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Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Sport, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
The American School in London (ASL) is an independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, ages 4 to 18. It follows an American-style, standards-based curriculum and offers Advanced Placement courses across a broad range of subjects; more than 20 AP courses are available, and the program draws students from across London and beyond who pursue college-ready coursework outside the United States. In the Lower and High School, students study English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language in a structure aligned with US standards. The campus blends advanced facilities with riverside access: the MILL makerspace, two libraries, athletic facilities including a 25-meter pool, and the Boathouse for rowing on the River Thames. Notable campus spaces host assemblies and performing arts productions in the School Center for Education and the Arts. ASL also runs vibrant after-school programs, a diverse array of clubs, and a Summer Program.
1 Waverley Pl, London NW8 0NP, United Kingdom
Gallery
The school has not added photos
The Essentials
The American School in London has 1,350 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.
Location
One Waverley Place, London NW8 0NP, United Kingdom
Stages
Lower School (K1-Grade 4); Middle School (Grades 5-8); High School (Grades 9-12)
Type
Independent day school (preK–12)
Pupil Nationality Mix
70 nationalities represented; most common nationality: United States; 74% of students hold USA citizenship; 59% hold citizenship in a country other than the USA
Additional learning support
English as an additional language (EAL); educational psychology; K-12 counseling; learning support (SLD); speech and language therapy
Country affiliation
United States; uses an American curriculum
School day structure
Semester calendar with a block schedule; eight-day cycle with four 70–80 minute class periods per day; Middle School starts each day with advisory and there are short transitions between classes
Bus service
Daily bus service for students from K–Grade 12 with door-to-door service for most families; when door-to-door is not possible, a nearby pick-up point is designated; transport office available by phone or email (transport office 7 am–5 pm)
Diving Deeper
Boarding Arrangements
Day school; no boarding
Food Options
Catering is available; lunch is provided
Governance and Ownership
Governing body is the Board of Trustees; it oversees mission and values, appoints and supports the Head of School, and supervises financial and institutional affairs; day-to-day administration is delegated to the Head.
Fees
Annual tuition at The American School in London ranges from GBP 40,188 to GBP 46,428 for 2026/27.
Application fee - A non‑refundable application fee of £360 (inclusive of VAT) is required for each application.
Tuition fees by school division (annual and per semester) - Lower School (K1–Grade 4): Annual tuition £40,188 (including VAT). Per semester (two equal installments): £20,094. (Tuition excluding VAT: £33,490; VAT 20%: £6,698). - Middle School (Grades 5–8): Annual tuition £44,616 (including VAT). Per semester: £22,308. (Tuition excluding VAT: £37,180; VAT 20%: £7,436). - High School (Grades 9–12): Annual tuition £46,428 (including VAT). Per semester: £23,214. (Tuition excluding VAT: £38,690; VAT 20%: £7,738).
Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is organized on a semester basis. Annual tuition is billed in two equal installments (one per semester). Semester 1 fees are due 1 June; Semester 2 fees are due 1 November. Tuition paid by the Semester 1 due date is refundable only if written notice of withdrawal is received on or before 15 June; Semester 2 tuition paid by the due date is refundable only if written notice of withdrawal is received on or before 15 November. Withdrawing part way through a semester does not reduce charges or permit a refund for that semester. Student accounts more than seven days overdue will be charged interest (3 percent above base rate per annum) from the day after the due date until paid. The School reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission if payment is not received by the due date.
Tuition deposit and acceptance conditions - A tuition and re‑enrollment deposit of £3,000 (inclusive of VAT) becomes due when a student is accepted for admission or offered re‑enrollment. For students enrolling for a full academic year the deposit is applied (without interest) toward Semester II tuition. The tuition deposit is non‑refundable.
Capital fee (new students) - A one‑time capital fee of £2,400 (inclusive of VAT) is payable by families of new students when joining the School. For the 2025–26 transition measure, siblings of students already enrolled in 2024–25 are exempt from this fee; otherwise the fee applies to new students.
Specific Learning Differences (SLD) program fees - Part‑time SLD support: £4,740 (including VAT). - Full‑time SLD support: £9,300 (including VAT).
Transport (bus) fees - Two‑way bus service: £4,830 per annum (transport fees are exempt from VAT). - One‑way bus service: £3,150 per annum (transport fees are exempt from VAT). - Partial refunds for transport fees are available if the service is canceled within two weeks of the time the student begins taking the bus; transport fees are not eligible for refund after that time.
Other costs and optional fees - Tuition does not include certain supplemental charges such as the Ecology trip and Music Tour for band/orchestra/choir members; some middle and high school classes may have occasional additional travel costs. Tuition does not include expenses for extracurricular trips (for example athletics or Model UN) or some optional activities and tours. Voluntary Parent Community Association dues are included on the first tuition bill. Uniform and spiritwear are sold through ASL merchandise outlets and booster shops; those items are charged separately through the school's merchandise channels. Catering and student catering accounts are operated via a cashless system (iPayimpact) and catering purchases and meal plans are charged separately.
Refund information - The tuition deposit (£3,000) is non‑refundable. Semester tuition payments are refundable only within the short windows described above (payments made by 1 June refundable until 15 June for Semester 1; payments made by 1 November refundable until 15 November for Semester 2) when written notice of withdrawal is received on or before the stated refund deadline. There is no pro‑rata reduction or refund for withdrawing part way through a semester. Partial refunds for transport fees are available only if the bus service is cancelled within two weeks of the student beginning to use the service.
Fee payment currency and related notes - Tuition and fees are expressed in UK pounds sterling. Once a family has established residency in the UK, payment is normally required in sterling. For families not yet resident in the UK, the application fee and the tuition deposit may be paid in US dollars at the exchange rate established by the School; the School does not normally accept other currencies. Catering and on‑campus purchases use the iPayimpact cashless system for which families add funds to the student account.
Summary of items to expect on invoices - Semester tuition installment (one of two equal installments). - Tuition and re‑enrollment deposit (charged on acceptance and applied to Semester II for full‑year enrolments). - Capital fee (one‑time charge for new students). - Specific programme fees (e.g., SLD part‑ or full‑time). - Transport (bus) fees if selected. - Optional/extra charges (trips, tours, music tours, extracurricular activity charges). - Parent Community Association dues on the first tuition bill.
(Amounts, billing dates, refund windows, SLD and transport fees as stated above apply for the current academic year.)
Academics
The American School in London teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 4 to 18.
Curriculum
The school uses a standards-based, US-style curriculum from kindergarten through grade 12. Lower School follows K–12 standards including Common Core English Language Arts and Math, Next Generation Science Standards, and AERO Social Studies. The High School offers a comprehensive US secondary education; most students take four years each of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language, and pursue advanced work in academic and elective areas. With more than 20 designated AP courses available, ASL has a large AP program outside the US. In May 2017, 275 ASL students took 752 AP exams across 36 subjects, with 92% scoring 3 or above. SAT results from 2017 show an average EBRW of 690 and Math of 700.
Exam Results
AP exams: May 2017, 275 ASL students took 752 AP exams in 36 subjects; 92% scored 3 or above. SAT results (2017): EBRW average 690; Math average 700.
Higher Education Progression
Colleges and universities enrolling ASL graduates in the past four years include US institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, Columbia University, Duke University, Brown University, NYU, UC Berkeley, University of Chicago, and many others. UK universities with multiple ASL graduates include Imperial College London, University College London, King's College London, The University of Edinburgh, The University of Warwick, University of Oxford, University of Exeter, and The University of Manchester. Canada commonly represented includes McGill University.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ASL defines a Portrait of a Learner with Thinker, Explorer, Collaborator, Innovator and Communicator. The school cares about well-being and teaches respect, responsibility, kindness and integrity, along with the Courage to Act. These traits are evident in daily life across classrooms, Canons Park, hallways, recess and school events. The approach emphasizes critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication and empathy as core dispositions for learning. Students are encouraged to act with courage to improve their community and the world.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The specific learning differences program (SLD) provides support for students with mild to moderate learning differences that require targeted intervention. Support uses diverse intervention tools to help students work successfully within the mainstream curriculum. SLD aims to develop a growth mindset and resilience, build self-advocacy, confidence and independence, and provide direct instruction with teachers in a collaborative, individualized approach. Progress is monitored through an annual individual education plan (AIEP) developed with the student, family, advisor and other providers as appropriate. Testing accommodations may be provided based on evaluations.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The English as an additional language (EAL) program provides practice and application of key content and language concepts and promotes interactions with peers and teachers. It offers opportunities to use English while reading, writing, listening and speaking in new contexts. The EAL environment respects individual learning preferences, including in-class and group settings, while pushing for immersion in all aspects of English language learning. The program supports multilingual children, recognizes and celebrates home languages, and values the cultural and linguistic experiences of all students. It is guided by WIDA language standards and practices.
Mental Wellbeing
The K-12 Counseling program is a diverse team of mental health professionals who provide short-term, solution-focused support and classroom lessons on health and social-emotional development. Counselors support students' personal and social well-being, emotional needs and school-life balance, offering a safe, confidential space for discussion and problem-solving. They provide parent/guardian workshops on topics such as positive family dynamics and healthy adjustments for major life changes. Students may refer themselves or be referred, and counselors can assist with referrals for external therapy when needed. Two counselors support each division and all counselors are part of ASL's safeguarding team.
Safeguarding
ASL commits to safeguarding and child protection, aiming to challenge students to develop their full intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential within a caring framework. The school keeps students free from fear of abuse or neglect and enables active participation in learning. All ASL employees are required to report suspected abuse or neglect to designated personnel who liaise with the safeguarding lead and, when needed, with local Children's Services. The safeguarding framework reflects UK law and guidance. If someone cannot report to staff, they can contact the NSPCC for advice.
Parent Experience
History
ASL was founded in 1951 by Stephen L. Eckard, an American journalist and former teacher living in London. The School began with 13 students and all classes took place in Eckard's Knightsbridge flat. Within six months it moved to a Chelsea property due to popularity, then expanded to Grosvenor Square and added houses at Gloucester Gate and York Terrace. The Board of Trustees led fundraising for a landmark campus development, culminating in the 1971 dedication. A High School wing opened in September 2000, the School Center for Education and the Arts opened in March 2008, and ASL celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2011 and its 70th anniversary in 2021.
Community
ASL has a strong school community supported by the Parent Community Association (PCA). The PCA's goal is to foster close cooperation between ASL families and the School, for the benefit of our students, through community building and fundraising programs. We invite all families to get involved and become active members of the ASL community. The PCA maintains committees and programs such as Events and Volunteering and a range of committees including Auction 2025 and Booster Club to organize community events and activities.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PCA functions as ASL's parent–teacher association, fostering close cooperation between families and the School through community building and fundraising programs. Families are encouraged to participate and become active members of the ASL community. The PCA operates committees to support school life, including Auction 2025, Booster Club, Community Engagement, Community Events, and CultureConnect, to organize events and volunteer efforts.
Facilities
Facilities Overview
ASL's campus includes The Aquatic & Fitness Center, the Make, Innovate, Learn Lab (MILL), two libraries (Lower School Library and Mellon Library), Canons Park, the Boathouse on the River Thames, the School Center for Education and the Arts, and Technology facilities at One Waverley Place. The Aquatic & Fitness Center features a 25-meter six-lane pool, a well-equipped fitness room with free weights and cardiovascular machines, and a multi-purpose room for fitness activities and classes. The Make, Innovate, Learn Lab (MILL) is a 2,000-square-foot makerspace that supports design thinking, with 3D printers, sewing machines, wood-working materials, laser cutters, and large-format printers, and serves the entire school. The Lower School Library houses approximately 20,000 resources, including books, magazines, and eBooks, and offers online databases and digital subscriptions. Mellon Library provides access to the library catalog, Sora, Planet eStream, and various middle/high school databases and periodicals. Canons Park offers over 20 acres of sports fields nearby; the Boathouse supports rowing on the River Thames; the School Center hosts assemblies and performing arts events; and technology resources underpin digital learning.
Sports Facilities
The Aquatic & Fitness Center provides a 25-meter six-lane pool and a well-equipped fitness area. Canons Park offers over 20 acres of dedicated playing fields for baseball, rugby, softball, and soccer. The Boathouse on the River Thames supports rowing activities with four launches and multiple rowing boats and gear. The athletics program offers a broad range of sports across grades, including baseball, basketball, crew, cross country, field hockey, golf, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and water polo. The department emphasizes enjoyment and good sportsmanship and aims to foster lifelong learning and resilience through teamwork.
Academic Facilities
The Make, Innovate, Learn Lab (MILL) is a 2,000-square-foot makerspace used by the whole school, equipped with 3D printers, sewing machines, wood-working materials, laser cutters, and large-format printers, and serves as the hub for the robotics program. The Lower School Library houses approximately 20,000 resources, including print and digital materials, and provides access to online databases. Mellon Library offers a library catalog, Sora, Planet eStream, and databases for Middle and High School use, including subscriptions to major newspapers. Technology enables information technology education across the curriculum and supports digital learning for all divisions. The School Center for Education and the Arts is a flexible teaching and performance space that seats up to 450 and hosts assemblies and performing arts productions. ASL's facilities also include technology resources to support digital learning across the campus.
Extra Curricular Facilities
Athletics provides co-curricular opportunities with a wide range of sports: baseball, basketball, crew, cross country, field hockey, golf, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and water polo. The athletics program emphasizes enjoyment, good sportsmanship, and teamwork to foster lifelong learning and resilience. The Boathouse supports rowing training on the River Thames, with dedicated practice six days a week for different squads and events. Robotics offers after-school programs for younger students and competitive pathways for High School through FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition. SHINE at ASL is an enrichment program on Saturdays for 12–15-year-olds featuring workshops in art, drama, photography, robotics, and culminates in a final project, with partnerships with local Westminster and Brent secondary schools. The ASL Summer Program runs at the Waverley Place campus and Canons Park, blending outdoor and indoor activities with offerings in The Arts, Adventures, Academic, Technology, Sports, and more, scheduled for June–August each year.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Academic & Intellectual
The school has more than 80 student-led clubs spanning academic and career interests. Examples include Computer Science Club, Math Club, Medicine Club, Mock Trial, National History Day Club, Robotics, Quantitative Finance Club and Investment Club. These clubs develop subject knowledge, research and presentation skills, and collaboration through competitions and projects.
Arts & Creative
The school offers a range of arts and creative outlets through high school clubs. Examples include Album Club, Book Club, Craft Club, Creative Writing Club, Fashion and Sewing Club, Film Buffs Club, Gilmore Girls Club, Guitar Club, Jambalaya, Karaoke Club, Music Mentor Club, Podcasting Club, Roots and Recipes, and Theatre Club. These activities foster creative expression, collaboration and performance opportunities.
Cultural & Language
The school has numerous cultural/identity-based clubs, including Culture Club, East Asian Culture Club, Greek Club, Hispanic Culture Club, Italian Club, Middle East Club, Mitzvah Club, Neurodiversity Club, Prism, Puerto Rican Heritage Club, South Asia Club, Students of Color Society, Turkish Club, and Ukraine Club. These clubs help students explore heritage, languages and global perspectives. They provide spaces for cross-cultural dialogue and community involvement.
Social & Hobbies
The school has numerous social and hobby clubs, including Board Games Club, Debate Club, Economics and Action Club, Every Mind Matters, Geo Club, GeoGuessr Club, Model United Nations (MUN), Philosophy Club, Political Discourse Society, Rescue Club, Rose Castle Club, Socratic Dialogue Club, and Women's Activists Club. These clubs promote dialogue, collaboration and civic engagement. Sport and fitness-related options, such as the Outdoors Club and other activity groups, supplement the social landscape.
Community & Service
The school has service and community programs, including Cancer Clarity Club, Cycle of Care, Peer Tutoring Centre, Rhythm of Hope, Right to Play, Room to Read, and Youth for Youth. High School Clubs also include Community partnerships that let students work after school with people from the broader London community in settings like youth centers, schools, shelters and senior centers. These experiences foster social responsibility and community engagement.
Leadership & Professional
The school has leadership and professional development opportunities through Student Council, Social Justice Council, Sustainability Council, the Student-Faculty Disciplinary Board, the National Honor Society, student ambassadors and peer leadership. There are more than 80 student-led clubs that cultivate leadership, teamwork and initiative. Academic and career clubs such as Computer Science Club, Investment Club, Market Research Club, Mock Trial and Women in STEM support future college and career preparation.
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school has a robust athletics program with 13+ sports offered across three seasons. After-school opportunities include a variety of sports and fitness activities, along with clubs such as Outdoors Club and Inner Balance Club that promote wellbeing. The overall program emphasizes physical development, teamwork and healthy lifestyle choices.
Languages
Language Provision
The school teaches Mandarin Chinese, French, Spanish and Arabic as world languages. In high school, language courses run from I through V and AP options exist in Chinese, French and Spanish. Classes are conducted in the target language to the greatest degree possible. ASL encourages immersion experiences and study abroad through SYA, plus language trips around London.
Immersion Programs
ASL emphasizes language immersion. Classes are conducted in the target language to the greatest degree possible. ASL encourages immersion experiences and offers long-duration summer programs; ASL is an affiliate member of School Year Abroad (SYA), enabling Grade 11-12 students to live with host families and study in Rennes, Zaragoza, Beijing, Hanoi or Ichinomiya.
Reputation
Accreditations
The school is an independent, college-preparatory, preK-12 day school in London providing an American education to an international student body.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Applications are submitted through the ASL admissions portal, where you can review requirements, upload documents and monitor the application status. The portal lists the three main grade bands as Lower School (K1–Grade 4), Middle School (Grades 5–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). 2. ASL welcomes applications from students of all nationalities who can meet the demands of a challenging American‑style curriculum. Admissions decisions are based on alignment with the school's mission and core values and on the applicant's experiences and records indicating likely success in ASL's academic programs. 3. 2026–27 applications follow a primary deadline and a second‑round deadline: the primary deadline was 15 January 2026 and the second‑round deadline is 15 March 2026; second‑round decisions are typically issued by mid‑April, with some decisions possible sooner; in‑year admissions are possible and depend on grade availability. 4. Applicants should prepare to submit through the admissions portal, including grades, records and required forms; in addition, you should view the UK/US age/grade equivalents if unsure which grade to apply to. 5. Decisions and late applications: admissions decisions are communicated by the end of February for those who complete applications by 15 January; those completing by 15 March are notified by 15 April; applications after 15 March are considered on a rolling basis, and families are asked to accept offers and submit a deposit through the admissions portal.
Scholarships
The School uses a financial aid program to assist qualified students in attending ASL and participating in extracurricular activities, regardless of families' ability to pay the full cost of these programs. A confidential Financial Aid Committee reviews the family's SSS analysis and other information to determine an award based on demonstrated need and the resources available at the School. Given limited resources, aid is typically not awarded to incoming K1 students, with priority given to siblings of current students, followed by middle school students, then high school, and then lower school. The School expects both parents to contribute toward tuition, and it may consider temporary aid if there is a loss of employment or other changes in circumstance. Supplemental aid is available for certain items and activities (e.g., after‑school programs, assessments, lunch, transportation, testing, and some trips and extracurricular activities) for eligible families (often at the 75% aid level and above). Financial aid decisions are made independently of admissions decisions, and aid is available to both aid recipients and non‑recipients for eligible activities; the process relies on standard forms (e.g., the Parents' Financial Statement) and related documentation, with deadlines and guidance provided during the application cycle. The purpose of the financial aid program is to enable attendance and participation in ASL's programs, and the School provides guidance and support throughout the process.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
Where is The American School in London located and what ages does it serve?
ASL is located at One Waverley Place, London NW8 0NP, United Kingdom, and serves students ages 4 to 18 in pre‑kindergarten through Grade 12 (Lower School K1–Grade 4, Middle School Grades 5–8, High School Grades 9–12). The school is a co‑educational independent day school founded in 1951 and enrolls about 1,350 students.
What curriculum does ASL follow and how is the school structured academically?
ASL follows a standards‑based, US‑style curriculum from kindergarten through Grade 12, aligning Lower School work with Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards and AERO Social Studies and offering a comprehensive US secondary program in the High School. Most high school students take four years each of English, Math, Science, Social Studies and World Language, and ASL offers more than 20 designated AP courses.
How do I submit an application and what are the key admissions deadlines I should know?
Applications are submitted through the ASL admissions portal and are grouped by the main grade bands: Lower School (K1–Grade 4), Middle School (Grades 5–8) and High School (Grades 9–12). For 2026–27 there was a primary deadline of 15 January 2026 and a second‑round deadline of 15 March 2026 (decisions for completed primary applications are communicated by the end of February and by 15 April for the second round); in‑year admissions are considered on a rolling basis depending on grade availability.
Is there an application fee, and are there deposits or one‑time fees for new students?
A non‑refundable application fee of GBP £360 (inclusive of VAT) is required for each application. When a student is accepted a tuition and re‑enrollment deposit of GBP £3,000 (inclusive of VAT) becomes due and is non‑refundable; families of new students also pay a one‑time capital fee of GBP £2,400 (inclusive of VAT), with certain sibling exemptions during the 2025–26 transition measure.
How is tuition billed and what are the refund windows if we need to withdraw?
The academic year is organized on a semester basis and annual tuition is billed in two equal installments; Semester 1 fees are due 1 June and Semester 2 fees are due 1 November. Semester tuition is refundable only if written notice of withdrawal is received on or before 15 June for Semester 1 and on or before 15 November for Semester 2, and there is no pro‑rata refund for withdrawing part way through a semester; the tuition deposit (GBP £3,000) is non‑refundable.
Does ASL offer financial aid or scholarships for international families?
ASL operates a confidential financial aid program that awards need‑based aid based on a Parents' Financial Statement (SSS analysis) and supporting documentation, with priority often given to siblings and to middle and high school applicants. Aid decisions are made independently of admissions, supplemental aid is available for certain items and activities, and aid is typically limited for incoming K1 students given constrained resources.
What Advanced Placement (AP) and standardized exam results does ASL have?
ASL runs a large AP program with more than 20 designated AP courses; in May 2017, 275 students took 752 AP exams across 36 subjects and 92% of exams scored 3 or above. SAT results from 2017 show an average Evidence‑Based Reading and Writing score of 690 and a Math average of 700.
Where do ASL graduates go for university?
ASL graduates matriculate to a wide range of selective universities in the United States, United Kingdom and other countries; recent US destinations include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Columbia and UC Berkeley, while UK destinations with multiple ASL alumni include Imperial College London, UCL, King's College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Warwick and the University of Oxford. Canada is also commonly represented, with entrants to schools such as McGill University.
What sports and athletic facilities does ASL offer?
ASL's campus and nearby facilities include the Aquatic & Fitness Center with a 25‑meter six‑lane pool and fitness room, over 20 acres of playing fields at Canons Park for baseball, rugby, softball and soccer, and a Boathouse on the River Thames that supports rowing with multiple launches and boats. The athletics program fields teams and co‑curricular opportunities in sports such as baseball, basketball, crew, field hockey, rugby, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo.
What specialist academic and creative facilities are available on campus?
Key facilities include the 2,000‑square‑foot Make, Innovate, Learn Lab (MILL) makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and wood‑working equipment, two libraries (the Lower School Library with about 20,000 resources and the Mellon Library with digital databases), and the School Center for Education and the Arts, a flexible performance and assembly space seating up to 450. Technology resources across campus support digital learning and robotics programs that feed into competitive FIRST pathways.
What kinds of clubs, extracurriculars and after‑school programs can my child join?
ASL offers more than 80 student‑led clubs across academic, arts, cultural and social interests—examples include Robotics, Model UN, Mock Trial, Music and Theatre clubs, and numerous culture‑based groups—as well as organized athletics by season. The school also runs after‑school programs, a robust robotics pathway, a Saturday SHINE program for 12–15‑year‑olds and an extensive Summer Program that combines arts, sports, technology and adventure activities.
Does ASL run summer programs or weekend enrichment for students new to the area?
Yes, ASL operates a Summer Program on the Waverley Place campus and Canons Park from June to August offering courses in The Arts, Adventures, Academic, Technology and Sports, and it runs SHINE, a Saturday enrichment program for 12–15‑year‑olds featuring workshops in art, drama, photography and robotics that culminate in a final project. These programs provide opportunities for students to meet peers, develop skills and experience ASL before full enrollment.
What learning‑support services are available for students with learning differences?
ASL's Specific Learning Differences (SLD) program supports students with mild to moderate learning differences through targeted interventions and individualized plans (AIEPs) developed with families and advisors, and offers testing accommodations when appropriate. There are part‑time and full‑time SLD options with program fees of GBP £4,740 (including VAT) for part‑time support and GBP £9,300 (including VAT) for full‑time support.
How does ASL support students who are learning English as an additional language (EAL)?
The EAL program uses WIDA‑aligned practices to provide in‑class and small‑group support that emphasizes reading, writing, listening and speaking in authentic contexts while promoting immersion alongside peers. The program values students' home languages and cultural backgrounds and aims to build language skills while maintaining access to the mainstream curriculum.
What counseling and safeguarding provisions does ASL provide for student wellbeing?
ASL has a K‑12 Counseling team of mental health professionals who offer short‑term, solution‑focused support, classroom lessons on social‑emotional development and parent workshops; two counselors support each division and counselors are part of the safeguarding team. The school adheres to UK child protection law and requires all employees to report suspected abuse or neglect to designated personnel, with procedures to liaise with local Children's Services when necessary.
Is ASL a boarding school and what is the daily structure for students?
ASL is a day school and does not offer boarding. The school operates on a semester calendar with an eight‑day cycle and a block schedule of four 70–80 minute class periods per day; Middle School mornings include advisory and there are short transitions between classes.
What catering and lunch arrangements are available for students?
Catering is available on campus and lunch is provided; food purchases and meal plans operate via a cashless iPayimpact system to which families add funds for student catering accounts. Catering charges and meal plans are separate from tuition and are billed through the school's cashless system.
How can parents get involved in the ASL community after we relocate?
The Parent Community Association (PCA) serves as ASL's parent–teacher association and organizes community building and fundraising programs, with committees such as Events and Volunteering, Auction 2025, Booster Club and CultureConnect. Families are encouraged to participate in PCA activities to meet other parents, support school events and contribute to community initiatives.
Does ASL offer language programs and opportunities for immersion or study abroad?
ASL teaches Mandarin Chinese, French, Spanish and Arabic with high school courses through Level V and AP options in Chinese, French and Spanish, and classes are conducted in the target language to the greatest degree possible. ASL is an affiliate member of School Year Abroad (SYA), enabling Grade 11–12 students to study abroad and live with host families in locations such as Rennes, Zaragoza, Beijing, Hanoi or Ichinomiya.
What is the history of ASL and how long has it been serving international families in London?
ASL was founded in 1951 by Stephen L. Eckard and began with 13 students in a Knightsbridge flat; it expanded rapidly, moved locations and the Board of Trustees led fundraising for a landmark campus development dedicated in 1971. The School added a High School wing in 2000 and the School Center for Education and the Arts opened in 2008, and ASL marked its 70th anniversary in 2021.
What are the tuition fees at The American School in London?
Annual tuition at The American School in London ranges from GBP 40,188 to GBP 46,428 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.
