International Schools in London

For information only. This guide is an editorial orientation resource. It does not constitute educational or admissions advice, and does not endorse any specific institution. School profiles, fees, and curricula change; always verify current information directly with each school and confirm your eligibility for any financial assistance through your mission or organisation.

Overview

London has the largest and most diverse international school market in Europe. Around 35 dedicated international schools serve Greater London, alongside many British independent schools that welcome internationally mobile students. For diplomatic families, the key decisions are curriculum choice, geography, and lead time on applications. On fees: since January 2025, UK private school tuition is subject to 20% VAT, which has materially increased costs. Confirm the current position with each school before comparing fees.

The VAT change: a critical update

From 1 January 2025, the UK government removed the VAT exemption that had previously applied to private school tuition fees. All private schools in England, Scotland and Wales now charge 20% VAT on tuition. This has added materially to the headline cost of schooling in London, with market estimates putting the real-terms increase at 12-18% depending on the school and how much of the VAT increase was absorbed. Confirm the current all-in fee figure directly with any school you are shortlisting.

Curricula available in London

International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB is well-represented in London, with schools offering some or all of the PYP (ages 3-12), MYP (11-16) and Diploma (16-19). For families on rotating postings, the IB Diploma’s acceptance by universities in over 160 countries makes it the most portable upper-secondary qualification available.

American curriculum (US Diploma + AP). The American School in London (ASL) and TASIS England offer US-accredited programmes, with Advanced Placement courses. The natural route for families targeting US college admissions.

British curriculum (IGCSE and A-Level). The dominant curriculum in the UK independent sector. IGCSEs and A-Levels are internationally recognised, particularly well-regarded by universities in Commonwealth countries and the UK. Several British schools also offer the IB Diploma in the sixth form alongside or instead of A-Levels.

National-language schools. London hosts strong national-language schools for French (Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill in Kensington), German (Deutsche Schule London), Japanese, Swedish and Spanish families who need to maintain a home-country curriculum track.

Key schools

The following schools are established names in the London international school market relevant to diplomatic families. Fees are indicative for 2026-27 and exclude the one-time enrolment fees, registration costs, lunches and extracurriculars; confirm directly with each school.

The American School in London (ASL) St John’s Wood, north-west London. US curriculum (Kindergarten through Grade 12) with Advanced Placement courses. One of the oldest American schools in Europe (founded 1951). Around 1,350 students from over 50 nationalities. A strong first choice for American diplomatic and non-diplomatic families. Located in a largely residential area popular with US government and corporate families. asl.org

TASIS England Thorpe, Surrey (approximately 25 miles west of central London; close to Heathrow). American curriculum (Pre-K through Grade 12) with IB Diploma option in the final two years. Day and boarding. 46-acre campus. Over 70 nationalities. Application fee: GBP 240 (non-refundable); one-time development fund: GBP 900. Fees 2026-27 available directly from the school’s admissions office (confirm current rates including VAT). Strong arts programme and boarding option for families expecting mid-posting transitions. tasisengland.org

ACS International Schools Three campuses in the Surrey/west London corridor:

ACS Cobham (128-acre campus; day and boarding; IB + American AP track; ages 4-18)
ACS Egham (full IB continuum: PYP, MYP, Diploma; ages 4-18; one of two UK schools offering all four IB programmes)
ACS Hillingdon (IB and AP tracks side by side; ages 4-18; closest campus to central London)

ACS schools are popular with families on three-to-five year postings who want IB or AP continuity and access to the Surrey residential corridor. acs-schools.com

Southbank International School Multiple central London campuses (Hampstead, Kensington, Westminster). Full IB continuum ages 2-18. Founded in 1979 as the first UK school to offer the complete PYP, MYP and Diploma sequence. Part of the Cognita group. Central location is practical for families based in W1, W2, NW3. southbank.org

International School of London (ISL) Chiswick/Gunnersbury, west London. Full IB continuum ages 3-18. Since 1972. Notable for its Mother Tongue Programme, which supports language maintenance in over 20 languages alongside English. This is a meaningful differentiator for families who want their children to maintain a home-language alongside English. isllondon.org

Halcyon London International School Marylebone, central London. IB MYP and Diploma only (ages 11-18). Small school (around 190 students). IB Diploma average in 2025: 35 points (global mean 30.5). Central location. Strong pastoral reputation. halcyonschool.com

Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill Kensington, west London. French curriculum from Maternelle through Terminale, with international sections (British, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese). Leads to the French Baccalauréat with the International Option (OIB). AEFE-affiliated (Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger). The primary choice for French-speaking families or those seeking to maintain a French curriculum track. Fees significantly lower than fully independent schools. lyceeinternationallondres.org

Fees

The average annual tuition at an international school in London for a 12-year-old is approximately GBP 24,434 (2026 data, excluding one-time fees). Realistic 2026-27 ranges by year group:

Early Years / Nursery (ages 3-5): GBP 18,000-30,000
Primary (Years 1-6): GBP 22,000-33,000
Senior (Years 7-11): GBP 28,000-40,000
Sixth Form / IB Diploma (Years 12-13): GBP 32,000-45,000

All of these figures are subject to the 20% VAT applied since January 2025. Add 10-15% for one-time enrolment fees, deposits, lunches, school transport, uniform and exam fees.

Boarding (where available, primarily at TASIS and ACS Cobham) adds GBP 15,000-22,000 per year.

Admissions timing

For the most sought-after year groups, including Year 7 and Year 12 entry to IB and British schools, apply 12-18 months ahead. For IB-focused international schools (ACS, Southbank, ISL), six to nine months is often sufficient, though specific year groups may have waitlists.

Mid-year arrivals are generally more easily accommodated at IB and American schools than at British selective schools, which work on tighter year-group cohort structures.

Documents typically requested:

Two years of school reports (with translation if not in English)
Head teacher reference
Passport copy for the child
Vaccination records
Language assessment samples (secondary)
Evidence of posting (letter from mission or organisation)

Geography and commute

The school-residential corridor that matters most for diplomatic families: central London (SW1, W8, NW3, NW8) for ASL, Southbank, Halcyon and ISL; west London and Surrey (Richmond, Wimbledon, Chiswick) for TASIS and ACS. Test the school commute at peak hours. The Underground is reliable but cross-London trips with young children take longer than maps suggest.

Official and reference sources

Last reviewed 6 July 2026.