Picking a school in United Kingdom can seem like the toughest part of moving with kids. Online resources rarely show what daily life is really like, and every family has distinct priorities. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to London.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, identify your non-negotiables. Most decision mistakes happen because families compare everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you think.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child hears all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
Choosing Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expatriate families well:
A straightforward process
- Start by narrowing by location. In London, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily challenge.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, and communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL, learning support, and transition support for new students.
- Complete one visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Rely more on your observations than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions often uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, or email)?
- What does a typical 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 manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Everybody Finds Tough)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the total ongoing expenses.
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine 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 ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual daily routine: its location, the level of support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the school with the most eye-catching advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for London (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +44 20 7946 0123.