The International Schools Theatre Association is a UK-registered charity and global arts organisation that provides transformative theatre experiences for young people and professional development for educators. While it operates globally, it is deeply embedded in the UK independent sector, particularly among schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB). ISTA is the official provider of IB Diploma Programme Theatre teacher training. It focuses on fostering "internationally minded" students through collaboration, diversity, and the ensemble method, rather than competition.
ISTA Member Schools (8)
ACS Cobham International School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18, situated on a 128-acre campus in the Surrey countryside. The school offers a global curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the American Advanced Placement (AP) programme. Facilities include a state-of-the-art sports centre with a 25-metre competition pool, an Olympic-sized track, and a 510-seat performing arts theatre. Founded in 1967, the school emphasises developing well-rounded global citizens through a diverse range of academic, sporting, and extracurricular opportunities.
Frensham Heights is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated on a 120-acre estate near Farnham, Surrey. Founded in 1925, the school maintains a progressive ethos where students do not wear a uniform and staff are addressed by their first names. The campus is centred around a Grade II listed Edwardian mansion and features a dedicated performing arts centre. The school emphasises individual development and creative expression, offering a broad curriculum that includes a strong focus on outdoor education and the arts.
Halcyon London International School is a co-educational, not-for-profit day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in Marylebone. Founded in 2013, it is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The school’s ethos focuses on innovation, student agency, and a research-led approach to wellbeing and restorative practice. Recognised as a Google Reference School and Apple Regional Training Centre, it integrates advanced technology into its teaching. The school occupies a central site near Marble Arch, utilising local facilities including the Seymour Leisure Centre and Hyde Park for sport and recreation.
Marymount International School is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated on a seven-acre campus in Kingston upon Thames. Founded in 1955 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, the school maintains a Catholic ethos while welcoming students of all faiths. It was the first school in the United Kingdom to adopt the International Baccalaureate curriculum, offering both the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. Facilities include a modern STEAM "Fab Lab" and purpose-built sports and arts spaces, supporting a holistic approach to education.
Sevenoaks School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated on a 100-acre campus in Kent, bordering Knole Park. Founded in 1432, it is one of the United Kingdom's oldest non-denominational schools. The school emphasises a global outlook and was a pioneer in adopting the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, which it has offered exclusively since 1999. The site features a mix of historic buildings and contemporary facilities, including 'The Space', a purpose-built performing arts centre, and a state-of-the-art science and technology centre.
Southbank International School (Westminster) is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 11-18, spread across three central London sites. Established in 1979, it was the first school in the United Kingdom authorised to deliver all three International Baccalaureate programmes. The Westminster campus, which includes a Grade II listed building on Portland Place, focuses on the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. Embodying a "school without walls" ethos, it utilises London's cultural landmarks as extended classrooms. Facilities include specialised science labs, a digital design lab, and a dedicated sports centre in Kilburn.
Southbank International School (Kensington) is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2 to 11, located in the Notting Hill area of London. Housed in two adjoining Victorian villas, the campus follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, emphasising inquiry-based learning and global citizenship. With a diverse community representing nearly 40 nationalities, the school offers facilities including a STEAM room, a bespoke art studio, and a garden with play equipment. Pupils typically transition to the school’s Westminster campus at age 11 to continue their IB education within a multicultural environment.
TASIS The American School in England is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 3 to 18, located on a 46-acre campus in the village of Thorpe, Surrey. Established in 1976, the school is housed in a mix of modern facilities and historic buildings, including a Grade II listed Georgian manor house. It offers an American curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Advanced Placement courses. The campus features a dedicated arts centre, multiple sports fields, and specialised science labs, catering to a diverse, international student body.