Southbank International School Hampstead

Southbank International School Hampstead stands as part of the UK's first school authorised to offer all three International Baccalaureate programmes. This Hampstead campus, one of three within the Southbank family, has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for 2024–2027. Set in a purpose-built facility at 16 Netherhall Gardens, the school serves 165 pupils in a genuinely international learning environment. Children begin as young as age 2 and continue through the Primary Years Programme until age 11, when they transfer to the Westminster campus to begin the Middle Years Programme. With class sizes averaging 13 pupils and a two-form entry structure, the school balances intimacy with the resources of a larger network. Stuart Bain, Principal since December 2022, brings over two decades of experience at Southbank, having joined as a Grade 5 teacher in 1998 and served as Deputy Principal before his current appointment.

The Hampstead site benefits from proximity to Hampstead Heath, offering easy access to one of London's largest green spaces for outdoor learning. Facilities include a dedicated STEAM lab, a well-equipped art room with Mac computers for design work, a bright music room for composition and recording, and an onsite all-weather astroturf pitch. The school's "edible courtyard" houses vegetable beds, birdhouses, and a bug hotel, reflecting a commitment to environmental education recognised by the John Muir Award.

Founded in 1996, the Hampstead campus emerged as part of the broader Southbank International School network, which traces its origins to 1979 when a group of educators established London's pioneering IB school for children aged 2 to 19. The school was the first in the UK to be authorised to deliver all three IB programmes, and it remains a founder member of the International Baccalaureate Schools and Colleges Association of the UK and Ireland.

Southbank's identity rests on its commitment to the International Baccalaureate philosophy and the promotion of internationalism. With over 70 nationalities represented across the three campuses and more than 20 languages taught at Westminster, the school lives and breathes international-mindedness. This diversity is not incidental; it is central to the school's mission to educate the whole person and foster compassionate, active global citizens. The IB's learner profile—encouraging students to be inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced, and reflective—shapes daily life at Hampstead.

The school describes its ethos as "uniquely liberal," prioritising academic rigour alongside nurturing individuality and encouraging curiosity. Parents and staff speak of a welcoming, friendly atmosphere where small class sizes enable strong teacher-pupil relationships. The non-selective admissions model means the school accepts children of varied abilities, provided they can engage with the Primary Years Programme; English language support is available for younger children (under nine years old), allowing those with little or no English to develop proficiency before transitioning to the Middle Years Programme at age 11.

Stuart Bain's long tenure—first as teacher, then Deputy Principal, and now Principal—ensures continuity and deep institutional knowledge. Erika Dingli, Deputy Principal and PYP Curriculum Coordinator, returned to Southbank in 2021 after a six-year absence, bringing fresh perspective alongside loyalty to the school's mission. Together, they lead a staff that includes specialist teachers for sport, music, and languages throughout the primary years.

Southbank Hampstead delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, a transdisciplinary curriculum designed for children aged 3 to 11. The PYP organises learning around six themes of global significance—who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, how we organise ourselves, and sharing the planet—encouraging children to make connections across subjects and cultures.

Because Southbank is an independent international school following the IB curriculum rather than the National Curriculum, it does not participate in Key Stage assessments or league tables. Consequently, there are no publicly available SATs results or national rankings for comparison. The school's academic outcomes are assessed internally and through IB evaluations, but not through the DfE performance tables that characterise most UK primary schools.

The school's most recent ISI inspection awarded 'Excellent' ratings, and the school has undergone routine inspections in 2025, 2022, and 2017. Parents should note that the Independent Schools Inspectorate framework differs from Ofsted, focusing on compliance and quality within the independent sector rather than providing comparative performance data.

Ultimately many sit the IB Diploma. In 2025, the broader Southbank network reported an average Diploma score of 35.4 points (against a global average of 30.58), with 25% of students achieving 40+ points and three students attaining the maximum 45 points. These results reflect the outcomes of students who began their journey at primary campuses like Hampstead, though individual primary-level data are not disaggregated.

Class sizes average 13 pupils, with two classes per year group. This low pupil-to-teacher ratio allows for differentiated instruction and individualised attention. The school employs a dedicated learning support teacher who works with individuals requiring additional strategies in various areas, and a literacy support teacher provides targeted intervention to extend reading, writing, and spelling skills. Children with special educational needs are enrolled if they can benefit from the programme, and parents are encouraged to share any educational psychologist reports or assessments during the application process to ensure the school can meet their child's needs.

Technology integration is a hallmark of the Hampstead campus. As an Apple Distinguished School for the third consecutive term (2024–2027), the school has embedded Apple devices, apps, and content across the curriculum for over a decade. All classrooms feature digital screens and Apple TV, and the STEAM lab provides hands-on opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Families should confirm any current capital development fee and technology-related charges directly with the school.

Life at Southbank Hampstead extends well beyond the classroom. The school offers between 10 and 15 different sports over the course of the year, with competitive teams available from Year 3. While the Hampstead site lacks extensive onsite sports facilities, pupils use an external sports centre approximately 15 minutes away by bus, equipped with a large sports hall, climbing wall, and dance studio. The onsite all-weather astroturf pitch accommodates daily physical activity and playtime. Southbank is a member of the International Schools Sports Association (ISSA) and competes in friendly matches and tournaments against other international schools, with notable success in tennis and basketball.

Art, music, and drama are integral to the curriculum. All pupils learn an instrument in class, and around one-third take individual instrument lessons from Year 3. Choir and instrumental ensembles provide performance opportunities. The art room, stocked with a wide range of materials and a suite of Mac computers for digital design, supports creative exploration. Drama forms part of the co-curricular offering, with opportunities to perform and present throughout the year.

The extracurricular programme changes each trimester, allowing pupils to sample a broad range of activities—from chess and coding to creative arts and language clubs. The school organises educational trips for all year groups and residential trips from Year 5, fostering independence and community bonds. Visiting speakers and themed weeks enrich the curriculum, and the edible courtyard provides a living laboratory for environmental learning, aligned with the school's John Muir Award recognition.

Pupils come from nearly 40 nationalities, and this diversity shapes daily interactions. Many families are expatriate professionals living in central London, alongside local families drawn to an international curriculum. The school's rolling admissions policy and flexible start dates accommodate families moving to London at different points in the academic year, a practical feature valued by internationally mobile parents.

Southbank Hampstead adopts an inclusive approach to special educational needs, enrolling students who can engage with the Primary Years Programme with appropriate support. A dedicated learning support teacher provides individualised assistance to pupils requiring additional strategies across various areas of learning. The school also employs a literacy support specialist who works with individuals and small groups to develop reading, writing, and spelling competencies.

Parents of children with identified learning differences are encouraged to share educational psychologist reports, diagnostic assessments, or other relevant documentation at the application stage. This enables the admissions committee to evaluate whether the school can meet the child's needs effectively within its structure and resources.

Conditions supported

The school provides targeted support for:

• Learning differences: dyslexia, literacy difficulties, English as an Additional Language (EAL)
• Academic skills development: study skills, reading comprehension, written expression

Given the small class sizes and low pupil-to-teacher ratio, teachers can differentiate instruction and monitor progress closely. However, the school does not operate a specialist unit or resource base, and families requiring intensive or specialist SEN provision may need to verify the school's capacity to support their child's particular needs.

Southbank Hampstead is an independent primary and nursery school, so families should confirm the current application route, availability, and start-date flexibility directly with the school. This flexibility has historically suited internationally mobile families, but current admissions arrangements should be checked before applying.

To apply, parents should use the school's current admissions process and confirm any application portal, fees, deposits, references, assessments, review timelines, and entry criteria directly with Southbank. The refreshed fact pack does not include those school-specific admissions details.

For children entering from Grade 4 upwards whose first language is not English, an online English language assessment is required. Younger children (under nine years of age) with little or no English may be accepted, as the school provides language support to help them reach the proficiency needed to transition to the Middle Years Programme at age 11.

If a place is not immediately available, successful applicants are placed on a waiting list and notified when a vacancy arises. The two-form entry and capacity of 224 pupils mean that spaces can be limited, particularly in popular year groups.

Because Southbank is an independent school, there are no local authority catchment areas or distance-based allocation criteria. Families from across London and beyond apply, drawn by the IB curriculum and international ethos. The school does not publish subscription ratios or admissions statistics, but anecdotal evidence suggests strong interest from expatriate and local families seeking an alternative to the National Curriculum.

Southbank International School Hampstead offers a distinctive educational proposition: a genuinely international, IB-focused primary experience in the heart of one of London's most desirable neighbourhoods. For families committed to the IB philosophy and seeking a diverse, globally minded community, Hampstead provides a nurturing, well-resourced start to a pathway that continues seamlessly through the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes at the Westminster campus.

The school's strengths are clear. Small class sizes, averaging 13 pupils, ensure individualised attention and strong relationships between teachers and children. The diversity of the student body—nearly 40 nationalities—embeds international-mindedness into daily life, aligning with the IB's core values. Recognition as an Apple Distinguished School and facilities such as the STEAM lab, art studio, and edible courtyard support innovative, technology-rich learning. Stuart Bain's long association with the school and Erika Dingli's return bring stability and institutional memory, while the broader Southbank network's impressive IB Diploma results (average 35.4 points in 2025) suggest the primary foundation is effective.

Limitations are equally important to consider. The school does not participate in national assessments or league tables, so parents accustomed to SATs scores and Ofsted ratings will need to trust the IB's internal evaluation systems and the ISI's 'Excellent' judgments. The lack of onsite extensive sports facilities requires travel to an external centre, which may not suit families prioritising daily, immediate access to fields and courts. The fees—ranging from £6,724 to £13,286 per term for 2025–26, plus a £3,000 capital development fee in the first year—represent a significant financial commitment, and VAT is now applicable from January 2025, increasing overall costs.

The non-selective admissions model is a double-edged sword: it fosters inclusivity and diversity, but also means academic outcomes are not driven by selective entry. Families seeking a hothouse environment focused on 11+ preparation or traditional UK curricula will find a mismatch here. Conversely, those who value inquiry-based learning, transdisciplinary themes, and preparation for the IB Middle Years Programme will find Hampstead well-aligned.

The school's rolling admissions and flexible start dates are a clear advantage for internationally mobile families, but the two-form entry and finite capacity mean competition for places can be intense, particularly in lower year groups. Parents should apply early and be prepared to join waiting lists if necessary.

In sum, Southbank Hampstead is best suited to families who embrace the International Baccalaureate framework, value cultural and linguistic diversity, and are comfortable with a liberal, inquiry-driven ethos over a traditional British primary education. It is a school that asks children to think globally, question deeply, and develop as compassionate, balanced individuals—a mission it has pursued with consistency and care since 1996.

Is Southbank International School Hampstead a good school?

Southbank Hampstead is an 'Excellent'-rated independent school offering the IB Primary Years Programme to approximately 160 children aged 2 to 11. With class sizes averaging 13 pupils, nearly 40 nationalities, and recognition as an Apple Distinguished School, it provides a nurturing, internationally minded environment. The school does not participate in national league tables or publish SATs results, so traditional performance comparisons are not available. Families committed to the IB philosophy and seeking a diverse, inquiry-based curriculum typically find the school well-suited to their goals.

How do I apply to Southbank International School Hampstead?

Southbank Hampstead is an independent primary and nursery school, so parents should confirm the current application portal, fees, deposits, references, assessments, review timelines, and year-group availability directly with the school. The refreshed fact pack does not include those school-specific admissions details.

What are the fees at Southbank International School Hampstead?

The refreshed fact pack does not include current term fees, application fees, deposits, PTA charges, capital development fees, or bus costs. Families should confirm the latest fee schedule and any additional charges directly with the school or on the school website at southbank.org/fees.

Does Southbank Hampstead prepare children for UK secondary schools?

Southbank Hampstead delivers the IB Primary Years Programme, preparing children to transition to the IB Middle Years Programme at Southbank Westminster at age 11. Pupils are not prepared for 11+ examinations or UK grammar/independent school entrance tests. Families seeking a pathway to traditional UK secondary schools may need to supplement the curriculum or consider alternative primary options. The school's focus is on IB continuity rather than UK exam preparation.

What languages are taught at Southbank Hampstead?

Southbank offers specialist language instruction as part of the PYP, with details varying by year group. The broader Southbank network teaches over 20 languages at the Westminster campus, and language learning begins in the primary years. Families should contact the school directly for specifics on which languages are available at Hampstead and at what ages.

Are there sibling discounts or bursaries available?

The school website does not publicly detail bursary or scholarship provision for the Hampstead campus. Families seeking financial assistance or information on sibling discounts should contact the admissions team directly at admissions@southbank.org.