Selecting a school in United Kingdom can seem to be the most nerve-wracking aspect of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal what daily life is really like, and families’ priorities vary. This guide emphasizes practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families planning a move to London.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, identify your must-haves. Most bad choices come from trying to weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: Travel time to school matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is immersed in throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A pragmatic 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 actual classroom environment. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication approach.
- Inquire about available support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Conduct a single visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Rely on your own observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions typically uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- 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 and Logistics (The Part No One Loves)
School choices aren’t based on tuition alone. Consider the complete daily cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Basing decisions on reputation alone: the everyday schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions are real for children.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual rhythm—its location, the support you receive, and everyday ease for your child—rather than the one that boasts the slickest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for London (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +44 20 7946 0123.