ACS International School Cobham

Since September 2024, Robert Crowther. Previously head of senior school and, before that, middle school. A consummate international school leader, he has held senior roles in the Australian International School in Vietnam, Jakarta International

‘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

To a wide range of universities – 65 of them in 2024 alone. In the UK: Leeds, Manchester, Bristol plus the London ones – Birkbeck, Imperial, King’s College and University College. In the US: University of California, Washington and Boston University.

In 2024, average of 34 points at IB.

‘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

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

‘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

‘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

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

‘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

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

‘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

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