Admissions for US Relocating Families

Welcoming US Families to the ACS Community

If you’re looking for an American school in London, ACS is proud to be a trusted choice for US government, military, and corporate families.

Our three campuses in Cobham, Egham and Hillingdon serve students aged 2 to 18 with a truly international education, grounded in American values. As an Assisted School Group designated by the US State Department Office of Overseas Schools, we understand the unique needs of American families living overseas.

We began our journey in 1967 as the American Community College, founded to serve international families seeking high-quality education in the UK. Since then, we’ve grown significantly and are now proud to operate three schools, making us the largest international school group in London. Our commitment to global education and academic excellence has remained constant throughout our evolution.

We understand what matters most to American families moving to London – a school that feels familiar, welcoming, and academically aligned with the best of US education.

Why American Families Choose ACS

A full US High School Diploma (NEASC-accredited)
Over 2,000 students in three locations, with a large US cohort
Warm, inclusive campuses with a strong community feel
High academic standards with university pathways to the US, UK and worldwide
All easily located for central London access

Robert Harrison, Director of Education & Integrated Technology

Our curriculum - Rooted in US Educational Excellence

The US High School Diploma

At ACS, we offer a full US High School Diploma accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). 98% of our students go on to post-secondary educational opportunities, including selective US universities.

As a group of American schools in the UK, our community is very international; In our international community, US families comprise approximately 25% of students, teachers, and school leaders. Our core curriculum is anchored in AERO Standards developed in the United States. These standards are endorsed by the US Department of Defense Education Authority and US State Department Office of Overseas Schools.

We track student progress against standards using assessments developed by NWEA, a leading US organisation. This research-based not-for-profit supports students and educators worldwide with solutions to precisely measure academic proficiency and growth in mathematics and language arts.

Our science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum is based on Next Generation Science Standards, another US-based educational initiative. We support English Language Learners and students with Special Education Needs with US frameworks (WIDA and Universal Design for Learning). Other US curriculum frames of reference include the National Council for Social Studies’ College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for State Standards, American School Counsellor Association Student Standards, and SHAPE America’s National PE Education Standards.

Advanced Academics - IB and AP

ACS offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma, one of the world’s most rigorous educational programmes. Students can pursue individual courses or undertake the full Diploma, which is excellent preparation for universities across the globe, including the US. The IB Diploma is externally examined and requires candidates to complete studies in critical thinking (Theory of Knowledge) and a senior thesis (Extended Essay).

ACS also offers US College Board Advanced Placement courses for qualified students in grades 9-12, including US History. AP Awards (including the International AP Diploma) are available to recognise high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP Exams.

Students in grades 3-8 are screened for eligibility in Challenge and Enrichment classes, in line with similar US programmes for Gifted and Talented students. All students have access to a wide range of competitions and after school activities to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills, personal interests, and academic abilities.

Expert US university & college counselling

We are proud of our expert team of University & College Counsellors, who support students with their applications to prestigious universities and colleges across the globe.

ACS students go on to a variety of universities, including Chicago, Harvard, Penn State, California, Georgetown, Loyola, Miami, New York, Notre Dame, Purdue, Southern California, Texas A&M, Tufts, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Where Our Families Live

ACS Cobham

Many of our families live in Cobham itself or in nearby Wimbledon, Putney, Chelsea, Richmond, Kensington, Esher, Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames, and Oxshott. Our dedicated busing service makes the school run seamless.

Just 40 minutes from central London by train and 25 minutes by car from Heathrow, Cobham offers a balance of fresh air, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and easy access to everything the capital has to offer.

ACS Egham

Egham offers an exceptional setting for families who want a quiet place to live while staying well connected. Our families often live in Egham, Staines, Windsor, Virginia Water, and Ascot – where there’s plenty of green space, historic charm, and convenient transport links.

Located just 40 minutes by train from central London and 15 minutes by car from Heathrow, Egham offers families a suburban location that’s close to the city.

ACS Hillingdon

Families at Hillingdon enjoy the best of both worlds: a vibrant London neighbourhood with a strong international feel. Many of our families live in Northwood, Ruislip, Pinner, and Ickenham – all well-connected residential areas with parks, shops, and a strong sense of community.

The school is just 14 miles from central London, and Heathrow is only 20 minutes away by car. For families relocating from the US, it’s a smooth transition into London life – with a school that understands the journey and supports every step.

Here’s a taste of what it’s like to live in the popular London areas close to ACS Cobham. All schools have a similar local family environment within easy distance to central London.