Admissions FAQ

Our students follow a future-forward, international curriculum where they are exposed to a broad range of subjects which are regularly updated and adapted according to the most recent academic research and global contexts.

We offer a holistic approach to education which encourages students to develop responsibility for their own learning – teaching them ‘how to learn’ rather than simply ‘what to learn.’

We align our curriculum to rigorous international standards, preparing students to undertake the globally-recognised academic programmes including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), International Baccalaureate Career-related programme (IBCP) and Advanced Placement (AP).

We welcome students who need services for English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Special Educational Needs (SEND). Students are challenged and supported in inclusive classrooms and specialist teaching environments so that they can equitably access the curriculum.

English Language Support is available for all ages, with proficiency requirements from Grade 8. For older students, EAL courses are offered.

ACS serves students with mild to moderate learning needs at all Grade levels, both subject to admission requirements and available spaces. We are not able to support students with severe behavioural, emotional, or learning difficulties, or older students with very limited English.

In most grades we are at capacity for learning support. Please contact admissions for further details.

In Lower School, formative assessment is ongoing and we use the information to plan for appropriate instruction.

In Upper School, we monitor progress through a range of school-based and externally benchmarked assessments. We offer meaningful assessment that nurtures students’ love for learning. In grades 11 and 12, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) and Advanced Placement (AP) qualifications are externally and internally assessed.

The language within our school is English, but as our students come from many countries around the world, it is common to hear other languages spoken within the school.

We are incredibly proud of all our students. They excel not only academically, but also develop as well-rounded, responsible global citizens who leave us with the skills they need to make good decisions, ready for whatever challenges and opportunities they may face in the future.

Our latest exam results can be found here.

Exam results 

Our University and College Counsellors work with each student individually to offer bespoke, student-centred and expert provision to meet a student’s needs by giving value to their individual strengths.

From Grade 10 (aged 15/16) onwards the students begin to explore opportunities, are advised on subject selection and are guided through the application process by their nominated Counsellor.

The Counsellors maximise student opportunities providing comprehensive, honest information that will allow students and families to make informed decisions and find the “best fit” university or pathway. The counsellors define “fit” as meeting the academic, emotional, geographical and financial needs of the student.

Each year students attend world-class colleges and universities around the world, with the majority attending higher education institutions in the UK and the US.

At ACS Hillingdon, we accept applications for children who will be 4 years old on or before 1st September of the school year they are entering.

We run a rolling admissions system which means you can apply at any time throughout the year.

When approaching the school year you applied for, we will contact you and share with you the next steps of your child’s application accordingly.

It is never too late to apply at ACS! We regularly receive late applications such as from families who have just relocated to London.

At the time of the application, we will inform families of the chances of joining our school or not accordingly.

Please refer to our main Admissions page where you will find the relevant grade level based on the date of birth of your child and school year you wish to apply for.

View Here

We are able to admit most students. Reasons not to be admitted may be because ACS cannot match the learning support or behavioural support needs of the student.

Whilst most grades have availability, it may be the case that during an academic year that some grades become at full capacity. If your chosen grade is full at the time of application the student will be placed on a waitlist until a place become available and the Admissions team will keep you updated on this process.

ACS requires the payment of an application fee in order to complete your child’s application. Settlement of the application fee shall be made via bill payment, bank transfer, online credit card payment or cheque.

This fee is levied to recover the costs incurred for the processing and administration of applications under the School’s admission procedures.

Please note that this fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Please see our Admissions Process page below.

Admissions Process

Of course! Our team will review which level of support is required and we do have the capacity to support such needs.

From grade 5 to grade 12, an Oxford placement test will be required as part of the application.

Our admissions process does not involve an entrance exam.

Our online application process takes a holistic approach, assessing each candidate individually by reviewing previous school records, references, questionnaire answers and standardised test scores.

We also ask you to provide any Individual Education Plans (IEP), psychological assessments, occupational therapy, language reports or medical reports.

This helps us understand the complete student, giving us a real insight into who they are today and how we can make them ready for tomorrow.

Yes, ACS Hillingdon offers means-tested bursaries to support students from families who may find it challenging to meet the full school fees.

These bursaries are designed to increase access to an ACS education for local students demonstrating exceptional academic and personal potential. The financial awards range up to 100% of our full tuition fees.

All bursaries are means-tested, with each award dependent on the student’s individual circumstance.

We offer Upper School bursaries for students aged 11 (grade 6), 13 (grade 8), or 16 (grade 11).

Find out more on our bursaries page below.

Bursaries at ACS

We are located in Hillingdon.

ACS Hillingdon International School

108 Vine Lane

Hillingdon

Middlesex

UB10 0BE

England

Distances:

• 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport
• 14 miles from Central London
• Closest tube stations are Uxbridge Station and Hillingdon Station (both 5 minutes away) – both stations are on the Metropolitan and Piccadilly Lines

Families can opt for a busing service for an additional fee. We have an extensive busing service that connects to London.

You can view more information on this below.

Busing Service

We have families from all corners of the world, representing over 70 nationalities in each school.

Due to our busing service at each school, this enables many local families and families located in a broad catchment area to commute into school.

Each UK school offers both shuttle services and door-to-door services and a late bus option.

Students can either purchase lunch and snacks from the school dining hall or bring a packed lunch.

We start at 8.30am and finish at 3.25pm, except for Wednesdays when we have an earlier finish of 2.45pm.

We offer a variety of after-school clubs and activities. This starts in our Lower School for students aged 4 to 10 years old. We offer a variety of clubs in our Middle School.

In our Upper and High School there are over 30 clubs organised by our students.

We follow an international grade system.

Please visit our Grade Placement chart to see the comparison to the UK year group system.

With annual rolling admissions, we welcome new students throughout the year.

Our families value the ACS community and endeavour to remain a part of the community for as long as is feasible.

However, we understand that there can be a lot of change in circumstances, and we support all decisions made when coming and going.

Our current cohort is 25% British, 22% American and 53% other nationalities.

At ACS International Schools, we ensure that every student is well supported in each classroom.

We have smaller than average class sizes.

The perfect balance to a rigorous academic curriculum like ours is an equal measure of co-curricular and extra-curricular energy.

From football to craft clubs, Model United Nations to drama productions, we have something to increase the capabilities of all our students.

With expert facilitators, students perfect known skills, discover new interests, and quickly realise that new challenges are often the most rewarding.

Many of our clubs are also student led.

To ease the transition for new students and their families, ACS Hillingdon provides:

An assigned buddy from the first day of school to assist new students with one of our current students in acclimating to their new environment.

Additionally, the Hillingdon area offers various local support networks and community groups that can further assist new families in settling into the region.

Country Representatives & Welcome Committees (PSO) assist international families in settling in, offering guidance and support during the initial period.

ACS Hillingdon places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing:

Full-Time Counsellors: Available to meet with students individually or in groups to address emotional concerns.

Heads of Year & Dean of Students: These staff members monitor student wellbeing, organise team-building activities, and serve as primary contacts for families.

The school fosters a sense of belonging through:

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Initiatives: Programs ensure all students feel valued and included, enhancing their emotional security.

Student Voice: Regular opportunities for students to express their feelings and experiences, ensuring their perspectives are heard and addressed.

Yes, ACS Hillingdon offers a comprehensive support system for new families, fostering a welcoming and connected community.

Every parent at ACS Hillingdon is automatically a member of the PSO, a collaborative group comprising parents, teachers, students, and administrators. The PSO plays a pivotal role in integrating new families into the school community through various initiatives: Welcome Events, Cultural Celebrations, Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordination.

These activities are designed to help families build connections and feel at home within the ACS Hillingdon community.

To ease the transition for new students and their families, ACS Hillingdon also provides Native Language Courses supporting students in language acquisition. (Home Enrichment Language)