ICS London International School - Primary School vs Southbank International School - Kensington Campus

	I ICS London International School - Primary School London, United Kingdom	S Southbank International School - Kensington Campus London, United Kingdom
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year £22,890 - 28,860	Fees / year £20,172 - 38,613
Age range	Age range 3 - 11 years	Age range 2 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 235	Pupils 160
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1979	Opened 1979
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ICS London operates on two central London campuses: the Early Years & Primary Campus at 7B Wyndham Place, London W1H 1PN, and the Secondary & Diploma Campus at 21 Star Street, London W2 1QB. The campuses are between Hyde Park and The Regent's Park, a short walk apart and minutes from the West End, with easy transport connections.	Location Southbank International School operates across three Central London campuses located in Hampstead, Kensington and Westminster. The Westminster campuses include Conway Street and Cleveland Street sites. The MYP is taught at 63–65 Portland Place, London W1B 1QJ and the Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme at 377–381 Euston Road, London NW1 3AU. Early Childhood and Primary are taught at the Kensington and Hampstead campuses.
Stages	Stages Early Years; Primary Years (PYP); Middle Years (MYP); iGCSE Programme; Diploma Years (DP).	Stages Early Childhood Years (2*-5), Primary Years Programme (5-11), Middle Years Programme (11-16), Diploma Programme (16-18), IB Career-related Programme (16-18).
School type	School type Private co-educational day school.	School type Independent international school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The student body includes more than 50 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix 70 nationalities are represented in the student body; Westminster has over 20 languages taught.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support One-to-one and/or small-group provision for English as an Additional Language (EAL) and for learners with learning differences.	Additional learning support The school provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL); staff differentiate instruction and provide accommodations in teaching and assessments; supports include developing Student Support Plans and collaboration with parents and external specialists.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United Kingdom	Country affiliation United Kingdom
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Typical day begins with a warm morning welcome, followed by timetable-based learning for Early Years, Primary, MYP and Diploma, with breaks and lunch, dedicated homework time and a range of extracurricular activities.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Door-to-door bus service is available to collect students from home in the morning and deliver them to the front door at the end of the school day.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition fees (Academic Year 2025–26) - Nursery – Reception (age 3–4): GBP 7,630 per term; GBP 22,890 per annum. - Years 1–4 (age 5–8): GBP 9,490 per term; GBP 28,470 per annum. - Years 5–6 (age 9–10): GBP 9,620 per term; GBP 28,860 per annum. - Years 7–11 (MYP / iGCSE, age 11–15): GBP 10,950 per term; GBP 32,850 per annum. - Years 12–13 (Diploma Programme, age 16–19): GBP 11,400 per term; GBP 34,200 per annum. Application and new-student (one-off / first year) fees - Registration fee (non-refundable, non-transferable): GBP 250. - Refundable deposit: GBP 1,500 (held by the school until the student leaves and refunded subject to the school's refund conditions). - School Development Fee (first-year fee): GBP 1,880. Additional School Development Fees may apply in subsequent years as set out on the fees list. Examination fees - iGCSE examination charge (one-off; subject to variation by subjects taken): GBP 700 (indicative). - IB Diploma (DP2) examination charge (one-off; subject to change; added to Summer invoice): GBP 800 (indicative). Optional academic and additional costs (per term / per annum where shown) - Intensive EAL support: GBP 2,950 per term; GBP 8,850 per annum. - Intermediate EAL support: GBP 1,600 per term; GBP 4,800 per annum. - Additional language tuition: GBP 1,550 per term; GBP 4,650 per annum. - Online Diploma course annual fee (conditions apply): GBP 1,000. - Lunch is included within the tuition fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - An Admissions Invoice is issued with the offer and must be paid to accept the place. The Admissions Invoice is payable within 14 days of the invoice date. The Admissions Invoice includes tuition, the refundable deposit, the School Development Fee and other relevant charges. - Fees for each term are due and payable as cleared funds before the commencement of the School Term to which they relate, unless a separate deferment agreement is in place. If an invoice item is under query, the balance of the invoice must still be paid. - Students enrolling under the Child Student visa sponsorship regime are required to pay a full year's tuition fees in advance and cannot enrol for less than one full academic year. - Instalment arrangements or fees-in-advance schemes are possible only by separate agreement with the school. - Late payment may incur simple interest charged daily at up to 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate; the school may take recovery action for unpaid fees, and may exclude a student on short notice for overdue fees. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. ICS London operates as a co-educational day school for ages 3–19, so there are no boarding fees. Other costs (uniform, transport, extras) - A school uniform is required for Primary and Secondary students; Diploma (IB Years) students follow a smart-casual dress code and do not wear the standard uniform. School ties are optional and are available for purchase. Uniform items are ordered through the school's uniform supplier. Costs for individual uniform items are charged separately by the supplier. - School transport (bus service) and related charges are additional where used; details and routes are published by the school and transport charges are separate from tuition. - Miscellaneous extras that may be charged include curriculum-related trips, examination fees, special education support fees (where lawfully charged), photographs, damage to school property, and other items requested by parents. These items are listed under the school's definition of fees and may be invoiced in addition to tuition. Refund information - Except where there is a legal liability or the school's terms provide otherwise, fees will not be refunded, reduced or waived for absence through illness, shortened terms, temporary school closures (including adverse weather or operation through remote learning), early release before the normal end of term, or for other routine events. Refunds or waivers are only made in exceptional circumstances at the Head's discretion. - The refundable deposit is returned only where the refund is requested in writing to the finance team within one month of the last day of the term in which the student completed their studies, or where the required notice of withdrawal has been given and other conditions in the terms are met. The school may retain the deposit where conditions are not met. - If a Child Student visa application or visa renewal is refused by UKVI, the school will initiate the refund process for fees paid in advance on receipt of the official visa rejection. Fee payment options and practical notes on payment - Fees must be paid as cleared funds before the start of the relevant term. The school reserves the right to refuse payment if it is not satisfied as to the identity of the payer or the source of funds. Payments from third parties may be accepted but do not release parents from liability unless a formal release has been given. The school may accept payments via third-party credit providers subject to indemnity and separate agreement. Specific payment channels (for example bank transfer, third-party card provider arrangements, or other methods) are handled through the school's finance team and the Admissions/Finance contact on invoices. Summary - Tuition and one-off/new-student fees for Academic Year 2025–26 are stated above by year group and per term/per annum. Additional/optional academic services, examination charges, deposit and development fees are listed above. Fees must be paid as cleared funds before each term; the Admissions Invoice is due within 14 days; late payment attracts interest and the school has specific exclusion and recovery rights. The school is a day school (no boarding fees) and a school uniform is required for most year groups, purchased separately through the supplier.	Fee details Application fee - A non-refundable application fee is charged for each child. The standard application fee is GBP 300 per application. One-time and enrolment charges (first year only) - Refundable tuition deposit (one-off): GBP 2,000. - Capital development / facilities fee (one-off, first year): GBP 3,000. Tuition fees by year group (per term and per year) Fees are shown in full-year and per-term amounts (three terms per school year). Amounts are in GBP. - Early Childhood / Nursery (Nurs.2, age 2): Per term GBP 6,724 — Per year GBP 20,172. - Kindergarten / Kindg.1 (age 3): Per term GBP 6,724 — Per year GBP 20,172. - Kindergarten / Kindg.2 (age 4): Per term GBP 8,934 — Per year GBP 26,802. - Kindergarten / Kindg.3 (age 5): Per term GBP 10,752 — Per year GBP 32,256. - Grade 1 (age 6): Per term GBP 10,752 — Per year GBP 32,256. - Grade 2 (age 7): Per term GBP 10,752 — Per year GBP 32,256. - Grade 3 (age 8): Per term GBP 11,071 — Per year GBP 33,213. - Grade 4 (age 9): Per term GBP 11,071 — Per year GBP 33,213. - Grade 5 (age 10): Per term GBP 11,071 — Per year GBP 33,213. - Grades 6–10 (ages 11–15): Per term GBP 12,363 — Per year GBP 37,089. - Grades 11–12 / Sixth Form (ages 16–17): Per term GBP 12,871 — Per year GBP 38,613. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is invoiced on a termly basis. To secure an offered place, the tuition deposit and the first term's fees must be paid within the school's required period (typically within seven days of an offer). Failure to meet payment terms can affect enrolment status. Boarding fees - Southbank operates as a day school; boarding services are not provided and there are no boarding fees. Other costs and additional fees - School bus / shuttle services: charges apply for door-to-door bus services and inter-campus shuttles; these are invoiced in addition to tuition. Example historical/standard figures for transport services include two-way door-to-door and shuttle charges invoiced per term. - PTA / parent association fee: an annual PTA charge is applied. - Examination fees (IB), external exam entries, residential trip costs, optional extra-curricular activities, specialist equipment (such as calculators for some years) and occasional consumables are charged in addition to tuition as appropriate to the year group and activities. - Uniform and personal school equipment: uniform and personal items are charged separately and vary by campus and age group. Refund information - The tuition deposit is refundable in accordance with the school's published financial terms and conditions. Specific conditions for refunds (timing and circumstances) are set out in the school's financial terms. Fee payment options - Bank transfer / BACS is accepted for application and tuition payments; the school provides bank details for payments. Credit card payments can be processed by the finance office on request. Some specific application payments may require bank transfer rather than card payment; parents should use the school's published payment instructions for the relevant fee.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement A school uniform is worn by students in both the Primary and Secondary School. Diploma Years do not wear a uniform; they follow a smart casual dress code. The uniform includes House t-shirts and the House programme runs across the school from September; school ties are optional and can be purchased through the school.	Uniform requirement There are no school uniforms.
Food options	Food options Healthy, well-balanced hot school meals are available each day in the Dining Room, with halal and vegetarian options always available, or students may bring a healthy packed lunch from home. Lunch is included within the tuition fees.	Food options —
House system	House system House t-shirts are part of the uniform. The House programme runs across the school from September.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ICS London is part of Globeducate, a network of 65+ premium international schools. Globeducate is a leading international K12 education group with schools across 11 countries.	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Cognita family of Schools.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school delivers a bespoke curriculum rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, culminating in the IB Diploma. It serves ages 3 to 18, with Early Years, Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), iGCSE and Diploma Years (DP). On the secondary side, the curriculum is structured into MYP, iGCSE and DP. Language provision includes courses in French, Spanish and Mandarin alongside English. 100% of pupils study at least one additional language at IGCSE and DP levels. The IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning are integrated across the school.	Curriculum details The school has three campuses in central London delivering an IB continuum. Hampstead and Kensington offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–11. Westminster hosts the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). Conway Street hosts the Diploma Programme and MYP, Portland Place hosts MYP, and Cleveland Street hosts DP and MYP. The three campuses are located in Hampstead, Kensington and Westminster, across five sites. The language of instruction is English, with English as an Additonal Language (EAL) support available.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio The school has a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.	Student teacher ratio Average class sizes vary by stage. Typically, PYP classes have 12–18 students, while Lower Senior classes are typically 11–16 students.
Exam results	Exam results Average IB Diploma Programme score: 33.12 points over the last five years, significantly higher than the 24-point pass mark. The school is ranked in the top 20% of UK schools.	Exam results The Diploma Programme (DP) results for the Class of 2023 show a 97.3% pass rate, with an overall average score of 35.1 points. 21% of students achieved 40 points or more, and 25.3% of DP graduates earned a bilingual Diploma. 79% of the cohort scored above the world average of 30.24. Most of Southbank's Diploma students passed the programme in 2023 and gained places at their first-choice universities.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Average IB Diploma Programme score is 33.12 points; 40% of university destinations are ranked among the Top 100 Universities in the world (Times Higher Education, 2021).	Higher education progression The school provides Higher Education and Careers support, including one-to-one meetings with HE/Careers Advisors and guidance through the university application process. Students have access to a Global University Fair and a Careers Fair, and the school hosts dedicated university guidance events. In 2024, graduates are studying at a wide range of universities in the UK, Europe and North America, including institutions such as University College London, King's College London, and other world-class universities.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The school identifies able, gifted and talented students and provides opportunities to extend learning, including the possibility of joining higher-grade classes in primary and participating in extension groups or one-to-one support. Resources for identifying and teaching able, gifted and talented learners include access to specialist guidance, external organisations such as NACE, and IB publications on gifted and talented education. The Language & EAL policies also acknowledge that some EAL students may be gifted or talented.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning ICS London follows a holistic approach to education, with student wellbeing informing all aspects of school life. The aim is to develop well‑rounded, compassionate community‑builders who contribute positively to the school. A PSHRE (Personal, Social, Health and Relationships Education) programme supports students' personal and social development. The programme is complemented by stimulation, academic and physical activities designed to support growth across mind and body. Safeguarding is treated as the highest priority by all staff, with annual safeguarding training and a designated Whole School Safeguarding Lead.	Social & emotional learning The school delivers Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) across Grades 6-12. PSHEE focuses on personal, social, health and economic development and permeates daily life in lessons and extracurricular activities. The programme reinforces school values and aims to develop caring, principled and open-minded individuals who feel valued for who they are and are aware of their place in the world. Units cover mental health, conflict resolution, online safety, relationships and other topics and are taught at all grade levels with age-appropriate content. Advisory and pastoral systems, assemblies and year-group gatherings provide ongoing support for student wellbeing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) ICS London can consider prospective students with physical and/or mental needs, with each application evaluated on an individual basis. The school notes that access to classrooms is via stairs and there is no lift, which may affect wheelchair users. If a special educational need or disability becomes apparent after admission, parents are consulted about reasonable adjustments to support the student. If requirements go beyond what can reasonably be provided, Student Support fees may be charged. Additional information is provided in the ICS London Student Support policy.	Special educational needs (SEN) Southbank has an Inclusion Policy dedicated to providing an inclusive education for all learners. The policy aligns with IBPYP principles, the Equality Act 2010 and Independent School Standards. The Learning Support/SEN policy outlines identification, assessment and provision for students with learning support needs, including the use of an International Individual Learning Plan (IILP). All students receiving learning support have an IILP and progress is reviewed through the school's processes. Support is provided through in-class and targeted Learning Support and Literacy programmes in Primary Years, and through advisor and subject-teacher support in the Middle Years and Diploma Programme, with accommodations as appropriate. From Grade 10 onward there are two counsellors to advise on career and university choices, and the school maintains links with external services and organisations to support learners with learning support needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Language Bridges at ICS London offers courses in French, Spanish and Mandarin alongside English proficiency training. English is the main language of instruction. In the Early Years, children as young as three begin language learning, with two hours of language instruction each week; the Primary Years Programme continues this provision. In the Middle Years, language courses are bespoke in French, Spanish or Mandarin with native-speaking teachers and small class sizes; at IGCSE all students study at least one of these languages. International Student Support welcomes multilingual students; if needed, the school provides EAL support and may offer early IGCSE options; EAL assessments determine eligibility, and EAL fees may apply.	English as an additional language The language of instruction is English. The school offers 20 other languages. Students who need to learn English as an additional language are supported through dedicated EAL lessons.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is central to ICS London's philosophy; the school uses a holistic approach to education, and wellbeing informs all aspects of school life. The timetable includes mental stimulation, physical education and support services to help students thrive. Safeguarding policies are in place to support students throughout their school experience, including meeting the needs of students with medical conditions. The Whole School Safeguarding Incorporating Child Protection policy underpins safeguarding practices and fulfills legal duties. The school community is described as a close, caring environment where staff and students are encouraged to be happy and confident to take on new challenges.	Mental wellbeing Mental health is addressed within PSHEE with age-appropriate topics taught at all grade levels. The PSHEE content includes emotional health and healthy relationships and emphasises social and moral responsibility. The programme reinforces care and empathy within the school community, and the advisory and pastoral system and assemblies provide ongoing support for wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is the action to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm or maltreatment, including physical and mental health and general wellbeing; online safety and content are also covered. A robust PSHRE programme, online monitoring of networks and devices, and workshops support holistic development. Safeguarding is treated as the highest priority; staff receive annual safeguarding training, and a Whole School Safeguarding Lead oversees the programme. In an emergency where a child is at immediate risk, call 999. The safeguarding team and school locations are listed for contact and policy access.	Safeguarding The school has a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. New staff are informed of the names and roles of the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputies at induction. All staff receive annual safeguarding and child protection training. The school is committed to proactively teaching children about safeguarding, including online safeguarding.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ICS London operates two campuses: Wyndham Place for Early Years and Primary, and Star Street for Secondary and Diploma. The Primary site features seven classrooms, three large group teaching rooms and specialist art and music spaces, with a hall that doubles as a dining and performance area and a library in the hall plus a library in every classroom. The Primary site uses the Seymour Centre for sports and swimming, and outdoor spaces at Regent's Park Playground and Paddington Street Gardens for activity. The Secondary site has 16 classrooms, a science lab, a multi-purpose hall and an extensive library; there are dedicated student support spaces and a bring-your-own-device policy. Both campuses are connected to Globeducate and participate in international events and networks.	Facilities overview The Hampstead, Kensington and Westminster campuses are housed in purpose-built or converted buildings with spaces for science, information technology, libraries and the arts, plus social and study areas. Hampstead features an IT suite with Mac computers, a music room, an art room, a multi‑purpose hall and outdoor spaces including an early years playground and an edible garden. Kensington provides a Mac‑based IT Lab, a library/media room, a music room and a multi‑purpose hall, along with a large garden that includes climbing equipment and a sandpit, with access to a dedicated sports centre about 15 minutes by bus. Portland Place has five science labs, a computer lab, art and music rooms, a small hall/theatre and a library with over 5,000 books. Conway Street offers science labs, language suites, a gym and a Library Resource Centre with over 3,800 books. Cleveland Street spans five storeys with specialised classrooms, a large top-floor social space, study and learning pods, a basement design technology lab and an edible courtyard, with access to nearby sports facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Primary students use the Seymour Centre for sports and swimming, and outdoor spaces at Regent's Park Playground and Paddington Street Gardens. The Primary site supports PE and sport through on-site facilities and nearby spaces. The Secondary site makes regular use of Paddington Recreation Ground and the Little Venice Sports Centre for PE and sports activities. Both campuses benefit from access to city-centre facilities for a range of outdoor and indoor sports.	Sports facilities Hampstead has access to a dedicated sports centre nearby featuring a large sports hall, a climbing wall and a dance studio. Kensington's facilities include a dedicated sports centre (about 15 minutes by bus) with a large sports hall, a climbing wall and a dance studio. Portland Place's proximity to Regent's Park enables a wide range of sports and outdoor activities. Conway Street includes a gym as part of its facilities. Cleveland Street students have access to nearby sports facilities as part of the school's broader provision.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Primary School facilities include seven classrooms, three larger group teaching rooms, and dedicated spaces for art and music; the hall doubles as a dining area and performances space, and there is a central library in the hall plus a library in every classroom. The Secondary School site features 16 classrooms, a well-appointed science laboratory, a multi-purpose hall for performances and exhibitions, and an extensive library. There are student support and counselling rooms at the Secondary site, and students are invited to bring in their own laptops to assist their learning in class.	Academic facilities Hampstead includes a Mac‑based IT suite and a well‑equipped music room, with science labs and language suites described among the campus's high‑quality facilities. Kensington offers a Mac‑based IT Lab, a library/media room and a dedicated music room, plus a hall for lunches, sport and concerts and an outdoor garden area. Portland Place provides five science labs, a computer lab, art and music rooms and a library with over 5,000 books. Conway Street has science labs, language suites and a Library Resource Centre with over 3,800 books, while Cleveland Street includes a design technology lab in the basement, a large common space and study pods as part of its five‑storey learning environment.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities ICS London offers a broad extracurricular programme beyond the classroom. Student Leadership includes a Student Council and Model United Nations. Sporting activities include Primary and Secondary Football clubs and table tennis with inter-house competitions. Conferences and Events include art and design projects, debating, visits to cultural venues, and other educational trips. Charity activities are organized by students, including a charity dog walk, Wear it Pink day and Christmas hampers; Performing Arts are delivered through an instrumental programme with Arts International, and Globeducate events provide opportunities for international participation.	Extra curricular facilities Extra‑curricular activities are offered before and after school and during lunch times, including arts clubs, a composition club, concert band, open choir and school productions (art direction and rehearsals).
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ICS opened in Marylebone, central London, in 1979, founded by the Toettcher family to serve children of diplomats and global business people. Initially an English-language school, it grew into a full academic program based on the English national curriculum. In 2006 ICS introduced the International Baccalaureate and expanded to the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. In 2017 ICS joined the global NACE Schools group, and in 2019 NACE became Globeducate, a network of 60+ premium international schools. In 2020 the ICS London brand expanded across Europe as part of Globeducate, with campuses in Paris, Milan, Rome and Nice, and ICS London was recognised as a leading IB school within the group.	History Founded in 1979, Southbank International School was the first UK school to offer all three IB Programmes (PYP, MYP and DP). It operates across three central London campuses—Portland Place, Conway Street and Cleveland Street—with the Diploma Programme delivered at Conway Street and Cleveland Street. The school is part of the Cognita group, which provides governance and network support across its schools. It is an independent, co-educational day school serving students from Pre-K3 through Grade 12.
Community	Community The ICS London mission is to inspire each student to discover their strengths within a community of future leaders, and the vision is to be a community of compassionate and inspired world citizens. The school emphasizes the values of Respect, Integrity, Resilience and Courage to guide student conduct and interaction within its global learning community. The school also states that it aims to provide a global context for learning where all voices are heard. ICS London actively engages the community in wellbeing and cultural initiatives, including the Diana Award Wellbeing Badge, the Globeducate Debate, and International Community Day activities.	Community Southbank has an international community of around sixty nationalities, reflecting its central London location and multi-campus presence. The three campuses—Portland Place, Conway Street and Cleveland Street—foster a cosmopolitan and collaborative learning environment. Discovery Week for Grade 10–11 and Study Week for Grade 12 provide experiential learning and opportunities to build community. The school is located within reach of major London cultural sites, including the British Library, Regent's Park and the British Museum, enriching learning beyond the classroom.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The school has a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that organises events and runs a range of engaged committees. A PTA representative attends Board meetings to help shape the school's future. Many parents volunteer to join the PTA Board, lead committees, or serve as class representatives. PTA activities connect families with school life and support student learning. PTA involvement complements classroom learning and strengthens the school community.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Student Council enables students to influence school life, celebrations and competitions. The Model United Nations group builds a global perspective. Conferences and events include debates and design projects.	Academic & intellectual Diploma students can join academically oriented clubs including the Global Issues Network, Model United Nations, and the United States Academic Decathlon. These clubs extend classroom learning by encouraging research, debate, collaboration, and presentation on international topics. Other academic-oriented activities include Spanish support and the London Exploration Society.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative An instrumental programme runs for years 3–9, with termly recitals. Arts International delivers a performing arts programme for primary and Years 7–9, including acting and singing.	Arts & creative Arts clubs include Composition Club, Concert Band, Open Choir, and School Production (art direction and rehearsals); SING (a cappella), String Orchestra, and Suzuki Violin. There is strong music and performing arts provision with activities such as a School Production and instrumental ensembles. Students can participate before or after school and during lunch times in these activities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school hosts visits to the Institut Francais and participates in Globeducate events, promoting cross-cultural exchange. Globeducate events foster cross-cultural collaboration across the network.	Cultural & language Spanish support and other language-related activities are available. The London Exploration Society offers cultural exploration opportunities around London. Global Issues Network and Model United Nations provide international perspectives and cross-cultural discussion.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Primary and Secondary Football clubs are popular and actively recruit. Table tennis features inter-house competitions and a daily challenge league. Some students compete at high levels while balancing academics.	Social & hobbies Wine Appreciation Society, Yearbook Club, and the Student Newspaper are among social and hobby-based clubs. SING (a cappella) and Open Choir provide music-centered social activities. The London Exploration Society also supports informal cultural learning and social interaction.
Community & service	Community & service Volunteering and giving are encouraged, including a charity dog walk, Wear It Pink day and Christmas hampers. The Student Council selects the charities and plans the events.	Community & service Service as Action (CAS) is a core part of the Diploma Programme, with emphasis on community and charity work. Examples include organising charity fundraisers, volunteering for projects, hosting events for Age UK, and supporting local community initiatives. CAS covers Creativity (arts projects and service), Activity (sports and expeditions), and Service (community service activities).
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Student Council provides leadership in decisions affecting school life and celebrations. The Model United Nations group develops leadership and teamwork. Globeducate events offer leadership experiences through collaboration.	Leadership & professional Students are encouraged to lead activities and take on roles in clubs such as the Student Newspaper and Yearbook Club. The Student Investor Challenge provides entrepreneurship experience. There are opportunities to plan and manage school-wide activities and events as part of the extracurricular program.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sporting activities, including football and table tennis, support fitness and teamwork. The school balances sport with academics and supports students who compete at high levels for their country where applicable.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport is offered to Diploma students including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Climbing, Football, Golf, Gym Work, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball. The school competes in ISSA tournaments and hosts an annual sports day. PSHEE advisory lessons support wellbeing and the Diploma Programme integrates wellbeing with Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS).
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction and English language development is integrated across the curriculum; courses in French, Spanish and Mandarin are offered as additional languages. In Early Years, language learning begins; Primary Years include two hours of language instruction per week. In Middle Years, students take a bespoke language course in French, Spanish or Mandarin with native-speaking teachers; at IGCSE all students continue at least one of these languages; Language Acquisition options include Spanish, Mandarin or French at MYP/IGCSE; the school runs a Mother Tongue Programme (school-supported self-taught Language A) for Diploma level with tutors recruited by the school and annual reassessment. 100% of pupils study at least one additional language at IGCSE and DP levels; language clubs and International Student Support are provided.	Language provision English is the language of instruction and approximately twenty languages are taught as first or second languages. From Kindergarten to Grade 12, students study a second language; in the Primary Years Programme Spanish is integrated within units, in the Middle Years Programme students may continue Spanish or learn French, and in the Diploma Programme there is provision to begin a new language or continue with the language studied in the MYP. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports learners whose English is not their mother tongue; EAL lessons are delivered outside the mainstream classroom, with EAL staff working with classroom teachers, and EAL students exit the program when their language skills meet cognitive demands. Home language development is supported where possible, including separate mother tongue provisions for students whose first language is Spanish, and families are assisted to access books in their home language to maintain cultural identity.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction; there is no formal bilingual programme. English is used across the IB curriculum. Students study additional languages—French, Spanish and Mandarin—and a Mother Tongue Programme is available for students wishing to develop their home language up to Diploma level.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards ISC Telegraph ranking mention (2019) for A-level equivalent results; not a contemporary award—contextual note included in source.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations IB World School; International Baccalaureate Organization recognises ICS London as an IB World School; Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) fully compliant; Independent Schools Association (ISA) member; IBSCA member.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. First Contact: Families are encouraged to contact the Admissions team with questions about the school and to arrange a campus tour. The dedicated Admissions team can be reached by email or phone to organise a personalised visit. Book a Visit is available to arrange this. 2. Submit an application via OpenApply: The application takes around 15 minutes to complete. Have the following information at hand: applicant's full personal information (name, date of birth, passport number and photo); parent or guardian personal information (name and contact details); proposed start date and visa information. If applying for multiple students, each applicant must submit an individual application. 3. The Admissions team makes contact: The Admissions team will contact applicants' parents/guardians directly to discuss the application. This is a good time to ask questions about the school or the admissions process. 4. Letter of Offer: Once Admissions has reviewed all information, a place may be offered. To accept the offer, complete and return the online acceptance forms.	Admissions Southbank is a non-selective school with rolling admissions. Applications are accepted year-round, subject to availability, and submitted online via our application system. Our admissions process is a five-step path designed for simplicity: 1. Start by reviewing the Admissions Policy and using the age placement chart to determine the correct grade (the school uses the American grading system); 2) Prepare the documents required for the online application for the relevant programme (PYP, MYP, DP/CP); 3) Begin and submit your online application; 4) Pay a non-refundable application fee of £300 (inc. VAT); debit or credit cards are not accepted; 5) The Admissions Committee reviews completed applications in 7–10 working days. If a place is available, you will receive a formal offer and the first term's invoice; if not, your child will be placed on the waiting list and we will notify you when a place becomes available.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Milton Toubkin Scholarship: a two-year award for new Diploma Programme entrants (Grade 11 to Grade 12) that covers 100% of tuition fees and 50% of capital development fees for the duration of the scholarship. The family remains responsible for the £2,000 refundable deposit, PTA fees, residential events, and IB Diploma exam fees. Eligibility: new students only; must have immigration status to enroll and a reasonable daily commute; must meet criteria including above-average academic achievement and potential; evidence of extracurricular interests; commitment to Southbank and the IB curriculum; commitment to the IB Learner Profile; high standard of English (online English test required).
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waitlist: If a place is not immediately available after a successful application, the student is placed on the waiting list and we will notify you when a place becomes available.
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