The American School in London

One Waverley Place, London NW8 0NP, United Kingdom

Lower School (K1-Grade 4); Middle School (Grades 5-8); High School (Grades 9-12)

Independent day school (preK–12)

70 nationalities represented; most common nationality: United States; 74% of students hold USA citizenship; 59% hold citizenship in a country other than the USA

English as an additional language (EAL); educational psychology; K-12 counseling; learning support (SLD); speech and language therapy

United States; uses an American curriculum

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.