The 1996–97 season was the 82nd season of the Isthmian League, which is an English football competition featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs from London, East and South East England. The league consisted of four divisions.
Premier Division
The Premier Division consisted of 22 clubs, including 18 clubs from the previous season and four new clubs: Dagenham & Redbridge, relegated from the Football Conference Heybridge Swifts, promoted as runners-up in Division One Oxford City, promoted as champions of Division One Staines Town, promoted as third in Division One
League table
Division One
Division One consisted of 22 clubs, including 16 clubs from the previous season and six new teams:
Three clubs relegated from the Premier Division: Molesey Walton & Hersham Worthing
Three clubs promoted from Division Two: Canvey Island Croydon Hampton
League table
Division Two
Division Two consisted of 22 clubs, including 17 clubs from the previous season and five new clubs:
Two clubs relegated from Division One: Barking Wembley
Three clubs promoted from Division Three: Horsham Leighton Town Windsor & Eton
Also, Collier Row & Romford, formed from a merger between Collier Row and Romford
League table
Division Three
Division Three consisted of 17 clubs, including 16 clubs from the previous season and one new club:
Braintree Town, transferred from Southern League Southern Division
Before the start of the season Cove and Harefield United resigned from the league.