International School of London - Chiswick vs Southbank International School - Kensington Campus

	I International School of London - Chiswick London, United Kingdom	S Southbank International School - Kensington Campus London, United Kingdom
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year £23,690 - 38,120	Fees / year £20,172 - 38,613
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 11 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)	Curriculum IB (PYP), EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 435	Pupils 160
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1972	Opened 1979
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	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 —	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 —	School type Independent international school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 70 nationalities are represented in the student body; Westminster has over 20 languages taught.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	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 —	Country affiliation United Kingdom
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	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 —	Uniform requirement There are no school uniforms.
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Cognita family of Schools.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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) —	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 —	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 —	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 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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	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 —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	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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