Southbank International School

Southbank International School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for 3-18 year olds with campuses in Hampstead, Kensington and Westminster in Central London. We are the first school in the UK authorised to offer all three International Baccalaureate programmes. For more than 30 years, Southbank has been at the forefront of providing internationally relevant, world class education.

We encourage our students to think critically and always challenge assumptions whilst ensuring they have an openness to the outside world and are ready to see other points of view. These qualities help our students develop to broaden their minds while excelling in their academic studies. We help them to develop as independent, confident, curious and lifelong learners who fulfil their academic potential and take the natural next step into the world’s best universities.

With over seventy nationalities on our roll, we live and breathe the spirit of internationalism, as reflected in our three programmes of study and the many activities outside the classroom. Southbank uses London as our classroom, taking full advantage of the city’s cultural riches, giving our students access to educational enrichment that is perhaps unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

Primary Years Programme (3-11 years old)

Based at our Hampstead and Kensington campuses, the Primary Years Programme focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is defined by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

Our Hampstead campus is an Apple Distinguished school, and facilities include an impressive art room equipped with a design suite of Mac computers and supplies; a bright and airy music room with computers for recording student compositions; a multi-purpose hall which provides space for lunches, sport and concerts; and a dedicated play space equipped with climbing frame, sandpit and an edible garden.

Facilities at Kensington include a Mac-based IT Lab; a music room with a range of percussion instruments; a library/media room to support the PYP programme; a multi-purpose hall used for lunches, sport and concerts; a large garden with a climbing frame, sandpit and an array of equipment for children to use.

Middle Years Programme (11-16 years old)

Based at our Westminster campus on Portland Place, the Middle Years Programme shares the PYP’s commitment to learning through inquiry and continues to develop attributes of the IB learner profile. The MYP emphasises intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world. At Southbank, we foster the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement – essential qualities for young people who are becoming global leaders.

Southbank Westminster is conveniently located near Regent’s Park with good transportation links nearby. Facilities at Westminster include five science labs, a computer lab, a hall/theatre, cafeteria, art and music rooms, and two libraries served by networked computers.

Diploma Programme (16-18 years old)

Based at Conway Street and Cleveland Street sites, the Diploma Programme encourages students to ask challenging questions, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures. It prepares students for the next stage in their education and the qualification is widely-recognised by the world’s leading universities.

We are extremely proud of our excellent IB results. In 2020, our students achieved a 100% pass rate with an average diploma score of 36.6 and 19% of our students achieved 40 points or above, putting them in the top 3% of students worldwide.  We also had one student score a perfect 45 points. These outstanding results allowed the vast majority of students to gain admission to top universities in the UK, North America and other parts of the world.

Facilities at Conway Street include a science lab, library resource centre, art studio and language suite. Facilities at Cleveland St include a brand new art room, a large common room and a design technology lab.

Southbank also have three dedicated university counsellors (one specialising in North American universities and one specialising in the UK and Europe). Our counsellors are available for individual appointments and events are organised to inform parents about university planning.