Securing a world-class education for one’s children is non-negotiable, especially for expatriate and diplomatic families seeking a move to London. Thankfully – and it's no coincidence – the majestic English capital has a multitude of outstanding options when it comes to exclusive international schools. London’s educational landscape is rich and diverse, catering to the needs of globally mobile families with a select group of elite establishments that offer world-class curricula and exceptional university pathways. All of them boast a deep understanding of the needs of expatriate and diplomatic families, tailoring their services accordingly based on which part of the world your family is from. Admission into these prestigious schools is competitive, and it’s essential to have a strong grasp on the academic offerings and distinct ethos of each institution. Here is our guide to London’s best schools – those that equate to the top tier of global education.
Lycée Français Charles De Gaulle (South Kensington)
Founded in 1915, the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in South Kensington has an outstanding reputation. One of the largest French schools operating outside of France, it serves over 3,000 students and offers a comprehensive French national curriculum education from early years through to the Baccalauréat, with options for British GCSEs and A-Levels in the secondary phase, plus bilingual tracks. It consistently shines as a beacon for academic excellence: in 2022, the school achieved a 100% pass rate for both the French Baccalauréat and the International Option Baccalauréat (OIB), while more than 23% of students obtained their Baccalauréat with distinction. The school’s facilities are first-class: modern classrooms, high-tech science laboratories, comprehensive sports facilities, and a sprawling library. The campus is engineered to accommodate the needs of a large student body, with dedicated spaces for different age groups and disciplines. The Lycée has educated notable individuals – Annabel Astor, Sir Quentin Blake, and Natasha Richardson – including politicians, diplomats, and artists. For French-speaking expatriate children, this is the place to be.
King Fahad Academy (Ealing)
With an expertly executed and genuinely flourishing dual-language model, King Fahad Academy is a powerful proposition for Saudi and wider Arab diplomatic families living in London. Students graduate fluent in both English and Arabic, but also as culturally agile citizens, well equipped for embarking on ambitious working lives across continents, whether it be in Riyadh, London, Washington or any number of global cities. Founded in 1985 under the patronage of the late King Fahad of Saudi Arabia, it has evolved into a respected institution with a deep-rooted commitment to Arabic language, Islamic values, and cultural heritage. Both the International Baccalaureate and British National Curriculum are taught, and academic performance is consistently strong across both the GCSE and IB Diploma programmes. Its location is hugely appealing too – a leafy campus in Ealing, west London, with state-of-the-art science labs, high-end IT suites and sports facilities, along with dedicated prayer spaces amid architecture that nods to the Islamic faith. With long-standing ties to embassies and international institutions, King Fahad graduates are well represented in diplomacy, finance, and international affairs.
Marymount International School (Kingston)
This prestigious all-girls school, founded in 1955 and underpinned by Christian faith, is one of London’s most established and respected educational institutions. Located in a peaceful seven-acre garden campus in Kingston upon Thames, Marymount fully follows the International Baccalaureate, offering both the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme in order to ensure intellectual consistency, cultural fluency and a global outlook throughout the student journey. Its student body is truly international – many are daughters of diplomats, executives, or expatriate professionals – and the school offers a compelling blend of academic rigour, pastoral care, and internationalism (multilingualism is utterly commonplace). Academic performance is outstanding: in 2024, Marymount achieved an average IB Diploma score of 36.3 points, well above the global average. A holistic approach to welfare and development is promoted at Marymount, along with light-filled classrooms and state-of-the-art science labs. There is a fully equipped dance studio, tennis courts, and an ultra-modern sports complex and the school prides itself on developing confident, curious and compassionate young women. Its alumni network includes American photographer Elizabeth Gill Lui.
Dwight School London (Friern Barnet)
Purposefully small by design, but a giant of exclusive private education: Dwight School London is celebrated for its low student-to-teacher ratio and a genuine focus on personalised learning. It boasts an agile academic model that allows each child to be known, supported and stretched, whatever their specialisms, and while students are encouraged to explore their individual passions here, it's a challenging environment too. They are backed by a robust academic framework, into which technology, creativity and cross-cultural understanding are embedded into daily learning. Dwight School follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum and is part of a globally recognised network, with sister campuses in New York, Seoul, and Dubai. Situated on the edge of the city in leafy swathes of suburbia, Dwight London operates across two thoughtfully refurbished campuses: the Spahn Campus, home to the Lower School (ages 3–11), and the Jubilee Campus, which houses the Upper School (ages 11–18). Overall, it brings a distinctively international, forward-thinking ethos and is proudly diverse: notably, 32% of graduates attained a Bilingual Diploma in 2024. Its alumni go on to global top-tier universities, including King’s College London, University of Manchester, and Japan’s Keio University.
Devonshire House Preparatory School (Hampstead)
Located in ever-elegant Hampstead, Devonshire House Preparatory School is one of London’s most effective and powerful prep schools, successfully preparing pupils for the best senior schools across the capital and beyond. Founded in 1989, it attracts families from more than 50 nationalities and prides itself on cultivating a global sense of community from the earliest years. Following the British National Curriculum, it has an unwavering focus on future pathways and delivers exceptional academic outcomes: one in eight senior school offers has been a scholarship or exhibition. The campus spans four age-specific sites, each purpose-built for developmental needs – from the Forest School and sensory gardens in the early years, to science labs, tech suites, and art studios for older pupils. Academia is critical but not the whole picture: personal growth and social responsibility are valued, and its outreach programme is extensive, encouraging pupils to develop empathy with others and civic engagement. There is also dedicated EAL (English as a Second Language) support and partnerships with educational consultants to ensure international families are well guided through the British school system.
The strength of London's international schools cannot be underestimated. They offer a diverse line up of opportunities for children of expatriate and diplomatic families, who can choose from multiple schools that align with their values and aspirations.
