American School in London (The)

Head, from July 2023, Matt Horvat BA MA, previously head of school at the Overlake School, a high-performing college preparatory school in Redmond, Washington. Mr Horvat did a BA in history at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a master’s in

Unlike many international schools, ASL only accepts applications in the year before entry, with a closing deadline in January. Admission is based on school records, teacher recommendations and standardised test results (ISEE, SSAT, ERB (CTP),

Most leaving before graduation do so because of family transfer. For those staying the course (and over 80 per cent of the current grade 12 have been in high school throughout), university preparation is excellent. Most make the US their first

School provides an American curriculum and offers Advanced Placement (AP) exams. In May 2024, 337 students took 985 AP exams in 35 subject areas, with 97 per cent scoring 3 or higher.

ASL has long held a reputation as one of the top ‘college prep’ schools outside the US. Parents select it – often in contrast to the British system – because of its ‘pedagogy’. ‘We felt it was a child-centred education, looking to instil a love of

The learning support department is large and (virtually) all-encompassing, including specialists in speech and language, and English as an additional language, educational psychologists and school counsellors. The school also works with outside

Non-English speakers taken in up to grade 3. Language learning expanded in middle school to choice of Spanish, French or Mandarin, but little in terms of maintaining mother tongue languages, though the library has foreign language books.

The school has a ‘huge commitment to the arts’ and facilities are phenomenal. Drama benefits from a professionally equipped 450-seat theatre, which is also used for concerts, lectures and student-led debates. All younger pupils study the recorder and

Sport is an integral part of school life and, as elsewhere, facilities are exceptional, with two full-size gyms, a fitness centre and 21 acres of playing fields a minibus (or tube) ride away in Canon’s Park. Wide range of sports offered during the

Middle and high school students meet regularly in groups of 12-14 with their advisory teachers – parents’ main point of contact – who support their social and emotional growth and provide guidance for organisation. They also have access to six

Students hold citizenship of 71 countries and speak 62 languages. The majority (about 70 per cent) have an American passport, but about half are dual nationals, and many parents, whatever their background, met at university in the US and intend their

About 13 per cent get financial aid, with some receiving nearly full funding. By English independent day-school standards – though not compared to international schools – ASL is expensive, but fees are justified by high teachers’ salaries and ‘full

A school which aims to achieve the best in American education – and does. Resources and facilities are outstanding, attitudes positive and results strong. Bright, curious, motivated students flourish, and the schools is also good at discovering light