TASIS or ACS for the IB Diploma

[Laughteristhecure]

We’re moving back to the UK this summer and would love to hear opinions on TASIS and ACS for the IB Diploma Programme. My son will be attending as a day student.

We’re particularly interested in the quality of the IB programme, university preparation, academic support, extracurricular opportunities, and the overall student experience. If your child has attended either school, or if you’ve considered both, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and any pros or cons you found during the decision-making process.

Thank you in advance for any insights!

If you do not get many direct-experience replies, I’d compare them on the IB mechanics rather than general reputation: Diploma cohort size, HL subject availability, average points range, university guidance, CAS support, and what happens if a subject is undersubscribed. For a day student, also ask how much of the IB life happens after school and whether transport makes that realistic.

Which ACS are you looking at? DD went to Cobham and didn’t have a great time, but did OK. A friend’s son went to Egham. The two schools have quite different vibes. Egham is more European, Cobham definitely American. I don’t know about Hillingdon.

Cobham extra curricular was mixed. Drama was great, sports was not. With sports, you could only participate if you were in the team or a reserve. If you wanted to play for fun or to keep fit, they made it very difficult for you, although this may have changed as it’s a while since DD left.

We found the teaching also quite mixed. DD had a string of supply teachers for SL maths in the first year of the DP as her assigned teacher went on long term sick leave. Other teaching was outstanding. DD was supposed to be on the Highly Able programme, but all this seemed to consist of was pushing summer schools and trips to the States to Ivy League universities.

We didn’t find Cobham particularly welcoming when we looked round, but may just have been unlucky. It felt like it was more about the money than the child.

I’ve heard good things about TASIS. One of DD’s friends went there, enjoyed it and did well. I’d suggest having a look round all schools and see which feels right for you. DD was desperate to go to ACS but I think a smaller school would have been better for her.