London · NW8 0NP
The American School in London is an independent, coeducational day school serving ages 4–18 with a US-style curriculum and International Baccalaureate pathway. Located in Swiss Cottage, NW8, it attracts expatriate families and globally-minded UK families seeking an American educational approach within London. The school emphasizes innovation, leadership, and a strong sense of community across its 1,432-pupil body.
Who thrives here
Families seeking an American or internationally portable education; expat families planning mobility; pupils who thrive in a global, diverse, progressive learning environment; those interested in STEM, leadership development, and extracurricular breadth.
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
1 Waverley Place
London
NW8 0NP
Nearest stations
Kwame Alexander
Award-winning children's author and poet; Newbery Medal winner
Day fees at The American School in London are approximately £31,500 per year (2025/26).
The American School in London admits pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
The American School in London is a day school in London and does not offer boarding.
Ofsted rated The American School in London “Outstanding” (2024).
Frequently praised
✓Excellent extracurricular range and facilities; strong athletics and robotics programs
✓Supportive, inclusive community with genuinely global diversity; expat families feel at home
✓Rigorous US curriculum with flexibility and student agency; strong university counseling and application support
✓Innovative pedagogy and creative learning spaces; focus on character and leadership alongside academics
✓Well-maintained campus with modern facilities (pool, labs, boathouse)
Common concerns
!High fees for London independent school; limited need-based bursary availability
!Curriculum is US-oriented; some UK families perceive less direct pathway to UK universities
!Large school (1,432 pupils) may feel less intimate than smaller alternatives
!Parking and traffic congestion around NW8 campus during peak hours