Cities / London / ICS London (International Community School)
ICS London (International Community School)
Small IB World School in Marylebone and Paddington serving around 150 students aged 3-18, founded in 1979 and part of the Globeducate group. Annual fees for 2025-26 run from GBP 22,890 (Nursery and Reception) to GBP 34,200 (Diploma Programme Years…
In brief
ICS London is a small full-IB school founded in 1979 by the Toettcher family, running PYP, MYP and DP across two Marylebone and Paddington sites. Around 150 to 200 students total in classes capped at roughly 16.
The Primary site sits in Wyndham Place near Marylebone and the Secondary in Star Street near Paddington, both within walking reach of Hyde Park and Regent's Park, which the school uses heavily for PE and outdoor learning. Fees run roughly GBP 23,000 to GBP 34,000. The community spans more than 55 nationalities.
Parents describe a small, friendly school that handles relocating families well and gives children with mild learning differences serious individual attention. Day trips to museums and theatres tied to current units are a recurring theme in parent accounts. The flip side is the tiny scale: limited cohort, limited subject breadth in the Diploma compared with bigger London IB schools. Best fit for central London expat families who want IB continuity, small classes, and a personal handover when the next posting comes.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery - Reception (ages 3-5) | 3 | Annual | £22,890 |
| Years 1-4 (ages 5-9) | 5 | Annual | £28,470 |
| Years 5-6 (ages 9-11) | 9 | Annual | £28,860 |
| MYP / IGCSE Years 7-11 (ages 11-16) | 11 | Annual | £32,850 |
| DP Years 12-13 (ages 16-18) | 16 | Annual | £34,200 |
| Registration fee (non-refundable) | One-time | £250 | |
| Refundable deposit | One-time | £1,500 | |
| School Development Fee (one-time) | One-time | £1,880 |
Reviews
- ICS London's parent reviews are split, with warm long-tenure praise sitting against forum complaints about communication and atmosphere.
- A parent of six years called academics "amazing" with morals and values prioritised, and said staff are "really, really kind".
- Several parents flag the school as small and tight-knit, with strong attention to children with special educational needs.
- One parent said the school "has really been amazing for my son who has some special needs".
- Mumsnet posters report a colder feel on visits, communication issues over IB results and a student demographic skewed toward Arab and Subcontinent families rather than the broader international mix at peer schools.
- The school is fully IB through ages 3 to 18, sits in a 50+ nationality community and appears in the upper tier of UK IB schools by averages; an older 2014 Ofsted Inadequate rating preceded the school's move under ISI inspection, with subsequent ISI reports compliant.
Head of school
Mona Taybi
Mona Taybi is the Head of School at ICS London. She views leading the diverse international community as a privilege and is dedicated to the school's mission of providing an innovative approach to education. Her vision focuses on creating compassionate and inspired global citizens through a balance of academic excellence and pastoral support. She emphasizes inclusivity and the uniqueness of every child, fostering a community of lifelong learners committed to personal growth and achieving their best selves within a supportive environment.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges 02