Selecting a school in United Kingdom can seem like the toughest aspect of moving with children. Online resources often miss what daily life is truly like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide centers on pragmatic concerns and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families preparing to relocate to London.
First: Clarify what “good” means for your family
Before evaluating schools, set your non-negotiables. Many missteps stem from families weighing everything simultaneously without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: daily travel time matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British, American, IB, or local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In London, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily hassle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These inquiries usually reveal more than general “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does the day actually look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't about tuition alone. Consider the total daily and ongoing costs:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: daily routines matter more.
- Overlooking commute time: it influences sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can be tighter than you think.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family's actual schedule: its location, the support available, and everyday ease for your child — not the school that boasts the most eye-catching advertising.
If you'd like help sorting through priorities for London (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +44 20 7946 0123.