How many IB schools in London
Greater London has roughly 30 authorised IB World Schools listed with the International Baccalaureate Organization. That figure splits into two distinct halves. About 14 are dedicated international schools that run the full PYP, MYP and Diploma continuum, such as Southbank International, ACS Cobham, Marymount and ICS London. The remaining 16 are UK independent schools that have adopted the IB Diploma, either alongside or instead of A Level, with King's College School Wimbledon, Sevenoaks and Whitgift the most prominent.
That hybrid market is unusual. Outside London the IB Diploma is overwhelmingly the preserve of international schools. In London the educationally selective UK independent schools have built genuinely competitive IB pipelines, with several routinely averaging above 40 points across the cohort.
The Greater London cluster is also unusual in geography. Five of the largest IB schools, including ACS Cobham, ACS Egham, ACS Hillingdon, TASIS England and Marymount, sit just outside the M25 in Surrey or Berkshire. They market to London expat families and lift the practical cluster well above the strict inner-London count.
Fees and the London tiers
IB tuition in London divides into three rough tiers. The value tier sits at GBP 22,000 to GBP 28,000 a year and covers the smaller international schools and select UK independents in outer boroughs. The mid tier runs GBP 28,000 to GBP 35,000 and captures Southbank, ICS London, ACS Hillingdon, ACS Egham and most of the IB-offering UK independents. The premium tier, GBP 35,000 to GBP 42,000, includes ACS Cobham, the senior years at Halcyon, the boarding cohort at King's College Wimbledon and the international wing at Marymount.
Boarding fees add another GBP 14,000 to GBP 22,000 on top of day tuition. Registration fees, mostly between GBP 250 and GBP 500, are non-refundable. Acceptance fees of up to one full term's tuition sit on top at most independent schools, refundable against the first year of fees. For a wider London cost picture see our London school fees deep dive.
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Illustrative example schools
The schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each has a long IB record, a stable leadership team and a clear identity in the market.
Southbank International School operates three London campuses at Hampstead, Westminster and Kensington, all running the full IB continuum. It is the only large dedicated IB school based inside Zone 1 and 2, and the diplomatic and finance-sector default for IB-curriculum families.
ACS Cobham in Surrey is the largest IB school in Greater London at around 1,500 students. Strong sport, large STEM facilities and a long Diploma record stretching back to 1988. Most families commute from south-west London or Esher.
ICS London in Lambeth offers the IB Diploma alongside a smaller but growing primary and middle years cohort. Its central location makes it a frequent choice for families who refuse to commute past Zone 2.
Marymount International School in Kingston upon Thames is a small Catholic IB girls' school running the MYP and Diploma. Strong pastoral track record and a regular feature in London IB outcome tables.
Halcyon London International School in Marylebone is the newest entrant of the cluster, founded 2013, IB-only with a modern progressive identity.
For a curated ranking see our editorial best IB schools in London long read.
Where IB families live
IB families in London cluster around four zones. Hampstead, Belsize Park and St John's Wood concentrate Southbank Hampstead, the American School in London IB Diploma sixth form and a heavy expat catchment. Kensington, Chelsea and Notting Hill anchor Southbank Westminster, ICS, Lycée Charles de Gaulle and several IB-offering UK preparatories. South-west London, including Wimbledon, Putney and Richmond, supports King's College School Wimbledon, ACS Egham, Ibstock Place and Marymount. The Surrey commuter belt around Cobham, Esher and Weybridge supports the ACS Cobham and TASIS catchments, with families typically working in the City or Canary Wharf but living for the schools and the green space.
IB tends to attract internationally mobile families whose previous posting was Singapore, Hong Kong, Geneva or Brussels and who value curriculum portability over the UK independent sector's deep A Level tradition.
Admissions calendar
Most London IB international schools run rolling admissions but commit places at the start of each academic year. Year 12 IB Diploma entry rounds open at Southbank, ACS, ICS and Halcyon in October or November of the preceding year, with most subject combinations confirmed by March. King's College School Wimbledon and Sevenoaks operate the formal UK independent timetable, with Year 12 registration closing one to two academic years before entry, plus a separate scholarship round in the November before. Late applicants for September entry are reviewed on a rolling basis but pay full term acceptance fees at offer rather than after the standard round.
Frequently asked questions
How many IB schools are there in London?
Greater London has roughly 30 authorised IB World Schools, of which about 18 deliver the Diploma Programme at sixth form. The list includes both international schools that run the full PYP, MYP and Diploma continuum and a number of UK independent schools that offer the IB Diploma as an alternative to A Level.
What is the average IB Diploma score in London?
London IB schools posted an average IB Diploma score of 36.2 in the May 2025 session, comfortably above the global average of 30.3. Sevenoaks School and King's College School Wimbledon routinely average above 40 points, although both sit outside central London and select heavily on entry.
How much do IB schools in London cost?
IB Diploma tuition in London ranges from GBP 22,000 a year at the smaller IB-only schools to GBP 42,000 at the premium internationals and UK independents. Median Diploma fees sit near GBP 32,000. Boarding, registration fees and trips add another 10 to 20 percent on top.
Which UK independent schools in London offer the IB?
King's College School Wimbledon, Sevenoaks School, Whitgift School, ACS Cobham and Marymount International all deliver the IB Diploma alongside or instead of A Level. King's and Sevenoaks remain the strongest UK independent IB pipelines on raw outcomes.
When should I apply for an IB school in London?
Apply 12 to 18 months ahead for Year 12 entry at the most competitive London IB schools. Southbank, ACS, Marymount and ICS run rolling admissions but the desirable subject combinations fill by spring. King's College School Wimbledon and Sevenoaks operate fixed registration deadlines, typically two academic years ahead of entry.
