Moving to London with your family presents many opportunities for all of you and between packing, securing work and seeking somewhere to look, it's likely that finding the right school for your kids is high on your priority list. In this guide, we'll explore international schools in London specifically, and how they differ from other schooling options in England - as well as how to choose the right one for your child(ren). We'll also detail key admission procedures, fees and what you can expect in terms of curriculum and student life overall. Â
England itself is home to a range of prestigious international schools that cater to °µÍø½ûÇø families from all corners of the earth. Whether you're relocating for just a few years or you plan to settle permanently, London's education options have something for everyone's needs.
England's school system overall
Before diving into international schools in the capital specifically, it's important to understand the wider education system in the country.
England's education system is split into five stages: Early Years (ages three to five), Primary (ages 5 to 11), Secondary (ages 11 to 16), Further Education (16 ) and Higher Education (18 ). Education is compulsory for all children between the ages of five and 16 years old. The main curriculum here is referred to as the national curriculum, and aims to establish consistent standards across both primary and secondary schools.
There are over 10 different types of schools in England, but for the purpose of this guide focused on London, we'll go into detail about the main three: state schools, private schools (or independent schools) and international schools.
- State schools are funded by the government and are free to attend. These include comprehensive schools and academies.
- Private schools (or independent schools) are fee-paying institutions that may follow the national curriculum, but have more flexibility in terms of their teaching methods and extracurricular activities.
- International schools cater primarily to the needs of °µÍø½ûÇø families, and often follow internationally recognized curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB), the American curriculum, or the national curricula of European countries like France, Germany, Spain and others.
Now, if you're planning to stay in London long-term, a state school may be a viable option, especially if you decide to settle in an area with a strong academic reputation. However, if you intend to relocate again in the future with your family or prefer continuity with a non-British curriculum, you might find yourself gravitating towards international schools, which are built with global mobility in mind.
The appeal of international schools in London
England's capital is a global city, and its international schools reflect that diversity. Many of the institutions here offer education in multiple languages as they cater to a multicultural student body. They also boast smaller class sizes, more modern facilities and a wider choice of extracurricular offerings.
Curricula most commonly found in London's international schools include:
- International Baccalaureate (IB);
- American curriculum (AP);
- British curriculum (IGCSE, A-levels);
- French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Greek, Japanese and other national curricula.
Most international schools can be found in more affluent neighbourhoods like Kensington, Chelsea, Hampstead, Knightsbridge and Marylebone. However, some are also located in leafy outer-London suburbs or commuter towns like Oxford, Cobham, Egham and Hillingdon, which have train and car access into the city.
Fortunately, London's public transport system (including the tube network, overground, buses and the National Rail network) makes nearly every school here accessible. However, commute times should definitely be factored into your decision when deciding where to live.
Top international schools in London
With 28 international schools in the city, narrowing down your choices can be tricky.
Below, we've put together a curated list of the 10 most prominent international schools in and around London that offer a variety of curricula and age ranges.
School name | Curriculum | Age range | Approx. annual fees |
Southbank International School | IB | 2 to 18 | From £19,230 to £39,195 |
ICS London International School | IB and British | 3 to 18 | From £22,440 to £33,510 |
EIFA International School London | British and French | 2 to 14 | From £21,321 to £27,969 |
Dwight School London | IB | 2 to 18 | From £17,499 to £30,00 |
Marymount International School London | IB, Catholic | 11 to 18 | Not public |
TASIS England | IB, American | 4 to 18 | From £15,600 to £35,700 |
International School of London | IB | 3 to 18 | From £23,300 to £37,317 |
ACS International School Cobham | IB, American | 2 to 18 | From £13,490 to £33,470 |
The American School in London | American | 4 to 18 | From £35,400 to £40,900 |
ACS International School Hillingdon | IB, American | 4 to 18 | From £22,870 to £30,170 |
Fees shown are from the for the academic year 2024/2025 and vary depending on the student's age and year group. Additional costs may apply.
Additional fees and costs to consider
International schools in London are among the most expensive in the world, with annual tuition fees ranging from as low as £15,000 to over £40,000 per child.
While you might have tuition fees sorted, it's important to be aware of additional costs that you as a family should budget for. Including:
- Application fees - between £100 and £300;
- Registration fees - can be between £1,000 and £3,000 and non-refundable;
- Deposits - refundable deposits may be required to secure placement;
- Uniforms - up to £500 depending on the school's uniform policy;
- School trips and extracurriculars - from local outings to international travel;
- Transport - some schools offer paid bus services.
With all that said, it's important to check with each school you have in mind for a complete breakdown of costs.
Application processes for London's international schools
Admissions are generally very competitive for international schools in London, and early application is advised - especially for entry into key year groups (like Year 1, Year 7 and Year 12).
Required documents for the application process typically include:
- A completed application form;
- Your child's recent school reports;
- A copy of their passport;
- Immunisation records;
- Letters of recommendation (if requested).
Some schools may also require:
- Admissions assessments or entrance exams,
- English language tests for non-native speakers.
Applications for the September intake are usually open by autumn of the previous year. However, many international schools offer rolling admissions to cater for °µÍø½ûÇøriate families, particularly for those arriving mid-academic year.
Tips for choosing the right international school in London
Finding the best school for your child(ren) is a deeply personal decision, and one that takes into account various factors.
Here are some key considerations to help you decide:
Academic fit
Look at the curriculum and teaching style - does it align with your child's previous education setting or their long-term education plans? Do they want to go to university? IB schools are great for mobility if you wish to relocate again in the future, while American or French schools suit families planning to return to their home country.
School capacity
According to the , the average capacity of an international school in London is 603 students. If your child is familiar with larger class and school sizes, then this might be okay - especially if you're wanting a broader range of extracurricular activities to choose from. But if not, a smaller school might offer more personalized attention for your child(ren).
Location and commute
Consider the school's proximity to your home or workplace. Even with London's transport network, a long commute can wear on young children and parents alike.
Support services
Look at schools that have strong pastoral care, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, special educational needs services, and even university counseling (especially for older students).
School culture and values
This might be tricky if you're deciding on schools prior to moving, but if you can, attend open days or schedule a tour to get a sense of the school's ethos, their discipline policy, and how engaged their students are. Some schools are academically rigorous, while others prioritize a more holistic development style.
Community and parent involvement
And finally, have a look at whether your chosen school has a welcoming community. Having one will certainly ease the transition for all of you. So, do make sure to ask about parental associations, welcome events and support for new families - why not even join the PTA!
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
