London Services & Moving Here International Schools

The 9 Best International Schools in London (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 9 picks

The best international schools in London in 2026 are the American School in London for a US curriculum in St John's Wood, Southbank International School and Halcyon for the IB in central London, ISL London for the IB with mother-tongue teaching, the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle for the French system, and Deutsche Schule London for German.

London's international schools are independent, fee-paying schools that teach the International Baccalaureate (IB), an American programme or a national curriculum such as French or German, rather than the English GCSE and A-level route. Most have waiting lists, especially for entry in September, so apply as early as possible and ask about mid-year places if you are relocating.

1. The American School in London — St John's Wood, Hampstead & North London

London's best-known American school, on a single campus in St John's Wood.

Specialty American curriculum, kindergarten to grade 12Best for American and international families in north-west London

The American School in London (ASL) teaches an American curriculum from kindergarten to grade 12 on one campus in St John's Wood, with a strong arts and athletics programme.

It suits families who want continuity with the US system.

Good to know: Ask early about admission timelines; places at popular grades fill quickly.

One Waverley Place, London NW8 0NP

Google Maps Website

2. Southbank International School — Marylebone, Soho & the West End

An IB school with campuses in central London.

Specialty IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmesBest for International families in central London

Southbank International School teaches the full International Baccalaureate, from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma, with its Westminster campus on Portland Place and other sites in London.

It suits families who want an IB education in central London.

Good to know: Ask which campus serves your child's age group.

63–65 Portland Place, London W1B 1QR

Google Maps Website

3. ISL London — Chiswick

An IB school known for supporting children's home languages.

Specialty IB with mother-tongue language programmesBest for Multilingual families in west London

The International School of London (ISL) teaches the IB and is known for its mother-tongue programme, helping children keep up their home language alongside English. It has campuses in Chiswick and Ealing.

It suits multilingual families in west London.

Good to know: Ask whether your child's home language is offered in the mother-tongue programme.

139 Gunnersbury Avenue, London W3 8LG

Google Maps Website

4. Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle — South Kensington

London's large French lycée, in the heart of South Kensington.

Specialty French national curriculumBest for French-speaking families and bilingual children

The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres teaches the French national curriculum from its main site on Cromwell Road in South Kensington, alongside other primary sites in London.

It suits French families and children who want a bilingual French education.

Good to know: Places are in high demand; check application deadlines on its website.

35 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2DG

Google Maps Website

5. Deutsche Schule London — Richmond

The German school in London, in a historic house in Petersham.

Specialty German curriculumBest for German-speaking and bilingual families

Deutsche Schule London teaches a German curriculum from nursery to the end of secondary school, at Douglas House in Petersham, near Richmond Park.

It suits German-speaking families and children who want a bilingual education.

Good to know: Visit the campus; its riverside setting near Richmond is a big draw.

Douglas House, Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 7AH

Google Maps Website

6. Halcyon London International School — Marylebone, Soho & the West End

A not-for-profit IB secondary school in Marylebone.

Specialty IB Middle Years and Diploma programmesBest for Families wanting an IB secondary school in central London

Halcyon London International School is a central London IB school on Seymour Place in Marylebone, teaching the IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma.

It suits families who want a smaller IB secondary school close to the West End.

Good to know: Ask about class sizes and university guidance at your visit.

33 Seymour Place, London W1H 5AU

Google Maps Website

7. Dwight School London — Friern Barnet

An IB school in north London, part of the Dwight network.

Specialty IB from early years to DiplomaBest for Families in north London

Dwight School London teaches the IB across its campuses in north London, with the senior school on Friern Barnet Lane and junior school and nursery on Woodside Avenue.

It suits families living in north London who want an IB education.

Good to know: Ask about the network's links with Dwight schools abroad if you may move again.

6 Friern Barnet Lane, London N11 3LX

Google Maps Website

8. ACS International School Hillingdon — Hillingdon

An international school in a historic mansion near Uxbridge.

Specialty IB and American high school diplomaBest for Families in west London and near Heathrow

ACS Hillingdon is one of the ACS International Schools group, offering the IB alongside an American high school diploma, in a 19th-century mansion and modern buildings near Uxbridge.

It is convenient for families based near Heathrow or in west London. ACS also has schools in Cobham and Egham in Surrey.

Good to know: Ask about school bus routes if you live further into London.

108 Vine Lane, Hillingdon, Uxbridge UB10 0BE

Google Maps Website

9. Marymount London — Kingston upon Thames

A Catholic girls' IB school in Kingston, with boarding.

Specialty IB for girls, day and boardingBest for Families wanting an all-girls IB school

Marymount London is an international Catholic school for girls in Kingston upon Thames, teaching the IB and offering day and boarding places.

It suits families who want an all-girls IB education in south-west London.

Good to know: Ask about weekly and full boarding options.

George Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7PE

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

How much do international schools in London cost?

Fees at London's international schools are high, often tens of thousands of pounds a year, rising with age. Check each school's current fee schedule, and remember that independent school fees in England are now subject to VAT.

What is the best IB school in London?

Southbank International School, ISL London, Halcyon, Dwight School London and ACS are all established IB schools. The right one depends on location, age range and your child's needs.

When should I apply to an international school in London?

As early as possible, ideally a year ahead for September entry. Many schools accept applications year-round for relocating families, subject to space.

Is there an American school in London?

Yes. The American School in London in St John's Wood teaches an American curriculum from kindergarten to grade 12, and ACS International Schools also offer an American high school diploma alongside the IB.

Which areas do international families live in?

St John's Wood, Hampstead, Kensington, Chiswick and Richmond are popular, partly because of the schools nearby. See our estate agents guide.

1. The American School in London — St John's Wood, Hampstead & North London

2. Southbank International School — Marylebone, Soho & the West End

3. ISL London — Chiswick

4. Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle — South Kensington

5. Deutsche Schule London — Richmond

6. Halcyon London International School — Marylebone, Soho & the West End

7. Dwight School London — Friern Barnet

8. ACS International School Hillingdon — Hillingdon

9. Marymount London — Kingston upon Thames

Frequently asked questions

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