Picking a school in United Kingdom can seem to be the most nerve-wracking aspect of moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what everyday life is truly like, and each family has its own set of priorities. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families planning a move to London.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, identify your non-negotiables. Many decision errors occur when families compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend on the road each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what language your child is immersed in throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: alignment of structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Pick Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In London, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily grind.
- 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 over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions typically 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 reach out to parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you assist kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Take into account the complete ongoing costs:
Common Mistakes (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 usually aligns with your family’s actual daily routine: its location, support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the brightest marketing.
If you’d like help sorting out priorities for London (commute, routines, questions to consider), contact us — or call +44 20 7946 0123.