Selecting a school in United Kingdom can seem one of the most stressful parts of moving with children. Online resources often miss what daily life is truly like, and families vary in what they value most. This guide emphasizes practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning to relocate to London.
Step One: Decide What counts as “Good” for Your Family
Before evaluating options, set your non- negotiables. Many choices go wrong when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: Travel time to and from school matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and ways of communicating.
How to Select Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In London, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily grind.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely more on your own observations than on glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels identical” issue.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers keep parents informed (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How is heat and indoor/outdoor time managed during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part No One Enjoys)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the total daily and ongoing costs.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily schedule matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
The best school is usually the one that fits your family’s real routine: location, support, and day-to-day comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest marketing.
If you want help thinking through priorities for London (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +44 20 7946 0123.