What People Say About Us

"...the relaxed, encouraging but challenging atmosphere of Southbank was exactly what Julien needed at this stage. He came to Southbank lacking confidence, interest and ability to perform well. With the help of the teachers there he gained confidence, interest and organizational skills that will be invaluable for the rest of his school experience. This is exactly what I hoped would happen, and it did. In reading the very interesting school evaluation [ISI Inspection report] that was distributed a few months ago, I see that this success corresponds to a consciously developed pedagogical philosophy at Southbank, and I can only encourage you, as did the team of experts, to keep up the excellent work." Grade 7 student's mother.

"The high expectations and belief that everyone can succeed are the foundations of the school's work." "Students are outstandingly well educated." "The combined quality of the curriculum and teaching results in students' excellent personal development. Students are independent thinkers, able to express their ideas fluently, and show respect for others' points of view. They learn to make moral choices, and tolerance flourishes within the community." "Students achieve high standards in the IB in relation to schools worldwide, and are outstandingly well educated." "(Students) are articulate, fluent and self-assured speakers, showing obvious enthusiasm and enjoyment as they communicate openly with one another, to their teachers and in class. They think independently and spontaneously, are comfortable in exploring ideas together and are respectful as they listen to others. They are in charge of their own learning, showing integrity in all that they do." "Students have a high success rate in their applications to good quality courses at universities in the UK and across the world. These achievements represent outstanding progress for students." "(Students) with EAL make exceptional progress across all subjects." "At all levels students are interested and want to learn. They are supportive rather than competitive, within an atmosphere that is tolerant without being restrictive." "The curriculum is outstanding." "The quality of teaching is excellent." "Teachers themselves are diverse in background and experience, bringing worldwide awareness quite naturally into their teaching. Their willingness and ability to allow many students to incorporate their mother tongue into their programme is a great strength. A wide range of languages is supported through teaching in a mother tongue." "The development of students' personal qualities is excellent." "The school provides excellent pastoral care." "Staff's considerable awareness of the particular issues which affect the life of a student in an international school, such as frequent changes of school, mean that they have an excellent understanding of how to help students cope with these difficulties." "Trust and mutual respect are tangible hallmarks of positive relationships between staff and students, and amongst students." "Students feel safe and valued by staff who, they perceive, go out of their way to ensure that they achieve well and are happy. In an interview, one student stated that he 'loved' school; it was 'his home and the happiest part of his life'." ISI Inspection Report 2010. Click here to read the full March 2010 inspection report by the British Independent Schools Inspectorate.

"When I visited Southbank, for just a half day, the first thing I noticed was the true internationalism of the community. There were kids from as diverse places as Iran and Israel, to kids just like me from America. I think that spending so much time with such an interesting group of students and teachers will not only enhance my knowledge of academics, but also my understanding of the world, people, countries and languages around me. That, coupled with the great teachers and the incredibly welcoming student body, is why I would very much like to attend Southbank next year." Extract from prospective student's application essay.

"Of all the strengths of the school that o f the quality of relations between staff and students is perhaps the greatest. The school is indeed, as its mission statement states, a ‘happy caring and supportive environment' where the culture of partnership and warmth between students and staff permeates through it - noticeable from the nature of a chance conversation in the corridor as much as the necessarily more formal relationship in the classroom. Interviewed students were quick to comment on the "bond of mutual respect" between teachers and their students. Teachers "care", "go out of their way to help" and are "always available". If parents are looking for the added value that they expect from their investment in an independent education for their children, here it is." Recent review of Southbank Westminster.

"My daughter is flourishing at Southbank and we are thrilled to see how enthused she is. She is loving school and the wonderful opportunities she has had, like visiting Tanzania and the Hague for the Model United Nations, both of which she will value for the rest of her life." Conway Street parent.

"My children have really enjoyed their time at Southbank and they will be missing their school very much, especially their friends and teachers and all staff. My husband and I are very glad we chose Southbank over all the other schools." Ms Otogontuya Khorloo (Batbold family).

"Manika has loved her time at Southbank and has thrived under the guidance of some very talented teachers. We will all be sorry to leave London." Mr and Mrs Goode (Grade 9).

"I would like to express our appreciation to you and your staff for the fine educational opportunities you have offered our daughter at Southbank. She will leave this special school with fine memories, good friends, a rich education and a firm footing for the future." Mr Winslow (Grade 10).

"The school has a very international flavour. My daughter spent grades 6 and 7 there and it was a wonderful experience for her. She made friends from all over the world not just the USA." Posting on Easy Expat London forum.

"Moving to Westminster has made me more mature and I have become much more independent." Grade 6 student.

"Computers are everywhere; the school has a progressive IT curriculum and is considered an innovator in the world of e-learning." Good Schools Guide 2008.