Stay 09:00–13:00 shown as applicable for age 2.)
- Reception (full-time): GBP 5,150 + VAT per term — GBP 15,450 + VAT per academic year (three terms).
- School Years 1–6 (full-time): GBP 5,150 + VAT per term — GBP 15,450 + VAT per academic year (three terms).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are invoiced on a termly basis in advance. Parents are contractually obliged to pay fees before the start of the term being billed; exceptions require Head approval. Nursery fees will be billed as soon as Early Years funding (EEF) grant information is available. - Sibling discounts: 20% discount on the fee for the second and subsequent children at the Primary School; 10% discount on the fee for the second and subsequent children attending the Nursery.
Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable. Azbuka operates as a day Nursery and Primary (Reception–Year 6) provision.
Other costs and routine additional charges
- Registration/administration fee: GBP 60 (non-refundable). - Clubs and extra hours: additional charges for after-school clubs or extra hours are invoiced in arrears every half term and are due immediately; external providers operating on site invoice parents separately under their terms. - Extras (charged as incurred): late collection fines, school trips, visiting teachers, uniform, lunches and other incremental extras are charged and will either be requested as card payments on the day or invoiced on the next term's invoice; an additional invoice may be raised at the end of the summer term. - Foreign payment verification fee: payments accepted from foreign banks/institutions incur a GBP 50 verification fee where allowed. The school currently cannot accept payments from Russian bank accounts.
Refund information
- The Administration (registration) fee of GBP 60 is non-refundable. The GBP 2,000 main school deposit is returned when the child leaves after deduction of any unpaid bills; one full term's notice is required for refunds as stated in the admissions terms. Unpaid invoices will be deducted from the deposit prior to repayment.
Fee payment options
- Accepted methods for school fee payment: bank transfer, childcare vouchers, and the tax-free childcare scheme. Use DofE Reference 143048 for bank transfer payments. Where allowed, payments from foreign banks/institutions are accepted subject to the GBP 50 verification fee; payments from Russian bank accounts are not accepted. Card payments are used for incremental extras at the door or as otherwise specified.
Fee details
Application and enrolment fees
- First enrolment (acceptance) fee: £1,200 (non‑refundable; payable when accepting a place).
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term equivalents)
- Nursery (Nurs.2 / ages 2–4): Annual fee £11,920. Per term equivalent (annual divided into three terms): £3,973 (rounded).
- Kindergarten / Reception and lower primary years (selected early years where published): Annual fee £11,920 for some early years; certain primary year groups (Reception–Year 5 and above) are charged at an annual rate of £14,304. Per term equivalent for a £14,304 annual fee: £4,768 (rounded).
- Notes on the published fee structure: tuition is shown as termly amounts in the school's published Schedule of Fees and the schedule separates tuition and any applicable VAT lines where relevant.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are invoiced on a termly basis. Payment of the first enrolment fee is required to accept a place; subsequent tuition invoices are issued termly in accordance with the school's Terms and Conditions and Financial Policy.
- The school's Terms and Conditions and Financial Policy set billing deadlines, notice periods and the consequences of late or missed payments.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school only.
Other costs and compulsory extras
- Compulsory extras that appear on invoices or that are noted in the published fee schedule include items such as lunch and morning/afternoon snacks, certain activities and specific curriculum items (for example named language/Latin activities from particular year groups). These items are shown separately from tuition where applicable.
- Common additional charges (typically billed separately or listed in the school's fee schedule) include: school trips and residential trips (where applicable), individual music tuition, specialist clubs or extracurricular activities, examination or assessment fees, stationery/supplies and school uniform or kit. The school's admissions information also references a pre‑start information pack that lists supplies and related costs.
Refund information
- The first enrolment (acceptance) fee (£1,200) is non‑refundable. Refunds, fee credits and any return of sums paid are governed by the school's Terms and Conditions and Financial Policy; those documents set notice periods, refund eligibility and any administration procedures for cancellations or withdrawals.
Fee payment options
- Fees are billed termly and payment arrangements (including acceptable payment methods and any instalment options) are set out in the school's Financial Policy and Schedule of Fees. The school's published materials list the billing and financial policy documents alongside the fee schedule.
Summary (key figures)
- First enrolment (acceptance) fee: £1,200 (non‑refundable). - Nursery annual: £11,920 (per term approx. £3,973). - Primary annual (typical published primary rate): £14,304 (per term approx. £4,768); tuition and VAT are shown separately where applicable.
(For administrative clarity: the school publishes a Schedule of Fees and a Financial Policy that set the full invoicing, VAT treatment and payment procedures; the first enrolment fee is explicitly stated as payable on acceptance.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
AZBUKA Russian-English Primary School offers a bilingual curriculum with English and Russian as the main languages. The school admits children aged 5 to 11 and limits class size to 12 pupils. The curriculum includes English and Russian, Maths, World Around Us (History, Geography, Science), Arts, Music, Design & Technology, Physical Education, Circus Skills, Dance, Drama, Spanish, Philosophy for Children, ICT, and PSHE embedded across subjects. Two teachers per class, each teaching in their native language, ensure equal language distribution and a bilingual learning environment. The curriculum is delivered through a rotating specialist approach and supports a culture-rich creative program, with school trips, productions, and community events, preparing pupils for a seamless transition to secondary education in the UK or worldwide.
Curriculum details
The Stewart Bilingual School teaches a dual British and French curriculum: the National Curriculum of England and the Education Nationale French program. From pre-school through the end of the primary cycle, the school combines the most valuable elements of each curriculum in a bespoke program. Each class has two qualified teachers, one English and one French, as well as a teaching assistant. Lessons are taught in the morning in one language and in the afternoon in the other, giving equal hours to each curriculum. The curriculum emphasizes reading, writing and numeracy with cross-curricular work in science, history, geography and arts, and aims for accelerated progress and a thorough grasp of fundamental skills. Small class sizes and a varied programme of extra-curricular activities support the learning experience.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Maximum class size is 12 pupils; two teachers per class; student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1.
Student teacher ratio
Two qualified teachers per class (one English and one French) plus a teaching assistant, with small class sizes.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
More Able (MA) pupils are supported with high expectations and planning within the classroom. Differentiation through pace, task, dialogue and resources, plus extension and enrichment activities, visits by experts, and opportunities for competitions and clubs, challenge MA learners. Outside agencies or specialist schools may be engaged to provide work at the pupil's level.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Registration and intake registration is ongoing throughout the year. Register your interest by completing the Registration for Intake Form on our website. We confirm the receipt of your form and place your child's name on the waiting and mailing list. You will be invited to attend the next Open Day and/or visit the Nursery or School. Admission process for the following academic year normally opens in March. Letters and Short Registration Forms are sent to the parents on the waiting list. We will arrange for you and your child to come for an interview/assessment, or an examination (School from Year 1); and interview/visit (Nursery/Reception). If any child requires a bursary, the school should be informed prior to the interview and any reports from the current or last nursery or school should be provided. The parents will be offered a day/time slot for an interview/examination/visit. Successful candidates will receive the official letter offering a provisional place and an Admission Pack with instructions, forms and Terms and Conditions. The child is officially admitted to Azbuka on receipt of all necessary Admission Pack documentation and the Main School Deposit (£2,000). The deposit is non-refundable if withdrawal occurs before formal entry and is refunded on request when the child leaves the school and full term notice is given. If the school cannot accommodate the successful candidate, the pupil's name is carried forward on the Reserve List until a place becomes available. All unsuccessful candidates are informed in writing. The School's admission decisions are final and there is no right of appeal.
Admissions
The Stewart Bilingual School welcomes children of all nationalities from age 2 to 11. The school teaches a dual French and British curriculum and prepares pupils to transfer to a British secondary school, a French Lycée or an International school. 1/ MAKING AN APPOINTMENT: Arrange a visit by email or phone, mentioning your child's date of birth. Appointments help the admissions team prepare for your visit and tailor the information to your family. 2/ YOUR VISIT: You will receive a guided tour of the premises, a presentation of the school's operation, and submission of registration forms. For parents not in the UK, a close friend or relative may visit on your behalf; if you cannot visit, download and complete the relevant forms and return them to the school. 3/ PRE-REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is free of charge. You will receive an email confirming safe receipt of your application and confirmation that your child has been offered a place or is on the waiting list. Pre-registrations are processed in the order they are received. Priority is given to siblings of children already in attendance, pupils arriving from sister schools in France, and children of former pupils. If your child is placed on the waiting list, you will be notified as soon as a vacancy becomes available. 4/ TUITION: Tuition fees are subject to the Terms and Conditions; details are in the Schedule of Fees. 5/ REGISTRATION: When you receive a school place offer, complete and return the registration pack by email, post or delivered to the school within the deadline. The pack includes School Place Offer acceptance Form, Terms and Conditions, Admission policy, Financial policy, School Fees, and payment of the non-refundable first enrolment fee (£1200). Once processed, you receive confirmation of enrolment. 6/ SCHEDULE OF DATES: Registration commences immediately after the Autumn half-term holiday for the following school year. Current students have priority re-enrolment status until 15 December and confirmation of registration begins in January. Places must be accepted within 10 days of a place offer. Registration is open throughout the year, subject to places being available; a complete information pack is sent before the start of the school year with the calendar and supplies.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Romanoff Foundation launches a scholarship for AZBUKA students. The scholarship offers £1,250 per year towards studies at Azbuka, as part of the partnership with the Romanoff Foundation. Applications are open to all new and current students attending AZBUKA. Submissions should include: 1) a letter from parents in Russian or English (name, age, class, interests, awards, why they deserve the scholarship, up to 1 page); 2) a recommendation from a teacher or head of a relevant setting; 3) talent submission (short video up to 4 minutes or a written/portfolio form); 4) a cover letter from the AZBUKA head; 5) supporting documents as needed. Applications should be sent to office@azbukafoundation.org. The selection will be made by a scholarship committee of Romanoff Foundation trustees and an AZBUKA representative, who may conduct interviews with finalists. All decisions are final. Deadline for submission: 10 March 2023. Decision by: 24 March. Open to all primary-school age children (Year 1–Year 6). For inquiries: office@azbukafoundation.org.
Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
Registration confirms receipt and places the child on the waiting and mailing list. Admission process for the following academic year normally opens in March, and letters and Short Registration Forms are sent to those on the waiting list. Prospective families will be invited to attend an Open Day and/or visit the Nursery or School. If a place cannot be offered immediately, the pupil may be carried forward on the Reserve List; unsuccessful candidates are informed in writing.
Waitlist
Waitlist: The school maintains a waiting list when places are unavailable. Pre-registration indicates whether a place is offered or the child is on the waiting list. Pre-registrations are processed in the order received, with priority given to siblings of current pupils, pupils arriving from sister schools in France, and children of former pupils. The school notifies waiting list applicants as vacancies arise.