About ICS

Mission Statement

ICS aims for educational excellence by developing independent, inquiring and collaborative learners within a safe, enjoyable and stimulating environment.

We believe in equality of opportunity and a celebration of diversity, and we support our students in becoming successful world citizens.

An Independent School with an International Focus

Established in 1979, ICS is a small friendly, central London international school for students aged 2 1/2 to 18 years. Children and faculty from 65 countries (including the UK ) form a dynamic learning community. Teaching and learning is driven by best practice utilising aspects of international curricula and the English curriculum. In September 2006, the Primary School became a ‘ Primary Years Candidate School ’, so beginning the path towards authorisation to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (www.ibo.org). The Secondary School is currently preparing to move its programme of study towards adoption of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).

An international early learning centre takes children from the age of three to five and has a st ron g language emphasis. In the primary school (ages 5 – 11) all children learn following the pattern set by the Primary Years Programme (PYP), in small classes with a maximum of 18 students in London’s Regent’s Park.

The secondary school is based in Paddington, central London , close to the primary school. The school uses the English and International curricula with 15/16 year olds studying core IGCSE’s. The school has a strong pastoral care/welfare reputation and classes are kept to a maximum of 16 students. There is an established programme of educational, cultural and environmental visits tied in with the curriculum to destinations overseas and within the UK .

Throughout ICS there is a specialist Foundation Course department, which provides intensive English for students aged 3 – 18 at all levels. A range of EFL examinations are offered. Short courses for all ages throughout the year are available, in addition to courses that prepare students for full curriculum education. A thriving English language school operates throughout the summer months.

A strong Special Educational Needs department supports students in all areas of the school and works closely with language support staff. In the secondary school our Student Support program also includes a life-skills program.

A door-to-door bus service brings most students to school and on both sites our canteens provide healthy vegetarian/fish meals.

The school owns a field studies and out-door education centre on a beautiful stretch of the Suffolk Coast and our students spend at least a week a year engaged in our outdoor education programme centred on environmental literacy.