Google translate, TBH, isnt that bad. So you could formulate a question in GT and try searching with that. But even if you search using the Google fr, most pooters will rapidly revert to normal google. A bit of a pain but not too annoying.
CSE level one was the equivalent of O level, and that was all I had before starting my degree. My degree was a modular degree so I could take catch up classes and eventually came out with a 2.1 in French, so don't knock your achievement! In those days average attainment was 4 grade 4 CSEs so you were well above that!