Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Lake District

The Lake District, known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil lakes, is not typically associated with a high concentration of international or bilingual schools, as it is a rural area rather than a bustling urban center. However, for expats and digital nomads to this picturesque region of the UK with their families, there are a few educational options within a reasonable driving distance. Windermere School and Sedbergh School are two of the most popular choices, offering international curricula and a diverse community for expat children.

Windermere School

Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Windermere
Website: www.windermereschool.co.uk

Windermere School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for students from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to the Diploma Programme for older students. Set in the heart of the Lake District, the school boasts a scenic campus with modern facilities, including a watersports center on Lake Windermere. Extracurricular activities are abundant, with a strong emphasis on outdoor education to complement the academic curriculum.

Sedbergh School

Grades: Age 4 through Grade 13
Location(s): Sedbergh
Website: www.sedberghschool.org

Sedbergh School is a co-educational boarding school that offers a broad curriculum with GCSE and A-Level programs. While not exclusively an international school, Sedbergh has a diverse student body and provides an inclusive environment for expat children. The school is renowned for its strong sporting tradition and excellent pastoral care. Its rural location allows for a range of outdoor activities, which are integrated into the school's educational ethos.

Giggleswick School

Grades: Age 3 through Grade 13
Location(s): Giggleswick
Website: www.giggleswick.org.uk

Giggleswick School is an independent day and boarding school that offers a curriculum leading to GCSEs and A-Levels. With a strong emphasis on individual development, the school provides a supportive environment for international students. Facilities include a modern STEM center, a theater, and extensive sports grounds. Giggleswick also offers a range of extracurricular activities, from music and drama to a variety of sports and outdoor pursuits.

Austin Friars School

Grades: Age 3 through Grade 13
Location(s): Carlisle
Website: www.austinfriars.cumbria.sch.uk

Austin Friars School is an independent day school that welcomes students from a variety of backgrounds, including international families. The school offers a curriculum that includes GCSEs and A-Levels, with a focus on fostering a love of learning and developing well-rounded individuals. Austin Friars boasts excellent facilities, including science labs, art studios, and sports fields, and it offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to engage students beyond the classroom.

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School

Grades: Age 4 through Grade 13
Location(s): Penrith
Website: www.qegs.cumbria.sch.uk

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School is a selective, co-educational grammar school that provides an academically rigorous education. While it follows the English national curriculum, the school has a global outlook and welcomes international students. The school's facilities support a broad curriculum, with a particular strength in science and the arts. Queen Elizabeth Grammar School also offers a wide array of clubs and societies, encouraging students to explore their interests and talents.