Moving to London with school-age children means choosing from one of the deepest pools of international schools in Europe. The capital hosts British independent schools with 400-year histories, the IB World Schools that drive global mobility, the American School curriculum that lets families return home without missing a beat, and bilingual options in French, German, Swedish and Japanese. This 2026 guide walks expat families through the curricula, fees, application timing and neighbourhoods that matter when shortlisting international schools in London.
Curricula available in London
London is genuinely curriculum-agnostic. The main families are:
- British (GCSE / A Level): the dominant track at most independent and grammar schools. Children sit GCSEs at 16 and three to four A Levels at 18, with UCAS applications to UK universities.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): a smaller but growing group, including ACS International Schools (Cobham, Egham, Hillingdon), Southbank International and a handful of independents that run the IB Diploma in the final two years.
- American: the American School in London (St John's Wood) and TASIS (Surrey) follow US-style high school diplomas, often with AP courses.
- French, German, Japanese, Swedish, Spanish: the Lycée Charles de Gaulle, German School London, Japanese School in London, Swedish School and Instituto Español Vicente Cañada Blanch let mother-tongue students stay on a home-country track while living in the UK.
Top international schools in London for 2026
Charterhouse School
A historic independent boarding and day school in Surrey, Charterhouse offers GCSEs and a choice of A Levels or the IB Diploma in the sixth form. International families value the school's structured house system and strong Oxbridge and US university outcomes. School profile on ISA.
Cheltenham Ladies' College
One of the UK's most established girls' day and boarding schools, with strong academic results, broad pastoral support and a cosmopolitan boarding community. The school offers GCSEs and A Levels with bespoke university counselling. School profile on ISA.
ACS International School Cobham
Co-educational, fully international and IB-focused: ACS Cobham runs the PYP, MYP and Diploma alongside an American high school diploma. It is a natural fit for globally mobile families who expect to leave the UK before A Levels. School profile on ISA.
Bryanston School
Bryanston is known for personalised tutoring, creative arts strength and a flexible academic structure that combines GCSEs and A Levels with extensive enrichment. Boarding is the dominant model, which suits families relocating to London but living outside the M25. School profile on ISA.
Brentwood School
A co-educational independent school in Essex with day and boarding options, offering GCSEs, A Levels and the IB Diploma. Good fit for families settling east of London who want a balance of academic rigour and a more relaxed campus environment. School profile on ISA.
How much do international schools in London cost?
Tuition varies more in London than in almost any other capital. Expect roughly:
- Day schools (independent): £20,000 – £32,000 per year for senior school.
- Full international schools (ACS, ASL, TASIS, IB-only schools): £28,000 – £42,000 per year.
- Boarding (full): £45,000 – £65,000 per year at top independents like Charterhouse, Bryanston and Cheltenham Ladies' College.
- Mother-tongue schools (French, German, Swedish, Japanese): £10,000 – £18,000 per year, partially subsidised by their home governments.
Add registration fees of £200–£400, an acceptance deposit of one term's fees, exam fees for GCSE / A Level / IB years and uniform, lunches and trips on top of headline tuition.
Admissions process and timeline
The British independent system runs on long lead times. For September 2026 entry, expect:
- October 2025 – January 2026: register interest and submit applications. Many senior schools close their main 11+ and 13+ rounds in November.
- January – February 2026: ISEB Common Pre-Test, entrance exams (English, Maths, Reasoning) and interviews.
- March – April 2026: offers issued, with deposits typically due within two to four weeks.
- May – August 2026: place confirmation, uniform fittings and induction days.
For sixth form (16+) entry, applications usually open a year ahead, with predicted GCSE grades and references required by November.
Choosing the right neighbourhood
Where you live shapes your shortlist:
- Central London (Kensington, Notting Hill, St John's Wood): short commutes to ASL, Wetherby, Pembridge Hall, Lycée Charles de Gaulle.
- South-West London (Wandsworth, Wimbledon, Putney): easy access to King's College Wimbledon, Wimbledon High and excellent prep schools.
- Surrey (Cobham, Egham, Esher, Guildford): ACS Cobham, ACS Egham, TASIS, Charterhouse — the international corridor with green space and family housing.
- North London (Hampstead, Highgate): South Hampstead High, UCS, Highgate School and the German School in Petersham.
Ready to compare schools in London?
Explore the full ranking of the best international schools in the United Kingdom on International School Advisor to compare curricula, fees and parent reviews side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Do international schools in London teach in English?
Yes — all the British, American and IB schools listed above teach in English. Mother-tongue schools (French, German, Japanese) operate in the relevant language with English as a second language. EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is widely available in international schools.
Is the IB Diploma respected by UK universities?
Yes. UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, accept the IB Diploma on a clearly published tariff (typically 38–42 points for top programmes). Many British independents now run the IB alongside A Levels precisely because it travels well internationally.
How early should I apply?
For competitive 11+ and 13+ entry to top independents, register at least 12–18 months ahead. For IB-focused international schools (ACS, Southbank, ASL), 6–9 months is usually enough, although the most popular year groups can hit waiting lists.