As part of an expat family with dependent children, one of your primary concerns when relocating is going to be your children’s education. Expat families may choose to send their children to international schools who teach the curriculum of their home country (meaning children can easily pick up where they left off) or a globally recognised curriculum (which allows them to study from anywhere). Additionally, international schools in London tend to have a much higher standard of teaching foreign languages, as well as a flexible and understanding approach to a variety of nationalities and needs.In this article, we take a look at some of the best international schools in London, so you can see what is best suited to you and your family.
Highly-rated International Schools In London
These are some of the most well regarded international schools in London. Each has excellent ratings, benefits and opportunities for students who enroll there.
International Schools For Younger Ages
L'École Des Petits & La Petite Ecole Bilingue
(3-6 and 2-11 respectively)
These schools are small, independent establishments that offer English, French and bilingual programmes to their students. Intimate class sizes mean a more personalised approach to teaching and individual attention for all of the students who attend.
Hill House International Junior School
(4-13)
The oldest school in London still run by its founding family, the Hill House Junior School resides in a number of beautiful Victorian buildings and teaches a British curriculum. It was originally established in Switzerland back in 1949, and still retains a property there which hosts specialist courses for selected pupils. Children can also go to the Swiss school for ski lessons.
International Schools For All Ages
Southbank International School
(3-18)
Southbank International School is a popular choice amongst the expat community and has three exceptional campuses spaced out across London. Admission is based on previous grades and excellent references. They operate an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum whilst also employing an American teaching style and learning techniques.
ACS International School
(2-18)
Another highly reputable international school with several campuses in London, ACS International School has gone from strength to strength since being established in 1975. The school has a number of excellent facilities available to students and an emphasis on holistic learning, whilst also employing the latest modern technology to create engaging interactive classes.
International School Of London (ISL)
(2-18)
ISL has an exceptional language learning programme and teaches from the IB curriculum. Most students here will study both in their mother tongue and in English, whilst older students can pick up further languages if they choose. It has fantastic extracurricular activities and programmes for the students as well as a club for parents.
The American School In London
(4-18)
The American School in London consistently achieves outstanding reports from Ofsted (the regulating body in the UK), and has a high percentage of Ivy League student placements. The kindergarten classes inspired by the popular Reggio Emilia method and the school prides itself on offering a “stimulating, supportive academic environment” for students.
Dwight School London
(3-18)
Operating an IB curriculum, the Dwight School London started life as a school for boys in 1885. It’s now held in high esteem as a reputable international school that can boast many famous and successful alumni. Their mission states that the school “prepares young people to become leaders in the world.”
German School London (Deutsche Schule London)
(3-19)
Housed in a stunning Grade II listed building, the German School London has an excellent bilingual system and gives students the option to study either the IB curriculum or the German Abitur. The school also provides opportunities for families of German expats to meet other German families in the community.
International Community School
(3-18)
The International Community School London has two different sites and operates an IB curriculum. The International Community School is ranked within the 20 percent of all schools in the UK and was named one of the top 10 small independent schools by IB-schools.eu. The school focuses on creating an “inclusive community of compassionate and inspired world citizens”.
International Schools In London For Girls
Marymount International School London
(11-18)
Marymount is an independent international school for girls with both boarding and day facilities. The school has religious roots, having been founded by the Sacred Heart of Mary in 1955, but is open to children of all faiths, including atheism. It was the first school in the UK to fully adopt the IB curriculum and is highly-rated.
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