ACS International Schools

[newbiemummy3]

We have some friends moving from Seattle to the UK later this year and they have asked for recommendations for schools in London/outskirts of London. We have heard that ACS International Schools have a good American ex-pat community but they are also keen for their children to integrate into UK life. Can anyone share any further information/perceptions on the schools?

What are the kids ages? How long are they staying for?

Children are 8 and 14. Initially staying for three years but could be extended

In that case I would definitely keep them in the American system if the parents have the funds. Depending on what side of 14 the older one is, they're bang in the middle of GCSEs which are hard for kids already in the system. The majority of the American community is centered in West London around the American school in st John's wood. There is also one out of London that offers IB and American curriculum. I would get them to call admissions as places can be hard to get and they close beginning of june so would be doing admissions now.

ACS which are in Hillingdon, Cobham and Egham, are great schools. Very much designed for people who come for a brief stay. And if the family move but the oldest one wants to finish in the UK I think they have some boarding.
There are quite a number of British families at the schools - especially the Egham one I think. They also have quite a big catchment area with school buses etc.
If they also want to integrate then getting involved in some local activities as well as the school could be helpful eg. Church (or other religion), Choirs, Sports teams, Scouts/Guides etc.

Thanks both - really helpful. Do you think it is worth investigating other schooling options in the area for comparison? It seems like they want to be a bit removed from fast-paced city life so Surrey might suit them well

The ACS schools have rolling admissions, you can apply and start at any time, provided there is space in the appropriate year group. There is no application deadline unless you're looking for a bursary.

Despite their names, they are international schools, not strictly American schools. And as far as I am aware, they follow the IB curriculum rather than any American curriculum.

I gather that the three different schools have their individual, distinct characters. E.g. ACS Hillingdon has a lot of diplomat families, ACS Egham has a larger British contingent. Also I believe the curriculum isn't exactly the same at each school.

To me they do have an 'American feel' to them in terms of the security at the gates, lockdown procedures and such; also, no uniform.

If they like this corner of Surrey (it is convenient, for airports etc), but not the ACS schools, they could also look at TASIS in Thorpe (near Egham).

I work in this area (not for a school) and frequently place the children of US expats in one of the several ASC schools in London. The school is very cosmopolitan and has individuals from a wide variety of locations. The feedback I have is that ASC is a fantastic school, wide array of facilities, both in / out of curriculum opportunities - and this is from a wide variety of sources. They've been incredibly accommodating with some of our families with SEN children as well. For US curriculum choice its a really good option, others are: TASIS, Southbank, ISL. There are other good options, but in London. You may want to recommend your friend checks if their company will foot the fees as they are pricey :-)

Sorry, I forgot Marymount is another popular option for some families but only girls & secondary!

Cobham has a large American community and feels quite chilled out.

I think the route they take depends on how long they’re staying for. If it’s a couple of years, then an American school might suit them better. If they’re going to be here for a lot longer, then more typical British schools will have far lower turnover of pupils.