Southbank International School Hampstead Key Information

How Does The School Perform?

Excellent

NATIONAL AVG. 2.09

Independent Schools Inspectorate

(27/05/2022)

Full Report - All Reports

PREP

Independent preparatory schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum or submit test results to the Department for Education so there is no individual school performance data or star rating.

Visit the school's website to learn more about their unique curriculum, policies on testing and common leaver destinations (a good indicator of pupil progress). See our About page for information on Choosing A Prep School.

Day

Boarding Type

£6,410
to
£12,380

Day Fees Per Term

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16 Netherhall Gardens

London

NW3 5TH

+44 (0) 20 3890 1969

Camden

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See News and Open Days from Southbank International School Hampstead

School Description

Southbank International School has three main campuses in the heart of London. These can be found in Kensington, Hampstead and Westminster. Children aged between 2 and 11 will attend one of the Primary Years Programme campuses, in either Kensington or Hampstead. Our Hampstead campus serves the age range 2 to 11 as an international primary school and has children from almost 40 different nationalities. It is noted for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Hampstead students take the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and transfer to the Westminster campus at age 11. The PYP age groups are equivalent to pre-school, kindergarten, elementary school, junior school or preparatory school in other education systems. Southbank International School uses London as a classroom – taking full advantage of the cultural riches of the city. As part of each unit of inquiry, teachers look for opportunities to maximise learning in context, visiting cultural sites, galleries, museums, London parks and wildlife centres. English is the language of instruction, with Spanish as the school’s second language, taught from Kindergarten upwards. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is also offered from Kindergarten upwards. As a leading International Baccalaureate School in London, Southbank attracts very-well qualified and internationally experienced teachers. Admission is based on previous school performance, reports and good references, as well as consideration of the compatibility of the student’s profile for the academic and social aspects of the Primary Years Programme.

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Southbank International School Hampstead Parent Reviews

Average Parent Rating

“Happy Kindergarten Parent”

18 March 2025 AUTHOR: A Parent

Southbank Hampstead has a positive and supportive culture. My son has been encouraged to embrace learning. The teachers and support staff are passionate and dedicated. Being a small school, there is a sense of community among the students. Southbank provides a nurturing environment where children can thrive.

“Exceptional Education and Support”

06 September 2024 AUTHOR: A Parent

Strong academic levels - Teachers are excellent and very supportive of developing children to their best abilities - the administration of the school is always there to help and care about the kids. We went to numerous Private schools, some considered the best in the US and if we had known Southbank earlier, we would have taken our kids to this school sooner. Probably most important of all, our kids love the school, love to go to school, have many good friends and are motivated to learn well and succeed. What else could any parent wish for?

“A wonderful environment”

26 June 2024 AUTHOR: A Parent

My boys are very happy there. They are learning so much. The environment seems to foster happy, welcoming, curious kids.

“Highly Recommend”

08 December 2023 AUTHOR: A Parent

Kindergarten parent: The staff at Southbank Hampstead are extremely invested in each child's development. It has a strong, supportive community.

“Happy and inquisitive pupils”

16 September 2019 AUTHOR: A Parent

My children have developed into really happy, inquisitive, hard-working kids, and I really do believe that’s a result of the education they have had at Southbank – Jacqui, parent of two Southbank students.

“Brilliant boost for my children's self-esteem”

05 September 2019 AUTHOR: A Parent

Southbank is totally different from what I expected. The teachers are encouraging children all day long to be themselves, to have self-esteem – to speak out loud, to be nice to others and to take action. When children hear this outside their home, they think it’s right; they believe it. Patricia, parent of Southbank students

“Fantastic teamwork”

05 September 2019 AUTHOR: A Parent

The teamwork between the teachers and students makes for a fantastic experience for the student and their family. Highly recommended.

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News, Photos and Open Days from Southbank International School Hampstead

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Last update: 11 February 2025

INFORMATION MORNINGS AND PERSONAL TOURS

To discover everything Southbank has to offer, we regularly host information mornings throughout the academic year. This is the best way to get a feel for what makes Southbank so special.

Our information mornings give you and your child an opportunity to meet and hear from the Principal, view our excellent facilities, talk to current students and teachers, find out more about the International Baccalaureate and ask any questions you have about the school and our admissions process.

We also offer personal tours led by our Admissions Managers. To book, please contact us at +44 (0)20 3890 1969

Virtual Tours of all our campuses are also available to gain an initial insight into what to expect when you arrive. View virtual tour: https://www.southbank.org/information-mornings-and-personal-tours/#virtual-tours

We look forward to welcoming you to Southbank International School.

Book an Information Morning or a Personal Tour

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMME (2-5 YEARS)

As part of our IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), we offer our Early Childhood curriculum for children aged 2-5 years.

Through inquiry-based learning and play, it aims to engage and stimulate young students and nurture their academic, personal and social development.

We encourage our Early Childhood students to explore, investigate and play through activities chosen by them and activities initiated by an adult. To support learning through play, our classroom environments are set up so students can move freely around clearly defined areas for reading, writing, art, construction, imaginative play, science and mathematics. These are situated both indoors and outdoors.

More about the Early Childhood programme

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (5-11 YEARS)

Students are encouraged to become: inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, and to be knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced and reflective. They develop these attributes within the classroom, during Town Meetings (assemblies), in the playground, and while participating in Southbank’s many extracurricular activities.

The PYP is all about inquiry: the process through which a learner moves from his or her current level of understanding to a new and deeper level. Our students will be:

- Exploring, wondering and questioning

- Collecting data and reporting findings

- Taking and defending a position

- Using critical thinking skills to understand a concept

- Making and testing theories

- Experimenting and playing with possibilities

- Solving problems in a variety of ways

By using inquiry-based learning, the PYP engages and challenges students who have many diverse perspectives, values, cultural backgrounds, and languages. Southbank is committed to a developmental approach. This means that students may progress through the programme at different rates.

More about the Primary Years Programme

SOUTHBANK INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, HAMPSTEAD CAMPUS HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

Recognised for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence using technology.

Southbank International School is pleased to announce it has been recognised as an Apple
Distinguished School for the 2024–2027 programme term. Schools apply and are selected
for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and
using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of leadership and educational excellence, with a
clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals.Hampstead Principal, Stuart Bain, expressed his pride, stating: “We’re incredibly proud to be awarded this distinction continuously since 2018. As a school, we have a shared vision to sustain excellence and enhance best practices through educational technology. I’m
incredibly proud of the creativity and dedication of our teaching team at Southbank
Hampstead, and thrilled that this achievement has been officially recognised by Apple once
again.”

Southbank International School utilises a 1:1 iPad programme. Dedicated and
knowledgeable teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, empowering students to
lead, learn, and to make their world a better place.

Meet the Head: Stuart Bain

Stuart Bain has nearly 30 years of experience as an educator. He began his career in Scotland before moving to Italy to gain experience in the international sector. He was appointed Principal of Hampstead in 2022. Stuart is also a consultant for the IB and for several years has served on inspection teams for the ISI. He has a particular interest in Educational Technology, becoming an Apple Distinguished Educator in 2009.

Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?

I previously hadn’t considered teaching until one summer I spent two months working at an activity camp in Northern Italy. I enjoyed working with young people so much I decided to make a career of it.

What achievement are you most proud of as Head?

I couldn’t identify a single achievement, I’d rather highlight the kind of school we are - a true community of international students that celebrates diversity and ensures all our children can flourish and succeed.

What does a successful school look like to you?

A nurturing environment, with flexible learning approaches and spaces, actively encouraging children to innovate, create, experiment; where teachers know every child as an individual and there are no limits to learning.

What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?

Independence, a love for learning, open-mindedness and optimism for the future to ensure that our students are equipped and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.

Creative, supportive, innovative, nurturing, and responsible.

Southbank International School Hampstead Catchment Area Map

This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.