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 & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,200 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 360 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £25,800 - £38,640; Boarding £55,020 - £59,160 pa
- Local authority
- Surrey County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
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
- Open days
- October
Exit
To a wide range of universities – often over 60 in any one year. In the UK: Durham, UCL, LSE, Bristol, Warwick and Edinburgh popular. Just over a quarter to US: Boston, Miami, Virginia among them. A handful to Europe: Netherland and Spain most
Latest results
In 2025, average of 35 points at IB.
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
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
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
Pupils & parents
Notably less 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
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
- Fee information
- Day £25,800 - £38,640; Boarding £55,020 - £59,160 pa
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