The American School in London offers an American-style curriculum in a creative and diverse environment, making this independent institution a popular choice for expats from the world over.
“Education is a community service requiring community participation.” – these are the words of Stephen Eckard: humanitarian, journalist, scholar, entrepreneur, founder and former head of the American School in London (ASL).
Since opening its doors in 1951, this independent school has been at the heart of the American expat community in the UK capital, as it strives to achieve its mission: “to develop the intellect and character of each student by providing an outstanding American education with a global perspective.”
Let’s explore what makes the American School in London so special to US and international families.
1. Admissions to the American School in London
- Approximately 1,400 students are taught across the following schools: Lower (K1-Grade 4), Middle (Grades 5-8) and High (Grades 9-12).
- Around 70% of students hold a US passport – nearly 50% of these students hold a passport from another country.
- 70 nationalities are represented at ASL.
- 52 languages are spoken across the student population.
- On average students attend ASL for three to five years – but some only attend for a semester and others attend from the first year to the last.
- Around 15% of students leave at the end of each school year.
- ASL welcomes approximately 300 new students at the start of each school year.
- The school is currently offering a virtual tour service due to COVID-19 restrictions.
2. Teachers
- ASL’s teachers – who hail for 14 nationalities – have experience working at a wide range of schools in the US and around the world.
- Approximately 65% hold US citizenship.
- The average tenure is nine years.
3. Curriculum
- ASL offers an American-style curriculum that is creative and inquiry-based, while encouraging the pursuit of personal and academic excellence.
- The school’s oldest students can elect to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in more than 20 subjects. They also take SATs in Grade 11 and/or Grade 12.
- ASL does not offer the International Baccalaureate programme or UK examinations.
4. Location
- The ASL campus is located in St John’s Wood, north-west London – one of the capital’s most upmarket residential locations.
- Around 40% of ASL students live in St. John’s Wood – average rental prices: two-bedroom property: £528pw, three-bedroom property: £920pw, four-bedroom property: £1,615pw.
- ASL students also typically live in areas like: Belsize Park, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, West Hampstead, Queen’s Park, Golders Green and Hampstead Garden Suburb.
- The school provides buses to all these areas – and more if you choose to live further away to avoid the high rental prices in the local vicinity.
5. Accreditation
- ASL is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and certified by Ofsted.
- ASL is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Council of International Schools, and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.
Get help from the experts
Relocation specialists Simply London can guide you through the independent school selection and application process. We offer two options, depending on your requirements:
- School phone consultation – advice on schools, admissions and the general process.
- Full school search service – an in-depth, bespoke service that’s tailored to your family’s requirements.