Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to the UK with school-aged children means entering one of the most dense and international educational ecosystems in the world. From London’s 28 international schools to the vast green boarding schools of Kent or Surrey, and including French lycées and American campuses, the options are as rich as they are bewildering for an expatriate family.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the British educational system for international students. It details the main qualifications (A-Levels, IB, International GCSEs), the strengths of the British pedagogical model, and the different categories of schools, especially in London. It also covers practical aspects: costs, admissions procedures, accreditations, and support services available for international students.
Why British international schools attract students from around the world
International schools in the UK rely on a very powerful foundation: British and Anglo-international qualifications. International GCSEs, International O Levels, International AS, and especially the International A Level are designed by UK-based examination boards and taught in over 12,000 schools across more than 160 countries. They are described as the world’s most popular international school qualifications.
These qualifications are recognized by a vast number of top-tier universities—in Europe as well as North America, the Middle East, Asia, or Oceania. Institutions like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge regularly admit students from these pathways. The British Council, which works with three major boards (Cambridge International Education, OxfordAQA, and Pearson Edexcel), refers to them as “prestigious” and “globally recognized” qualifications.
Beyond prestige, several features explain this global appeal.
The strength of the British curriculum
The English curriculum—often called the National Curriculum for England or the English National Curriculum—is structured, demanding, and remarkably clear for mobile families. It is organized into “Key Stages” (Early Years, then Key Stages 1 to 5) that follow the child from age 3 to 18, with clear benchmarks: GCSEs around age 16, then A‑Levels or equivalents until age 18.
This system is known for:
– its academic rigor, its focus on subject depth, critical thinking, and analysis;
– being extremely popular within the international school network (used by roughly 30% of international schools worldwide);
– being particularly consistent from one country to another, which facilitates transfers for expatriate families.
It also strongly emphasizes transferable skills: leadership, teamwork, sports, arts, and community engagement through, for example, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. The stated goal is to train students capable of applying their knowledge to real-world situations, not just passing exams.
A‑Levels, International A Levels, and IB: university passports
For high school, international schools in the UK typically offer three main pathways:
Students in international schools can follow different pathways to access higher education. The most common are the GCSE / A‑Levels duo (or their international equivalents), which constitutes the traditional British system. Another major pathway is the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, culminating in the Diploma Programme (IBDP), a demanding and comprehensive program. More rarely, one finds an American High School Diploma, its value enhanced by success in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which are more advanced and can earn university credits.
A‑Levels are in-depth subject qualifications, spanning two years from age 16. Students typically choose three or four subjects (Maths, Physics, Economics, Psychology, etc.), with no compulsory subjects, allowing for early specialization in view of targeted higher education. The final exams, which are heavily written, are graded from A* to E, with clear pass thresholds (around 40% for an E, 80% for an A, 90% for an A*). This format suits strong academic profiles comfortable with final examinations.
International A Levels (Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel) are a version of British A‑Levels adapted to a global context. They feature international examples, a modular exam schedule with several sessions per year (especially with Edexcel), and increased flexibility for retaking modules. Their recognition by universities is broad and comparable to classic UK A‑Levels, although some specific courses may require the “UK” versions.
In contrast to this specialization model, the IB Diploma Programme offers a broader approach: six subject groups (language and literature, second language, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts) combined with a core (Theory of Knowledge, a 4,000-word Extended Essay, and the CAS program – Creativity, Activity, Service). Graded on 45 points, the IB is highly valued for its international dimension and the quality of research, reflection, and civic engagement skills it develops.
Many British international schools – from Sevenoaks to Wellington College, including Southbank International School – post IB averages significantly above the world average (around 30 points) and send students to elite universities in the UK and abroad every year.
London, world capital of international schools
With 28 recorded international schools, an average capacity of over 600 students each, and a very diverse range of curricula (British, American, French, German, Japanese, IB…), London is one of the world’s epicenters for expatriate children’s education. The city hosts schools spread across all neighborhoods – with a marked concentration in the west and north, but also in the east and leafy suburbs like Cobham, Egham, or Hillingdon.
These schools meet several key needs of international families:
– continuity of a familiar system (American, French, German…) for children already educated in that model;
– maintaining and developing the mother tongue;
– language support for those arriving with limited English;
– a highly international environment, preparing for a global academic and professional trajectory.
The vast majority of these schools integrate intensive language programs, EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, and sophisticated bilingual setups.
Overview of major school profiles in London
Without providing an exhaustive list, several types of institutions stand out, illustrating the richness of London’s offerings.
Anglo-American and IB campuses
Several institutions combine Anglo-Saxon culture, a strong international dimension, and IB or AP programs.
Southbank International School is an emblematic example. Spread across three campuses (Hampstead, Kensington, and Westminster), this co-educational school offers the full IB continuum for ages 3‑18. Its pedagogy prioritizes group work, communication, and field research. Highly sought after by expatriate families, it places openness to the world and community engagement at the heart of its educational project.
ACS International Schools welcomes over 3,700 students from more than 100 nationalities across its three campuses near London.
The American School in London, located in St John’s Wood (NW8), illustrates the most ‘US’ side of the landscape. This independent day school offers an American curriculum for ages 4‑18, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and individualization. Its 1,350 students represent 50 nationalities and speak over 30 languages at home, making it an extremely cosmopolitan community.
High-performing niche IB schools
London and southern England are also home to several independent establishments that combine the IB with academic excellence at the highest international level.
Among the most notable:
– Godolphin & Latymer (Hammersmith), a girls’ day school, offers both A‑Levels and the IB with IB averages regularly exceeding 40 points, an indicator close to the world elite. A large majority of its students secure their first-choice university.
– King’s College School, Wimbledon, a day school (boys 7‑16, co-educational in sixth form), boasts an IB average around 42 points over several years, with a very high number of top scores (7) in Higher Level subjects.
– Halcyon London International School, near Marble Arch, stands out as London’s only non-profit IB school, with a resolutely innovative pedagogy, student-led extracurricular activities (including a Model United Nations club), and a strong culture of well-being and personalized support.
These schools illustrate a major trend: the IB is no longer the exclusive domain of ‘expat’ international high schools, but also a marker of excellence in the best British private schools.
French-speaking and bilingual networks
For French-speaking families, London is probably the best-equipped capital city in the world.
The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres, with over 3,400 students, follows the French national curriculum while offering a ‘British Section’ to prepare for British exams (GCSEs and A‑Levels). Regularly ranked among the UK’s top 50 schools, it is also a major cultural hub for the French-speaking community.
A dense network orbits around this flagship:
– École Jeannine Manuel UK, based in Bloomsbury, offers bilingual French‑English education, backed by the pedagogy of its twin establishment in Paris, which is regularly ranked as the top lycée in France. Its mission is explicit: to promote international understanding through bilingual and multicultural education.
– Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill, on a large wooded campus in Wembley, provides a rigorous bilingual program from primary through high school, with stated values of excellence, creativity, integrity, and civic awareness. An English-speaking track leads to the IB Diploma.
– Collège Français Bilingue de Londres (CFBL) in Kentish Town, L’Ecole de Battersea, L’Ecole des Petits, as well as Stewart Bilingual School and SIS‑LPEBL Kentish Town complete a well-supplied landscape at the primary and middle school levels, often on bilingual models balancing teaching hours in French and English.
Tuition fees here are generally more moderate than in large Anglo-American institutions, with annual fees around £13,000 to £21,000 depending on the level, making them an attractive option for many families.
Schools of other national systems
London also hosts establishments officially linked to other countries:
A selection of schools in London offering specific national curricula in their native language, allowing students to maintain strong ties to their culture while thriving in a British context.
In Richmond, prepares students for the German Abitur, combined with the IB, in a German-English bilingual environment supported by the Federal Republic of Germany.
The only school of the Spanish Embassy in London, follows the complete Spanish curriculum for students aged 3 to 19.
A free Greek establishment for ages 11-18, where teaching is conducted entirely in Greek.
The Norwegian School in London and the Svenska Skolan London offer the Norwegian and Swedish curricula respectively, combining cultural grounding with integration into the British and international context.
These schools serve a dual purpose: preserving the language and original curriculum, while preparing students for an international university and professional life.
Small specialized gems
Other schools, smaller but highly targeted, play a key role for certain families:
– Dwight School London, IB from early years to diploma, known for its family atmosphere, small classes, and ability to personalize pathways, especially for gifted students or those with specific needs.
– Halcyon London International School, already mentioned, for its high‑tech, not‑for‑profit profile focused on well-being.
– International School of London (ISL), which pushes mother‑tongue teaching very far, with over 20 languages taught several times a week in addition to English.
All these schools share a common point: they primarily cater to highly mobile international families, often multipolar (parents working in global organizations, mixed families, university trajectories expected in several countries).
Costs and logistics of an international school in London
Tuition fees are a determining factor.
In London international schools, annual fees typically range between £15,000 and over £40,000 per child, depending on the cycle and the prestige of the establishment. In addition:
– application fees (approx. £100–300) and enrollment fees (from £1,000 to £3,000);
– a refundable deposit;
– the cost of uniforms (sometimes up to £500);
– trips, excursions, paid extracurricular activities, school transport.
The following table provides a simplified order of magnitude for a few schools mentioned:
| School (London / near London) | Type / main curriculum | Indicative annual fee range* |
|---|---|---|
| American School in London | US curriculum | ~£33,000–40,000 |
| Southbank International School (Westminster) | IB (MYP & DP) | up to ~£46,000 |
| ACS Cobham / Hillingdon / Egham | US + IB, AP, boarding possible | ~£12,000–29,000 (day), >£42,000 (boarding) |
| Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle | French curriculum + British section | ~£13,700 |
| Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill | Bilingual FR/EN, IB track | ~£13,700 |
| École Jeannine Manuel UK | Bilingual FR/EN | ~£20,700 |
| Dwight School London | IB (PYP–DP) | ~£19,500–30,000 |
| Halcyon London International School | IB (MYP–DP) | ~£28,000–29,600 |
| International School of London (ISL) | IB + home‑language programme | ~£23,300–37,000 |
| TASIS England (Thorpe, Surrey, near London) | IB + AP, boarding | ~£25,000 (day), ~£50,800 (boarding) |
Indicative figures based on available data, subject to variation by level and year.
However, accessibility is enhanced by London’s transport network: the tube, suburban trains, and buses provide access to almost all schools, even from the center.
The other pillar: the UK’s major international boarding schools
Alongside urban international schools, the UK has about 500 boarding schools spread across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Many welcome a significant proportion of foreign students (in some cases over 40% of the student body), making them de facto international schools, even if their status is that of British independent schools.
What a British boarding school offers an international student
A UK boarding school is first and foremost a highly structured living and study environment. Students reside in houses separated by gender, supervised by full-time house parents. Younger students share dormitories, while older ones often have single or double rooms, with communal living spaces (TV rooms, lounges, games rooms).
Days combine: a diverse range of activities, cultural exchange, relaxation time, and continuous learning.
British boarding schools are distinguished by three fundamental pillars. Firstly, intense academic teaching with classes often smaller than in the state system and individualized follow-up. Secondly, an extremely wide range of extracurricular activities, including traditional British sports (cricket, rugby, rowing), arts, music (orchestras, choirs), as well as debate, theater, science, or robotics clubs. Thirdly, strong pastoral care provided by tutors, nurses, psychologists, and dedicated student well-being teams.
Major boarding schools like Eton College, Harrow School, Wycombe Abbey, Brighton College, The King’s School Canterbury, Charterhouse, Gordonstoun, or Benenden combine this historic model with academic programs at the highest level (GCSEs, A‑Levels, and often the IB Diploma for some).
More and more schools offer a dual A‑Levels / IB pathway, such as Wellington College, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Bromsgrove School, Ardingly College, Sevenoaks School, or explicitly international schools like TASIS England or ACS Cobham.
A‑Levels, IB, BTEC: choices in Sixth Form
In these boarding schools, the Sixth Form (16‑18 years old) is a key moment. The vast majority of students prepare either:
– three or four A‑Levels, possibly with an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as a supplement;
– the IB Diploma for authorized IB schools;
– sometimes BTECs (more vocational pathways) or a combination of A‑Levels + BTEC.
Many schools post IB results above the world average and even above the already high average for UK schools. The following table illustrates, for a few highly international boarding schools, their recent IB profile (average scores):
| School (UK) | Type | Approx. IB Average* |
|---|---|---|
| Sevenoaks School (Kent) | Day + boarding, co‑ed | ~39–40 pts |
| Wellington College (Crowthorne) | Day + boarding, co‑ed | ~39 pts |
| Cheltenham Ladies’ College | Day + boarding, girls | ~39 pts |
| Bromsgrove School | Day + boarding, co‑ed | ~39–40 pts |
| Ardingly College | Day + boarding, co‑ed | ~40 pts |
| Marymount International School | Day + boarding, girls | ~36–37 pts |
| TASIS England (Thorpe) | Day + boarding, co‑ed | ~34 pts |
| ACS Cobham / Egham / Hillingdon | Day (+ boarding at Cobham) | ~34–35 pts |
Orders of magnitude based on figures from recent sessions.
These schools achieve results that place them among the best international high schools in the world. They are distinguished by high admission rates to elite universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, and UCL in the UK, Ivy League universities in the US, as well as major European and Asian universities.
Cost of a British international boarding school
Tuition fees at boarding schools are significantly higher than at day schools, as accommodation, meals, and some activities are included.
For secondary education, a common order of magnitude for private boarding schools is:
– approximately £25,000–£30,000 per year for day schooling in areas outside London;
– between £35,000 and over £60,000 per year for full boarding depending on the school.
A few examples from available data:
| School | Approx. Day Fees (year) | Approx. Boarding Fees (year) |
|---|---|---|
| Sevenoaks School | ~£26,700 | ~£42,900 |
| TASIS England | ~£25,400 | ~£50,850 |
| ACS Cobham Intl. School | ~£38,400 | ~£66,540 |
| Cheltenham Ladies’ College | ~£43,000 | ~£66,800 |
| Wellington College | ~£45,700 | ~£62,200 |
| Rossall School | ~£22,300 | ~£57,000 |
Some state boarding schools offer a more affordable alternative: tuition, funded by the state, is free for UK residents, and only boarding charges are billed (approximately £13,000–£21,000 per year). But these state boarding schools are generally not structured as international schools in the classic sense and are subject to stricter residency requirements.
Accreditations and labels: how to identify quality schools
In such a dense environment, accreditation labels play a guiding role for families.
The major accreditation bodies
Several bodies intervene to inspect or accredit British and international schools:
– Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspect independent schools in England and, for ISI, some British schools abroad.
– The Council of British International Schools (COBIS) operates an Accreditation & Compliance scheme, recognized by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency, and even by some foreign authorities like the Japanese Ministry of Education.
– British Schools Overseas (BSO) is an official scheme of the UK Department for Education to inspect British schools outside the UK. Inspections, validated by Ofsted, result in a listing on the official gov.uk website.
– Other agencies like Cognia/AdvancED, the Middle States Association (MSA‑CESS), NEASC, WASC accredit American-profile or international schools.
For families, checking if a school is inspected by ISI or Ofsted, a member of COBIS, or accredited as an IB World School is good practice.
The British Council’s International School Award
For schools (in the UK or elsewhere) that strongly integrate the international dimension into their project, the British Council manages a specific label: the International School Award. This program is based on three levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Accreditation) and requires, at the highest level, that the establishment:
Minimum number of international activities undertaken by the school during the academic year, including three in bilateral collaboration with partner institutions abroad.
Accredited schools can use an official logo, receive a certificate, a media kit, and must undergo re‑accreditation every three years.
Admissions: how to join an international school in the UK
Despite differences between systems, admissions procedures for the best international schools in the UK follow a few common steps.
For international schools (London and major cities)
Procedures are generally very selective, with the number of applications far exceeding available places.
Most schools require:
– a detailed application form;
– the student’s recent school reports;
– a copy of the passport, vaccination certificates;
– sometimes letters of recommendation from teachers.
For non‑English speakers, English tests (internal, UKiset, or even IELTS for Sixth Form entry) may be required. Academic assessments (maths, verbal/non-verbal reasoning) are frequent, sometimes online or via a local British Council office for families still abroad.
Admissions follow two logics:
– main September intake: applications often open in the autumn of the preceding year;
– “rolling” admissions: many international schools, like ICS London or certain IB schools, accept entries throughout the year, subject to availability.
Location, distance from home to school, specific needs (EAL, SEN), the extracurricular offer, and school culture are all criteria to weigh against academic level and fees.
For independent boarding schools
Admissions to selective major boarding schools are often prepared two to three years in advance. Typical entry points are 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9), and 16+ (Sixth Form).
Usual steps:
Admission to a British boarding school requires long-term planning. It generally involves pre-registration several years in advance, followed by passing an aptitude test (Common Entrance, ISEB Pre-Test, UKiset, or school-specific test). An individual interview (sometimes via video conference for international candidates) is then organized. A conditional offer is made, and the place is only definitively confirmed upon receipt of final exam results from the home country or (I)GCSEs.
International students must also obtain a Child Student visa to attend a licensed sponsoring independent establishment. The school then issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number, essential for the visa application. A tutor or guardian residing in the UK is generally required for minors whose parents live abroad.
Tuition fees do not always cover all expenses: travel, uniforms, specific extracurricular activities, exam fees, and sometimes supplements for English as a Foreign Language teaching or certain sports academies.
Support for international students: beyond classes
Welcoming non‑British students in these schools is accompanied by a whole support ecosystem.
Inside schools
Most international establishments or major boarding schools implement:
British schools offer a comprehensive support framework to ensure the well-being and success of every student, whatever their specific needs.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes are included in the timetable to support English language mastery.
Specialized support for learning difficulties (dyslexia, etc.). Some establishments, like Bredon or Lime House, are recognized for their expertise.
Guidance from counselors, psychologists, nurses, and implementation of dedicated student well-being programs.
Student buddying programs to facilitate cultural and social integration upon arrival at the school.
Schools committed to the international niche also often highlight projects like the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Model United Nations clubs, theme weeks on world cultures or languages, or “Peace Curricula” like at the International School of London.
An ecosystem of supporting organizations
Many external organizations contribute to the success of international students in the UK:
Several organizations provide essential support: UKCISA offers information and advocacy on visas, rights, and integration. BAISIS structures best practices for welcome in independent schools. Platforms like UKEC and consulting firms (Education Advisers Ltd, Top School Guide, The Golden Circle, etc.) help families choose and integrate the most suitable establishment.
British universities, where a large portion of these schools’ students end up, also multiply their support systems: orientation weeks, well-being services, regular surveys on the experience of international students.
How to choose: some practical benchmarks for families
Faced with such a wealth of options, how to select “the best” international schools in the UK for a given child? Rather than relying solely on rankings – Spear’s Schools Index, Carfax Education Index, IB or CEOWORLD rankings – it is essential to cross-reference several dimensions.
1. The university and geographical project
A child likely destined for studies in the UK could greatly benefit from a GCSE + A‑Levels pathway in a school renowned for its exam results and its admission rates to the Russell Group. Conversely, if the university trajectory remains open (US, Europe, Asia), an IB Diploma at a school with strong international application support (counseling, SAT/TOEFL preparation, etc.) may be more relevant.
Schools like Southbank, ACS, TASIS, Marymount, or Dwight, combining IB, AP, and strong experience in guiding students to universities worldwide, are particularly well-positioned in this niche.
2. The child’s linguistic and cultural profile
For a French-speaking, less English-proficient student arriving in middle school, a bilingual establishment (CFBL, Lycée International Winston Churchill, École Jeannine Manuel, Stewart Bilingual School) will ensure continuity of the French program while gradually building solid academic English.
For students already comfortable in English but wishing to maintain a strong mother tongue (like German, Spanish, Norwegian, or Swedish), it is recommended to opt for national schools (such as Deutsche Schule London, Instituto Español Vicente Cañada Blanch, Norwegian School, or Svenska Skolan) or for schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) with a structured mother-tongue program, like the International School of London.
3. The format of school life: day school vs. boarding
The choice between day school and boarding school strongly structures family life.
Day schools suit families settled in or near London or other major cities, prepared to manage daily commutes and logistics. Fees are often 50 to 65% of those for full boarding, but parents must organize extracurricular activities, supervision outside school hours, etc.
Boarding schools, on the other hand, offer total immersion, round‑the‑clock supervision, and a very wide range of integrated activities. They can be suitable for:
– families based far from major centers or highly mobile;
– parents frequently traveling for work;
– teenagers seeking progressive independence within a structured framework.
Schools now offer several formulas: full boarding, weekly boarding (returning home on weekends), and flexi-boarding (occasional nights). Many establishments host both boarders and day students, sometimes allowing families to transition gradually from one model to the other.
4. The academic / well-being balance
The best international schools in the UK are not only those leading exam rankings. Indices like Spear’s or Carfax have understood this by integrating criteria like school culture, pastoral support, diversity of activities, and social climate.
For a family, this means that an on‑site visit, exchanges with other parents, careful reading of ISI or Ofsted inspection reports, and a fine analysis of well-being policies and workload management are as important as grade statistics.
Some schools, for example, are known for their outstanding results but also for a very competitive pace that won’t suit all profiles. Others, like Halcyon, Dwight, ISL, or certain medium-sized IB schools, emphasize personalization, creativity, and life balance more, with high but not necessarily extreme academic averages – a sometimes more sustainable compromise.
In summary
The best international schools in the UK form a multiple landscape rather than a single podium. Between the major international schools of London, French, German, or Spanish lycées, the historic boarding schools of the English countryside converted to the IB, and small, highly specialized bilingual schools, almost all student profiles and family projects can find an environment that is both demanding and nurturing.
The key for parents is to approach this system with three ideas in mind:
To choose an international school well, it is essential to: understand the qualifications offered (A‑Levels, International A Levels, IB Diploma, AP) and their impact on further studies; interpret accreditations, inspection reports, and results as relative indicators; and consider, beyond academic performance, aspects like the language of instruction, culture, format (day/boarding), well-being, and specific support for an international student.
Once these benchmarks are established, and with the possible help of specialized advisors, families can leverage what makes the UK unique: an ancient educational tradition, a British curriculum that has become a global benchmark, and a network of international schools capable of serving as a genuine gateway to the world’s best universities and careers.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
