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ACS International School Cobham

United Kingdom, London

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £9,950 - 66,780
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1300
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1975
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Taught languages French, German, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

ACS International School Cobham sits on a 128-acre estate in Cobham, Surrey, providing a co-educational international day and boarding experience for ages 2 to 18. The campus centers on Heywood House, with the Lower School Village opened in 2024 after a £10 million investment, expanding facilities around the historic mansion. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Advanced Placement (AP), alongside an American curriculum, and awards a NEASC-accredited High School Diploma recognized by North American colleges. Senior, Middle and Lower Schools feature specialist laboratories, Apple technology IT labs, and a dedicated University Counselling zone. The Discovery Centre, libraries, an Innovation Centre with 3D printers and laser cutting, and a 500+ seat Poularas Performing Arts Centre support STEM, arts and media. Extracurricular life includes Esports, a 25m pool, a 280-seat sports arena, six tennis courts, a 5km cross-country course, and a Forest School programme for fieldwork and exploration.

Portsmouth Rd, Hersham, Cobham KT11 1BL, United Kingdom

The Essentials

ACS International School Cobham has 1,300 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

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.

Stages
Lower School (ages 2-10) and Senior School (ages 10-18).

Type
The school is an international day and boarding school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
A diverse international community with 70+ nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) and learning support for students with learning differences.

Country affiliation
England, United Kingdom

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.

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

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.

Uniform Requirement
The school does not require a uniform; there is a dress code that all students follow.

Food Options
The school provides in-house catering; menus are seasonal and follow nutritional guidelines, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers.

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.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at ACS International School Cobham ranges from GBP 9,950 to GBP 66,780 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

ACS International School Cobham teaches IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

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.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to leading universities in the UK, the US, and the rest of the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.

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.

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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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.

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.
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.

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.

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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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