International School of London
Description of International School of London
- Location: London, United Kingdom,
- Age of students: from 3 to 18 years old,
- Type of study: mixed,
- Language of instruction: English.
The International School of London (ISL) is a school that personalises its learning as much as possible to meet the needs of all its pupils. ISL has earned a global reputation as a leading International Baccalaureate (IB) school, widely recognised as one of the UK's best and most experienced international schools.
Since 1972, a welcoming and inclusive community has been created here – the diversity of cultures and languages defines the entire learning experience at ISL.
The International School of London fosters creativity and curiosity to stimulate deep thinking, developing the insight, compassion and resilience that enable the school community to play a meaningful role in a changing world.
International Baccalaureate (IB) programs aim to achieve more than standard curricula by developing inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed.
At ISL, the high quality of teaching is defined by the degree to which students have the opportunity to explore their passions, ask their own questions, and overcome any challenges.
Educational process
In elementary school, children choose their own path of literacy: as writers, for example, they learn the skills and techniques of real-life authors and apply them to writing topics of their own choosing.
In middle school classrooms, students explore math concepts through specific projects that they develop based on their interests. In the Individuals and Societies (Humanities) class, students pursue their own social entrepreneurship initiatives.
The renowned ISL research institute allows students to develop their own research project, relevant to the postgraduate experience, in consultation with a university mentor.
Faculties and colleges
The educational process of ISL is carried out in 3 structural divisions:
- Grade school
- High school
- High school (college).
Programs and prices, tuition fees in International School of London
Primary School (IB PYP)
- Age – 3-10 years,
- The duration of study is from 7 years.
In line with the overall IB programme, the PYP (Primary Years Programme) focuses on child development: the course gives students the opportunity to explore the world around them and interdisciplinary connections in everyday life.
PYP students know how to take charge of their own learning, collaborating with teachers to deepen their understanding and increase their confidence and self-motivation. ISL students are taught in more than one language and develop knowledge and understanding of multiculturalism. Awareness of global issues and the desire to change the world for the better is a fundamental element of the program.
Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom – the PYP is designed to provide students with the opportunity to interact with the world in a hands-on and interactive manner, encouraging an active approach to learning. Through programs such as Our Classroom Without Walls, Forest School, and Our Research Units, students delve into real-life problems and apply their skills and knowledge in a meaningful way.
Secondary School (IB MYP)
- Age – 11-15 years old,
- The duration of study is from 4 years.
The Middle School ISL (MYP) course is a conceptual curriculum that fosters students' interest, helps them develop personal strengths, success skills, and a sense of responsibility in the community.
The MYP (Middle Years Programme) provides a framework of learning that encourages students to ask questions and understand the importance of their learning in school. It highlights the intellectual challenge and fosters the development of communication skills, intercultural understanding and global participation – essential qualities for young people with the potential to become world leaders. Through the study of eight subject groups that include three languages, students acquire breadth and depth of knowledge while developing conceptual understanding.
High School (IB Diploma)
- Age – 16-18 years old,
- The duration of study is from 2 years.
The ISL Diploma Program is an internationally recognized course that is in high demand at prestigious universities around the world. It has earned a reputation for rigorously assessing and teaching students the skills and attitudes they will need to pursue higher education and successful employment.
Critical, reflective and holistic thinking, teamwork, individual initiative, personal organization and planning are the main outcomes of the IB Diploma. The core components of the diploma program consist of a 4,000-word research paper, critical analysis of knowledge, and activities with an emphasis on creativity, action, and service that provide a pleasing balance with the academic rigor of the program.
The college is built on the basis of small-group teaching and a seminary approach to learning through the IB Diploma Program.
Accommodation, meals, prices
The school offers full-time tuition only.
A hot menu prepared on campus is available for all students. Students who do not wish to receive a school lunch are allowed to bring a packed lunchbox snack with them. Students in grades 11 and 12 will not be provided with lunch; written notice is required for cancellations.
Activities International School of London
The International School of London (ISL) is dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities. Here are some key highlights of ISL:
-
Extracurricular Excellence: ISL students actively participate in extracurricular activities, showcasing their talents in cultural events, arts, sports, and social initiatives. These activities contribute significantly to their holistic development and character building.
-
Daily Forest School: The ISL Primary School provides students with the opportunity to attend the Daily Forest School, located in beautiful Gunnersbury Park. This unique program encourages intercultural education and allows students to learn beyond the classroom by connecting with nature and experiencing London's rich cultural diversity.
-
Sports and Facilities: ISL offers a wide range of sports activities with access to a new sports center, astroturf venues, and tennis courts. Students have ample opportunities to participate in sports competitions and develop teamwork skills through interscholastic competitions, including those organized by the International Schools Sports Association (ISSA). These competitions often involve travel and cultural exchange.
-
Extracurricular Clubs: ISL provides an extensive extracurricular program with over 40 activities per week. These clubs cover various areas such as Arts, Technology, Science, Service Learning, Global Issues, and Music. The after-school clubs are led by both in-house teachers and guest instructors, providing students with a chance to pursue their interests and passions.
-
Holistic Preparation: ISL ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for life at leading universities and future careers through a breadth and depth of programs. Innovative interdisciplinary projects and a commitment to service education and the arts encourage students to explore and broaden their horizons.
ISL's dedication to academic excellence, character development, and a well-rounded education makes it a vibrant and enriching learning environment for students.
Facilities and equipment at International School of London
ISL campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of learning facilities. Designed to inspire creativity and collaboration, the buildings include well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, libraries, sports facilities and outdoor areas. The campuses reflect ISL's commitment to creating supportive environments for students to excel academically and develop essential life skills.
Admission dates and extra charges
The academic year at the International School of London runs from September to June. The year is divided into 3 trimesters, between which vacations are organized:
- Autumn (September – December),
- Christmas Vacation (2 weeks),
- Spring (January – March),
- Easter holidays (2 weeks),
- Summer (April – June),
- Summer holidays (2 months, July and August).
Additional costs:
- Entry fee,
- Intensive English (9th and 10th grade students require a specialized EAL program),
- Dinner
- Transport
- Uniform
- Educational materials and stationery,
- Extracurricular activities.
Enrolment process
To apply for a place, parents need to fill out an application, a special form through the ISL online admissions system, and pay the application fee. The application fee is non-refundable and payable regardless of whether the child successfully obtains a place in the school, not deductible from any fees.
Applicants will be considered as candidates for admission once the Admissions Committee has received the following documents:
- Completed application form,
- Receipt of payment of the non-refundable entry fee,
- Copies of the child's school records for the past two years and the results of any standardized tests, educational or psychological assessments. If they are not in English, they should be translated,
- Completed Student Questionnaire (only for Grade 4 and above),
- Copies of the applicant's passport and visa.
The school will review the application and decide whether to offer the child a place to study or not, will review the application taking into account all the information provided by the candidate in the application form and the supporting documents attached, and will contact you if it has any questions.
ISL has the right to obtain recommendations about the parents and the child before making any decision.
If ISL decides to grant the application, an offer will be sent to you via email with all the conditions detailed in the letter.
Enrolment statistics
Today, about 330 students from more than 50 countries study at ISL.
Perspectives
At the International School of London, students receive advice and guidance on making an informed decision about their future education and career after an initial introduction to where to study and how different university systems work around the world. Students attend one-on-one meetings with a higher education counselor.
The most popular foreign destinations for ISL graduates are universities in the United States, Japan, and Italy. Most graduates go on to UK universities, including:
- University of Edinburgh,
- University of Oxford,
- University of Warwick,
- University College London (UCL),
- King's College London,
- Imperial College London,
- St George’s Medical School,
- Queen Mary University of London.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Parents and children must comply fully with all UK immigration laws and regulations (UKVI). The admissions officer must review each child's original passport and retain photocopies of all pages relating to personal details, visa information, exit stamps, and immigration status.
Scholarships International School of London
ISL offers scholarships to deserving students of different levels of study. Scholarships are awarded for exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, talents in the arts or sports, and commitment to community service. These awards provide financial support, promoting student diversity and success. Scholarship recipients contribute to ISL's dynamic learning environment and enrich the school community.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about International School of London
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
