Ages 
The perfect school for both those on a temporary UK visa and for permanent families. All are well catered for with the mother tongue facilities and the intensive English language learning, as well as the solid IB ethos. Ideal location for families wanting the benefits of green space with proximity to central London. A happy and convivial atmosphere and an understanding cohort of international teachers who 'get it'.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 395 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 65 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £23,690 - £38,120 pa
- Local authority
- London Borough of Hounslow
- Area guides
- School ownership
- Independent school Our CEO/Proprietor is Amin Makarem
Headteacher
Principal
Richard Parker
Since September 2018, Richard Parker. Initially employed in 2015 to head up both ISL Surrey Primary School and the ISL London campus. Due to financial constraints, the Surrey school no longer exists. Studied history at Cambridge, then worked as a
Entrance
A rolling admissions policy to match the needs of relocating families. Eighty-six per cent of students have international passports, the rest have British ones (school says it is seeing an increase in enquires from British nationals). Initial contact
- Open days
- Virtual Open Days
Exit
Majority stay in the UK, heading off to universities including King’s College London, Imperial, Sterling, Westminster, Southampton, Lancaster, SOAS, Warwick and Queen Mary. Occasionally students head overseas – recently to Northeastern (US) and
Latest results
In 2024, average point score of 33 for IB.
Teaching & learning
Often listed in the top 10 international schools in London, although good results are not obtained by hothouse teaching or rote. Instead, there’s a more informal setting that encourages students to take ownership of their learning: ‘Students are not
Learning support & SEN
Full-time SENCo (for both lower and upper schools) is highly praised: ‘My son really found himself here,’ said one parent of a dyslexic child. ‘They really care,’ said another. Students are offered two periods a week of support by SENCo and deputy,
Arts & extracurricular
There is an energetic and busy vibe to the school, with pupils engaging in different activities wherever we looked. Definitely something for everyone, and whilst perhaps a little hectic, had a cheery ambience. Drama is a biggie – we watched an improv
Sport
We wouldn’t be surprised if the new Gunnersbury Sports Hub is a clincher for many families deciding between schools. ISL were key partners in the project and claim on their website that it gives them some of the ‘best sporting facilities of any
Ethos & heritage
The school was bought in the 1970s and was one of the first to offer all three IB programmes (PYP, MYP and DP). It is one of three schools owned by a Lebanese family who are still very involved, although there is an active board of governors too.
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The school makes every effort to ensure that their transition from overseas is as smooth as possible, and its transition programme has won awards, based on testimonials of students and their parents when following their ‘journey.’ The transitions
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Students are allowed to bring mobile phones to and from school to ensure their personal safety. Upon arrival, phones should be switched off and placed in lockers. Students must not use their phone or any related device during the school day, except under the direction of a teacher. Mobile phones are also not permitted at after school extracurricular clubs and can only be switched on upon leaving the school site. Any student found using, or known to have used, their phone at school will have it confiscated and returned at the end of the day via the pastoral team, with parents informed.
Pupils & parents
The school boasts 60 nationalities, a major attraction for parents. Large numbers of Japanese, American, Italian, French, Brazilian, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, French and British. Also popular is the school’s location - near Kew, Chiswick and Ealing.
Money matters
Privately owned by a Lebanese family who have weekly updates and visit regularly. Fees are fairly hefty and often paid by employers. No extra charges for the mother tongue language programme (as long as there are at least five students), learning
- Fee information
- £23,690 - £38,120 pa
The last word
The perfect school for both those on a temporary UK visa and for permanent families. All are well catered for with the mother tongue facilities and the intensive English language learning, as well as the solid IB ethos. Ideal location for families
