Selecting a school in United Kingdom can seem like the most challenging part of relocating with children. Online resources rarely describe everyday life, and each family’s priorities differ. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to London.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, set your non-negotiables. Most decision mistakes occur when families compare everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: the daily travel time matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist based on location first. In London, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Check availability and admissions timelines. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the actual classroom environment. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your own observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Make a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Important Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day 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 manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School decisions aren’t about tuition alone. Consider the full routine cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Judging by reputation alone: the day-to-day schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute duration: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Failing to ask about support: transitions are real for children.
- Procrastinating too long: admission timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school usually is the one that aligns with your family’s actual schedule: location, support, and everyday ease for your child — not the one boasting the most flashy advertising.
If you'd like assistance sorting priorities for London (commute, daily routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call call +44 20 7946 0100.