ACS International School Cobham vs ACS International School Hillingdon
ACS International School Cobham and ACS International School Hillingdon are both in London, about 22 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and ACS International School Hillingdon also offers IBCP, Advanced Placement (AP) and American. Published annual fees are £9,950 - 66,780 at ACS International School Cobham and £12,760 - 30,170 at ACS International School Hillingdon, which puts ACS International School Cobham roughly 79% higher. ACS International School Cobham takes pupils from 2 to 18, and ACS International School Hillingdon from 4 to 18. ACS International School Cobham is the larger school, with around 1,300 pupils to ACS International School Hillingdon's 551. Typical class sizes are 20 at ACS International School Cobham and 16 at ACS International School Hillingdon.
IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
1,300
Pupils
551
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
16
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1975
Opened
1978
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Located in Cobham, Surrey, England (KT11 1BL). The 128-acre ACS Cobham campus sits in the Surrey countryside. It is part of the ACS International Schools group and offers international day and boarding education for students aged 2 to 18.
Location
ACS International School Hillingdon is located at Hillingdon Court, 108 Vine Lane, Hillingdon, UB10 0BE, England. The campus address is used for communications and directions. It is close to Junction 16 of the M25 for transport access.
Stages
Stages
Lower School (ages 2-10) and Senior School (ages 10-18).
Stages
Lower School (ages 3-10) and Upper School (ages 10-18).
School type
School type
The school is an international day and boarding school.
School type
Co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
A diverse international community with 70+ nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) and learning support for students with learning differences.
Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
England, United Kingdom
Country affiliation
England
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Lower School day runs from about 08:00 to 15:30, with after-school clubs from 15:30 to 18:00; an Extended Day Club is available from 22 April 2025.
School day structure
Lower School follows a structured timetable with eight periods per day, including a lunch period and outdoor recess.
Bus service details
Bus service details
ACS Cobham operates an extensive busing service with door-to-door and shuttle options, a late bus, and the Vectare app for scheduling and tracking; three zones cover the catchment area.
Bus service details
Extensive busing with shuttle stops and door-to-door services available.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fee
- A non-refundable application fee of £330 (inc. VAT) is payable with each application. Payment of the fee does not guarantee admission.
Enrolment deposit and refunds
- A refundable enrolment deposit of £1,500 is payable after a student has been accepted to reserve a place. The deposit is retained for the duration of enrolment and is returned within three months of termination of the contract, net of any outstanding liabilities (including notice-period liabilities and supplementary charges).
One-off campus / development fee
- A once-only, non-refundable campus/development fee of £1,680 (inc. VAT) is charged on the first tuition fee invoice for each student in Grades K–12.
Tuition fees (per semester and annual amounts) — day students
- Tuition fees are charged per semester (the academic year is divided into two semesters). The published per-semester and annual fees are as follows: - Pre-Scramblers Half Day (Ages 2–3): £4,800 per semester / £9,600 per year. ✝. - Pre-Scramblers Full Day (Ages 2–3): £6,950 per semester / £13,900 per year. ✝. - Scramblers Half Day (Ages 3–4): £4,800 per semester / £9,600 per year. - Scramblers Full Day (Ages 3–4): £6,950 per semester / £13,900 per year. ✝. - Pre-K Half Day (Ages 4–5): £5,700 per semester / £11,400 per year. - Pre-K Full Day (Ages 4–5): £7,800 per semester / £15,600 per year. - Kindergarten (Ages 5–6): £12,900 per semester / £25,800 per year. - Grades 1–2 (Ages 6–8): £14,490 per semester / £28,980 per year. - Grades 3–4 (Ages 8–10): £14,580 per semester / £29,160 per year. - Grades 5–6 (Ages 10–12): £17,100 per semester / £34,200 per year. - Grades 7–8 (Ages 12–14): £17,250 per semester / £34,500 per year. - Grades 9–10 (Ages 14–16): £19,170 per semester / £38,340 per year. - Grade 11 (Ages 16–17): £19,200 per semester / £38,400 per year. (Tuition for Grades 11–12 includes university placement support but excludes external exam and university application fees.) - Grade 12 (Ages 17–18): £19,320 per semester / £38,640 per year. (See note above regarding exam/application fees.)
(✝ Fee figures shown for Scramblers/Pre-Scramblers Full Day indicate the five-days-per-week charge; fees for individual days are available on request.)
Boarding fees (Grades 8–12)
- Boarding is available for Grades 8–12. Tuition fees are additional to boarding fees. Boarding fees include an en-suite room, full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and a weekend activity programme. Temporary boarding (subject to availability) is available at a per-night rate.
- 5‑day boarding (per semester / annual totals shown): - Grade 8: Boarding £10,260 per semester; Tuition £17,250 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £55,020 per year. - Grades 9–10: Boarding £10,260 per semester; Tuition £19,170 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £58,860 per year. - Grade 11: Boarding £10,260 per semester; Tuition £19,200 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £58,920 per year. - Grade 12: Boarding £10,260 per semester; Tuition £19,320 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £59,160 per year.
- 7‑day boarding (per semester / annual totals shown): - Grade 8: Boarding £14,070 per semester; Tuition £17,250 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £62,640 per year. - Grades 9–10: Boarding £14,070 per semester; Tuition £19,170 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £66,480 per year. - Grade 11: Boarding £14,070 per semester; Tuition £19,200 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £66,540 per year. - Grade 12: Boarding £14,070 per semester; Tuition £19,320 per semester; Boarding & Tuition total: £66,780 per year.
- Temporary boarding: £135 (inc. VAT) per student per night, full board, up to a maximum of 45 nights per academic year, subject to availability.
Transport (busing) fees
- Door-to-door (home to school) service — per semester / annual: - Zone 1: Single £1,180 / £2,360; Return £1,830 / £3,660. - Zone 2: Single £1,270 / £2,540; Return £1,950 / £3,900. - Zone 3: Single £1,400 / £2,800; Return £2,160 / £4,320.
- Shuttle service — per semester / annual: - Zone 1: Single £630 / £1,260; Return £870 / £1,740. - Zone 2: Single £670 / £1,340; Return £1,020 / £2,040. - Zone 3: Single £750 / £1,500; Return £1,170 / £2,340.
- Late bus single-journey charges (non‑PM bus users): Zone 1 £6, Zone 2 £7, Zone 3 £8 per journey. Bus fees are provisional and subject to change.
Additional recurring or conditional costs
- External exam fees (charged in addition to tuition): approximately £700 for the full IB Diploma, £125 per AP Standard exam and £150 per AP Capstone exam (charges may change if examining bodies amend their fees). - University application fees: US university application fees vary (typically between $50 and $150 per application); UCAS (UK) charge £27.50 (up to five choices). - Annual IT service fee: £60 (inc. VAT) for Grades 9–12. - Lost iPads: accidental damage is generally covered; lost or misplaced iPads are charged up to £350. Deliberate damage or misuse incurs repair/replacement charges. - Lost or damaged textbooks: charges apply for textbooks/library books lost or damaged beyond fair wear and tear. - Co-curricular activities and trips: some activities and visits incur additional charges; some are included in tuition. - SEN (Level 3) support for moderate needs: charged at £4,500 per year (£2,250 per semester). Services for mild needs are included in tuition.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoices are issued twice a year (once per semester). For the 2025–2026 academic year the invoicing dates provided are: - 1st semester invoice issue date: 04 June 2025; due date: 18 June 2025. - 2nd semester invoice issue date: 05 November 2025; due date: 19 November 2025. - Any bank charges incurred when making payment are debited to the student's school-fees account. ACS is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit-related regulated activities.
Fee payment methods and options
- Accepted payment methods include debit and credit cards, Sterling (GBP) cheque drawn on a UK bank account, and direct payments (BACS, wire transfer, etc.) into the ACS bank account. Payment in US Dollars is accepted via the specified USD bank account after obtaining an exchange rate from the School Fees Office. Quoting the student number is requested when making direct payments. A monthly instalment plan is available for parents paying school fees themselves.
Refunds and returned payments
- The enrolment deposit (£1,500) is refundable and will be returned within three months of contract termination, net of outstanding liabilities. Any other refunds or notice-period liabilities are handled in accordance with the School's fees terms and conditions. Bank charges incurred during payment will be deducted from the paying account and may be recharged to clear the fees account.
Fee details
Application and one‑off fees
- Application fee: £330 (inc. VAT); non‑refundable and payable with each application. - Enrolment deposit: £1,500; refundable and payable after an offer is accepted to reserve a place. The deposit is retained for the duration of enrolment and refunded within three months of contract termination, net of any outstanding liabilities (including notice‑period liabilities and supplementary charges). - One‑off campus/development fee: £1,680 (inc. VAT); a once‑only, non‑refundable charge applied in the first year of enrolment for Grades K–12 and included on the first tuition invoice.
Tuition fees (2025–2026) — per semester and annual
Tuition fees are charged per semester (two semesters per academic year). Fees below include VAT.
- Pre‑K (Ages 4–5): £7,350 per semester — Annual £14,700. - Kindergarten (Ages 5–6): £12,360 per semester — Annual £24,720. - Grades 1–2 (Ages 6–8): £13,200 per semester — Annual £26,400. - Grades 3–4 (Ages 8–10): £13,230 per semester — Annual £26,460. - Grades 5–6 (Ages 10–12): £15,570 per semester — Annual £31,140. - Grades 7–8 (Ages 12–14): £15,690 per semester — Annual £31,380. - Grades 9–10 (Ages 14–16): £17,220 per semester — Annual £34,440. - Grade 11 (Ages 16–17): £17,310 per semester — Annual £34,620. (Includes university placement support costs but excludes external exam and university application fees.) - Grade 12 (Ages 17–18): £17,400 per semester — Annual £34,800. (Includes university placement support costs but excludes external exam and university application fees.)
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Academic year structure: two semesters (August–January; January–June). Tuition is billed per semester. - Invoicing for 2025–2026: 1st semester invoice issue date 4 June 2025 — due 18 June 2025; 2nd semester invoice issue date 5 November 2025 — due 19 November 2025. Invoices are issued twice per year and handled by the School Fees Office. - Any bank charges incurred when making payments are charged back to the student's fees account and must be cleared by further payment. Instalment (monthly) plans are available for parents paying fees themselves; details are arranged through the School Fees Office.
Busing fees (2025–2026)
Door‑to‑door (exempt/zero rated for VAT): - Zone 1: Single £1,220 per semester — Annual £2,440. Return £1,890 per semester — Annual £3,780. - Zone 2: Single £1,340 per semester — Annual £2,680. Return £2,070 per semester — Annual £4,140. - Zone 3: Single £1,420 per semester — Annual £2,840. Return £2,200 per semester — Annual £4,400.
Shuttle service (exempt/zero rated for VAT): - Zone 1: Single £560 per semester — Annual £1,120. Return £850 per semester — Annual £1,700. - Zone 2: Single £710 per semester — Annual £1,420. Return £1,070 per semester — Annual £2,140. - Zone 3: Single £760 per semester — Annual £1,520. Return £1,180 per semester — Annual £2,360.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable: ACS Hillingdon operates as a day school and does not charge boarding fees.
Other costs and routine additional charges
- Exams: External exam charges are additional. Typical expected costs are around £700 for the full IB Diploma, around £200 for the IBCP, and AP standard fees £125 per exam. (Examination boards may change fees.) - University applications: US application fees typically range $50–$150 per application; UCAS charge £27.50 (up to 5 choices). - SEN services: Support for moderate SEN is charged at £4,500 per year (£2,250 per semester). Services for mild SEN are included in standard tuition at no additional cost. A formal assessment determines the service level after admission. Spaces for moderate SEN support are limited. - IT and device charges: Accidental damage is generally covered; lost or misplaced iPads incur a charge up to £350. Annual IT service fee £60 (inc. VAT) applies for Grades 9–12. Deliberate damage or misuse incurs repair/replacement costs. - Textbooks: A set of textbooks is loaned; charges apply for lost or damaged textbooks/library books beyond fair wear and tear. - Trips and co‑curricular activities: Some trips, extracurricular activities and co‑curricular options incur additional charges; some activities are included in tuition while others are charged separately.
Refund information
- Enrolment deposit refund: The enrolment deposit (£1,500) is refundable and will be returned within three months of termination of the contract, after deduction of any outstanding fees or liabilities.
Fee payment options and bank details
- Accepted payment methods: debit and credit cards, sterling (GBP) cheque drawn on a UK bank account, and direct electronic payments (BACS/wire transfer). A monthly instalment option is available for parents paying fees themselves. - UK bank details for sterling payments (as provided for school fees): NatWest Bank Plc — Account name: ACS International Schools Ltd — Account number: 34337199 — Sort code: 60‑06‑03 — SWIFT: NWBKGB2L — IBAN: GB62 NWBK 6006 0334 3371 99. - US bank details for USD payments (as provided for school fees): Citizens Bank, 1 Citizens Drive, Riverside, RI 02915 — Account name: ACS International Schools Ltd — Account number: 1300032801 — ABA (Domestic USA Wire) 011500120 — SWIFT CTZIUS33 — ACH ABA 211070175. Please quote the student number when making a direct payment. Any bank charges incurred will be debited to the student's fees account. Payment in US Dollars may be arranged following an exchange‑rate confirmation from the School Fees Office.
Contact points for fees
- Application & deposit queries: ACS Hillingdon Admissions. For tuition, transport and development fees: The School Fees Office (contact details provided with invoices and officially issued fee documents).
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Senior School follows a future-forward, international curriculum aligned with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Advanced Placement (AP). Middle School covers English, Mathematics, Languages, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, PSHE, Visual and Performing Arts, and Digital Skills. Upper School (Grades 9–10) requires eight subjects: English, Mathematics, Languages, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education & Health, and two additional subjects. High School (Grades 11–12) offers IBDP or AP, and credits toward a High School Diploma. The High School Diploma is NEASC-accredited and recognized by North American colleges and universities. IBDP and AP qualifications are recognised by leading universities worldwide.
Curriculum details
An enquiry-based, international curriculum that blends international standards across the school. Lower School (Pre-K to Grade 4) provides core and specialist subjects taught by dedicated teachers, with one full-time teacher per class and a teaching assistant in Pre-K and Kindergarten; technology is integrated with one-to-one iPads; Forest School and Outdoor Learning are part of learning. The curriculum follows international anchors, including UK Birth to Five Matters and US Common Core, and leads to International Baccalaureate Diploma, US High School Diploma, and US College Board Advanced Placement examinations. Upper School follows a forward-looking, international curriculum preparing students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), Advanced Placement (AP), and the High School Diploma, with the ACS Global Programme and language options in French or Spanish; Grades 11-12 offer IBDP, IBCP, and AP.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Lower School classes have one full-time teacher per class; Pre-K and Kindergarten have a full-time teaching assistant.
Exam results
Exam results
IBDP results 2025: average 35/45; highest 44/45; 97% pass rate. AP results 2025: 91% of students achieving a score of 3+; average AP score 3.6; 208 AP students.
Exam results
In 2025, IBDP results saw 44/45 as the top score with an average of 35 and a 100% pass rate. AP results showed 91% of students gaining at least one 3+ with an average AP score of 3.7 (42 AP students).
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates go on to leading universities in the UK, the US, and the rest of the world.
Higher education progression
Graduates go on to leading universities in the UK and internationally, including institutions such as Imperial College London, University College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, New York University and Cornell University, among others.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
The Elite Performance Pathway (EPP) supports the most gifted and talented athletes with athletic development, workshops, sports psychology, lifestyle and dual career support, and TASS dual career support.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Enquiry — Find out what ACS Cobham offers in terms of curriculum and facilities to ensure it is the best fit for your child. We recommend visiting for an Open Day or Personal Tour to explore the campus, meet our academic staff and discuss admissions with the team. You can make an enquiry to begin the process. We operate a rolling admission process, with applications accepted year‑round and students may start at any point in the academic year, subject to availability.
2. Application — You can apply all year around as long as your child has the right to study in the UK. Each application is accompanied by a non‑refundable application fee paid online.
3. Review — Once your online application is completed, it will be assessed by the Admissions Team, taking into account all information provided. We will contact you if any additional documents are required and inform you of the outcome as soon as we can.
4. Admission — If your application is successful, we will contact you with an offer of a place for your child. To secure the place, a non‑refundable enrolment deposit is required, which is set against the second semester tuition/boarding fees. For more details of application fees, deposits and tuition costs, see Fees. Should your child's application be successful, but the grade or programme applied for is at capacity, your child will be waitlisted. When a place becomes available, we will contact you immediately to complete the rest of the admission process.
5. Welcome — Our team will provide you with all the necessary information (cafeteria, transport, school platforms, subject selection, visa compliance, etc.) prior to the first day of school to ensure a smooth start for everyone.
Admissions
Admissions Process comprises five steps: Enquiry, Application, Review, Admission, Welcome. Enquiry: Visit for Open Day or Personal Tour to explore campus, meet academic staff, and discuss admissions. Application: Apply year-round if the child has the right to study in the UK prior to starting school; a non-refundable application fee is paid online. Review: The admissions committee assesses the online application and may request additional documents; the outcome is communicated as soon as possible. Admission: If successful, a place is offered; a non-refundable enrolment deposit is required and is set against the second semester tuition. Welcome: The team provides information on cafeteria, transport, school platforms, subject selection, and visa compliance prior to the first day to ensure a smooth start. Admissions chances vary by grade; if the grade is at capacity, the child is waitlisted and you will be contacted immediately to complete the remaining steps. Rolling admissions are in place, so applications are accepted year-round and students may start at any point in the academic year (subject to availability). The online application uses a holistic approach, reviewing previous school records, references, student questionnaire answers, and standardised test scores, and may require Educational Psychologist reports or EAL tests where relevant.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Bursaries are offered to students with exceptional personal and academic potential who would benefit from an ACS education but whose family circumstances mean that affording full school fees cannot be met. The ACS bursary programme has been suspended for the academic year 2026/2027; details for 2027/2028 will be published in 2026. Applicants must be a UK resident, live within the school's bus catchment area, and have the right to remain; each bursary application is assessed individually. Bursary awards can cover up to 100% of tuition for up to seven years and may include additional costs; the amount is calculated after assessing income and financial assets, with annual review. All bursaries are means-tested.
Scholarships
Bursaries are offered to students with exceptional personal and academic potential who would benefit from an ACS education but cannot meet full school fees; bursaries are means-tested and require UK residency with the right to remain. The bursary programme is suspended for the 2026/2027 academic year; details of the 2027/2028 schedule will be published in 2026. Bursary awards can cover up to 100% of tuition and may include additional costs; awards are reviewed annually.
Waitlist
Waitlist
If a grade or programme is at capacity, applicants are waitlisted. When a place becomes available, the school contacts families immediately to complete the admission process.
Waitlist
If admission is offered but the grade is at capacity, the child is waitlisted, and when a place becomes available you will be contacted immediately to complete the remaining admission steps.