London is the most expensive international school market in Europe — and arguably in the world. Annual fees at the top tier hit £30,000 to £40,000, plus capital levies, registration fees and the long list of extras that quickly turn the headline number into something much higher.
If you are relocating to London in 2026 and budgeting for international schooling, this guide gives you the real cost breakdown: tuition by year group, the hidden fees most websites do not show, and how to compare offers across the major international schools.
How London international school fees are structured
Almost every international school in London separates its costs into five buckets:
- Application fee — a non-refundable fee paid when you submit the application. £150 to £400 in 2026.
- Registration / enrolment fee — paid on acceptance to confirm a place. £500 to £3,000.
- Capital levy or building fund — a one-off contribution to school infrastructure. £1,500 to £8,000 at the top schools.
- Annual tuition — the headline number, billed termly.
- Extras — lunch, transport, uniform, exam fees, trips, language support, after-school clubs.
When comparing schools, always sum buckets 1 to 5 and divide by years of attendance to get a true annualised cost.
Tuition fees at top London international schools (2026)
ACS International School Cobham
The Cobham campus of ACS International School Cobham is one of the largest and best-known IB schools in the UK. Annual tuition for 2026 is in the region of £23,000 for early years, rising to £36,500 at the IB Diploma. Boarding is available and adds approximately £15,000 to £20,000 per year.
ACS International School Hillingdon
ACS International School Hillingdon covers ages 4 to 18 with a US-style curriculum and the IB Diploma in the final two years. Day fees in 2026 sit between £21,500 and £33,500, with a one-off capital fee of £4,500 on enrolment.
ACS International School Egham
ACS International School Egham is fully IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) with a strong academic reputation. Tuition for 2026 ranges from £22,000 in PYP to £35,500 at IB Diploma, with a £4,000 capital fund contribution.
St John's International School
St John's International School in west London offers a smaller, more intimate setting with British curriculum from EYFS to A Levels. Annual tuition is in the £18,500 to £24,000 range for 2026, lower than the ACS schools but with fewer extracurricular options.
Fulham School
Fulham School is a private day school in central London with a British curriculum and IGCSE / A Level pathway. 2026 fees are around £22,000 to £28,500 per year, with a £200 application fee and a £2,500 deposit on acceptance.
The hidden costs nobody mentions
Headline tuition rarely captures the full picture. Realistic 2026 add-ons:
- School lunch: £1,400 to £2,200 per year
- Bus transport: £1,800 to £4,500 depending on distance
- Uniform and PE kit: £400 to £900 in Year 1, £200 to £600 each subsequent year
- EAL / English language support: £2,500 to £5,000 per year if your child needs it
- School trips and residentials: £400 to £1,800 per year, more in upper school
- External exam fees (IGCSE, A Level, IB): £700 to £1,500 in the relevant years
- Tech levy / device leasing: £150 to £500 per year
Add it up and the total annual outlay at a top London IB school for a Year 10 student is typically £42,000 to £48,000 all-in.
VAT on private school fees: what changed
Since January 2025, the UK government applies VAT (20%) on most private school fees. International schools that meet the educational charity threshold may have partial exemptions, but most families should expect a 20% uplift on tuition compared to pre-2025 figures. Always ask the school for the post-VAT inclusive number when comparing offers.
How to negotiate or reduce costs
Most London international schools rarely discount tuition, but there are levers expat families can pull:
- Sibling discounts: 5% to 15% off second and subsequent children at most schools.
- Annual upfront payment discounts: 1% to 3% if you pay the full year in advance.
- Corporate rates: many multinational employers (banks, consulting, tech) hold framework agreements with ACS, ASL and other major schools — ask HR.
- Means-tested bursaries: most schools allocate a small share of places at reduced fees, especially in 6th Form. Apply early and disclose full financials.
- Scholarships: academic, music, sports and art scholarships exist at most major schools, typically 10% to 50% off tuition.
Comparing offers
When you receive offers from two or three schools, build a 5-year total cost comparison. The annual headline number can hide significant variation in capital levies, transport coverage and language support. Schools with higher tuition often include more extras, so the all-in figure can flip the ranking.
Compare all international schools in the United Kingdom
For the full ranking of UK international schools with verified reviews and fees, see our Best International Schools in the United Kingdom 2026 ranking.
Frequently asked questions
How much do international schools in London cost in 2026?
Tuition at top London international schools ranges from £18,500 in early years to £36,500 at IB Diploma level for 2026. Including capital levies, transport, lunch and other extras, expect £42,000 to £48,000 per year all-in for senior school.
Does VAT apply to international school fees in London?
Yes. Since January 2025, the UK government applies 20% VAT to most private school fees, including international schools. Always confirm whether quoted tuition is VAT-inclusive when comparing offers.
Are there scholarships for international schools in London?
Yes. Most London international schools offer academic, music, sport and art scholarships ranging from 10% to 50% off tuition, plus means-tested bursaries for families who need financial support. Sibling discounts of 5% to 15% are also common.