Southbank International School is one of the most established names on any shortlist of international schools in London, and a fully fledged IB World School from the early years to the sixth form. Founded in 1979 and now part of the Cognita group, it teaches an international community of children aged 2 to 18 across three central London campuses. Its distinction is range: it was the first school in the UK authorised to deliver all three International Baccalaureate programmes, giving families a single continuous IB pathway in the heart of the city.
Southbank International School at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes |
|---|---|
| Stages | Age 2 to 18 (boys and girls) |
| Founded | 1979 (as the American International School; renamed 1987) |
| Accreditation | IB World School; first UK school authorised for all three IB programmes |
| Type | International day school, co educational; three campuses |
| Fee band | Premium London international school |
| Campus areas | Kensington and Hampstead (primary), Westminster (senior) |
Curriculum and academics
Southbank teaches the full International Baccalaureate continuum. The youngest pupils begin the Primary Years Programme at the Kensington and Hampstead campuses, where inquiry led learning runs from age 2 through to age 11. Pupils then progress to the Westminster campus for the Middle Years Programme and the two year Diploma Programme, which carries them to age 18 and university entry. Because the whole school is built around the IB framework, a child can move from early childhood to the Diploma without ever changing educational philosophy.
For internationally mobile families this continuity is the central appeal. The IB Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide, so the qualification travels if a family relocates again, and the programme's emphasis on languages, international mindedness and independent research suits households moving between countries. The school's long experience of the IB, dating back to its early adoption of the Diploma, underpins a settled, internationally minded community drawn from dozens of nationalities.
Budget the full cost of a place at Southbank International School
Use our fee calculator to add tuition, registration, deposit and the usual extras into one annual figure before you commit.
Southbank International School fees
| Stage | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood 3 (half day) | GBP 20,172 |
| Kindergarten to Grade 2 (PYP) | GBP 38,709 |
| Grades 6 to 10 (MYP) | GBP 44,508 |
| Grades 11 to 12 (DP) | GBP 46,338 |
Source: Southbank International School (southbank.org). Annual figures (termly fees x3), inclusive of VAT. Excludes application, deposit and capital development fees. Fees are the most recent published figures and exclude one-off costs such as registration, deposits and capital levies. Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
Southbank International School fees sit in the premium band of the London school fees market for international schools. Fees rise by age group, with early years lower and the senior school Diploma years higher, and the school publishes its current termly and annual fees by year group, which is the figure to budget from. The January 2025 introduction of 20 per cent VAT on private school fees applies to UK schools and is reflected in the headline 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, examinations and optional activities. There is no boarding, so costs are day school only. 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 school's admissions team for the relevant campus and year group.
Admissions
Admission to Southbank runs on a rolling basis across the year rather than to a single annual deadline, which suits internationally mobile families who arrive mid year. Families apply to the campus that matches their child's age, the primary campuses for the younger years and Westminster for the senior school, and the school assesses readiness and any language support needs as part of the process.
Because places are filled as they arise, availability varies by year group and campus, so relocating families are encouraged to enquire early and to ask about the specific year group they need. The admissions team can advise on the documentation required, on any assessment, and on how a child's previous schooling maps onto the relevant IB programme. Entry into the Diploma years also involves confirming subject choices.
Location and who goes there
Southbank's three campuses sit in some of the most international parts of central London. The Kensington campus is in Notting Hill, the Hampstead campus is in leafy north west London near Hampstead Heath, and the Westminster senior campus occupies sites around Portland Place and Fitzrovia. Together they place the school within easy reach of the diplomatic, finance and creative communities of west and central London.
The pupil body is genuinely international, drawn from dozens of nationalities, which makes Southbank a natural choice for families arriving in London who want an established IB community rather than a British selective school. For how Kensington, Hampstead and Westminster compare with the other neighbourhoods where expatriate families settle, the London city hub sets out the wider map, and our IB schools in London hub lists the alternatives.
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 Southbank International School, please share it through our school reviews hub to help other families.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Southbank International School fees?
Southbank International School sits in the premium band for London international schools, with fees rising by age group from early years through the senior school. The school publishes current termly and annual fees by year group, which is the figure to use, alongside registration, a deposit and extras such as lunches and trips.
Which IB programmes does Southbank International School offer?
Southbank was the first school in the UK authorised to offer all three IB programmes. It runs the Primary Years Programme at its Kensington and Hampstead campuses and the Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme at its Westminster campus.
Is Southbank International School a good school?
It is a long established IB World School with a strong international community and a full IB pathway from age 2 to 18. We do not assign a star rating without verified parent reviews, so we describe its programmes and entry rather than score it.
When do Southbank International School applications open?
Admissions run on a rolling basis across the year, with places filled as they arise rather than to a single deadline. Relocating families can apply at any point. Confirm current availability and the assessment process with the admissions team.
How many campuses does Southbank International School have?
Three, all in central London: Kensington and Hampstead for the primary years, and Westminster for the senior school. Together they teach children from age 2 to 18 in one continuous IB pathway.
