Welcome to Southbank International School
We are London's leading International Baccalaureate (IB) School, offering a different approach to academic excellence for children aged 2*-18
At our Central London campuses in Hampstead, Kensington and Westminster, we nurture talent, celebrate individuality and develop curious, inquisitive and constantly challenging minds. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and first-choice university offers.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is enjoyed by both international learners and those who have not previously studied the IB, including children moving over from private primary or secondary schools. The IB aims to do more than other curricula. It builds students critical thinking skills, nurtures their curiosity and their ability to solve complex problems.
Through a commitment to academic excellence and a uniquely liberal ethos, the IB also develops students with an inner belief in themselves. Southbank students have an openness to the outside world and a desire to give back to communities on a local, national and global level.
* Conditions apply
IB Diploma results 2024
100% Pass Rate For The IB Diploma
We are delighted to share the outstanding achievements of our students in the IBDP results.
Out of the 86 diploma students who participated, one of our biggest cohorts to date, 100% successfully passed and 86% scored higher than the world average (30.32), our Southbank average is 36. This is a remarkable feat and something we are extremely proud of.
*A score of 34-37 in the IB is roughly equivalent to AAA at A-Level. These comparisons are approximations and can vary by subject and university.
Congratualtions to our Class of 2024 for achieving such fantastic IB Diploma results which reflect their phenomenal academic performance.
A different approach to academic excellence.
"A school for students who think differently, challenge confidently, dream bigger, question more, explore further."
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Earlier this month, our #Westminster boys and girls ISSA basketball teams faced thrilling competition at the Varsity Basketball Tournaments.
The Varsity Girls Basketball Tournament, hosted by Marymount International School in London, saw the Southbank Sharkettes rise to the occasion despite losing five key grade 12 players. After a tough start with a loss to Marymount, the team secured impressive victories over Oeiras International School, International School of Aberdeen, and St. Dominic’s International School.
In a nail-biting semi-final, the Sharkettes triumphed over American School Madrid 37-33, marking their first final appearance in 11 years. Though they lost 43-42 to defending champions Bilkent Laboratory International School in a heart-stopping overtime finish, their performance was historic and proud.
Meanwhile, at the ISSA Boys Basketball Tournament in Lisbon, the Sharks showed resilience despite losing key players. After tough losses, they bounced back with wins but ultimately finished 6th after a heartbreaking loss to the European International School of Barcelona.
We are incredibly proud of both teams’ hard work and determination, with 3 Sharkettes and 1 Shark named All Stars! Congratulations to all! 🎉🏀 🦈🏅👏
#SouthbankBasketball #PrideInPerformance #AllStars #Sharks #ISSA #VarsityBasketball #Sports #CompetitiveSports #Basketball #IBWorldSchool #MYP #DP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #SecondaryEducation #London
Earlier this month, our #Westminster boys and girls ISSA basketball teams faced thrilling competition at the Varsity Basketball Tournaments.
The Varsity Girls Basketball Tournament, hosted by Marymount International School in London, saw the Southbank Sharkettes rise to the occasion despite losing five key grade 12 players. After a tough start with a loss to Marymount, the team secured impressive victories over Oeiras International School, International School of Aberdeen, and St. Dominic’s International School.
In a nail-biting semi-final, the Sharkettes triumphed over American School Madrid 37-33, marking their first final appearance in 11 years. Though they lost 43-42 to defending champions Bilkent Laboratory International School in a heart-stopping overtime finish, their performance was historic and proud.
Meanwhile, at the ISSA Boys Basketball Tournament in Lisbon, the Sharks showed resilience despite losing key players. After tough losses, they bounced back with wins but ultimately finished 6th after a heartbreaking loss to the European International School of Barcelona.
We are incredibly proud of both teams’ hard work and determination, with 3 Sharkettes and 1 Shark named All Stars! Congratulations to all! 🎉🏀 🦈🏅👏
#SouthbankBasketball #PrideInPerformance #AllStars #Sharks #ISSA #VarsityBasketball #Sports #CompetitiveSports #Basketball #IBWorldSchool #MYP #DP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #SecondaryEducation #London
Last night, our #Hampstead students amazed us with their spectacular musical production, London Calling, written by our very own Mr. Iain Mann. This incredible show brought together Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Music, creating a delightful feast for the senses!
At Southbank, we believe in the power of the Arts to nurture creativity, self-expression, and a deeper understanding of the world. Our students shine as they explore their identities through these subjects.
The entire school community – students, staff, and parents – were captivated by the performance, with one parent sharing, “Congratulations on the fantastic musical!! It was so much fun and ambitious and amazing - well done all of you 😀 "
Our students also loved being a part of the production, with one saying, “I felt nervous and excited about the show but after all the four performances I was proud, confident and sad because I wanted to do more - I was sad it was over. ”
We’re sad too, but can’t wait for the next one! Congratulations to everyone involved! 👏
#SouthbankArts #PrideInPerformance #CreativeExcellence #PerformingArts #VisualArts #Music #musical #IBWorldSchool #PYP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #primaryeducation #secondaryeducation #London
Last night, our #Hampstead students amazed us with their spectacular musical production, London Calling, written by our very own Mr. Iain Mann. This incredible show brought together Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Music, creating a delightful feast for the senses!
At Southbank, we believe in the power of the Arts to nurture creativity, self-expression, and a deeper understanding of the world. Our students shine as they explore their identities through these subjects.
The entire school community – students, staff, and parents – were captivated by the performance, with one parent sharing, “Congratulations on the fantastic musical!! It was so much fun and ambitious and amazing - well done all of you 😀 "
Our students also loved being a part of the production, with one saying, “I felt nervous and excited about the show but after all the four performances I was proud, confident and sad because I wanted to do more - I was sad it was over. ”
We’re sad too, but can’t wait for the next one! Congratulations to everyone involved! 👏
#SouthbankArts #PrideInPerformance #CreativeExcellence #PerformingArts #VisualArts #Music #musical #IBWorldSchool #PYP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #primaryeducation #secondaryeducation #London
Yesterday, our #Westminster Grade 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to take part in Your Future, Your Choice—a reimagined approach to career exploration, all based on student feedback!
Unlike traditional career fairs, this event provided meaningful, intimate interactions with professionals from fields like biomedical research, civil service, fashion, journalism, and finance. With over 60 sessions (both in-person and virtual), students were able to engage in small-group discussions, ask insightful questions, and gain a deeper understanding of real-world career paths.
The day unfolded with an opening activity to spark reflection followed by 5 interactive session blocks and a closing plenary to consolidate learning
Grade 10 students selected sessions connected to their recent guidance meetings, while Grade 9 students explored a wide range of industries.
We were thrilled to welcome inspiring speakers such as Cicely Rodgers (Senior Brand Manager, L`Oréal), Amelia Ledgard-Hoile (Deputy Private Secretary to the Home Secretary), Saskia Hammond (Senior Account Exec, PHA Group), Anna Kryschenko (HSBC Global Private Banking) and Nur Bortolotti (DJ & Music Industry Professional) ...along with many Southbank alumni who generously shared their journeys.
One student shared their experience: “Seeing people who were once in our place doing such interesting things made me feel like my path could go anywhere.”
This event is just the beginning—follow-up advisory activities will help students reflect on what they learned and plan their next steps. After all, your future is your choice.
#CareerExploration #FutureReady #WestminsterStudents #Inspiration #CareerPathways #StudentSuccess #FutureGuidance #IBWorldSchool #MYP #DP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #SecondaryEducation #London
Yesterday, our #Westminster Grade 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to take part in Your Future, Your Choice—a reimagined approach to career exploration, all based on student feedback!
Unlike traditional career fairs, this event provided meaningful, intimate interactions with professionals from fields like biomedical research, civil service, fashion, journalism, and finance. With over 60 sessions (both in-person and virtual), students were able to engage in small-group discussions, ask insightful questions, and gain a deeper understanding of real-world career paths.
The day unfolded with an opening activity to spark reflection followed by 5 interactive session blocks and a closing plenary to consolidate learning
Grade 10 students selected sessions connected to their recent guidance meetings, while Grade 9 students explored a wide range of industries.
We were thrilled to welcome inspiring speakers such as Cicely Rodgers (Senior Brand Manager, L`Oréal), Amelia Ledgard-Hoile (Deputy Private Secretary to the Home Secretary), Saskia Hammond (Senior Account Exec, PHA Group), Anna Kryschenko (HSBC Global Private Banking) and Nur Bortolotti (DJ & Music Industry Professional) ...along with many Southbank alumni who generously shared their journeys.
One student shared their experience: “Seeing people who were once in our place doing such interesting things made me feel like my path could go anywhere.”
This event is just the beginning—follow-up advisory activities will help students reflect on what they learned and plan their next steps. After all, your future is your choice.
#CareerExploration #FutureReady #WestminsterStudents #Inspiration #CareerPathways #StudentSuccess #FutureGuidance #IBWorldSchool #MYP #DP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #SecondaryEducation #London
Last week we celebrated and raised awareness of neurodiversity across the school!
It was a week full of thoughtful conversations and meaningful connections, as our students explored topics like neurodiversity, breaking stereotypes, and challenging misconceptions about neurological differences.
A huge thank you to Ms. Anna Gibson at our #Kensington campus for leading the setup of incredible garden station activities, including puzzles, role-plays, obstacle courses, and more, all designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
#NeurodiversityWeek #SouthbankSchool #Inclusion #CelebrateDifferences #CommunityLearning #CuriosityAndCreativity #IBWorldSchool #PYP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #primaryeducation #secondaryeducation #London
Last week we celebrated and raised awareness of neurodiversity across the school!
It was a week full of thoughtful conversations and meaningful connections, as our students explored topics like neurodiversity, breaking stereotypes, and challenging misconceptions about neurological differences.
A huge thank you to Ms. Anna Gibson at our #Kensington campus for leading the setup of incredible garden station activities, including puzzles, role-plays, obstacle courses, and more, all designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
#NeurodiversityWeek #SouthbankSchool #Inclusion #CelebrateDifferences #CommunityLearning #CuriosityAndCreativity #IBWorldSchool #PYP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #primaryeducation #secondaryeducation #London
Huge congratulations to our incredible Sharkettes for making it to the finals of this year`s ISSA Basketball Tournament! 🦈💪
After amazing victories over the European School Barcelona and the American School Madrid, they faced off against Bilkent Laboratory International School (BLIS) from Ankara in a thrilling final. Despite giving it their all, they lost by just 1 point in overtime.
Let`s all celebrate their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship! 🙌👏
#Sharkettes #BasketballJourney #ProudCoach #ISSA2025 #OvertimeThriller #ISSA #IBWorldSchool #MYP #DP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #primaryeducation #SecondaryEducation #London
Huge congratulations to our incredible Sharkettes for making it to the finals of this year`s ISSA Basketball Tournament! 🦈💪
After amazing victories over the European School Barcelona and the American School Madrid, they faced off against Bilkent Laboratory International School (BLIS) from Ankara in a thrilling final. Despite giving it their all, they lost by just 1 point in overtime.
Let`s all celebrate their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship! 🙌👏
#Sharkettes #BasketballJourney #ProudCoach #ISSA2025 #OvertimeThriller #ISSA #IBWorldSchool #MYP #DP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #primaryeducation #SecondaryEducation #London
A fantastic #BookWeek2025 wraps up at our #Westminster campus where students and staff had a blast dressing as their favourite book characacters!
As part of their #BookWeek2025 celebration, students were also challenged to solve a terrible crime... a murder! With three main suspects – the Head of English, the Head of Science, and the Librarian – they used their sharp skills in Critical Thinking, Literacy, and Communication to piece together the clues (and navigate a few tricky red herrings!).
The investigation was a thrilling adventure, and our students truly embraced the challenge. Well done to all our young detectives!
Huge thanks to everyone who participated in Book Week – whether you read a book in class, rocked a costume, attended an author talk, or sparked exciting discussions about books and reading this week! 🙌📖
#BookLovers #ReadingFun #CommunitySpirit
#worldbookday2025 #SchoolFun #ReadingIsMagic #worldbookweek #IBWorldSchool #PYP #MYP #DP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #primaryeducation #SecondaryEducation #London
A fantastic #BookWeek2025 wraps up at our #Westminster campus where students and staff had a blast dressing as their favourite book characacters!
As part of their #BookWeek2025 celebration, students were also challenged to solve a terrible crime... a murder! With three main suspects – the Head of English, the Head of Science, and the Librarian – they used their sharp skills in Critical Thinking, Literacy, and Communication to piece together the clues (and navigate a few tricky red herrings!).
The investigation was a thrilling adventure, and our students truly embraced the challenge. Well done to all our young detectives!
Huge thanks to everyone who participated in Book Week – whether you read a book in class, rocked a costume, attended an author talk, or sparked exciting discussions about books and reading this week! 🙌📖
#BookLovers #ReadingFun #CommunitySpirit
#worldbookday2025 #SchoolFun #ReadingIsMagic #worldbookweek #IBWorldSchool #PYP #MYP #DP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #primaryeducation #SecondaryEducation #London
📚✨ It`s World Book Day! ✨📚
We’re continuing ‘World Book Week’ at our #Hampstead campus, where students came dressed as their favourite book characters and picked up some beloved stories at the @dauntbooks book fair. From timeless classics like The `Tiger Who Came to Tea` and `Funnybones` to modern favourites like `Luna Loves Dance` and `Gangsta Granny`, there was something for everyone!
We loved seeing all the creative costumes too!
#worldbookday2025📚📚 #BookLovers #SchoolFun #ReadingIsMagic #worldbookweek #IBWorldSchool #PYP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #primaryeducation #London
📚✨ It`s World Book Day! ✨📚
We’re continuing ‘World Book Week’ at our #Hampstead campus, where students came dressed as their favourite book characters and picked up some beloved stories at the @dauntbooks book fair. From timeless classics like The `Tiger Who Came to Tea` and `Funnybones` to modern favourites like `Luna Loves Dance` and `Gangsta Granny`, there was something for everyone!
We loved seeing all the creative costumes too!
#worldbookday2025📚📚 #BookLovers #SchoolFun #ReadingIsMagic #worldbookweek #IBWorldSchool #PYP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #primaryeducation #London
📚 Book Week continues at #Westminster with a visit from the incredible author Julian Sedgwick!
Today, Julian shared the inspiration behind his books, including his travels to Japan, stories from families affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and the touching story of the wind phone. He read excerpts from one of his books, which include Tsunami Girl and Tokyo Ghost Café, answered insightful questions from our students, and even held a lunchtime book signing!
Our G8 writers also had the privilege of attending a writers’ workshop with him. Julian’s words were truly inspiring, sparking reflection on the power of reading and writing.
Some of the fantastic questions our students asked included:
"How well can you speak Japanese?"
"Did what you wrote in your books ever make you cry?"
"If you had one message for the world, what would it be?" (Julian’s response: “Let’s be kind to each other.”)
Julian was so impressed by our students, calling their questions "the most fantastically thoughtful and varied set of questions I`ve had in a long time."
A huge thank you to @julian_sedgwick for an unforgettable day! 🙌 #BookWeek #AuthorVisit #Inspiration #BookWeek2025 #IBWorldSchool #MYP #DP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #secondaryeducation #London
📚 Book Week continues at #Westminster with a visit from the incredible author Julian Sedgwick!
Today, Julian shared the inspiration behind his books, including his travels to Japan, stories from families affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and the touching story of the wind phone. He read excerpts from one of his books, which include Tsunami Girl and Tokyo Ghost Café, answered insightful questions from our students, and even held a lunchtime book signing!
Our G8 writers also had the privilege of attending a writers’ workshop with him. Julian’s words were truly inspiring, sparking reflection on the power of reading and writing.
Some of the fantastic questions our students asked included:
"How well can you speak Japanese?"
"Did what you wrote in your books ever make you cry?"
"If you had one message for the world, what would it be?" (Julian’s response: “Let’s be kind to each other.”)
Julian was so impressed by our students, calling their questions "the most fantastically thoughtful and varied set of questions I`ve had in a long time."
A huge thank you to @julian_sedgwick for an unforgettable day! 🙌 #BookWeek #AuthorVisit #Inspiration #BookWeek2025 #IBWorldSchool #MYP #DP #cognitaschools #wearecognita #internationalschoolinlondon #independentschool #InternationalCommunity #secondaryeducation #London
International community
A vibrant international experience
Southbank private school offers world-class teaching in a dynamic and exciting multi-national private school that’s perfect for preparing your child for university, their career, and the rest of their life.
As well as offering an internationally recognised qualification through the International Baccalaureate, our supportive community and outstanding extra-curricular programme will significantly build your child’s confidence and skills during their time with us.
Begin your Southbank Journey
Enter one of our Central London classrooms at our Hampstead, Kensington or Westminster campuses, and we’re sure you’ll be impressed by the confidence and creativity of our students as well as our exceptional teaching staff.
2* - 5 yrs old (*Conditions apply)
5 - 11 yrs old
11-16 yrs old
15 - 18 yrs old
Straightforward and simple
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