Is it difficult to accepted to gain admission to the American School of London in the upper grades (10th and 11th)?

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*Apologies for the typo in the question-1st time posting!
The questions should have been:
Is it difficult to gain admission to the American School of London in the upper grades (10th and 11th)?

We were wondering how competitive the admission process is. Does anyone know what the school is looking for in applicants in terms of grades, test scores (SSAT, ISEE), or anything else?

I suspect entry is more down to ability to pay the eye-watering fees and being prepared put up with the extreme wokeness rather than academic selection.

It's not a school most people in England would aim for as it doesn't have the same curriculum and so it's not going to be very competitive.

Have friends with children there - they're not altogether happy with the school for many different reasons, but wanted US curriculum and kids have friends.

Kids are bright enough, but wouldn't have got into any of the top London private schools (if that makes sense).

Thanks so much for the insight. We are actually trying to get away from the wokeness, so that's disappointing to hear.
Are there other schools you would recommend more? We would prefer an American curriculum, but we would also love to learn about good English private schools as well. The issue we have is that we might be in England for only 1-3 yrs, so we're tempted to stick to an American curriculum, but if the English schools are a lot better, we would consider switching.
We're looking for admission for this fall, so I'm not sure if we might also be too late for admission for many of the schools

What is the age of your dc on 1st Sept 2025 and would you consider single sex private schools?

If your children will be going to university in the US, they'd be better off sticking to the US curriculum or the IB curriculum. If their sights are set on the UK for third level, go to a school with a British curriculum (IB fine for British universities too). Though I know an American student who went to Marymount Intl School when her family moved due to a parent's posting to the UK, and recently graduated from an excellent American university.

You are too late to apply for entry this fall. The cutoff date is in January for applications for the next school year, and in March to join the wait pool. You could contact the school to see how or whether to proceed. I'd ask how many are in the wait pool if you contact them.

Yes, our son is 15, and we would consider a single sex school. We were hoping there would be more schools that offered rolling admissions.

Are there any schools you would recommend?

It's a tricky age to join the U.K. education system because GCSEs are studied for 2 years with the exams taken in the summer term of the academic year that you turn 16, ie from 1 Sept 25 to 31 August 2026. You then narrow your studies to 3 subjects for A level and the grades of the 3 a levels achieved at the end of 2 years of studying / exams drive your university course and offer achieved.
You need to stay in the US system so focus on the US schools in London including ACS Cobham and ACS Hillingdon.

I have a number of very close friends who teach at ASL and have done for the last 20 years - that in itself should be testament to how good it is. They absolutely love teaching there and there children who are British also attend. I would go and have a look around the school find out if they have any spaces for that year. As other pp say 15 is a very difficult age to integrate into a British school as we have a two tier exam system - first lot at 16 and then second lot at 18 before heading off to Uni. Woke is everywhere….ask to be shown around ASL with students etc. i think you will be suprised. I remember thinking to myself what a fantastic school and the kids were really engaged in their learning when I used to go and meet up with them after work….yes some time ago now but my friends wouldn’t still be teaching their if it wasn’t still a great school. Good luck with your move and hope you love your stay in London.

Thanks for sharing. It's heartening to hear that your friends have had such a great experience at the school.

Have you looked at Kingham Hill School in Oxfordshire. I believe they offer a US curriculum stream.

Thanks for the recommendation. I will look into it.

I would stick with the American school, as it is complicated so late in the game with the different curriculums. Also, the UK schools are ahead of the US schools. We know because dd goes to school with two girls that were held back a year when they came here from the US (summer born though).

Acs cobham. This school follows the US curriculum & IB programmes. I have two children there and my others are in British schools. Best decision I made. No wokness as as far I can see!!

That's wonderful to hear!

Good to know. Thanks for sharing.

They're not 'ahead'.
American schools follow a different sequence in core subjects. For instance, in an honors science track, students will typically follow a four year sequence of biology-chemistry-physics over three years, followed by a year of any science at AP level. In math, honors students will do a sequence of algebra-geometry-trig/pre calculus-AB Calc or BC Calc. Students are required to fulfill local and state graduation requirements, and those intending to go to university need to keep their eyes on the requirements of universities, which usually means they must do English, Math, Science, MFL, Humanities for a minimum of three years each (selective universities require four years), as well as electives - music, art, performing arts, applied arts.

Applying to a selective university with four years of swotting under your belt and great grades isn't going to get you admitted either - you have to have a stellar track record of involvement in sport/ part time job/ community volunteering/ leadership within school or the community/ development of an outstanding skill - preferably more than just one from that list.