Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in London
Summary: If you're moving to London with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in London
London, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a plethora of educational options for expat and digital nomad families. With a significant international community, London boasts a wide range of international and bilingual schools catering to diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Among the most popular are the American School in London and the British International School of London, both known for their rigorous curricula and multicultural environments.
The American School in London
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): St John's Wood
Website: www.asl.org
The American School in London offers an American curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a theater, art studios, and science labs, the school provides a comprehensive education. Extracurricular activities range from sports to arts, fostering a well-rounded student experience. The school's diverse community includes students from over 50 countries.
British International School of London
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Marylebone
Website: www.bis-london.com
Offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme across all grades, the British International School of London is known for its high academic standards and international perspective. The school's facilities support a broad curriculum, including music, drama, and sports. With a strong emphasis on community and service, students are encouraged to engage with the world around them.
Southbank International School
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Westminster, Kensington, and Hampstead
Website: www.southbank.org
Southbank International School is an IB World School with three central London campuses. It offers the full IB continuum, including the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes. The school's multicultural environment is reflected in its student body, representing over 70 nationalities. Southbank prides itself on its academic excellence and commitment to fostering an international mindset.
International School of London (ISL)
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Chiswick and Ealing
Website: www.isllondon.org
The International School of London is known for its personalized learning approach and strong language support programs, including mother tongue literacy. It offers the IB Programme and boasts a diverse student body from over 40 countries. The school's facilities cater to a wide range of interests and talents, with a focus on developing globally minded citizens.
Deutsche Schule London
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Richmond
Website: www.dslondon.org.uk
Deutsche Schule London provides a German curriculum alongside the IB Diploma Programme for older students. It is an excellent choice for German-speaking expats or those seeking a bilingual education. The school emphasizes a holistic educational approach and offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including music, sports, and cultural events.
Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle
Grades: Nursery through Lycée (Secondary)
Location(s): South Kensington
Website: www.lyceefrancais.org.uk
Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle caters to French-speaking families and those interested in a French education. It follows the French national curriculum and offers the French Baccalaureate, with options for bilingual tracks. The school is known for its rigorous academic standards and its promotion of French language and culture.
International Community School (ICS)
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Marylebone and Paddington
Website: www.icschool.co.uk
The International Community School offers the IB Programme and prides itself on its inclusive ethos and supportive learning environment. With students from over 60 countries, ICS emphasizes intercultural understanding and global citizenship. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities and has excellent facilities for arts and sports.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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