The Best International Schools in London

With 28 international schools in London, the city offers a rich educational landscape for global families. These institutions are celebrated for their diverse curriculums, including the International Baccalaureate and national syllabuses from countries like the USA and France, appealing to a wide range of academic and cultural needs. Furthermore, the average class size of 14.8 students ensures personalized attention, contributing to the high standard of teaching, particularly in foreign languages.

London's international schools, such as Dwight School London and ACS International School Cobham, not only pride themselves on academic excellence but also on fostering an environment conducive to holistic development.

With an average annual fee of £19,218 for a 12-year-old student, parents can expect first-class facilities and an international environment that nurtures respect for various nationalities and cultures. This guide will explore some of the best international schools in London, highlighting their unique offerings and how they prepare students for global opportunities.

ACS Cobham International School

Nestled in Cobham, Surrey, ACS Cobham International School distinguishes itself as a private, co-educational gem within the international schools in London landscape. This institution prides itself on a sprawling campus equipped with world-class sports facilities, catering to approximately 1,450 students from over 70 nationalities, including a significant American community.

The school's vibrant and diverse environment is further enriched by a high turnover of students and staff, characteristic of its international nature.

Key Offerings:

Curriculum Choices: A broad curriculum including IB, AP, US HS Diploma, and Common Core ensures a tailored education experience.

Boarding Facilities: Unique among the ACS family, offering boarding options with modern accommodations.

Community and Achievement: A strong sense of community and excellence in education, with students performing above global averages in the IB program.

The school's annual fees range from GBP 12,360 to 29,770 for day students and GBP 51,920 to 55,330 for boarding students, reflecting its commitment to providing top-quality education and facilities.

With a focus on developing well-rounded individuals, ACS Cobham emphasizes self-confidence, mutual respect, and self-discipline alongside academic prowess, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.

ACS Egham International School

ACS Egham International School, located in the picturesque Surrey countryside, 25 miles from central London, is a beacon of international education within the ACS group of schools. It stands out for offering the full spectrum of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, making it one of only two schools in the UK to do so.

With a campus sprawling over 21 acres, the school boasts beautifully landscaped grounds, low-rise specialist buildings, and a dedicated IB Diploma Centre, creating an optimal learning environment.

Key Features:

IB Program Excellence: Achieving consistently impressive IB Diploma scores in the mid-thirties.

Diverse Curriculum: Offers PYP, MYP, IB Diploma, and a business-focused 16-18 pathway.

International Community: Home to 600 students from various nationalities, promoting a global outlook.

Language Support: Strong emphasis on languages, including mother tongue tuition based on demand.

Accreditations: Dual accreditation by CIS and NEASC, ensuring high standards of education.

Annual tuition fees are competitive, ranging from £11,310 for pre-K to £26,390 for Grades 11-12. The school's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its non-selective admissions policy and its dedication as a dynamic, people-focused charity, offering means-tested bursary places.

Moreover, ACS Egham's recognition as a top 10 school in the global World's Best School Prize for 'Community Collaboration' underscores its excellence in fostering a supportive and collaborative educational community.

Dwight School, London

Dwight School, London stands out as a beacon of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum within the landscape of international schools in London.

Catering to a diverse student body of 320, it offers a comprehensive educational journey from the ages of 2 to 18. The school is divided into three main programs:

Little Lions Nursery (2-4 years): Focused on early years' development.

Junior School (5-11 years): Emphasizes the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Senior School (11-18 years): Offers the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP).

Dwight School's commitment to the IB philosophy is evident in its curriculum, which is designed to foster inquiry-led learning, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding. The school's achievements include:

Global Recognition: Awarded top-ranked status as a Global IB School for its exceptional IB Diploma Program examination scores.

Personalized Learning: Adopts the "igniting the spark of genius in every child" approach, ensuring that education is tailored to individual student needs.

Comprehensive IB Curriculum: Offers PYP for developing the whole child, MYP for creating adaptable life-long learners, and DP for preparing students for university and beyond.

With small class sizes, a focus on individual potential, and a rich array of extracurricular activities, Dwight School London nurtures creativity, individuality, and global mindedness, making it a leading choice for international education in the UK.

International School of London

The International School of London (ISL) is renowned for its comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, serving students aged 3 to 18. It offers a structured educational journey across various stages:

Primary Years: Early Childhood 1 to Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 5

Middle Years: Grades 6 to 10

Diploma College: Grades 11 and 12

Tuition and Fees:

Annual tuition ranges from £23,000 (Early Childhood 1) to £32,200 (Grades 11 & 12) for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Additional costs include a £200 application fee, a £1,500 enrolment deposit, and a capital development fee of £1,600 in the first year (then £250 annually).

The fees cover tuition, book loans, the initial sports uniform, and required school trips, with extra-curricular activities mostly free of charge.

Facilities and Services:

The school year runs from August to June, split into two semesters.

Day tuition includes access to digital resources, an iPad (up to Grade 8), and curriculum-related field trips.

High School students benefit from infrastructure supporting BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).

Southbank International School

Southbank International School, a distinguished member of the Cognita Global Family, is recognized for its commitment to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, catering to students from early childhood through to high school.

This institution boasts four campuses across London: Kensington and Hampstead for ages 3-11, and Westminster Portland Place (ages 11-15) along with Westminster Conway Street (ages 11-18), each fostering academic excellence, student care, well-being, and enriched learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Key Highlights:

Curriculum: Offers a comprehensive IB program across all educational stages, emphasizing academic excellence and the development of internationally minded individuals.

Community and Well-being: Focuses on a strong community ethos, integrating new families into the school's supportive environment and promoting student well-being through various initiatives.

Extracurricular Opportunities: Provides an extensive range of activities including sports, music, drama, educational technology, global adventures, and more, aimed at fostering expressive arts, languages, and physical education.

With over 40 years of experience in delivering the IB curriculum, Southbank International School stands out for its diverse and multinational student body, representing over 60 nationalities. The school's approach to education is centered on creating responsible members of local, national, and global communities, supported by small class sizes and a nurturing atmosphere that promotes strong relationships between students, staff, and parents.

TASIS - The American School in England

TASIS - The American School in England caters to a diverse student body of 700, offering a unique blend of American and IB curriculum options. This educational institution stands out for its broad range of extracurricular activities designed to complement academic pursuits and foster a well-rounded student experience.

Extracurricular Activities:

The Arts: Students have access to a vibrant arts program including Studio Arts, Theatre, Dance, Music, Photography, and Film. The school calendar is rich with music recitals, concerts, theatre productions, art and photography exhibitions, and dance performances.

Sports & Activities: A commitment to sports or an activity for at least 90 minutes per week is required for Upper School students, with teams practicing 2-4 days per week. TASIS operates a "No Drop" policy, ensuring all students, regardless of experience, can participate in their chosen sport.

Academic Travel Program: Offers educational travel opportunities, with Middle School students enjoying curriculum-related field trips and Upper School students participating in international tournaments through the International Schools Athletic Association (ISAA).

TASIS emphasizes a diverse, challenging, and enjoyable co-curricular experience, ensuring students not only excel academically but also develop personally and socially.

A look at the best international schools in London

Another notable institution is The American School in London, which offers a curriculum infused with American educational principles and caters to a student population of 1,350.

This school is part of a broader network of prestigious international schools in London, including Southbank International School, Dwight School London, and ACS International School Egham, each contributing to the city's reputation as a hub for international education.

These schools, along with others like EIFA International School London and The Norwegian School in London, provide students with a rich, diverse, and inclusive educational experience.

They emphasize not only academic excellence but also the importance of becoming well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of a global society.