ACS Hillingdon is a leading London International day school known for its diverse community, rigorous curriculum, and exceptional facilities for students aged 4-18. It is an environment where innovation, academic excellence, and global awareness come together.We offer a robust, international curriculum that encourages students to learn how to learn, not what to learn. Our tailored approach and breadth of opportunities means students can follow their individual interests and ambitions for their future, so they leave ACS ready for a world of possibilities.We invest heavily in facilities that fuel a vibrant learning environment offering students endless opportunities both within and beyond the classroom.Being part of the ACS International Schools group, our charitable mission is to advance education and collaborate to drive positive change with our partners, and with local and global communities.When students leave ACS Hillingdon, they face the world as effective, confident, and caring global citizens who are capable of contributing meaningfully to today’s world—and tomorrow’s.
Admissions
Entry evaluation for students
Our admissions process does not involve an entrance exam.
Our online application process takes a holistic approach, assessing each candidate individually by reviewing previous school records, references, questionnaire answers and standardised test scores.
We also ask you to provide any Individual Education Plans (IEP), psychological assessments, occupational therapy, language reports or medical reports.
This helps us understand the complete student, giving us a real insight into who they are today and how we can make them ready for tomorrow.
Brief description of entry evaluation required
Our online application process takes a holistic approach, assessing each candidate individually by reviewing previous school records, references, student questionnaire answers, and standardised test scores. We also request additional information such as Educational Psychologist reports or English as an Additional Language (EAL) tests where relevant. This helps us gain a comprehensive understanding of each student, providing valuable insight into who they are today and how we can prepare them for the future.
We operate a rolling admissions process, which means we accept applications throughout the year, and students may start school at any point in our academic year (subject to availability).
Students can join after academic year begins
Yes, we operate a rolling admissions process, which means we accept applications throughout the year, and students may start school at any point in our academic year (subject to availability).
School Day
School start time
8:30am
School finish time
15:25pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
14:45pm on Wednesdays
School bus service available
Yes, we have an extensive busing service with 41 buses across North West London and surrounding neighbourhoods.
School provided lunches
Students have a choice between hot and cold food options and can also bring in their own lunches.
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
Our school cafeteria caters to special diets including, halal, vegan and vegetarian. Students with special requirements can request alternative food items.
Uniform required
ACS Hillingdon does not require school uniforms however students are required to adhere to a dress code and wear a PE Kit during PE class.
Classroom
Max. number of students per class
We have a maximum of 20 students per Lower School classroom (Grades Pre-K-4) and 22 per Upper School Classroom (Grades 5-12)
Average number of students per class
Though it varies per classroom, ACS Hillingdon has an average of 16 students per classroom.
Does the school employ teaching assistants?
Our Early Childhood division employs teaching assistants.
Use of technology in the classroom
At ACS, students learn how technology can be a powerful tool for taking an active role in how they choose and achieve their learning goals. They also learn about the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world.
ACS teachers and IT professionals enable students to construct knowledge, innovate, solve problems, design, create, and communicate with developmentally appropriate educational technologies. We integrate technology across the curriculum so that students can become effective digital citizens, computational thinkers, and global collaborators.
Educational technology at ACS schools is supported by Apple, ‘inspiring every kind of mind’; Google Workspace for Education; Microsoft 365 Education; alongside a wide range of contemporary applications and technology partners. Younger students learn in a unified 1:1 school-based Apple iPad programme. Older students use their own Apple laptops (purchased from the school’s approved supplier) in a fully-managed environment.
Our Lower School has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School since 2016. Since 2024, the whole school was recognised as an Apple Distinguished school. ACS Hillingdon teachers were recognised for “continuous innovation using Apple technology to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.” In addition, many teachers are certified Google Educators, demonstrating mastery of Google tools in the classroom and advanced technology integration skills.
We are committed to safe, people-centred design that leverages advanced technology as an essential–but not exclusive–resource for learning. We use human and machine intelligence to ensure that our students are ready for a rapidly-changing digital world.
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
ACS Hillingdon is a non-denominational school that is inclusive of all religions.
How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion?
ACS Hillingdon is inclusive of all religions. Throughout the year students are educated about and acknowledge the many religions practiced within our school community.
Student Body
Number of students
ACS Hillingdon has a warm, hospitable atmosphere, with an active community of support that brings students, teachers, parents and alumni together. We actively promote global citizenship in an environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. We currently have an estimated 550-600 students
Number of nationalities represented in the school
Our families represent over 60+ nationalities with many, including both local and international, holding multiple passports, bringing a range of cultural perspectives and languages to our vibrant, global community.
Most common nationality
Our current list of top nationalities include British, American, Canadian, German, Japanese, Indian, French, Italian, Turkish and Brazilian.
Ratio of local students to international students
Our current cohort is approximately 30% British and 70% international.
Extracurricular
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered
At ACS Hillingdon, we understand the value of co-curricular activities in providing a well-rounded and balanced school experience.
Students drive the many events that bring together artistic, cultural, interpersonal, intellectual, and compassionate leadership, extending learning beyond the classroom and community beyond our front gates. Our young people turn compassion into action. The future is theirs, and they are proud to take responsibility for it.
Sports activities included
ACS Hillingdon's Physical Education curriculum covers a wide range of sports and skills which are tailored per grade level. Student learning is focused on the development of body control and awareness, individual knowledge, and skills, communicating and collaborating effectively with others to build positive relationships, how to participate with good sportsmanship and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Units included within the PE curriculum include:
- Invasion Games
- Net Games
- Striking & Fielding
- Physical Literacy
- Movement Composition & Wellbeing
That is supplemented with Sports Leadership and Coaching in Upper School.
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students
We offer a wide range of sports with the emphasis on participation and enjoyment. Our teams compete in prestigious international tournaments as well as in local and national leagues.
Facilities
Facilities at the school
Our campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to nurture the minds and talents of our students. Our commitment to excellence extends across every corner of our campus.
Our facilities include:
- Grade II listed Mansion building including the historic Red and Green Rooms
- Three separate and dedicated libraries for each division (Pre-K-4, 5-8, and 9-12)
- Art Studios
- Auditorium with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment
- Think Tank, an innovative space for technology and learning including Coding, Media and Design
- Enhanced Science Labs
- Computer labs
- Harmony House (for digital and performing arts)
- Dedicated learning facilities for Early Childhood
- Cafeteria
- Three playgrounds and forest school
Sports facilities at the school
Our Sports facilities include:
- All weather 4G pitch
- State-of-the-art Sports and Activities Centre
- Fully-equipped Fitness Suite
- Climbing Wall
- Tennis Courts
- Additional facilities at Iver including 14 acres of football pitches, rugby fields, softball, and baseball diamonds at Iver Fields, a short ride from campus
Language Support
Native English speaking teachers
Yes
Language support for students not fluent in English
We welcome students who need services for English as an Additional Language (EAL). Students from Grade 5 and above will be required to do an Oxford Placement Test as part of the Admissions process.
Additional language classes offered by the school
We offer a range of languages depending on grade level and demand - primarily French, Spanish, and Italian. We have a Home Language Enrichment (HLE) programme, Global Languages classes for Lower School students which include a language of the month, and can accommodate certain requests which may include external teaching or self-learning (eg German, Dutch, Hebrew, Japanese).
Student Support
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
We welcome students who need services for English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Special Educational Needs (SEND). Students are challenged and supported in inclusive classrooms and specialist teaching environments so that they can equitably access the curriculum.
English Language Support is available for all ages, with proficiency requirements from Grade 8. For older students, EAL courses are offered.
ACS serves students with mild to moderate learning needs at all Grade levels, both subject to admission requirements and available spaces. We are not able to support students with severe behavioural, emotional, or learning difficulties, or older students with very limited English.
In most grades we are at capacity for learning support. Please contact admissions for further details.