TASIS The American School in England
Thorpe, Surrey · Founded 1976 · Pre-K–Grade 12
Overview
| Full Name | TASIS The American School in England |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1976 by Mary Crist Fleming |
| Location | Thorpe, Surrey — 18 miles south-west of London, 25 minutes from Heathrow Airport |
| Campus | 46 acres featuring 17th-century Thorpe Manor House and 19th-century convent buildings alongside modern facilities |
| Type | Co-educational, day and boarding (boarding from Grade 8) |
| Grade Range | Pre-K through Grade 12 (Ages 4–18) |
| Enrollment | ~660 students (~38% boarders, ~62% day) |
| Nationalities | 60–75 (no single nationality exceeds 12%) |
| Diversity | 99% classified as international • 45% students of colour • 30+ languages spoken |
| Financial Aid | 13% of students on financial aid |
| Acceptance Rate | ~64% |
| Website | tasisengland.org |
Academics
| Curriculum | American curriculum + AP courses (22–24 available) + IB Diploma Programme |
|---|---|
| IB Average (2025) | 34 points • 91% pass rate • Highest score: 43/45 |
| IB Average (2024) | 33 points • 100% pass rate • Highest score: 44/45 |
| AP Pass Rate (2025) | 91% (mean score 4.0) • 32% scored 5 • 62% scored 4+ |
| AP Prerequisite | B+ minimum in subject • Maximum 3 AP courses per year |
| Class Size | Average 12 students |
| Student:Faculty | 6:1 to 8:1 |
AP Courses Offered (22–24)
- English: AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature & Composition
- History: AP US History, AP European History, AP World History, AP Art History
- Mathematics: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics
- Sciences: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C, AP Environmental Science, AP Computer Science A
- Social Sciences: AP Economics (Macro/Micro), AP Psychology, AP Government & Politics
- World Languages: AP Spanish Language, AP French Language
- Arts: AP Studio Art (Drawing, 2D, 3D), AP Music Theory
Student Body
| Total Students | ~660 |
|---|---|
| Boarders | ~38% (~250 students) |
| Day Students | ~62% (~410 students) |
| Nationalities | 60–75 (no single nationality exceeds 12%) |
| International | 99% classified as international |
| Students of Colour | 45% |
| Languages Spoken | 30+ |
| Financial Aid | 13% of students receive financial aid |
Leadership Team
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Bryan Nixon | Head of School (since 2017) |
| Ann Corfield | Executive Director of Finance & Operations |
| Dr. Megel Barker | Head of Lower & Middle School |
| Stephanie FeoHughes | Head of Upper School |
| Melodi Jordan | Senior Leadership |
| Joshua Clark | Director of Admissions & Recruitment |
| Mike Rust | Director of Boarding |
| Andrew Reid | Director of Sports & Activities |
| Sally Holmes | Senior Leadership |
| Darren Singh-MacPherson | Senior Leadership |
| Jason Tait | Director of Pastoral Care / Safeguarding Lead |
Tuition & Fees (2025–26)
Day Student Fees
| Grade Level | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Pre-K | £15,600 |
| Kindergarten – Grade 3 | £26,800 |
| Grade 4 | £30,040 |
| Grades 5–8 | £32,560 |
| Grades 9–12 | £35,740 |
Boarding Fees
| Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| Full Year Boarding (Gr 8–12) | £66,970 |
| Semester 1 Only | £37,921 |
| Semester 2 Only | £33,724 |
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | £240 |
| Development Fund (one-time) | £900 |
What's Included in Boarding
- Accommodation in one of 7 boarding houses
- All meals
- Supervised study
- Weekend activities and excursions
Not Included
- Textbooks and supplies
- School trips and international travel programmes
- Private music lessons
- Exam fees (AP, IB)
Facilities
- Fleming Theatre: 300+ seat performing arts venue
- Fleming Gallery: Exhibition space
- Fine Arts Center: Photography lab, ceramics studio, sculpture workshop, printmaking studio
- Libraries: 3 divisional libraries
- Athletics: 2 gymnasiums, fitness centre, tennis courts, playing fields on 46-acre campus
- Boarding Houses: 7 houses on campus
- Historic Buildings: Thorpe Manor House (17th century), convent buildings (19th century)
Interscholastic Sports (14)
Baseball, basketball, boxing, cheerleading, cross country, golf, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and additional activities.
Clubs & Activities
23 clubs covering arts, debate, Model UN, community service, and more.
University Destinations
| 1st/2nd Choice | 96% of graduates accepted to their first or second choice university |
|---|---|
| UK | ~50% of graduates |
| United States | ~34% of graduates |
| Other Countries | ~16% of graduates |
Notable Acceptances
- UK: University of Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL, King's College London
- US: University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University
- Other: Wide international spread reflecting student body diversity
Accreditations & Inspections
| Body | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| NEASC (New England Assoc.) | Re-accredited | November 2025 |
| CIS (Council of Int'l Schools) | Re-accredited | November 2025 |
| IBO (Int'l Baccalaureate) | Evaluated | January 2026 |
| ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) | All standards met | September 2023 + April 2024 |
| BSA (Boarding Schools' Assoc.) | Member | Current |
| BAISIS | Member | Current |
| ISA | Member | Current |
| UK Border Agency | Licensed Tier 4 Sponsor | Current |
Historical Note
In 2016, an Ofsted boarding inspection raised concerns. These were fully addressed and resolved in subsequent ISI inspections (2023 and 2024), which confirmed all standards met across all categories.
Student Life & Co-Curricular
Boarding Life
- 7 boarding houses on the 46-acre campus
- Boarding available from Grade 8 onwards
- ~38% of students are boarders (~250 students)
- Supervised study periods and structured evening programmes
- Weekend excursions to London and around the UK
- Semester boarding option available (not just full year)
Diversity & Inclusion
- No single nationality exceeds 12% of the student body — deliberately maintained
- 99% classified as international students
- 45% students of colour
- 30+ languages spoken across the community
- 13% receive financial aid to ensure socioeconomic diversity
Arts & Performance
- Fleming Theatre (300+ seats) — full production programme
- Fleming Gallery for student exhibitions
- Fine Arts Center: photography darkroom, ceramics with kilns, sculpture studio, printmaking presses
- Annual student art shows and theatre productions
Sports Programme
14 interscholastic sports: baseball, basketball, boxing, cheerleading, cross country, golf, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, plus additional recreational options. 23 clubs for non-sport activities including debate, Model UN, and community service.
Academic Pathway Choice
Upper School students choose between the AP pathway and the IB Diploma pathway. AP students can take up to 3 AP courses per year (B+ prerequisite required). IB Diploma students follow the full 6-subject programme with Extended Essay, TOK, and CAS.
Admissions
| Type | Rolling admissions — open year-round |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~64% |
| Nationality Cap | No single nationality exceeds 12% of enrolment |
| Application Fee | £240 |
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. No fixed deadline — early application recommended for best availability.
Parent Sentiment
Positive
"Pastoral care is second to none — it truly feels like a 'home away from home' for expat families."
"Nurturing admissions process that genuinely considers the whole child, not just test scores."
"Strong arts programme — the Fine Arts Center and Fleming Theatre are outstanding."
"Safeguarding described as 'amazing' — parents feel their children are genuinely safe."
"The 46-acre campus with historic buildings creates a unique learning environment."
Negative
"Some concern about fluctuating enrolment — the school is smaller than some competitors."
"Historical Ofsted issues in 2016, though since fully resolved in ISI inspections."
"Minority view that academic rigour trails top-tier UK independents like MCS or ASL."
"Boarding fees of £66,970 are substantial, even by international school standards."