ACS International School Cobham vs The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School

	A ACS International School Cobham London, United Kingdom	T The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School London, United Kingdom
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year £9,950 - 66,780	Fees / year £20,640 - 23,985
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 11 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,300	Pupils 146
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1975	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in Cobham, Surrey, England (KT11 1BL). The 128-acre ACS Cobham campus sits in the Surrey countryside. It is part of the ACS International Schools group and offers international day and boarding education for students aged 2 to 18.	Location The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School is located at Maple Court, Queens Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 6AQ. It sits by the Rye on London Road in High Wycombe. The school serves students aged 11 to 18.
Stages	Stages Lower School (ages 2-10) and Senior School (ages 10-18).	Stages Ages 11 to 18; secondary and sixth form
School type	School type The school is an international day and boarding school.	School type Independent Grammar School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix A diverse international community with 70+ nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) and learning support for students with learning differences.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation England, United Kingdom	Country affiliation England
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Lower School day runs from about 08:00 to 15:30, with after-school clubs from 15:30 to 18:00; an Extended Day Club is available from 22 April 2025.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details ACS Cobham operates an extensive busing service with door-to-door and shuttle options, a late bus, and the Vectare app for scheduling and tracking; three zones cover the catchment area.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - A non-refundable application fee of £330 (inc. VAT) is payable with each application. Payment of the fee does not guarantee admission. Enrolment deposit and refunds - A refundable enrolment deposit of £1,500 is payable after a student has been accepted to reserve a place. The deposit is retained for the duration of enrolment and is returned within three months of termination of the contract, net of any outstanding liabilities (including notice-period liabilities and supplementary charges). One-off campus / development fee - A once-only, non-refundable campus/development fee of £1,680 (inc. VAT) is charged on the first tuition fee invoice for each student in Grades K–12. Tuition fees (per semester and annual amounts) — day students - Tuition fees are charged per semester (the academic year is divided into two semesters). The published per-semester and annual fees are as follows: - Pre-Scramblers Half Day (Ages 2–3): £4,800 per semester / £9,600 per year. ✝. - Pre-Scramblers Full Day (Ages 2–3): £6,950 per semester / £13,900 per year. ✝. - Scramblers Half Day (Ages 3–4): £4,800 per semester / £9,600 per year. - Scramblers Full Day (Ages 3–4): £6,950 per semester / £13,900 per year. ✝. - Pre-K Half Day (Ages 4–5): £5,700 per semester / £11,400 per year. - Pre-K Full Day (Ages 4–5): £7,800 per semester / £15,600 per year. - Kindergarten (Ages 5–6): £12,900 per semester / £25,800 per year. - Grades 1–2 (Ages 6–8): £14,490 per semester / £28,980 per year. - Grades 3–4 (Ages 8–10): £14,580 per semester / £29,160 per year. - Grades 5–6 (Ages 10–12): £17,100 per semester / £34,200 per year. - Grades 7–8 (Ages 12–14): £17,250 per semester / £34,500 per year. - Grades 9–10 (Ages 14–16): £19,170 per semester / £38,340 per year. - Grade 11 (Ages 16–17): £19,200 per semester / £38,400 per year. (Tuition for Grades 11–12 includes university placement support but excludes external exam and university application fees.) - Grade 12 (Ages 17–18): £19,320 per semester / £38,640 per year. (See note above regarding exam/application fees.) (✝ Fee figures shown for Scramblers/Pre-Scramblers Full Day indicate the five-days-per-week charge; fees for individual days are available on request.) Boarding fees (Grades 8–12) - Boarding is available for Grades 8–12. Tuition fees are additional to boarding fees. Boarding fees include an en-suite room, full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and a weekend activity programme. Temporary boarding (subject to availability) is available at a per-night rate. - 5‑day boarding (per semester / annual totals shown): - Grade 8: Boarding £10,260 per semester; Tuition £17,250 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £55,020 per year. - Grades 9–10: Boarding £10,260 per semester; Tuition £19,170 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £58,860 per year. - Grade 11: Boarding £10,260 per semester; Tuition £19,200 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £58,920 per year. - Grade 12: Boarding £10,260 per semester; Tuition £19,320 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £59,160 per year. - 7‑day boarding (per semester / annual totals shown): - Grade 8: Boarding £14,070 per semester; Tuition £17,250 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £62,640 per year. - Grades 9–10: Boarding £14,070 per semester; Tuition £19,170 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £66,480 per year. - Grade 11: Boarding £14,070 per semester; Tuition £19,200 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £66,540 per year. - Grade 12: Boarding £14,070 per semester; Tuition £19,320 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £66,780 per year. - Temporary boarding: £135 (inc. VAT) per student per night, full board, up to a maximum of 45 nights per academic year, subject to availability. Transport (busing) fees - Door-to-door (home to school) service — per semester / annual: - Zone 1: Single £1,180 / £2,360; Return £1,830 / £3,660. - Zone 2: Single £1,270 / £2,540; Return £1,950 / £3,900. - Zone 3: Single £1,400 / £2,800; Return £2,160 / £4,320. - Shuttle service — per semester / annual: - Zone 1: Single £630 / £1,260; Return £870 / £1,740. - Zone 2: Single £670 / £1,340; Return £1,020 / £2,040. - Zone 3: Single £750 / £1,500; Return £1,170 / £2,340. - Late bus single-journey charges (non‑PM bus users): Zone 1 £6, Zone 2 £7, Zone 3 £8 per journey. Bus fees are provisional and subject to change. Additional recurring or conditional costs - External exam fees (charged in addition to tuition): approximately £700 for the full IB Diploma, £125 per AP Standard exam and £150 per AP Capstone exam (charges may change if examining bodies amend their fees). - University application fees: US university application fees vary (typically between $50 and $150 per application); UCAS (UK) charge £27.50 (up to five choices). - Annual IT service fee: £60 (inc. VAT) for Grades 9–12. - Lost iPads: accidental damage is generally covered; lost or misplaced iPads are charged up to £350. Deliberate damage or misuse incurs repair/replacement charges. - Lost or damaged textbooks: charges apply for textbooks/library books lost or damaged beyond fair wear and tear. - Co-curricular activities and trips: some activities and visits incur additional charges; some are included in tuition. - SEN (Level 3) support for moderate needs: charged at £4,500 per year (£2,250 per semester). Services for mild needs are included in tuition. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are issued twice a year (once per semester). For the 2025–2026 academic year the invoicing dates provided are: - 1st semester invoice issue date: 04 June 2025; due date: 18 June 2025. - 2nd semester invoice issue date: 05 November 2025; due date: 19 November 2025. - Any bank charges incurred when making payment are debited to the student's school-fees account. ACS is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit-related regulated activities. Fee payment methods and options - Accepted payment methods include debit and credit cards, Sterling (GBP) cheque drawn on a UK bank account, and direct payments (BACS, wire transfer, etc.) into the ACS bank account. Payment in US Dollars is accepted via the specified USD bank account after obtaining an exchange rate from the School Fees Office. Quoting the student number is requested when making direct payments. A monthly instalment plan is available for parents paying school fees themselves. Refunds and returned payments - The enrolment deposit (£1,500) is refundable and will be returned within three months of contract termination, net of outstanding liabilities. Any other refunds or notice-period liabilities are handled in accordance with the School's fees terms and conditions. Bank charges incurred during payment will be deducted from the paying account and may be recharged to clear the fees account.	Fee details Application fees - No separate application, registration, acceptance deposit, or non‑refundable application fee is published in the school's Schedule of Charges for admissions. Tuition fees (per term and calculated annual total) - Middle Years Programme (MYP): £6,880 per term. Annual total (three terms): £20,640. - Diploma Programme (DP / Sixth Form): £7,995 per term. Annual total (three terms): £23,985. - Programme-year mapping: the MYP covers the school's Years 7–11 intake and the DP covers the Sixth Form (Years 12–13). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is charged termly (three academic terms per year) at the per‑term rates listed above. Monthly payment plans are available via an external School Fee Plan; these can be arranged through the school's admissions/fees administration. Specific payment deadlines, late‑payment penalties, and billing particulars are set out in the school's Terms & Conditions. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school; no boarding fees are published. Other costs and charges - The published Schedule of Charges lists only the termly tuition rates above and does not itemise separate charges for uniform, exam entry fees, trips and visits, school lunches, transport, extracurricular clubs, or specialist resources. Parents should expect that additional optional or compulsory charges for exams, trips, uniforms, meals or activities can be applied and that full particulars are recorded in the school's Terms & Conditions. Refund information - Detailed refund and fee‑adjustment provisions (for example, refunds on withdrawal, cancellation, or overpayment) are contained within the school's Terms & Conditions; the published Schedule of Charges indicates that those particulars apply to the charges above. Fee payment options - The published material confirms availability of monthly payment plans through the School Fee Plan. Specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, direct debit, debit/credit card) are not itemised in the Schedule of Charges; particulars of acceptable payment methods and how to set up instalment plans are provided in the school's fees administration and Terms & Conditions. If you will place this text into an external database, copy the text exactly as shown; the figures above are the published per‑term and calculated annual amounts for the school's MYP and DP tuition and the other items state what is (and is not) published against those charges.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is offered for students aged 13 to 18, with 7-day and 5-day options. Short-term immersion experiences may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Boarders live in two on-site houses, Fields House (ages 13–17) and Woodlands House (ages 16–18), with separate wings for boys and girls, dedicated study areas, lounges, 24-hour security, and an on-site Medical Centre.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school does not require a uniform; there is a dress code that all students follow.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school provides in-house catering; menus are seasonal and follow nutritional guidelines, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers.	Food options A hot meal every day is included in school fees. Special dietary requirements are catered for by prior arrangement and a vegetarian option is provided every day.
House system	House system Two boarding houses form the house system: Fields House (ages 13–17) and Woodlands House (ages 16–18). Each house is run by House Parents and Tutors with dedicated study areas and common rooms; there is 24-hour security and an on-site Medical Centre. A Residential Head of Boarding leads the boarding team.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of ACS International Schools, a charitable organisation. It is NEASC-accredited and IB-authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme; it also participates in the US College Board Advanced Placement programme and holds memberships in ECIS, CIS, ISA, and HMC.	Governance and ownership The school is wholly owned by Alpha Schools Holdings Ltd; Proprietor: Mr Ali Khan.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Senior School follows a future-forward, international curriculum aligned with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Advanced Placement (AP). Middle School covers English, Mathematics, Languages, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, PSHE, Visual and Performing Arts, and Digital Skills. Upper School (Grades 9–10) requires eight subjects: English, Mathematics, Languages, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education & Health, and two additional subjects. High School (Grades 11–12) offers IBDP or AP, and credits toward a High School Diploma. The High School Diploma is NEASC-accredited and recognized by North American colleges and universities. IBDP and AP qualifications are recognised by leading universities worldwide.	Curriculum details The Chalfonts offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, including the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16 and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18, and is an official IB World School. The IB curriculum covers Language and Literature; Language Acquisition (French and Spanish); Mathematics; Sciences; Individuals and Societies; Arts; Physical and Health Education; and Design. The Diploma Programme components include the six subject groups, plus Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay (EE).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Maximum class size is 14 students per class.
Exam results	Exam results IBDP results 2025: average 35/45; highest 44/45; 97% pass rate. AP results 2025: 91% of students achieving a score of 3+; average AP score 3.6; 208 AP students.	Exam results 2025 IB Diploma results: 100% pass rate; average points 33.2; 98% of students achieved grades A–C in Theory of Knowledge and 88% achieved A–C in the Extended Essay.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates go on to leading universities in the UK, the US, and the rest of the world.	Higher education progression Leavers' destinations include the University of Oxford; the University of Edinburgh; the University of Warwick; Paris School of Business; the University of Bath; the University of Sheffield; the University of Southampton; and the Ministry of Defence.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Wellbeing is an integral part of ACS Cobham, with a dedicated wellbeing team providing a safe, healthy, and respectful environment. The Pastoral Team works to support students' health, wellbeing, academics, and everyday life, offering both individual and group support and coordinating with families. Counsellors collaborate with parents and teachers to identify needs and may refer to external professionals when appropriate. PSHE is embedded across the curriculum to develop compassionate, confident, and responsible individuals, reinforced through advisory structures and whole-cohort activities. Student wellbeing ambassadors and a proactive wellbeing program ensure student voices are heard in campaigns and initiatives, while a Medical Centre on site offers medical support for physical and mental health needs. DEIB and inclusive practices run throughout, and boarding welfare is supported by a dedicated team and wellbeing initiatives.	Social & emotional learning The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School emphasizes enquiry, critical thinking and international mindedness within its IB framework, guided by values such as cohesion, inclusivity, compassion and collaboration.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) ACS Cobham provides Special Education Needs and Disability (SEN/D) provision in line with the organisation's SEN/D policy. The policy defines SEN as difficulties that require extra educational provision and identifies four broad areas of need: communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health, and sensory and/or physical needs. It promotes inclusive practice, removing barriers to learning, high-quality teaching, early identification, and regular review with family involvement. Service provision follows a multi-tier system (MTSS) with dedicated SEN staff, integration into mainstream classes, and a mix of universal, targeted, and specialist supports; on-site provision and access to external specialists are coordinated by case managers. Regular Student Services Teams, staff training, and the use of assistive technologies support learning, with additional supports determined by individual needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) Not specified on the provided pages.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The EAL programme helps students achieve proficiency in academic English to thrive in a global community and succeed in AP and IBDP courses. The programme is personalised for each learner and includes Intensive English Courses with small-group instruction led by EAL specialists, initially up to three lessons per day. Academic Language Development provides in-class support for math, science, and humanities to help students analyse complex texts and write effectively in English. A dedicated case manager monitors each learner's progress, using the WIDA framework to benchmark growth across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The EAL approach uses Universal Design for Learning to ensure accessibility, with boarding offering additional homework support and opportunities to maintain home languages; IB Diploma students can pursue self-taught literature options toward the IB Bilingual Diploma. Graduates routinely go on to top universities in the UK, US, and elsewhere.	English as an additional language Not specified on the provided pages.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported as part of the school's overall wellbeing program. A central wellbeing team and dedicated pastoral staff create a safe, healthy environment founded on mutual respect and trust. The Pastoral Team strengthens health, wellbeing, academics, and life skills, with both individual and group support and collaboration with families. Several full-time counsellors work with parents and teachers to address needs, with external referrals used when necessary. PSHE education promotes resilience, digital citizenship, healthy relationships, and personal development across year groups, guided by a proactive wellbeing program and student wellbeing ambassadors. The Ready to Thrive initiative provides safe spaces and wellbeing hubs, and there are wellbeing ambassadors and student voice channels to influence wellbeing campaigns. The school operates a Medical Centre with nurses and links to local care to support physical and mental health, and boarders receive 24/7 welfare support, including the Lotus Project for regular one-to-one coaching. DEIB is embedded across the community, ensuring inclusive support for neurodiversity and mental health needs.	Mental wellbeing Not specified on the provided pages.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ACS Cobham follows the Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy (publication date September 2025) to keep children safe and secure in ACS schools. The policy affirms that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and aims to provide a safe, welcoming environment where concerns can be raised and addressed promptly. It aligns with statutory and local guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, and sets out roles and responsibilities for staff, trustees, and leadership. The policy enshrines a zero-tolerance approach to sexual violence and harassment and emphasizes early identification of risk, collaboration with parents and external agencies, and high-quality safeguarding practice across the school. It also covers reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns, the involvement of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Local Authority processes, and coordination with local safeguarding partnerships. All staff are required to uphold safeguarding duties, with on-site and partner resources used to support children in need or at risk.	Safeguarding Not specified on the provided pages.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Our campus features state-of-the-art facilities across the Senior School division and a dedicated Lower School Village. The Senior School includes Apple Technology IT labs, interactive classrooms and extensive science labs, plus a University Counselling zone. The Lower School Village houses a new science lab and a Discovery Centre with a library and digital hub for robotics and coding, a visual arts space and a performing arts studio. The Hive provides a hands-on space for technology exploration beyond screen time. The Poularas Performing Arts Centre offers a 500+ seat auditorium, three music classrooms, a music technology suite, practice rooms and two drama studios; there are three libraries (Lower, Middle and High) and an Innovation Centre with 3D printers and laser cutting, plus an Interactive Learning Centre (134 seats), a film studio and a dedicated Medical Centre.	Facilities overview The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School is a co-educational, independent secondary school in High Wycombe, South Buckinghamshire. With a maximum class size of fourteen students, classrooms are arranged around Harkness tables as part of the Harkness Method. The Harkness Method combines with a five-surface classroom approach to support a modern, discussion-based learning environment. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Programme, including the Middle Years Programme (ages 11-16) and the Diploma Programme (ages 16-18). The ISI 2024 inspection notes well-maintained facilities and a wide range of resources to support learning, with plans to create new sports facilities and additional classrooms. On-site facilities support an extensive extra-curricular programme, with activities also taking place at local venues.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus features an all-weather floodlit surface with AstroTurf and a running track for football, rugby and athletics, along with football pitches and rugby fields. There is a 25 metre competition-class swimming pool and an Esports offering with six full-sized gaming rigs. A sports arena provides an international-sized basketball and volleyball show court with seating for 280 spectators, plus a dance studio and a fitness suite. Six tennis courts are located near the sports centre and the golf facilities include five par-3 practice holes, with training at Silvermere Golf Course in spring. A 5km cross-country course runs through the campus, and outdoor learning includes Forest School and other outdoor spaces.	Sports facilities The Chalfonts offers sport including swimming, volleyball, basketball, cross country running, football, climbing, cricket, hockey, tennis, badminton and athletics. An extensive extra-curricular sports programme uses facilities on site and at local venues. The school plans to create new sports facilities to further enhance its provision. On-site facilities support the school's sport offering and related activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include Apple Technology IT labs and interactive classrooms used across the Senior School. There are four fully equipped science laboratories on the top floor, plus a flexible-use classroom, two EAL classrooms, a science prep room and chemical storage, and a science staffroom. The Discovery Centre provides a library and digital hub for robotics and coding in the Lower School Village, alongside a visual arts space and a performing arts studio. The Innovation Centre houses 3D printers and laser cutting technology for STEM projects, and the Interactive Learning Centre is a 134-seat tiered lecture facility with audio and video capabilities. A film studio supports media production and post-production work, and a dedicated Medical Centre provides health care on site.	Academic facilities The Chalfonts uses the Harkness Method in classrooms with board-room style tables. Class sizes are limited to fourteen students. The school is an official IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme. Five Surfaces provide a framework for thinking across the curriculum, incorporating ATL skills. Facilities are well-maintained and accompanied by a wide range of resources to support learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The performing arts program is housed in the Poularas Performing Arts Centre, with three music classrooms, a music technology suite, practice rooms, two drama studios, performance spaces and a 500+ seat auditorium. A film studio enables students to work with industry‑standard software. Esports is supported with six full-sized gaming rigs. The sports program includes an international-sized basketball and volleyball show court in the Sports Arena, a spacious dance studio, a fitness suite, six tennis courts, a five par-3 golf course on campus and training at Silvermere Golf Course, and a 5km cross-country course. Outdoor learning features a Forest School and extensive outdoor spaces for fieldwork and exploration.	Extra curricular facilities The extra-curricular programme is extensive and uses facilities on site and at local venues. Arts activities include school plays and artistic practice, with productions such as The Importance of Being Earnest, A Christmas Carol and The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe. Students can participate in sport, debate and the arts through timetabled and voluntary sessions within the school day. Trips and expeditions supplement the programme, broadening recreational and educational experiences.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ACS Cobham sits on a 128-acre estate in Cobham, Surrey. Heywood House, at the heart of the campus, dates back to 1206 and was once owned by the Heiwude family and later King Leopold of the Belgians. ACS International Schools bought Heywood House in 1975, establishing ACS Cobham. In 2024, ACS Cobham opened the Lower School Village after a £10 million investment, expanding facilities around Heywood House. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025.	History —
Community	Community ACS Cobham has a warm, welcoming atmosphere with an active community of students, teachers, parents, and alumni. It actively promotes global citizenship and belonging. Regular events and campus visits are hosted for the alumni & friends community. The Parents' Association (PSO) organizes events throughout the school year, including the International Fair that celebrates customs, culture, and food from around the globe.	Community The Chalfonts Independent Grammar School is a non-faith-based, co-educational community that supports religious and cultural expression while upholding British values of rule of law, democracy, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of other faiths and beliefs. Assemblies are held regularly to recognise students' good work, and are often student-led, covering traditions, current affairs, health and social issues, spirituality and student achievements. Agora holistic learning lessons explore what it means to live a flourishing life and to prepare for the stresses of living in our ever-changing community. Prep provides time to review work, plan projects and revise, with clear curriculum maps and a balance between independent study and traditional homework.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The PSO is a vibrant part of school life. It welcomes all parents to volunteer their time and enthusiasm to keep the community thriving. It organizes events throughout the year, including the International Fair that celebrates customs, culture, and food from around the world. The PSO coordinates with staff to support school life and enrich student experiences. The PSO fosters parental involvement and connections within the ACS Cobham community.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Upper and High School clubs include a wide range of academic and competitive activities. Examples include Business & Economics Debate Society, Economics Competition, Maths Competition, Model United Nations, Chemistry Club, Physics Club and Computer Science. Many clubs are student led and foster critical thinking and collaborative skills. Some teacher-led courses are available each year; details are available from the Admissions Team.	Academic & intellectual The school runs the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which helps students develop confidence, responsibility and a well-rounded set of skills through activities in the areas of Skill, Physical Development, Volunteering and Expedition. Completing the award provides a sense of achievement and strengthens a student's CV. The Global Classroom initiative gives real-world learning opportunities, with examples such as Art and History in Florence, Geography and Science in Iceland, outdoor survival in Finland and skiing in Italy. In addition to overseas trips, students visit historic and cultural sites around London, Oxford and Cambridge.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Clubs and activities in the arts include Art Club, Drama productions, Film & Content Creation, and the Fashion Show. These opportunities allow students to develop creativity and performance skills outside the classroom. Many clubs are student-led.	Arts & creative The school offers a wide range of arts and creative clubs, including Art, Drama, Choir/Close Harmony, Dance, Film, Photography, Debating, Digital Journalism/Writing and Gardening. Students are encouraged to propose new clubs, with ideas supported by staff. The clubs complement the academic curriculum and foster creativity, collaboration and communication.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Culture and language activities include the Asian Culture Society and Spanish Film. These clubs promote cross-cultural understanding and language-related exploration. They offer intercultural experiences beyond standard lessons.	Cultural & language The school provides cultural and language-enriched experiences through the Global Classroom, where students explore the curriculum in real-world settings such as Art and History in Florence and Geography and Science in Iceland. Outdoor learning includes activities in Finland and skiing in Italy. Beyond overseas trips, students visit historic and cultural sites around London, Oxford and Cambridge.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Social and hobby clubs include Chess, Futsal, and Trading Card Game. These clubs provide after-school opportunities to connect with peers and pursue interests beyond the classroom. Many clubs are student-led.	Social & hobbies Students can take part in a variety of after-school clubs and societies. Clubs can include Art, Basketball, Badminton, Chess, Choir/Close Harmony, Computing, Cricket, Dance, Debating, Digital Journalism/Writing, Drama, Film, Football, Gardening, Outdoor Adventures, Photography, Table Tennis, Tennis and Yoga. New clubs can be proposed by students and are supported by staff. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is run as part of the extra-curricular programme.
Community & service	Community & service Service Learning Clubs include ACS Eco Club, Cancer Relief Group, Education for Madagascar, Gardening, Knit for Peace, Refugee Action Club, Pass on Hope, Our Minds First and more. These groups engage in local and global outreach projects and charitable work. They complement academic study with civic involvement.	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is run at The Chalfonts, and volunteering is one of its core areas. The scheme also includes Skill, Physical Development and Expedition, which together help pupils develop a sense of responsibility and community-mindedness. Completing the award offers a structured path to personal growth and a meaningful addition to a CV.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Duke of Edinburgh Award is available, and National Honor Society is listed. Students can develop leadership and professional skills through clubs such as the Business & Economics Debate Society, Investment Club, Economics Competition, and Model United Nations. Many of these opportunities are student-led and supported by faculty as needed.	Leadership & professional Clubs are created with input from students, who can propose new ideas and set up groups with staff backing. Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme develops leadership, teamwork and organisational skills. Global Classroom experiences broaden independence and global leadership, while collaborative learning in the Harkness Method supports communication and professional readiness.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing and fitness are supported by sport oriented clubs such as Yoga, Athletic Development and Futsal. These activities complement physical education and promote health and teamwork. Some clubs are fee-based and others are free; details are available via the Admissions Team.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school provides a broad sports program, including swimming, volleyball, basketball, cross country running, football, climbing, cricket, hockey, tennis, badminton and athletics. The program promotes a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle, while teaching team spirit, self-confidence, good sportsmanship and discipline. We also encourage aerobics, dance and yoga and offer a range of extra-curricular sporting activities.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision World Languages (French or Spanish) are taught in Lower School. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available from Grade 1. The Senior School offers the Home Language Enrichment (HLE) programme, free of charge, to help Grades 6 to 10 students maintain their home language and culture. Languages offered through HLE include Arabic, Bahasa, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, Portugese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish, with offerings subject to change each academic year depending on demand and teacher availability.	Language provision French and Spanish are taught via the communicative approach in Language Acquisition. Language and Literature is studied within the IB Programme. Students learn and practice both languages through interaction with each other and the teacher, studying French and Spanish works, including literature in both languages, and through practice in the classroom and at home to give a rounded ability to use both languages in all types of situations. The IB curriculum emphasises global perspective and intercultural understanding, providing a well-rounded education.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry — Find out what ACS Cobham offers in terms of curriculum and facilities to ensure it is the best fit for your child. We recommend visiting for an Open Day or Personal Tour to explore the campus, meet our academic staff and discuss admissions with the team. You can make an enquiry to begin the process. We operate a rolling admission process, with applications accepted year‑round and students may start at any point in the academic year, subject to availability. 2. Application — You can apply all year around as long as your child has the right to study in the UK. Each application is accompanied by a non‑refundable application fee paid online. 3. Review — Once your online application is completed, it will be assessed by the Admissions Team, taking into account all information provided. We will contact you if any additional documents are required and inform you of the outcome as soon as we can. 4. Admission — If your application is successful, we will contact you with an offer of a place for your child. To secure the place, a non‑refundable enrolment deposit is required, which is set against the second semester tuition/boarding fees. For more details of application fees, deposits and tuition costs, see Fees. Should your child's application be successful, but the grade or programme applied for is at capacity, your child will be waitlisted. When a place becomes available, we will contact you immediately to complete the rest of the admission process. 5. Welcome — Our team will provide you with all the necessary information (cafeteria, transport, school platforms, subject selection, visa compliance, etc.) prior to the first day of school to ensure a smooth start for everyone.	Admissions 1. Book a Personal Tour or attend an Open Day to experience the school firsthand. A personal tour can be arranged by completing the admissions form, and an Admissions Team member will contact you to schedule the visit. Open Days are held to give families an overview of the school, facilities, and learning approach. To reserve a place, fill out the online form on the Open Days or Personal Tours & Visits pages. 2. Request a Prospectus to learn more about the school and admissions steps. The Prospectus provides information on the IB Programme, entry points, and how to apply. After you submit the request, the Admissions Team will contact you to discuss next steps and arrange any follow-up conversations. 3. Enter your child's date of birth to discover the key steps to joining us. The entry points correspond to different year groups and registration processes. Your child can join us at any time if there is a place available in their year group. Explore each entry point to understand the joining process for your year group. 4. When a place is available, your child can join at any time. The joining process is guided by the selected entry point and may vary by year group. Explore each entry point to understand the specific steps required for your year group. 5. The Admissions Team will follow up to discuss next steps and ongoing communications. After you engage with a Open Day, personal tour, or prospectus request, the team will be in contact to discuss next steps and answer questions.
Scholarships	Scholarships Bursaries are offered to students with exceptional personal and academic potential who would benefit from an ACS education but whose family circumstances mean that affording full school fees cannot be met. The ACS bursary programme has been suspended for the academic year 2026/2027; details for 2027/2028 will be published in 2026. Applicants must be a UK resident, live within the school's bus catchment area, and have the right to remain; each bursary application is assessed individually. Bursary awards can cover up to 100% of tuition for up to seven years and may include additional costs; the amount is calculated after assessing income and financial assets, with annual review. All bursaries are means-tested.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist If a grade or programme is at capacity, applicants are waitlisted. When a place becomes available, the school contacts families immediately to complete the admission process.	Waitlist —
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