The Best Schools in London for International Families: A Complete Guide (2026)

Why International Families Choose London for Education

Education is one of the top three reasons international families buy property in London. The city offers a concentration of world-class schools that no other global capital can match — from traditional English prep schools and elite day schools to international bilingual programmes and specialist boarding options within commuting distance. For parents relocating from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or Europe, the school choice often determines the neighbourhood, and the neighbourhood determines the property. Here is our guide to the best schools in London for international families, organised by area to help you make both decisions at once.

Top 10 London Schools for International Students

1. Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, South Kensington

The largest French school outside France, educating over 4,000 students from nursery through to the French Baccalaureate. Located in the heart of South Kensington, it draws families from across the Francophone world and is a major driver of property demand in Kensington, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge. The school follows the French national curriculum, with strong bilingual pathways. Admissions are competitive and proximity matters — families within walking distance have a meaningful advantage. Property implications: two and three-bedroom apartments on the streets surrounding the school in SW7 command a 5-10% premium specifically because of school proximity.

2. Thomas's Battersea

Famous globally as the school attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales's children. Thomas's Battersea is a co-educational prep school for ages 4-13 with an emphasis on kindness, confidence, and breadth of education. The school has a genuinely international cohort — around 30% of families come from overseas. Fees are approximately £23,000-£25,000 per year. Located on Battersea High Street, it has driven significant demand for family homes in Battersea, particularly around Battersea Square and the streets between the river and Battersea Park. Thomas's also has schools in Kensington, Fulham, and Clapham.

3. Westminster School

One of the most academically selective schools in the country, consistently ranking in the top five nationally for A-level results. Westminster takes students from 13 to 18, with a significant proportion of international students, particularly from Asia and Europe. The school sits in the shadow of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, giving it one of the most remarkable settings of any school in the world. Day pupils typically live in Pimlico, Westminster, Belgravia, or Vauxhall. Fees are approximately £33,000 per year for day pupils and £48,000 for boarders.

4. International School of London (ISL)

Located in Gunnersbury, west London, ISL offers the International Baccalaureate programme from age 3 to 18. It is purpose-built for internationally mobile families — students from over 60 nationalities attend, and the school provides dedicated mother-tongue language programmes in around 20 languages. This is the school of choice for diplomatic families, multinational executives, and anyone who expects to relocate again within a few years and wants curriculum continuity. The IB qualification is recognised by universities worldwide, making it the most portable secondary qualification available.

5. Hill House International Junior School, Chelsea

Recognisable by their distinctive rust and gold uniforms, Hill House children are a familiar sight on the streets of Chelsea and Knightsbridge. Founded in 1949, the school educates children from 4 to 13 with a curriculum that combines the English national curriculum with an international perspective. Prince Charles attended Hill House as a child. The school draws heavily from international families living in Chelsea, Kensington, and Belgravia, and its central location on Hans Place makes it one of the most conveniently situated schools in London. Fees are approximately £18,000-£20,000 per year.

6. Falkner House, South Kensington

A highly regarded girls' prep school located on Brechin Place in South Kensington, Falkner House consistently achieves outstanding results in 11+ entrance exams to top senior schools. The school is small and personal, with approximately 200 pupils, and has a loyal following among both British and international families. Competition for places is fierce, and registration shortly after birth is common. For families buying in South Kensington and Kensington specifically to access this school, proximity and early registration are critical.

7. The American School in London (ASL), St John's Wood

The go-to school for American families in London, ASL follows the US curriculum through to Advanced Placement and the American high school diploma. Located in St John's Wood, it educates around 1,400 students from Pre-K through Grade 12. The school has strong university placement to both US and UK institutions, and its community is deeply international despite the American focus. ASL is a major driver of property demand in St John's Wood, Maida Vale, and the surrounding NW8 postcode. Fees are approximately £35,000-£40,000 per year.

8. Wetherby School, Notting Hill

An elite boys' prep school on Pembridge Square in Notting Hill, Wetherby has an outstanding reputation for preparing boys for entry to top London day schools and national boarding schools at 8+ and 11+. Princes William and Harry attended Wetherby as children. The school is small, selective, and in extraordinarily high demand. International families relocating to Notting Hill, Kensington, and Holland Park frequently cite Wetherby as their primary reason for choosing the area. Fees are approximately £22,000-£24,000 per year.

9. South Kensington International School (SKIS)

A bilingual English-French school in South Kensington offering education from nursery through primary. SKIS is popular with dual-nationality families and those who want their children to be fluent in both English and French without committing to the full French national curriculum. The smaller, more intimate setting appeals to families who find the Lycée too large or too rigid. Located on Sussex Mews, it is within easy reach of properties across Kensington, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge.

10. Garden House School, Chelsea

Garden House occupies a beautiful position on Turk's Row in Chelsea, educating boys and girls aged 3-11. The school is known for its nurturing environment, strong creative arts programme, and excellent exit results to top senior schools. It has a significant international cohort, with families drawn from across the Chelsea, Belgravia, and Pimlico catchment. The school's small size means places are highly sought after, and families often register at birth. Fees are approximately £20,000-£22,000 per year.

How Schools Drive Property Prices in London

The relationship between schools and property prices in prime London is direct and measurable. Streets within walking distance of the Lycée Français in South Kensington command premiums of 5-10% over equivalent properties slightly further away. The catchment effect for state schools is less relevant in the luxury market where most families use private education, but proximity to preferred schools reduces the daily commute and increases quality of life — factors that wealthy families are willing to pay for. When we advise international families buying in London, we always start the conversation with schools before discussing neighbourhoods or budgets. Get the school right and the property decision follows naturally.

Explore our area guides for South Kensington, Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill, and St John's Wood to understand the property markets surrounding these schools, and browse our property listings filtered by area to find family homes within easy reach of your preferred school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best schools in London for international students?

The top schools for international families in London include the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in South Kensington, the American School in London in St John's Wood, the International School of London in Gunnersbury, Thomas's Battersea, Westminster School, Hill House in Chelsea, Wetherby School in Notting Hill, and Falkner House in South Kensington. Each offers different curricula and approaches suited to various international backgrounds.

How much do private schools in London cost?

Private school fees in London range from approximately £15,000 to £40,000 per year for day pupils depending on the school and age group. Prep schools (ages 4-13) typically charge £18,000-£25,000. Senior schools (ages 13-18) are generally more expensive at £25,000-£40,000. Boarding fees add £10,000-£15,000 on top. These figures exclude extras such as lunches, trips, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.

Do London schools affect property prices?

Yes, significantly in the private school market. Properties within walking distance of popular international schools like the Lycée Français in South Kensington command 5-10% premiums. Many international families choose their London neighbourhood specifically based on school proximity, which creates concentrated demand and supports prices in areas like South Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill, and St John's Wood.