London is a unique market for international school choice: alongside the famous British independents, you will find American, IB, French, German and Japanese curricula, and a number of dual-credential schools that can switch your child between systems mid-secondary. This 2026 family guide focuses on choosing an international school in London if you are an expat family who wants flexibility for the next move.
The London international school landscape
Roughly 90 international or international-friendly schools serve Greater London, with the densest cluster across Kensington, Hampstead, St John's Wood and the south-west fringe (Cobham, Egham, Hillingdon). The capital attracts roughly 30,000 expat students, drawn by financial services, tech, biopharma, embassies and law firms.
Curricula and qualifications
British (English National Curriculum)
Most independents and grammar schools follow GCSEs, IGCSEs and A Levels. This is the natural pathway if you intend to apply to UK universities or want to enter the British public school system.
International Baccalaureate
The IB Diploma is offered by ACS International Schools, Southbank International, Halcyon and a small number of others. The IB Career-related Programme (CP) is also available at a handful of schools.
American curriculum (AP and US Diploma)
The American School in London and TASIS England offer Advanced Placement courses and a US-style high school diploma. SAT and ACT preparation is built into the timetable.
French, German, Japanese, Spanish
The Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill, Deutsche Schule London, Japanese School in London and Spanish Vicente Cañada Blanch all run their home country curriculum.
Top international schools in London (2026)
ACS International School Cobham
The largest of the three ACS campuses, Cobham offers IB Diploma, IB MYP and PYP alongside an American track, with strong sports and arts. View ACS International School Cobham on ISA.
ACS International School Egham
The Egham campus runs the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) and is favoured by families based in Surrey and west London. View ACS International School Egham on ISA.
ACS International School Hillingdon
Hillingdon offers IB and AP tracks side by side and is popular with families on three to five year postings. View ACS International School Hillingdon on ISA.
St John's International School
A small, family-focused independent in west London with a strong pastoral programme and clear progression into the British senior school system. View St John's International School on ISA.
Wetherby School Kensington
A celebrated boys' pre-prep in central London with a structured early-years approach and excellent placement into top London prep schools. View Wetherby School Kensington on ISA.
2026 fees in London
Fee ranges in pounds sterling for the 2026/27 academic year:
- Pre-Prep and Reception: GBP 18,000 to GBP 28,000 per year
- Prep school (Years 3 to 6 or 8): GBP 22,000 to GBP 32,000 per year
- Senior school (Years 7 to 11): GBP 28,000 to GBP 40,000 per year
- Sixth Form (IB or A Level): GBP 32,000 to GBP 45,000 per year
Boarding, where available, adds GBP 12,000 to GBP 22,000 per year. Application fees range from GBP 150 to GBP 350 and are non-refundable.
Admissions windows
- Reception: register by 12 to 18 months before entry. Some prep schools take a non-selective ballot, others assess at age 4.
- Year 3 / 7+: assessment in the November of Year 2 / Year 6.
- 11+ and 13+: register by Year 5 (autumn term) for Year 7 entry; Common Entrance is the main filter for Year 9.
- Sixth Form: register by November of Year 11 for September entry.
Mid-year arrivals are usually possible at IB and American schools where waitlists are shorter than at British selectives.
Practical tips for relocating families
- Decide if you want a co-ed environment or single-sex; London still has many girls-only and boys-only schools at prep and senior level.
- Test commute times during peak hours; the Underground is reliable but transferring two children to two different schools can absorb a full hour each way.
- Cross-check the school's UCAS or US Common App support if your child is approaching Year 12.
- Ask about EAL provision in primary if English is your child's second language. London schools are generous with EAL but quality varies.
- If you are arriving on a Skilled Worker visa, the school can accept the offer letter as proof of address — useful in the first weeks.
Compare London international schools
The ISA UK ranking page covers verified international and IB schools across Greater London. See the 2026 ranking of international schools in the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child get into a top London independent without sitting the 11+?
For non-selective independents, yes. For competitive selectives such as St Paul's, Westminster or City of London, the 11+ or 13+ assessment is normally required. International curriculum schools (ACS, IB-only schools) take a holistic view including school reports.
Are American expat children better off in IB or AP?
Both pathways feed strongly into US universities. AP is closer to a traditional US transcript; IB usually carries more weight for selective US and UK universities. If you are likely to relocate again before Year 12, IB travels better.
Do international schools in London accept mid-year admissions?
IB and American schools usually do, especially in Years 4 to 6 and Year 9. British independents prefer September starts unless a place opens up due to a leaver.