When you blend a diverse and friendly community, stir in some curiosity-driven learning, fold in loads of creativity, splash a dash of tech and a whole bunch of sports, this is what you get. A vibrant, international melting pot of a school where learning is fun and students rise to the challenge.
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Overview
- Student numbers
- 1,320
- Curricula
- International
- American
- SEN provision
- SEN considered case by case
- Offers boarding
- Boarding available
- Pre school provision (up to 4)
- Yes
- Religion
- Non-denominational
- Fees
- Day £13,490 - £33,470; Boarding £47,680 - £57,820 pa
- Linked schools

Head of school
Head of school
Robert Crowther
Since September 2024, Robert Crowther, who joined the school in 2016 as head of middle school, later becoming head of senior school. Has a long international education career spanning continents and cultures from classroom teaching in Australia and
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Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.

Entrance
‘Broadly selective’ – looking for good work ethic and curiosity rather than test scores. From age 10, students asked to complete a questionnaire (‘Tell us what you like to do, what interests you have’ type thing). Parents complete this on behalf of

Exit
In 2024, 65 per cent of students went to UK universities and 30 per cent to US ones. UK destinations included University of Leeds, Manchester and Bristol. London universities also popular: Birkbeck, Imperial College, King's College and University

Latest results
In 2024, average of 34 points at IB.
In 2023, average of 35 points at IB. In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), average of 33 points.

Teaching & learning
‘American-based, international best practice.’ Plays to students’ strengths and learning style with multiple graduating pathways (IB diploma, US high school diploma, AP, AP Capstone diploma and AP International diploma). Students may even mix and
- Curricula offered
- International - International Baccalaureate (Diploma)
- American - Advanced Placement (AP)
- American - American high school diploma (College Preparatory)

Learning support & SEN
High praise for both the resource and the challenge and enrichment programmes. ‘School has been so supportive’, ‘You know you are in good hands’ and ‘We couldn’t have asked for any more or any better.’ Multiple learning support teachers for each

Language support
English is assessed on entry from 13 years old and above. EAL classes offered up to three times a week, in place of eg world languages or history. Children stay in the programme for ‘as long as is needed’ with the language teacher waving them along

Arts & extracurricular
‘Vibrant’, ‘alive’, ‘exciting’, say parents and students alike. Effusive high schoolers told us, ‘I wouldn’t have been able to do all this if it wasn’t for the school’ before reeling off a long list of productions they had been in. Another mentioned

Sport
‘If you have sporty kids, they will be very happy here.’ Fabulous sports facilities, acres of space, multiple playing fields, active circuit of local and regional tournaments – it’s no surprise that many families are drawn here for the huge sport

Boarders
Two co-ed boarding houses. Field House (grades 8-10) and Woodlands (grades 11-12). Girls live in one side, boys in the other, single-sex common room and kitchenette, shared social space in the middle. Smart, purpose-built facilities, spacious and

Ethos & heritage
One of three ACS International schools in the UK (alongside ACS Egham and ACS Hillingdon). Each distinct and different while sharing the same overarching values. Cobham is the largest of the schools, space- and student-wise. With 128 acres of Surrey

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘I love this school because all the students are so friendly and I can be myself,’ said one middle school student – not scripted and with no arm-twisting! A culture of kindness and belonging is fostered – from the morning meeting in lower school in

Classroom & community
Notably lower turnover and fewer Americans than yesteryear, say parents. Around one-third American, one-third British and one-third from all around the world. Some ‘lifers’, some who come and go – though much less transient than other international
- School year
- September – June, with two terms
- School hours
- 8:30am – 3:15pm, after school sports/activities 5:30pm
- Uniform requirements
- No

Money matters
‘Compared to British private schools the fees are high, but compared to a US private school it’s pretty on par and you get great stuff for it,’ report parents. School is a charitable organisation with some fundraising asked of parents. Bursary
- Annual fee range
- Day £13,490 - £33,470; Boarding £47,680 - £57,820 pa
- Fee information
- Bus service single p.a - £1,460 - £2,720
Bus service return p.a. - £2,270 - £4,190
Field trips beyond one day - £200 - £700
Exam fees

The last word
When you blend a diverse and friendly community, stir in some curiosity-driven learning, fold in loads of creativity, splash a dash of tech and a whole bunch of sports, this is what you get. A vibrant, international melting pot of a school where

Accreditations, inspections & memberships
- Accreditations/Inspections
- Authorised by International Baccalaureate Organization (not to be confused as an inspection or accreditation agency)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Council of International Schools (CIS)- Memberships
- BSA, CIS, ECIS, IBSCA, ISA. Registered by US State Department.