London is the most international city in Europe and one of the world's most competitive markets for school places. Whether your family is moving for a banking role, a creative career or simply for the lifestyle, picking the right international school in London for your child is one of the most consequential decisions you will make. This 2026 family guide explains the curricula on offer, the schools most often shortlisted by expat families, realistic fees in pounds, and the practical points that decide which school is the right fit.
Available curricula in London
London offers more curricula in one city than almost anywhere else on earth. The most common options are the British curriculum (IGCSE then A Levels), the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and DP), the American high school diploma with Advanced Placement, the French baccalauréat at lycée français schools, and various national programmes from Germany, Japan, Norway and others. There are also schools that combine British qualifications with the IB Diploma in the sixth form, allowing students to keep university options open across the UK, Europe and North America.
If your child intends to apply to UK universities through UCAS, A Levels and the IB Diploma are equally well recognised. For US universities, an AP-rich American curriculum or a strong IB Diploma is the smoothest path. Continental European universities tend to favour the IB Diploma or the relevant national programme.
Top international schools in London
TASIS England
An American school just outside London in the Egham area, offering an American curriculum with the IB Diploma in the sixth form. The leafy 46-acre campus and full bus network across west London make it a popular option for American families relocating to the Surrey commuter belt. Read the TASIS England profile on International School Advisor.
Halcyon London International School
An IB-only school in Marylebone, central London, offering the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes for ages 11 to 18. The school is known for its small size, conscious approach to wellbeing and central location near Baker Street. See the Halcyon London profile.
International School of London
A long-established IB World School in Chiswick, west London, with mother-tongue programmes for more than a dozen languages alongside English instruction. A strong choice for multilingual families who want their child to keep a second or third language at academic level. View the International School of London profile.
International school fees in London (2026)
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world for international education. Realistic 2026 ranges per academic year are:
Early Years (ages 3-5): around £18,000 to £30,000. Primary (ages 6-11): around £22,000 to £35,000. Senior school and sixth form (ages 11-18): around £30,000 to £45,000, with day fees at the very top schools approaching £55,000. Boarding fees, where offered, typically add £15,000 to £25,000. Most schools charge a non-refundable application fee of around £200 to £500, a registration deposit and a one-time capital contribution of £2,000 to £8,000.
Lunch, school bus, residential trips and external exam fees are usually billed separately and can add £3,000 to £6,000 per year. Uniform and sports kit add several hundred pounds in the first year.
Practical tips for choosing a school in London
Pick the borough first, then the school. Commute times in London quickly become brutal: a school 8 miles away in central London can be a 70-minute door-to-door trip on a bad day. Many families pick a postcode within easy reach of one or two shortlisted schools rather than chasing a single specific name across the city.
Check sibling and feeder priorities. Some London schools give meaningful preference to siblings of current students and to children from named feeder nurseries. If you are applying for two children, ask explicitly how the school handles split sibling cases and what happens if the older child is offered a place but the younger one is not.
Apply early. Reception, Year 3, Year 7 and Year 12 are the largest entry points and the most competitive. For September 2027 entry at the most popular schools, you should be planning visits in autumn 2026 at the latest. For mid-year arrivals, contact the admissions office directly: waiting lists move and schools sometimes hold places for relocating families.
Compare top international schools in London
Use the verified International School Advisor ranking of the best schools in the United Kingdom to filter by curriculum, age range and London borough, and to read parent reviews before booking visits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best international school in London?
It depends on your child's age, the curriculum you want and where you live in London. TASIS England is a strong choice for American families on the western commuter belt, Halcyon London suits central families wanting a small IB school, and the International School of London is well suited to multilingual families.
How much do international schools in London cost in 2026?
Plan for £18,000 to £30,000 per year in Early Years, £22,000 to £35,000 in Primary and £30,000 to £45,000 in Senior school, with the most prestigious day schools approaching £55,000 in the sixth form. Capital fees, uniforms, lunch and school trips are extra.
When should I apply to an international school in London?
For the largest entry points (Reception, Year 3, Year 7, Year 12) start visiting schools 12 to 18 months before the desired start date. For mid-year arrivals, apply as soon as you have a confirmed move date.