ACS Cobham Dispels Common Myths with a Global yet Local Approach

As ACS International Cobham School celebrates its 50th anniversary, the school is reflecting on how far it has come and setting the record straight on a few common misconceptions along the way.

From its origins as a school founded on American educational values, ACS Cobham has evolved into a thriving international community representing over 70 nationalities, where academic excellence, global outlook, and local connections come together. Today, as more British and local families choose ACS Cobham for their children’s education, the school is proudly challenging outdated perceptions and showcasing the reality of its vibrant, world-class learning environment.

Myth 1: “ACS Cobham is an American School”

While ACS Cobham was founded on American educational principles, today it proudly represents a truly international community of more than 70 nationalities. In fact, British students now make up over one-third of the student body, the largest single nationality group on campus. Increasingly, local families are choosing ACS Cobham for its breadth of curriculum that gets students into top universities, and commitment to preparing students to be ready for an ever-changing world and jobs market.

Myth 2: “The Curriculum is Only for American Students”

ACS Cobham offers one of the broadest curricula in the UK, allowing students to tailor their learning journey. At Sixth Form level, students can follow either the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or the Advanced Placement (AP) pathway, both globally recognised and academically rigorous. Last year, over 65% of ACS Cobham graduates progressed to top UK universities with the remaining attending Universities in the US and throughout Europe. This demonstrates that an international education opens doors to outstanding higher education opportunities both in the UK and worldwide.

Myth 3: “Students Only Stay for a Short Time”

Far from being a transient school, ACS Cobham has become a long-term choice for many local families. The school’s average length of stay is now five years, with a growing number of students spending their entire educational journey on campus from age 2 through to 18. This continuity builds strong friendships, academic consistency, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Myth 4: “It’s all about American Sports”

ACS Cobham offers a comprehensive sports programme that includes popular UK sports such as rugby, football, tennis, and swimming. The school’s 128-acre campus features one of the finest sports centres in the country, providing state of the art facilities that support both elite performance and recreational participation across a wide range of sports. It also excels at international sports such as volleyball and basketball where it frequently triumphs in international competitions.

Myth 5: “Students Need GCSEs to Reach the Best Universities”

Unlike many UK schools, ACS Cobham does not require students to sit GCSEs. Instead, students follow a rigorous and internationally respected curriculum that provides a broader foundation before choosing between the AP or IB programmes in Grades 11 and 12 (UK Years 12 and 13). Both routes are globally recognised by leading universities and valued for their academic depth, critical thinking, and independence of learning. This flexibility enables students to develop strength across multiple disciplines a key reason why ACS Cobham graduates consistently gain places at top UK and international universities.

One of our Graduates Ben this year has gone onto study Law at Oxford University after following our AP programme. Through his outstanding success in Grades 10 and 11 (UK Years 11 and 12), Ben received an unconditional offer from Oxford at the end of Grade 11, allowing him to approach his final year with greater confidence and less pressure. His achievement highlights the flexibility and rewards of our curriculum, which offers students a wider range of pathways and opportunities.

Academic Excellence with Global Recognition

ACS Cobham’s academic outcomes speak for themselves. The school’s average IB score of 35 points this year is equivalent to achieving three A grades* in the UK A-Level system, where 20% of its students achieved 40 points and above which equates to 4 x A* at A Level.  This is testament to its commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, and individual potential.

“We’re proud of our American heritage, but even prouder of the diverse, international community we’ve become,” said Robert Crowther, Head of ACS International School Cobham. “Families are drawn to ACS Cobham because we combine global values, world-class academics, and a genuine sense of local belonging. Our students leave prepared not just for university, but for life.”