Comparing 5 schools side by side in USD.
ACS International School Hillingdon is located at Hillingdon Court, 108 Vine Lane, Hillingdon, UB10 0BE, England. The campus address is used for communications and directions. It is close to Junction 16 of the M25 for transport access.
Lower School (ages 3-10) and Upper School (ages 10-18).
Co-educational day school.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided.
England
Lower School follows a structured timetable with eight periods per day, including a lunch period and outdoor recess.
Extensive busing with shuttle stops and door-to-door services available.
Dress Code; no school uniform is worn; all students follow a dress code. From Grade 5 upwards, students wear a PE uniform for physical education.
In-house catering department serves fresh, nutritious, and seasonal meals in a modern dining hall, using locally sourced ingredients and adhering to School Food Trust guidelines. Students may bring their own packed lunch.
ACS Hillingdon is part of the ACS International Schools group, a registered UK charity since 2018, with ACS as its charitable parent organization.
An enquiry-based, international curriculum that blends international standards across the school. Lower School (Pre-K to Grade 4) provides core and specialist subjects taught by dedicated teachers, with one full-time teacher per class and a teaching assistant in Pre-K and Kindergarten; technology is integrated with one-to-one iPads; Forest School and Outdoor Learning are part of learning. The curriculum follows international anchors, including UK Birth to Five Matters and US Common Core, and leads to International Baccalaureate Diploma, US High School Diploma, and US College Board Advanced Placement examinations. Upper School follows a forward-looking, international curriculum preparing students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), Advanced Placement (AP), and the High School Diploma, with the ACS Global Programme and language options in French or Spanish; Grades 11-12 offer IBDP, IBCP, and AP.
Lower School classes have one full-time teacher per class; Pre-K and Kindergarten have a full-time teaching assistant.
In 2025, IBDP results saw 44/45 as the top score with an average of 35 and a 100% pass rate. AP results showed 91% of students gaining at least one 3+ with an average AP score of 3.7 (42 AP students).
Graduates go on to leading universities in the UK and internationally, including institutions such as Imperial College London, University College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, New York University and Cornell University, among others.
The Elite Performance Pathway (EPP) supports the most gifted and talented athletes with athletic development, workshops, sports psychology, lifestyle and dual career support, and TASS dual career support.
Wellbeing is integral to ACS Hillingdon, with a professional team of counsellors supporting personal, social, and emotional development through classroom, group, and individual activities. Students have access to age-appropriate counselling services, with short sessions before family involvement when needed. PSHE lessons cover Health and Wellbeing, Living in the Wider World, and Relationships. The Student Wellbeing Triangle and Wellbeing Ambassadors empower students to lead peer-support and wellbeing initiatives. Wellbeing data, including surveys, inform action plans and ACS works with external partners and the Wellbeing Hub to support families and staff.
ACS Hillingdon Upper School is inclusive and supports students with mild to medium learning needs and with exceptionalities. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging applies to students and staff across race, religion, disability, culture, sexuality and nationality. Academic programmes accommodate the needs of students with mild to medium learning needs as well as those with exceptionalities. Support plans are created for students with physical and mental health issues, and DEIB principles are embedded across the school. Inclusive education is embedded across the curriculum.
The Lower School's English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports young learners in a welcoming environment to engage with the curriculum and make friends. Early and primary learners learn English in a supportive immersion setting, using their full linguistic repertoire. Specialist EAL Teaching provides personalised support through dedicated specialists who monitor progress. The EAL Programme in Lower School includes small group lessons, trained teachers, Home Language Enrichment (optional after school), in-class support from specialist teachers, and Universal Design for Learning informed by WIDA standards.
Mental health is a priority at ACS Hillingdon. The Wellbeing team provides counselling services with a focus on positive mental health, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines. Counselling supports students individually and in groups and works with families and school staff to promote resilience and wellbeing. Students participate in PSHE and wellbeing activities, and the school uses wellbeing data (including the Warwick- Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scales) to drive action plans. The Wellbeing Hub offers resources for students, families, and staff.
Safeguarding is a priority and ACS Hillingdon aims to protect students from harm, bullying, abuse, discrimination, and harassment. Students are encouraged to talk to trusted adults and there are designated safeguarding leads, including Jean Glover for Hillingdon. The ACS Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy informs practice and can be found in School Policies. The safeguarding team includes the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and reporting routes include online reporting via CEOP; Operation Encompass participation and parent communication are in place.
Admissions Process comprises five steps: Enquiry, Application, Review, Admission, Welcome. Enquiry: Visit for Open Day or Personal Tour to explore campus, meet academic staff, and discuss admissions. Application: Apply year-round if the child has the right to study in the UK prior to starting school; a non-refundable application fee is paid online. Review: The admissions committee assesses the online application and may request additional documents; the outcome is communicated as soon as possible. Admission: If successful, a place is offered; a non-refundable enrolment deposit is required and is set against the second semester tuition. Welcome: The team provides information on cafeteria, transport, school platforms, subject selection, and visa compliance prior to the first day to ensure a smooth start. Admissions chances vary by grade; if the grade is at capacity, the child is waitlisted and you will be contacted immediately to complete the remaining steps. Rolling admissions are in place, so applications are accepted year-round and students may start at any point in the academic year (subject to availability). The online application uses a holistic approach, reviewing previous school records, references, student questionnaire answers, and standardised test scores, and may require Educational Psychologist reports or EAL tests where relevant.
Bursaries are offered to students with exceptional personal and academic potential who would benefit from an ACS education but cannot meet full school fees; bursaries are means-tested and require UK residency with the right to remain. The bursary programme is suspended for the 2026/2027 academic year; details of the 2027/2028 schedule will be published in 2026. Bursary awards can cover up to 100% of tuition and may include additional costs; awards are reviewed annually.
If admission is offered but the grade is at capacity, the child is waitlisted, and when a place becomes available you will be contacted immediately to complete the remaining admission steps.
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)
Day school; no boarding
Catering is available; lunch is provided
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.
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.
Guildford Road, Rudgwick, West Sussex RH12 3BE, United Kingdom. The school is located in the rural parish of Rudgwick, west of Horsham. Access by rail: London Waterloo to Guildford is about 35 minutes; from Guildford, a taxi to the school is around 20 minutes. By road, it is roughly 1 hour 20 minutes from London via the A3 to Guildford and then the A281 toward Horsham.
Elementary (primary), Middle, and High School. The school is co-educational.
Co-educational, full-time boarding school with Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions.
Affiliated with Japan; recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education as an overseas private educational facility equivalent to domestic schools.
Christian; daily worship and Sunday services; a chaplain leads Christian practices and activities.
The academic year runs from April to March in three terms. All students live in dormitories. Weekends are spent in the dormitory as part of the regular schedule, and there are three opportunities per year for one-week homestays with British families.
All students live in on-site boarding facilities. The girls' dormitory is in the Main Building and the boys' dormitory is in the New Wing.
There is a central dining hall (New Hall) where students and staff eat meals together.
Governed by a Board of Trustees.
The curriculum is three interdependent elements: (1) Academic/core curriculum – Japanese MEXT required subjects; (2) Support curriculum – PSHEE, SMSC, RSE, British Values, Cultural Capital, and extra-curricular activities; (3) Outside-the-classroom learning – engagement with social, cultural, spiritual, academic, sporting and other organisations and events to enrich and motivate learning. Core subjects include Japanese, geography, history, social studies, mathematics, sciences, health and physical education, Visual Art, Music, English, ICT and home economics; in Primary (Grades 5–6) programming is integrated into other subjects. The curriculum aims to develop linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, aesthetic and creative education, with a whole-school three-year English reading program to build fluent reading. The school uses a blended approach that emphasizes traditional values, discipline, higher-order thinking and metacognition, with assessment and reporting aligned to the Japanese National Curriculum (MEXT) and supported by formal assessments and termly progress reports across three domains: Knowledge & Skills, Critical Thinking & Communication, and Learning Attitude & Independence. University entrance preparation begins in Upper Secondary, and university guidance is provided along with experiences such as visits to universities including University College London (UCL).
University entrance preparation begins in Upper Secondary; university guidance is provided as part of the curriculum. The school includes university-focused activities and visits, such as University College London (UCL), as part of upper-secondary progression.
Student wellbeing and social-emotional development are central to the curriculum. Mental health is taken seriously at the school, with a focus on developing positive thinking, confidence and resilience. Personal Development and PSHEE emphasise resilience, interdependence and independence, and the curriculum incorporates social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. Staff monitor student welfare across all aspects of school life to foster a supportive and inclusive community.
The school has a Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy. It commits to equal treatment for students with SEN and disabilities and uses Personalised Learning Plans (PLP) to tailor provision. Identification and support are guided by teacher referrals, assessments and parental input, with the option of external assessments where appropriate. The policy aligns with the Equality Act 2010 and SEND Code of Practice, and notes particular considerations for needs arising from language background (e.g., dyslexia considerations in a Japanese-language context).
English is taught through English Communication (EC), delivered by British teachers in small groups across year groups; the program emphasises practical English beyond a traditional classroom approach. There are also English-language lessons taught by Japanese teachers for certain subjects, including four hours of English-focused instruction in junior to senior levels. Private language lessons are available in French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian. The school provides opportunities to sit IELTS and Cambridge English exams, and hosts EIKEN examinations; short-term and term-long exchange opportunities enable immersion in the UK.
Mental health is addressed as part of the curriculum and is taken seriously alongside character development, with an emphasis on promoting positive thinking, confidence and resilience. The curriculum areas include Health Literacy and Personal Development, reinforcing healthy relationships and wellbeing. Staff are equipped to recognise signs of mental health concerns and to respond, including referral to external services when needed.
The school operates a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy with staff training and clear reporting procedures to a Designated Safeguarding Lead. The policy references Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines and covers issues such as child-on-child abuse, missing education, domestic abuse, self-harm and online safety. The safeguarding framework includes multi-agency collaboration and procedures for involving external agencies as required to protect students.
1. Submit an application during the designated intake window. For the 2025 September intake, the application period ran from May 22, 2025 to June 5, 2025, and a small number of places were available. After submission, the school will contact applicants with the next steps. Details are provided in the admission guidelines.
2. Undergo an interview and a written examination. Written examination dates vary by intake: June 15, 2025 (September 2025 intake), October 12, 2025 (January 2025 intake), and January 25, 2026 (April 2026 intake). Examinations are held either in Japan at Lifesnider Hall or in the UK at Rikkyo English Academy, depending on where the applicant sits the exam.
TASIS England is located in picturesque Thorpe Village, Thorpe, Surrey, TW20 8TE, England. The 46-acre campus sits on Coldharbour Lane, near the M25, about 18 miles southwest of central London. Heathrow Airport is roughly 8 miles away, with central London reachable by rail (about 45 minutes from Waterloo to Virginia Water) or by road in under an hour.
Lower School ages 4-10; Middle School ages 10-14; Upper School ages 14-18.
An international day and boarding co-educational school.
United States
The school follows a typical American academic year, starting in late August/early September and ending in late May/early June, and is divided into two semesters.
Door-to-door bus service for day students; West London routes for Grades 3–12 with pickups/drop-offs at designated locations; Busing Areas 1-4 covering Surrey, Middlesex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Beaconsfield/Richmond/Teddington/Twickenham; shuttle to/from Virginia Water Station; additional bus fees apply; 14-day cancellation policy; ukadmissions@tasisengland.org for details.
The school offers boarding on its 46-acre campus in Surrey near London for students aged 13–18. Approximately half of Upper School students and some eighth graders live on campus. Rooms are typically shared between two or three students to encourage use of English, and boarding houses are supervised by a dedicated boarding team. All meals are provided, and the Health and Well-being Center supports resident students. Tower House is a dorm that houses 19 students in doubles and triples, with a Tower House Parent and a team of House Tutors.
The Upper School has a uniform policy featuring TASIS-crested clothing. Boarding students must come to breakfast in uniform and wear it during the academic day; uniform items can be bought from the TASIS uniform shop or approved vendors with color and style guidelines.
Boarders have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the dining room; gluten-free and vegan options are available, and meals may be themed (e.g., Mexican night, Italian night, barbecues, Asian nights). The Royals Café offers additional items, and meals are compulsory for boarders.
Boarding is organized into houses; each dorm is supported by a House Parent, Deputy House Parent, and a team of House Tutors. Tower House is one example dorm with dedicated house staff.
TASIS England is governed by the TASIS England Board of Directors, which sets fiscal and operating policies. The TASIS Schools and Summer Programs are owned by the TASIS Foundation, a Swiss not-for-profit educational foundation.
Grades 9 and 10 follow the American High School Diploma with AP courses available with the Academic Dean's approval. Grades 11 and 12 offer either the IB Diploma Programme or the American Diploma with AP courses. Honors Linear Algebra is offered as an advanced mathematics option. Graduation requires English, Mathematics, History, Science, an Additional Language with a third-level proficiency in one language, Arts, Physical Education, and 60 hours of service. English Language Learners are supported through an English-as-an-Additional Language program and an International Section providing specialized instruction in English, History, and the Sciences.
Student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1. Average class size is 9.
IB Diploma: 62 IB candidates, 47 full IB Diploma candidates; average point score 34 (world average 30); 91% pass rate (world average 81%), with 15% achieving above 38 points and the top score 43. AP: 180 students took 414 AP exams with a 94% pass rate; 89 AP Scholars (18 with Honors, 37 with Distinction); 26 AP courses were offered.
Approximately 99% of the Class of 2025 pursued higher education within one year of graduation, with 32% in the UK, 32% in the USA, and the remainder in other countries. Over £3.1 million in scholarships were awarded to TASIS England graduates. A College Counseling Team supports university admissions.
Honors Linear Algebra is offered as an advanced mathematics option. AP and IB programs provide opportunities for advanced study, with 26 AP courses offered and AP Scholar recognition (including Scholars with Honors and Distinction).
The school maintains a holistic approach to student development with a focus on intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and compassion within a global community.
The Upper School provides English-language instruction with English-as-an-Additional Language (levels 1–4) support as part of its inclusive program.
English-as-an-Additional Language courses are offered in ascending levels (Levels 1–4) to support students as they develop proficiency in English.
The Well-being framework supports students' emotional health and resilience as part of the overall education experience.
Safeguarding and child protection are embedded in school policies and practices to ensure a safe learning environment.
Step 1 – Express your interest and start the online inquiry. Complete the online inquiry form to begin the admissions process; you will receive an email with a link to create your online application account. You will have access to all application items and can upload documents through the online account. If you cannot complete the online form, email the Admissions Office to request a PDF version.
Step 2 – Create your online application account. After submitting the inquiry, you will receive a link to create your online application account with a username and password. You can access all application items and submit forms online or upload documents.
Step 3 – Complete and submit the application items. Upload a photograph of your child, a copy of their birth certificate, and their passport photo page to the application account. Attach any required documents such as complete official transcripts, current standardized testing results (e.g., ERB, IOWA, MAP, TAKS, SSAT, PSAT), and psycho-educational evaluations if applicable. Note the non‑refundable £240 application fee per child.
Step 4 – Parent questionnaire. Complete and submit the parent questionnaire.
Step 5 – Teacher and Head of School recommendations. Ask your child's main class teacher to complete the online recommendation form, and have the Head of School or School Counselor complete their recommendation. These forms are sent directly to the Admissions Office.
Step 6 – Kindergarten/Grade 1 specifics. If applying to Kindergarten or Grade 1, have your child complete the appropriate page of the student questionnaire and upload it to the application.
Step 7 – Ask questions as needed. Email the Admissions Office with any questions you may have during the process.
Step 8 – Rolling admissions and campus visit. TASIS England has a flexible, rolling admissions policy and welcomes applications for students aged 4 to 18 all year round. Applications are considered throughout the year, and interested families are invited to visit the campus.
Financial Assistance – Means-tested support is available for qualifying students (day or boarding, local or international) who meet academic requirements. Awards typically range from 5% to 25% of tuition. Applicants must submit evidence of income, capital, and other assets; means testing is carried out annually and the level of support can change with parental income. To apply for means-tested financial assistance, express interest by emailing ukadmissions@tasisengland.org, obtain the Financial Assistance Application, complete it with supporting documentation, and ensure the TASIS England admission application and £240 fee are received before consideration. If approved, a Confirmation Letter and enrollment deposit may follow.
Our Global Community Scholarship – These non-means-tested awards are available to day and boarding students entering from Grade 8 (Year 9) to Grade 11 (Year 12) who demonstrate excellence in academics and in sports, the arts, or service/community work, with the potential to contribute to TASIS England. Average awards range between £500 and £2,500 and are deducted from tuition; a small number of larger awards may be offered. A limited number of Scholarships are available based on funds and applicant quality. Applicants for means-tested financial assistance are also considered for the Global Community Scholarship, but Scholarship applicants are not automatically granted financial assistance.
Applying for a Global Community Scholarship – Step 1: Express interest by emailing ukadmissions@tasisengland.org with the student name and grade. Step 2: Submit the scholarship application items (Scholarship Application, teacher reference, Head Teacher reference, school reports/transcripts, attendance records if not included in transcripts). Current TASIS England students need only one recommendation. Step 3: The Scholarship deadlines are: November 1, December 1, January 5, February 1, March 1 (with weekend deadlines moving to the next business day); complete applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee and decisions are communicated by the end of the same month; funds are awarded until the scholarship budget is exhausted. Step 4: Scholarships are awarded based on high academic achievement, excellence beyond the classroom (sports, arts, leadership, service), and evidence of a positive contribution to current school and community. Step 5: Continuation of the award is expected as long as the student remains enrolled and meets behavior and academic expectations.
Primary School Bursary – Updated for 2025-26, this bursary supports long-standing local residents with primary school children (Nursery through Year 6). Award levels are: Reception/Pre-K £1,500; Years 1-6 £5,500. Eligibility can include multiple children in Nursery to Year 6 and proof of UK residency for at least 5 consecutive years. To apply, express interest by emailing ukadmissions@tasisengland.org with the student's name and grade; the bursary is considered for families who have completed the admission application.
Pitfodels House, North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9PN. The campus is located in Cults, a residential area northwest of Aberdeen city centre. It is accessible by road via North Deeside Road. A dedicated ISA School Bus Service is available for families.
Preschool (ages 3-5); Elementary School (ages 5-11); Middle School (ages 11-14); High School (ages 14-18)
Independent IB World School
Around half of ISA students are local to the North-east of Scotland; the remainder are international.
Scotland
Yes. A dedicated school bus service is available; annual fee £800 for the first child, £650 for each subsequent sibling.
The school operates as a day school with Encore! After School Care providing care until 6 pm.
ISA has no formal school uniform.
There is a cafeteria on campus where students can grab lunch.
The school is governed by a voluntary board of trustees; the board's remit is to ensure the best possible education and to be self-funding through school fees; the board is non-profit and meets every two months. The school is a registered charity in Scotland (Charity No. SC007756) and is registered as a company (SC071126).
The school uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The High School journey is a four-year pathway culminating in the IB Diploma, following a broad pre-IB programme in Grades 9–10 with an optional IGCSE in Grade 10. In Grades 11–12 students may pursue the full IB Diploma or individual IB Course Certificates, with SATs available as part of the pathway. Subjects span languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, the arts and design, with options at Standard or Higher Level in the IB. Language provision includes English language studies in Grades 9–12, with IGCSE English available, and French or Spanish (including Ab Initio for beginners). The Core components of the IB emphasise critical thinking, independent research and global citizenship.
May 2023 IB results: 30 of 30 IB Diplomas were awarded; 100% pass rate with an average score of 31 (world average 29); one student scored 41. UK IGCSE results also recorded a 100% pass rate.
University & Careers Counsellor provides personalised support for university applications and helps students plan pathways to higher education, starting in Middle School and continuing through High School. The counsellor helps students choose options that align with their future aspirations and supports university applications, including guidance for study in the UK or abroad.
The school has a Whole Child Wellbeing approach that nurtures students' physical, social and emotional health. The approach supports social-emotional development through a child-centred ecosystem of care.
The school has dedicated learning support teachers who provide instruction in the regular classroom and in small groups for students with learning variabilities.
English instruction is provided for pupils who do not speak English when they enter ISA; French or Spanish is taught to pupils from Preschool through Grade 12; Dutch and French mother tongue programmes are also part of ISA's curriculum.
The school has a mental wellbeing focus as part of its Whole Child Wellbeing framework, supporting students' emotional health and well-being.
The school has safeguarding measures; it is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and to safe practice.
Step 1. Chat to our admissions team. The admissions team explains the admissions process and provides information for your child's age and grade. The school year runs from August to June, and for entry at the start of the academic year the recommended application deadline is May 1.
Step 2. Schedule a visit. Families can visit ISA via an open day or a personalised tour to experience life at ISA and meet teachers. Sign up for the next open day.
Step 3. Apply. Applications for enrolment are made online and there is a £50 application fee per child, capped at £100 for two or more children. The admissions team will help gather the details needed for the application.
Step 4. Offer. The application is processed and may involve meeting the Principal or completing tests to determine the right grade level placement. You will be kept informed throughout the process up to the offer.
Step 5. Meet the ISA counsellors. If joining middle or high school you will meet one of two full‑time counsellors who will help with the transition, including setting up your academic schedule.
Step 6. Making connections. A member of the Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) will contact families and may organise meetups; a welcome event is held for new entrants two days before the start of term.
Step 7. First day! New students are welcomed by current students who act as ambassadors and buddies and shadow them for the first couple of weeks to help them settle in.
Scholarships are available for entry in August with a 10% fee discount. The school also offers full and partial bursaries across the middle and high school to support students who might otherwise be unable to benefit from ISA. Full details on how to apply and the related conditions are available from admissions@isa.aberdeen.sch.uk.
