International School of London (ISL)
The Educatus Explorer recently had the pleasure of visiting ISL (International School of London) situated on the corner of the impressive Gunnersbury Park. The school has earned a global reputation as a leading International Baccalaureate (IB) school and welcomes students aged 3 to 18.
Having Gunnersbury Park on the school’s doorstep plays a big part in the curriculum, particularly for the Primary Years Programme, where the Forest School initiative allows young learners (ages 3 to 10) to develop skills and express themselves outside of traditional classroom settings. The park also boasts the fantastic Sports Hub, built in partnership with Ealing Council and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, and is used by students for PE lessons, to train for competitive sporting events and to play their favourite sports.
Stepping inside the school, we were immediately struck by the bright and spacious atmosphere, with some standout spaces including the Tech Hub created by the Middle Years Programme (11 to 15years) students to share relevant news with the whole school in a weekly broadcast, amusingly we even had a chance ourselves to practice being news anchors!
A highlight of our tour was the tranquil well-being area on the top floor of the school. This space, complete with bamboo mats for meditation, provides students with a serene retreat for relaxation and mindfulness. Beyond this, ISL fosters a strong sense of community, evident in the warm interactions we had with students and staff throughout our visit.
Art is also a major part of ISL’s identity, with inspiring student artwork displayed throughout the campus, including in the IB College, located just a 15-minute walk away. The college itself features a welcoming common room, providing students with a sense of independence as they transition towards higher education.
With a student body representing diverse nationalities, ISL takes pride in its comprehensive Home Language Programme, offering instruction in an impressive 24 languages. This commitment to multilingual education extends beyond students, as parents can also participate in language classes as part of the school’s award-winning Transitions Programme, which helps families integrate smoothly into their new environment.
ISL’s nursery and Early Years programme embrace the Reggio Emilia approach, an educational philosophy that promotes student-centred, experiential learning within a relationship-driven environment. This method nurtures curiosity, independence, and creative thinking, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Our visit coincided with the build-up to Cherry Blossom Week, a vibrant celebration of the school’s Japanese community, which comprises around 10% of the student population. Every month, ISL spotlights a different culture, and for this week, the school was adorned with origami decorations, including a striking cherry blossom tree in the main hallway. The festivities encompassed class-based learning, artistic performances, and parent-led activities such as sushi-making workshops, creating an immersive cultural experience for all.
Perhaps the most inspiring part of our visit was meeting a young student from Peru, who had arrived at ISL just eight months ago without any English. Despite this, he confidently guided us through the school, conversing fluently - a testament to the school’s nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
The school’s commitment to holistic development is further reflected in its well-equipped facilities, including spacious art rooms, a good-sized library, and a canteen where fresh, nutritious meals are prepared on-site daily.
The Educatus Explorer finds that ISL stands out as a beacon of international education, seamlessly blending academic excellence, cultural appreciation, and student well-being. With its global outlook and strong community spirit, it’s easy to see why this school has earned its stellar reputation.
