A British Education for International Students in London

A British Education with a Global Outlook

Collingham is a British independent school in central London, founded in 1975. We teach GCSEs, A Levels and one-year A Level courses, in classes of nine students or fewer, with an average of just five students in each room. Our two sites are a few minutes apart in Kensington, close to the V&A, Imperial College and the Natural History Museum.

Every year we welcome students from across the world to study alongside our British and international students, in full mainstream classes rather than a separate international stream. If you are looking for a British education for international students in London, with the flexibility to join at points in the year when other schools cannot take you, Collingham has been doing exactly this for fifty years.

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Why Families Choose Collingham from Overseas

Small classes, genuine attention. Classes of nine students or fewer, with a 4:1 student to teacher ratio, so every student is known and supported individually.
Strong university outcomes. 84% of Collingham students go to their first-choice university, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, LSE, King’s College London and Durham, as well as destinations in the US, Canada and Italy.
A personal tutor for every student. Each student is assigned a personal tutor who oversees academic progress and pastoral wellbeing, with regular reviews throughout the year.
Rolling admissions. Students can join Collingham at points in the academic year when many other schools cannot take new students, subject to course availability.
Fifty years of experience. Since 1975, Collingham has welcomed students moving between different education systems, and understands what that transition involves.

What You Can Study

Collingham offers several routes into a British education, depending on your child’s age and how long you are looking to study in London for.

GCSEs, taken over two years from Year 10, with flexible entry points in certain cases. See our GCSEs for International Students page.
A Levels, including one-year A Level courses for students who join later in their studies. See our A Levels for International Students page.
Year 9 entry, for students beginning their British education a year earlier than GCSEs.
Revision courses and online tuition, as shorter-term options for students who need focused academic support rather than a full-time place.

English Language Support

For students whose first language is not English, our English as a Foreign Language (EFL) tutors provide tailored support alongside the main academic timetable, not instead of it. This includes preparation for IELTS and other English qualifications needed for UK university entry, as well as ongoing support with academic English, comprehension and subject-specific vocabulary across all subjects. Support is arranged around each student’s own timetable, so it strengthens their English without taking time away from their GCSE or A Level subjects.

Settling In and Pastoral Support

Moving to study in a new country is a big step, and international students at Collingham are fully part of college life from day one, rather than taught in a separate stream. Every student has a personal tutor, who oversees academic progress and pastoral wellbeing and meets with them regularly throughout the term. Alongside their tutor, students have access to ongoing academic and wellbeing support whenever they need it. Because our classes are small, staff get to know each student individually, which makes it easier to spot when extra support is needed and to put it in place quickly.

Accommodation & Guardianship

While Collingham is a day school and does not offer boarding, we work closely with trusted guardianship and accommodation providers to support international students living in London. We’re happy to offer guidance and make recommendations based on individual needs.

Visas and Documentation

Many of our international families need support with visa documentation as well as admission. Once we have made an offer, our admissions team can help with the paperwork required for a visa application, including a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) where this is needed. If you have questions about visas or documentation before you apply, our admissions team is happy to talk you through what is involved for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students join Collingham part-way through the year?

Yes. Collingham operates rolling admissions, so students can join at points in the academic year when many other schools cannot take new students, subject to course availability.

Does Collingham offer boarding?

No, Collingham is a day school. We work closely with trusted guardianship and accommodation providers to support students living in London, and we are happy to make recommendations based on individual needs.

What English language level do students need?

There is no single fixed entry requirement, as it depends on the course and the student. Where extra support is needed, our EFL tutors provide tailored English language support alongside the main timetable, including preparation for IELTS.

Can Collingham help with a student visa?

Yes. Once an offer has been made, our admissions team can help with the necessary documentation for a visa application, including a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) where required.

What qualifications do international students study?

Most international students join us for GCSEs or A Levels, including our one-year A Level courses for those who join later. Year 9 entry and shorter-term revision courses or online tuition are also available.

How do overseas applications and interviews work?

Applications begin with an enquiry through our website. For students applying from overseas, we arrange a video interview with the Principal or a Vice Principal, and may also ask to see recent school reports and predicted grades.

What support is there for students new to the British system?

Every student is given a personal tutor, who oversees academic progress and pastoral wellbeing with regular reviews. International students are fully integrated into college life rather than taught separately, and our small classes mean staff get to know each student quickly.

What are the fees for international students?

Fees vary by course. Full details are on our Fees page, or you can contact our admissions team directly.

How to Apply

Step 1: Enquire via the "Apply Now" Button

Click the Apply Now button on our website to begin your application. Our Admissions Team will be in touch promptly to guide you through the next steps.

Apply Now

Step 2: Interview via Video Call

If you’re applying from overseas, we’ll arrange a video interview with the Principal or a Vice Principal. This conversation is an opportunity to discuss your academic background, goals, and how we can best support you. It also gives you a chance to ask questions and get a feel for our approach.

We may also ask to see recent school reports and, where appropriate, predicted grades or samples of work.

Step 3: Offer & Visa Support

Once your interview is complete and we have reviewed your documentation, we will confirm if we are able to make an offer. Our team can then support you with any necessary documentation for visa applications, including Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) where required.

Step 4: Arrival & Induction

Before you arrive in the UK, we’ll ensure you have all the information you need—including your personalised timetable, subject choices, and introductions to key staff. On arrival, students are given a thorough induction and ongoing support to help them settle in quickly.

Collingham College students in a seminar-style class, London

Ready to Apply?

Click the Apply Now button to begin your application.

Or contact our Admissions Team at admissions@collingham.co.uk or 020 7244 1860 if you have any questions.

Apply Now

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Get in Touch

Collingham is an independent, co-educational College that runs from year 9 through to Sixth Form. Our aim is to enable individuals to discover their strengths, set their own goals and develop their potential and confidence. At the same time, we are uncompromising in our commitment to academic standards, personal integrity and the development of a sense of responsibility. We provide expert tuition, a clear structure of work and a supportive environment.

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Fees

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How to Apply

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Join Us

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Make an Enquiry

Arrange a visit, request more information, or ask us a question.

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