Established in 1965 as a language school, LSI evolved from teaching international students English to becoming an independent A-level college. The Hampstead campus, housed in a spacious Victorian building just 12 minutes from central London by tube, retains the international atmosphere that defined its heritage. With around 80 students across Years 12 and 13, class sizes rarely exceed five, positioning the college among London's most intimate sixth-form providers. The 2024 results show 57% of leavers progressed to Russell Group universities, with 16% securing places at G5 institutions. In the middle 35% of colleges nationally for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), LSI occupies a solid position supported by strong pastoral systems and specialist support for medicine aspirants.
A short walk from Hampstead Heath and moments from the Freud Museum and John Keats' historic home, the college benefits from one of London's most culturally rich neighbourhoods. The Victorian building itself signals educational seriousness without institutional coldness. Wide corridors, a dedicated student lounge, library, self-study spaces, and a garden for summer events create an informal, approachable environment far removed from the intensity of traditional boarding schools or competitive selective secondaries.
Dr. Iman Hami leads the college as Principal, bringing two decades of educational experience and a PhD in English Literature. His appointment reflects LSI's ambition beyond language teaching. The school emphasises that over 60% of teaching staff have remained since the college's foundation, creating continuity and deep investment in individual students. Staff members teach part-time, which the most recent inspection noted as a challenge for professional development, yet students report genuine warmth and approachability from educators.
Student behaviour is exemplary. The latest Ofsted assessment highlighted that students are hardworking and dedicated, with relationships between staff and students described as excellent. This appears reflected in the college's own pastoral systems, which assign each student a Director of Studies for weekly academic and wellbeing conversations. The college atmosphere is purposeful but not pressured; students seem to work hard because they engage with their teachers and the material, rather than from external anxiety.
In 2024, LSI achieved 48% A*-A grades at A-level and 68% A*-B grades across the cohort. These figures sit above England averages (24% typically achieve A*-A nationally), and 88% achieved A*-C grades overall. The college attributes this consistency to structured, intensive teaching delivered in small groups with expert subject knowledge. Notable is that the college's strength has been sustained across multiple cohorts, suggesting systemic quality rather than outlier years.
The college ranks 998th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle tier nationally (around the 50th percentile among colleges), and 8th in Camden. For many independent sixth-form colleges, this represents solid, above-average performance without elite status. The consistency of results and strong pastoral infrastructure often matter more to parents than raw rankings at this tier.
57% of 2024 leavers progressed to Russell Group universities, a significant majority considering the college's non-selective admissions policy. Within that cohort, 16% secured places at G5 institutions (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, UCL). The college's track record for medicine is particularly strong; Dr. Hami has pioneered Multiple Mini Interview preparation in collaboration with St. George's University London, and 100% of medical candidates placed in Russell Group universities in the measurement period. Beyond these figures, students progress to a diverse range of institutions globally through the International Foundation Year pathway.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
50%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
Small class sizes define the academic experience. Maximum of five students per class ensures personalised feedback and bespoke pacing. Students select three A-level subjects, receiving five hours of instruction per week per subject in the first year, increasing to six hours in Year 2. This rigorous schedule provides depth without overwhelming breadth. The curriculum spans 15 A-level subjects: Mathematics, Economics, History, Politics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish, Psychology, Business, Further Mathematics, Art, Computer Science, English Literature, English Language, Geography, and Sociology.
Teaching appears to balance challenge with accessibility. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and enthusiasm for their disciplines. The college structure allows flexibility for those needing targeted support; students can retake A-levels intensively in one year, or pursue a separate GCSE programme before attempting A-levels. The Pre-A-Level pathway exists explicitly for those whose prior education left gaps. This flexibility suggests a pragmatic approach to different starting points rather than rigid streaming.
The extended project qualification (EPQ) is offered, alongside university preparation support that includes UCAS advice, personal statement review, and specialist interview coaching, particularly for Oxbridge and medicine applicants. The college's evolution from language teaching means international students receive additional English lessons (3-5 hours weekly) if needed, with a minimum IELTS Band 5.5 required for A-level entry. This distinction between day and international fees (£25,074 vs £28,674 per year respectively) reflects the added pastoral and language support.
The college offers multiple avenues for personal development. Named clubs include Art Club, Model United Nations (MUN), Medics Club, Maths Club, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), and Free Discussion Club. The Experiences Package, launched in January 2025, explicitly incorporates robotics, theatre, sports, and creative clubs as part of its framework. Participation counts as part of enrichment time built into the timetable; Friday afternoons include designated Club Activities slots, ensuring students can engage without schedule conflict.
The Medics Club deserves particular attention, as it reflects the college's specialisation in medicine preparation. Weekly sessions led by specialist staff include Multiple Mini Interview simulation, medical school insight sessions, and preparation for BMAT and UCAT. Dr. Hami's partnership with St. George's University London and various medical schools means students receive structured guidance from someone with direct admissions knowledge. This is neither token career guidance nor external tutoring, but embedded, expert mentorship.
The MUN programme has gained visibility in recent years. Students engage in formal debate and diplomatic negotiation through collegiate Model United Nations conferences, developing communication skills and global perspectives valued in university applications and careers.
The campus itself provides dedicated resources. A specially designed science laboratory supports Biology, Chemistry, and Physics practicals with modern equipment. The student lounge and cafeteria serve as social hubs, while the library and self-study areas provide quiet space for independent work. The garden hosts summer events and community activities, offsetting the urban location with greenery and informal gathering space.
The college's international heritage translates into a genuinely multicultural environment. Students from across the globe attend, creating natural opportunities for cultural exchange without forced diversity programmes. The location in Hampstead, minutes from world-class museums and London's cultural institutions, enables subject-specific excursions. History students visit archives; art students access galleries; literature students explore the city's literary heritage.
The college hosts annual university fairs bringing representatives from Russell Group and international institutions to campus, demystifying the application process. PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) runs for one hour weekly, addressing wellbeing, career planning, and social responsibility alongside academics.
For those not ready for immediate A-levels, the University Foundation Programme (NCUK-accredited) offers a pathway with guaranteed conditional places at Russell Group universities upon completion. This safety net attracts international students needing academic or English language preparation, creating a natural feeder system.
For the 2025-26 academic year, tuition fees are £25,074 per year for day students taking three A-level subjects. Two-subject and one-subject options cost £16,716 and £8,358 respectively. International students pay £28,674 per year for equivalent three-subject programmes, reflecting additional English language support. The one-year Intensive A-Level retake programme costs £8,358 per subject.
Additional costs include a registration fee of £250, art/laboratory subject fee of £250 per subject, and the Extended Project Qualification at £3,500 if taken. These fees sit mid-range for London independent sixth-form colleges. As an independent school, LSI is not bound by state funding models; fee sustainability depends on enrollment.
The college mentions scholarships are available, though details regarding percentages or income thresholds are not publicly specified. Interested families should enquire directly about financial assistance. International students requiring guardianship can arrange UK-based guardians through partner agencies.
Fees data coming soon.
The college explicitly tracks and celebrates university progression. With 57% reaching Russell Group institutions in 2024, and specific successes in medicine, law, and engineering, students access competitive university places. The college's expertise in Oxbridge and medical preparation, though not claiming elite status, reflects genuine specialism. For those pursuing less traditional pathways, the International Foundation Year offers bridges to overseas universities and specialist institutions.
The 2023-24 cohort data shows 36% of leavers progressed to university, 9% to employment. The remainder pursued further study or other pathways. This diversity of outcomes reflects the college's inclusive admissions (non-selective) and willingness to serve students with varied academic starting points.
LSI operates a non-selective admissions policy, distinguishing it from grammar schools and elite independents. Students with GCSE results or equivalent qualifications can apply directly, with interviews assessing motivation and suitability. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency (minimum IELTS 5.5) and can enter conditional upon successful completion of pre-A-level modules.
Application is straightforward; contact the college at admissions@lsi.edu or call 020 7794 8111. Campus visits are welcomed at any time. The college operates on conventional academic terms: Autumn (September-December), Spring (January-March), Summer (April-June), with flexible entry at standard points.
The college's size (capacity 80 students) means places fill based on rolling admissions rather than competitive ratios. This works in favour of applicants who apply early. There are no entrance examinations; assessment relies on prior academic records and interview conversation. For those seeking late entry or resit options, the Intensive A-Level programme caters to students completing Year 12 elsewhere who wish to improve their grades through focused, full-time study.
The Director of Studies system anchors pastoral support. Each student meets their Director weekly for one-on-one conversation covering academic progress, wellbeing, and university planning. This replaces traditional form tutor structures with a model emphasising individual relationship and holistic development. Teachers keep parents fully informed through regular written correspondence.
The college emphasises that student welfare is "as important as the academic programme." A dedicated pastoral team addresses academic pressures and personal challenges. International students receive induction programmes helping them settle into UK academic life and Hampstead living. The recent Ofsted inspection rated student safeguarding arrangements and welfare provision as excellent.
PSHE sessions provide structured space for discussing health, wellbeing, careers, and social responsibility. The college also offers support for students with special educational needs, with a SENCO who meets SEND students regularly and co-creates Individual Education Plans. Access arrangements for examinations (e.g., extra time, reader support) are facilitated as needed.
For academically at-risk students, the college provides additional structured support: supervised self-study, one-to-one tutoring, and tailored study plans extending beyond standard curriculum scope. This mirrors approaches in selective schools but within a non-selective context, meaning support is reactive to need rather than sorted by prior attainment.
College hours are typically 9am to 5pm, with lessons ending by 4pm to allow free periods, self-study, and club activities. The timetable is built to accommodate club participation; Friday afternoons are explicitly designated for extracurricular engagement. Most students will have some free periods within the week for independent study, reflection, and social time.
Transport: Hampstead tube station (Northern Line) is a 10-minute walk away, providing direct links to central London, King's Cross, and the Northern Line network. Multiple bus routes serve Hampstead, and several routes pass near the college. For international students using airport transfers, the college arranges logistics (Heathrow £150 one-way, other major airports £180). Parking in Hampstead is limited and metered; student parking on campus is not mentioned, and most attend via public transport.
The college is fully equipped with modern classrooms featuring interactive whiteboards, computers, and internet. Year-round facilities include the science laboratory, student lounge, library, and outdoor garden. There is no boarding; all students are day learners or homestay arrangements (for international students). The college can support students with a range of special educational needs; families should contact the SENCO to discuss specific requirements.
Post-16 timing decision. The college serves ages 15-19, meaning entry typically follows Year 11 (age 15-16). For families accustomed to primary through secondary continuity, the transition to an external sixth-form college marks a significant step. Some students thrive with this fresh start; others prefer remaining in familiar institutions. Trial lessons and campus visits are advised.
Non-selective admissions imply mixed prior attainment. Because the college does not select by entrance examination, peer groups include students with a wide range of prior GCSE results. This creates genuine inclusivity but means some classmates may pursue a three-year A-level journey while others retake GCSEs or accelerate. Families seeking a cohort of equally strong students may prefer selective grammar schools or elite independent colleges.
Fees and additional costs. At £25,074 per year, LSI is considerably more expensive than state sixth-form colleges (free) but less than traditional boarding or day independents (£30,000-£45,000). International fees exceed day fees by approximately £3,600 annually. Families should budget for uniform (not mandatory but expected), trips, and examination retake fees if needed.
Size and informality trade-off. With 80 students across two year groups, the college offers genuine community and staff knowledge of individuals. This informality, however, means fewer resources compared to large sixth-form colleges (e.g., no student union structures, fewer facilities). Student-led governance and larger-scale events are less developed than in 500-pupil sixth forms.
International focus. While not exclusively international, the college's heritage and marketing emphasise global students. For domestic students, this enriches cultural experience but may feel slightly peripheral if seeking a quintessentially British sixth-form experience. The heavy English language support provision signals that some students are still developing academic English alongside A-level content.
LSI Independent College delivers personalized, rigorous A-level education within an inclusive, multicultural setting. The 57% Russell Group progression rate, 48% A*-A outcomes, and specialist medical support demonstrate genuine academic strength. The college's willingness to accept non-selective entry means it serves a broader demographic than elite colleges, yet maintains consistency and momentum through expert staff, small classes, and structured pastoral support. Best suited to motivated students aged 15-19 who want expert teaching in an intimate, supportive environment where they are known by name and valued as individuals. The main challenge is financial; at £25,074 annually, this is an investment. For families seeking London sixth-form education with genuine personalisation and international perspective, LSI offers compelling value.
Yes. In 2024, 57% of leavers progressed to Russell Group universities, and 48% achieved A*-A grades at A-level. The college ranks 998th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Ofsted rated it Good, with strengths highlighted in student behaviour, pastoral support, and safeguarding. The college is particularly strong in medicine preparation; 100% of medical applicants in the measurement period secured Russell Group places.
Tuition fees for 2025-26 are £25,074 per year for day students taking three A-level subjects. Two-subject and one-subject options cost £16,716 and £8,358 respectively. International students pay £28,674 per year. A registration fee of £250 applies on admission; art and laboratory subjects incur an additional £250 per subject. The Extended Project Qualification costs £3,500 if elected. These fees do not include examination fees, materials, or discretionary items.
LSI combines small class sizes (maximum five students per class), non-selective admissions, and specialist preparation programmes. Every student has a Director of Studies for weekly one-to-one support. The college's evolution from international language education creates a genuinely multicultural environment and English language support for those needing it. Unlike traditional selective sixth forms, LSI accepts students with a range of prior attainment, making it genuinely inclusive while maintaining rigorous outcomes.
Named clubs include Art Club, Model United Nations (MUN), Medics Club, Maths Club, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), Free Discussion Club, plus opportunities in robotics, theatre, and sports. Friday afternoons are reserved for club activities, built into the timetable to ensure accessibility. The Medics Club is particularly notable, involving structured preparation for medical school applications in partnership with medical educators and St. George's University London.
The college is particularly strong in medicine. Dr. Iman Hami, the Principal, has pioneered Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) training in partnership with St. George's University London. The Medics Club meets weekly with specialist staff, covering interview simulation, BMAT/UCAT preparation, and medical school insight. In the measurement period, 100% of medical candidates achieved Russell Group university places. For aspiring medics, this represents a significant advantage over generic sixth-form preparation.
The college operates non-selective admissions. Students require GCSE results (or equivalent) and attend a brief interview assessing motivation and suitability. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency (minimum IELTS 5.5). Those not meeting A-level readiness can pursue a Pre-A-Level GCSE programme before advancing. Applications are rolling (not deadline-based), so early submission is advantageous given the small cohort size.
In 2024, 57% of leavers progressed to Russell Group universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL, Edinburgh, Durham, and Bristol. 16% secured places at G5 institutions. Beyond the UK, students progress internationally through the NCUK International Foundation Year pathway. Beyond Oxbridge, specific institutions mentioned include Imperial College, Edinburgh, and leading universities globally, though the college does not publish a comprehensive list of all destinations.
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