22/01/2026
The best UK secondary schools for expat families: Why ACS stands out
The UK education landscape can be complex and confusing, particularly for expat families who are relocating and seeking flexibility and continuity in their children’s education. Choosing the best schools for expat and international children means first understanding the different options available.
At ACS International Schools, we’re experts at advising global families on their choices when it comes to finding a private school in the UK. In this guide, we’ll help you identify the best secondary schools in the UK, but first, let’s look at the different types of secondary schools on offer.
Types of secondary schools
There are four main types of fee-paying and non-fee-paying secondary schools in England:
State school: These schools are funded by the government, and there are no fees to pay. Most offer GCSEs, and while a handful offer the IB, the government is now cutting state school funding for this.
Grammar school: A grammar school is also state-funded, but it selects its students based on ability (usually through an exam called the 11-plus, taken in Year 5).
Independent school: UK independent schools are fee-paying and not funded by the state. They operate independently of government control, and you might also hear them called ‘private schools’.
International school: An international school is a type of independent/private school that specialises in educating expat and globally mobile students. Again, it’s fee-paying, and the curriculum on offer is internationally recognised. If the school offers a US curriculum, you might also hear it referred to as an American School.
So, as you can see from the four options above, any family that’s globally mobile will naturally opt for an international school in the UK like ACS, because of the flexibility and continuity of education that’s on offer. So, that’s what we’ll focus on now.
International curriculums on offer at independent schools
The best secondary schools in London for international families offer a range of GCSE alternatives that are more suitable for international students. They will typically include the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Advanced Placement (AP). The IB, AP, and international pathways all carry university credit to keep higher education options open worldwide, including the UK.
Spotlight on the IB
IB schools in the UK like ACS offer a two-year, globally recognised pathway for students aged 16-19 (supported by the IB Middle Years Programme for younger students). The IB programme focuses on a broad range of subjects, while also valuing key skills like critical thinking and independent research.
Spotlight on the AP
The Advanced Placement (AP) pathway follows the US curriculum, usually preceded by the High School Diploma. The AP is very flexible, allowing students to choose their own subjects based on their individual preferences and career aspirations. Courses involve a combination of coursework, class assignments and a final exam, which is standardised and administered by the College Board.
Read more: Learn more about the American Curriculum in our guide for parents.
At ACS International Schools, our global curriculum is designed to bring out the best in every student, helping them develop an international mindset and setting them up for success in whatever they choose to do next in life – wherever they want to do it. Our consistently strong exam results across all pathways speak for themselves.
What should you focus on when choosing a private school in London?
Of course, the curriculum on offer is always going to be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing between private schools in the UK. An international school like ACS will always be the most suitable choice, simply because it’s designed to support globally mobile children by delivering an excellent education that keeps all options for further study open, no matter where in the world they may be.
But not all international schools are created equal, and that’s why it’s important to find one with a truly global community with plenty of flexibility, pastoral care and university guidance on offer. Across our three campuses in Egham, Cobham and Hillingdon, ACS International Schools offer all this and more. Our welcoming student and staff community represents over 70 nationalities at any given time, so students are quickly made to feel at home. This is reassuring not only for the student but for their parents or guardians, too.
We place great importance on helping students settle into both their new school and new area. And we also make the parents feel like part of the community through our PSO (Parent School Organisation). When it comes to supporting students in their studies, our university and college counselling service gives them all the help and advice they need to make the right choices throughout their time at ACS.
Want to find out more?
Our three beautiful campuses are all different, and all conveniently located close to London with strong public transport links. Of course, the best way to get to know us is to come and see us! Book a visit to one of our Schools via the links below, or take a virtual tour.
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