What People Say About Us

"Pupils' personal development is a notable feature of the school. Extra-curricular activities promote initiative and encourage wide spread interests. The high quality of pastoral care and the good relationships between staff and pupils create a happy, caring and productive working environment." "The international nature of the school supports pupils' considerable understanding of global issues and their commitment to a multi-cultural world." "The curriculum provides a high quality education in line with the school's aims of developing enquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people." "The home languages of pupils are well respected and, through positive support, promote student cultural identity." "The opportunities for independent learning are outstanding and well directed by able teachers." "The quality of pupils' personal development is excellent. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is outstanding, because of the opportunities within the PYP to enhance their self-esteem, self-knowledge, self-awareness and sense of responsibility." "Pupils show excellent social development, and have a well-developed social conscience. They are supportive of one another in group work, in class, and in inclusive play in the playground." "Pupils are open, well-mannered and courteous and, while both committed and well-motivated, are extremely relaxed and good-humoured. These excellent relationships are a strong factor in the school's success in achieving its aim of striving for excellence in a happy, caring community founded on integrity and respect." "The school has excellent links with parents." "Parental response to the pre-inspection questionnaire expressed strong satisfaction with the school and with the quality of education provided. One parent said that: 'I feel that my son is treated as an individual and gets support for his particular weaknesses as well as being recognised for his strengths'. Another acknowledged that: 'The inquiry-based learning has greatly benefited our older daughter...who is fearless at attacking difficult and complex topics.'" "(EYFS) children from a wide variety of cultures play and work together in harmony. They are well behaved and relationships are strong." ISI Inspection Report 2010. Click here to read the full March 2010 inspection report by the British Independent Schools Inspectorate.

A visitor: "Thank you, to you and your colleagues and students for making me so welcome this week. I can honestly say that I was seriously worried in stepping in to an unknown. Within minutes the 'clouds lifted'. What a fantastic community! I have treasured memories and wish you all the very best fo r the future."

A current parent: "This email is to thank you for a wonderfully designed and managed after school activity! My child was truly enthused and used to really look forward to her baking class every Monday!”

A prospective parent: "I've been on two tours of the school now and I loved learning more about the approach to learning. We went outside and the children had completed towers of blocks and a discussion on who built the "tallest" "shortest" "sturdiest" ensued, which was promptly integrated into a lesson on comparitive adjectives and grammar! The Southbank philosophy became clear at that moment for me and I can see now how play, spirit, innovation and exploration are all equally encouraged."

A prospective parent: "I greatly enjoyed the Information Morning at Southbank Kensington. I came away with a feeling of relief that I had found a school into which I believe my children could settle with ease after beginning their education in other international schools."

A recent visitor to the school: "The school, the ethos, the amazing structured play times with staff joining in encouraging children, and playing with them was a delight to see. All the children in your playground were having a wonderful time, playing proper games and interacting with both their peers and staff. Congratulations - a truly unique atmosphere and one I haven't come across in the 15 years of visiting schools."

Comments from recent Parent Survey...
"I am very happy with the school. I have had only good experience with the teachers and my children have made enormous progress in all areas. They are happy, well-balanced children that are learning how to respect others and be curious about the world. They love to read, they love to learn, the school has an amazing atmosphere, where you feel your kid is inspired everyday."

"We very much like the kind of person the Southbank approach seems to produce. We are very proud of our children's ability to engage and interact with the world around them. We look forward to Southbank continuing to evolve and becoming and even finer institution."

"We love Southbank and are very happy about our choice. It is a warm and welcoming school where you always feel at home. The fact that it is a school without walls, very open and respectful of diversity is something that we really appreciate."

"We are very satisfied with Southbank and the education provided; our daughter enjoys going to school and learning every day."

"We have been pleased with the academics at Southbank and feel our child has flourished there, the teachers have been supportive and wonderful with any concerns or comments we have had. We applaud the staff and all the front office for being so kind and helpful during our two years at Southbank."

"I'm happy my daughter has nice friends and is in a safe place."

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"I wanted to write to say what a wonderful job all of the children did today. I was amazed at the creativity and original thought of all of the children; it was obvious to me that they had spent a lot of time on their respective presentations and that they had thought deeply and originally about the nature and significance of different beliefs in our society. To have inspired such across-the-board quality in the children is a great achievement. Your teaching really is an inspiration to our daughter."Current parent at Kensington, writing to Class Teacher after a presentation.

"My son is really enjoying this year and I am sure that your enthusiastic approach to teaching is a big contributor to this. You appear to have a great rapport with the kids, allowing them freedom to explore their study topics while still maintaining the correct level of control and discipline. I have never had the feeling in any contact with you that you were anything but totally committed to the task at hand." Current parent at Kensington, writing to the Deputy Principal.

"I look back with happiness at the time I've spent here - the students, parents and colleagues I've been fortunate enough to meet have impacted my life and my career. I will miss the warmth of the Southbank community." Previous teacher at Kensington.

"My son had a fantastic time with you and was particularly touched by the warmth and friendship extended to him throughout the day and into the evening at International Night. He says Southbank is the best school!" A parent whose son recently spent the day at Southbank.

"Good family orientated urban school with international flavour. Well geared for the smart, curious and self-motivated student, but the average student would do very well here." Good Schools Guide 2008.

"We would welcome the opportunity to have another child join the Southbank community. There is no better place for our daughter to begin her education. The school and its philosophy is very much a part of our lives. Having children grow up in the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes is an outstanding benefit to help ensure their success for university education. The community is a "second" home for the entire family." Parental comment taken from an application for sibling entry to the Kensington campus.