Navigating international school admissions in London is a serious undertaking, and in 2026 the process rewards families who start early and stay organised. London has one of the deepest concentrations of international schools anywhere in the world, from IB world schools to French, German and American institutions, and demand for the best places is high. This guide explains how admissions work, when to apply, what documents you will need and how language support fits in, so relocating families can move through the process with confidence.
How international school admissions work in London
Most London international schools run rolling or termly admissions rather than a single national deadline, but the popular year groups still fill quickly. The typical sequence is: enquiry and registration, assessment or interview, an offer, then acceptance with a deposit. Entry points matter. Schools most often admit at the start of a key stage, such as Reception, Year 3, Year 7 and Year 12, and places mid-year depend on whether a child has left. Knowing the natural entry points for your child's age group helps you target schools where space is realistic.
Curricula and what they mean for admissions
London's international schools span the International Baccalaureate, the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels, the French curriculum, the German curriculum and US programmes. The curriculum affects admissions in practical ways: French and German schools may assess language ability, while IB and British schools often weigh prior school reports and a short assessment. Choose the curriculum that matches both your child's background and where the family is likely to move next.
Top international schools in London
The schools below are a useful starting shortlist across several curricula. Visit each and confirm current entry points before you apply.
Halcyon London International School
A central IB school known for small classes and a non-selective, mission-driven approach, popular with globally mobile families. See the Halcyon London International School profile for reviews, fees and admissions detail.
Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill
A bilingual school delivering the French curriculum alongside English, leading to the French Baccalaureate. It suits French-speaking families and those wanting a genuinely bilingual education. Details are on the Lycée International de Londres profile.
Deutsche Schule London
The German School in London teaches the German curriculum and serves families connected to the German-speaking world. Check the Deutsche Schule London profile for programme and entry information.
Collège Français Bilingue de Londres
A bilingual French-English school offering the French national curriculum with strong English provision, drawing families who want their children fluent in both languages. The Collège Français Bilingue de Londres profile has more.
Admissions timeline: when to apply
For a September start, many London families register interest a full year ahead, between the previous autumn and spring. Assessments and interviews tend to cluster in the winter and spring terms, with offers following soon after. For mid-year moves driven by a relocation, contact admissions offices as soon as your dates are confirmed, because availability changes week to week. The rule of thumb: the earlier you register, the more options you keep open.
Documents you will need
Prepare a single folder you can share quickly. Most schools ask for the child's passport, recent school reports covering the last two to three years, any standardised assessment results, and sometimes a reference from the current school. Schools following a national curriculum, such as the French or German ones, may also ask about language background. Having these ready means you can respond to an offer or assessment invitation without delay.
Language support for new arrivals
If your child is joining an English-medium school without fluent English, ask specifically about English as an Additional Language support, including whether it is included in fees and how it is delivered. At French and German schools, the reverse applies: confirm the level of the target language expected at your child's entry point, as some year groups assume prior knowledge while others welcome beginners.
Compare the best schools in the United Kingdom
Before you commit to a shortlist, compare schools side by side and read parent reviews. Browse the ranking of the best schools in the United Kingdom on International School Advisor.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to international schools in London?
For a September start, register interest up to a year ahead, with assessments and interviews usually in the winter and spring terms. For relocation-driven mid-year moves, apply as soon as your dates are confirmed.
What documents do London international schools require?
Typically the child's passport, the last two to three years of school reports, any assessment results, and sometimes a reference from the current school. French and German schools may also ask about language background.
Do London international schools offer language support?
Many English-medium schools provide English as an Additional Language support, though delivery and cost vary. French and German schools have their own language expectations by entry point, so confirm requirements before applying.