Southbank International School Hampstead is one of the primary campuses families meet when researching the international schools in London for younger children. It is the Hampstead home of Southbank International School, a long established IB World School, and it concentrates on the early years and primary stages. A purpose built site on Netherhall Gardens, it teaches a small international community of around 160 children from age 2 to 11 before they progress to the senior school for the later IB programmes. For families settling in north west London, it is the natural Southbank entry point.
Hampstead campus at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | IB Primary Years Programme |
|---|---|
| Stages | Age 2 to 11 (boys and girls) |
| Opened | Hampstead campus opened 1996 |
| Accreditation | Part of Southbank International School, an IB World School |
| Type | International primary day campus, co educational |
| Fee band | Premium London primary international school |
| Campus area | Netherhall Gardens, Hampstead, north west London |
Curriculum and academics
The Hampstead campus delivers the IB Primary Years Programme, the inquiry led framework that runs across the early years and primary stages. Learning is organised around units of inquiry rather than isolated subjects, encouraging young children to ask questions, make connections and take ownership of their learning, with specialist provision in languages, music, art and physical education alongside the core. The campus size is deliberately small, which supports close attention to each child during these formative years.
Because Hampstead is a primary campus, the academic story does not end at age 11. Pupils move on to the senior school for the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, giving a continuous IB pathway from early childhood to university entry without changing schools. Families who want to understand the full route can read our profile of the wider Southbank International School, which sets out all three campuses and programmes.
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Southbank Hampstead fees
Southbank Hampstead fees sit in the premium band of the London school fees market for primary international schools. As with most international schools, fees rise across the early years and primary stages, and the school publishes its current termly and annual figures by year group, which is the figure to budget from. The January 2025 introduction of 20 per cent VAT on private school fees applies and is reflected in the published figures.
Beyond tuition, families should plan for a registration fee when applying, a deposit to secure a place, and the usual extras for lunches, school trips and optional activities. As a primary campus there is no examination entry to budget for at this stage, and there is no boarding. To bring tuition and the additional items into one annual figure before you commit, use our fee calculator, and confirm the current published fees with the admissions team.
Admissions
Admission to the Hampstead campus is rolling rather than tied to a single annual deadline, which suits internationally mobile families who arrive in London mid year. Places are filled as they arise across the early years and primary year groups, and the school assesses readiness and any English language support needs as part of welcoming a new child.
Availability varies by year group, with the youngest entry points often the easiest to secure, so relocating families are encouraged to enquire early about the specific year they need. The admissions team can advise on the documentation required, on how a child's previous schooling maps onto the Primary Years Programme, and on the transition to the senior school at the end of the primary stage.
Location and who goes there
The campus is on Netherhall Gardens in Hampstead, one of the leafiest parts of north west London and a short distance from Hampstead Heath. The area is well connected for public and private transport, and it has long been popular with international families drawn to its village feel, green space and proximity to central London. The campus draws much of its intake from Hampstead, Belsize Park, Swiss Cottage and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Because it is the primary arm of an established IB school, its community is international and its families value the continuous IB pathway as much as the local setting. For how Hampstead compares with Kensington, Westminster and the other parts of London where expatriate families settle, the London city hub sets out the wider map of neighbourhoods and schools.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish parent reviews only once we can confirm the reviewer is part of the school community. If you have experience of the Southbank Hampstead campus, please share it through our school reviews hub to help other families.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Southbank International School Hampstead fees?
The Hampstead campus sits in the premium band for London primary international schools, with fees rising through the early years and primary stages. The school publishes current termly and annual fees by year group, which is the figure to use, alongside registration, a deposit and extras.
What does Southbank International School Hampstead teach?
It teaches the IB Primary Years Programme to children aged 2 to 11. Pupils then move on to the Southbank Westminster campus for the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes.
Is Southbank International School Hampstead a good school?
It is the established Hampstead primary campus of a long running IB World School, with a small international community and inquiry led learning. We do not assign a star rating without verified parent reviews, so we describe its programme and entry rather than score it.
When do Southbank International School Hampstead applications open?
Admissions are rolling across the year, with places filled as they arise. Relocating families can apply at any point and should enquire early about the specific year group. Confirm availability and assessment with the admissions team.
Where is the Southbank Hampstead campus?
It is a purpose built primary campus on Netherhall Gardens in Hampstead, north west London, close to Hampstead Heath and well served by public and private transport.
