The American School in London, almost always shortened to ASL, is the best known American school among the international schools in London and has educated the children of US expatriate families in the capital since 1951. Located in St John's Wood in northwest London, it teaches a US curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12 and prepares students for North American and international universities. Unlike the ACS schools in the commuter belt, ASL is a single central London campus and does not offer the IB, focusing instead on the American programme and Advanced Placement.
American School in London at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | US curriculum, High School Diploma, Advanced Placement (College Board) |
|---|---|
| Stages | Kindergarten to Grade 12 (roughly age 4 to 18) |
| Founded | 1951 |
| Accreditation | NEASC and Middle States Association accredited; member of CIS |
| Enrolment | Around 1,350 students |
| Fee band | Premium, at the upper end of the London range |
| Campus area | One Waverley Place, St John’s Wood, northwest London |
Curriculum and academics
ASL teaches a US curriculum end to end, leading to an American High School Diploma supported by a deep menu of Advanced Placement courses in Grades 11 and 12. It does not run the IB, which sets it apart from many London internationals and makes it the natural choice for families who want a recognisably American education and the AP and grade point average profile that US college admissions read most fluently. For the wider American curriculum picture and how it compares with other systems, our curriculum pillar sets out the detail.
The school is large and well resourced, with strong arts, athletics and a substantial college counselling operation geared to the US application calendar. While its centre of gravity is North American universities, leavers also progress to UK and other international institutions, where AP results and the High School Diploma are recognised. Families weighing ASL against an IB school will find the contrast useful, and our compare tool puts the options side by side. Some families also look at the city's IB schools in London when deciding between the American and IB routes.
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American School in London fees
American School in London fees sit at the upper end of the London international school fees range, among the most expensive day school places in the capital. The January 2025 introduction of 20 per cent VAT on private school fees pushed headline tuition at top London day schools into the thirties and forties of thousands of pounds a year, and ASL is firmly in that bracket. The school publishes its current tuition by grade, which is the figure to rely on, as it reviews fees annually.
As with other premium schools, plan for costs beyond tuition. These typically include an application or registration fee, a deposit to confirm a place, and charges for lunches, trips, certain activities and any bus service. AP examination entry fees apply in the final two years. Because precise figures change each year and ASL does not publish a boarding option, confirm the current tuition and ancillary charges directly with the admissions office before applying.
Admissions
ASL admissions are competitive and run to a structured annual cycle, with the main intake at the August start of the academic year. Families apply through the school's admissions portal, submitting prior school reports and references, and applicants are typically assessed or interviewed as part of the process. Demand is high at the most popular entry points, so early application is advisable for families relocating to London.
The school is used to working with corporate relocation timelines and mid year moves, and can advise on availability by grade. Overseas families should factor in the documentation needed for child or student visas where applicable. As places at the central campus are limited, ASL encourages early contact once a London posting is confirmed.
Location and who goes there
ASL occupies a purpose built campus at One Waverley Place in St John's Wood, one of the most desirable residential districts in northwest London and long the heart of the city's American expatriate community. The neighbourhood, together with nearby Hampstead, Maida Vale, Regent's Park and Marylebone, is where many ASL families live, drawn by leafy streets, period housing and quick access into the West End and the City.
The community is predominantly American, with a significant minority of British and dual nationality families and a spread of other nationalities. Its central location, rare among large international schools, is a major part of the appeal for families who want to avoid a long commute. For how St John's Wood and the surrounding districts compare with the rest of the capital, the London city hub maps where the main expatriate communities settle.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much are American School in London fees?
ASL is among the most expensive day schools in London, with headline tuition in the thirties to forties of thousands of pounds a year after the January 2025 VAT change. The school publishes current tuition by grade, alongside an application fee, a deposit and charges for items such as lunches, trips and any bus service.
Does the American School in London offer the IB?
No. ASL teaches a US curriculum with Advanced Placement and an American High School Diploma. It does not run the International Baccalaureate, which distinguishes it from many London internationals.
Is the American School in London a good school?
ASL is a large, long established and fully accredited American school with a strong college counselling record. We do not publish a star rating without verified parent reviews, so we set out its programme and accreditation rather than score it.
When do American School in London applications open?
ASL runs a structured annual admissions cycle with the main intake at the August start of the year. Demand is high, so families relocating to London should apply early; the school also handles mid year moves.
Where is the American School in London?
It is at One Waverley Place in St John’s Wood, northwest London, a central location unusual for a large international school.
