Selecting a school in United Kingdom can seem like the height of stress when moving with children. Online resources seldom reveal what everyday life is actually like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide centers on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for households considering a move to London.
First: Decide What “Good” Looks Like for Your Family
Before evaluating options, set your non-negotiables. The majority of tough choices occur when families assess everything simultaneously without a well-defined priority order.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local offerings.
- Language environment: the language your child is immersed in all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Pick Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits international families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In London, traffic can turn a good school into a daily challenge.
- 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 more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- 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 and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support students 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 in warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School decisions are never just tuition. Factor in the full routine cost:
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 right school is typically the one that matches your family’s real schedule: where you are, the support provided, and everyday ease for your child—not the one with the most eye-catching advertising.
If you’d like help sorting your priorities for London (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +44 20 7946 0958.