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Nursery at International School of London
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A storybook house built from sticks gives a useful picture of early learning here: children connect a familiar tale with mathematical shapes and new vocabulary. International School of London's nursery sits within its Early Childhood provision, with EC1 corresponding to the UK nursery stage for three-year-olds. Age groups are determined by a child's age on 31 August.
The setting is part of an independent school at 139 Gunnersbury Avenue, beside Gunnersbury Park. Nature is close by. Ofsted rated early years provision Good at its November 2023 inspection; this is the school's early years judgement, rather than a separate nursery rating.
At the same inspection, Ofsted asked leaders and the proprietor to strengthen their oversight and check whether their actions achieved the intended effect. This concern applied across the school; it was not a finding specifically about nursery practice.
Early years follows the Primary Years Programme (PYP), with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework incorporated into it. The school teaches the International Baccalaureate curriculum. For parents, that means the early learning framework sits within an international curriculum, rather than being replaced by it. The practical connection between language, stories and mathematics is clearer than the programme names alone.
In November 2023, children used sticks to construct a house linked to the three little pigs story, recalling shape vocabulary as they worked. This gave them a concrete reason to use mathematical words: the language belonged to something they were making. Talking about learning and revisiting vocabulary formed part of the teaching approach.
Regular early years excursions to a nearby park brought nature exploration into the curriculum. Gunnersbury Park also provides the school's Forest School setting. For a family weighing the character of the nursery, this connection to outdoor learning is a useful counterpoint to its international programme: the immediate surroundings matter too.
Settling support includes a school transitions programme for children and their families. It takes account of individual family circumstances when planning the move into school, giving parents a place in the process as well as their child. The staff structure includes a Head of Student Support and Transitions Care, alongside a combined safeguarding lead and special educational needs coordinator role.
Lunch gives families a choice. Children can have an optional hot meal prepared on site or bring food from home. The meal service has a separate charge, and cancelling it requires written notice of half a term. That notice period matters when deciding whether to use the service regularly.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask ISL's admissions team to confirm the arrangements for continuing from EC1 to EC2 before committing.
ISL's age comparison chart places EC2 alongside UK Reception, while EC1 corresponds to nursery. This distinction helps parents interpret the school's terminology. Its family transitions programme is support for joining and growing within the school, and should be considered separately from admission entitlement.
Enquiries go to admissions@isllondon.org or 020 8992 5823. Families can arrange a private tour or an online conversation with the admissions team. Microsoft Teams and Zoom are options for those unable to visit in person, making a first discussion possible before travelling.
Charges. Tuition includes borrowed books and an initial sports uniform; replacement uniform and lost or damaged books attract additional charges. Ask the school for current charges before committing. Alongside the optional lunch service, these distinctions help families understand what tuition covers.
EC1 corresponds to UK nursery for three-year-olds. ISL determines year groups using a child's age on 31 August, so that date matters when discussing placement.
Children follow the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which incorporates the EYFS framework. The international curriculum therefore includes the early learning framework.
Ofsted recorded regular early years park outings to explore nature in November 2023. Gunnersbury Park also provides the school's Forest School setting.
Yes. Families can choose a packed lunch or an optional hot meal cooked at school. Cancelling the meal service requires half a term's written notice.
Yes. Contact the admissions team to arrange a private tour. Families unable to visit can arrange an online meeting using Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
