Selecting a school in United Kingdom can seem like the most nerve-wracking part of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal what everyday life is really like, and every family’s priorities differ. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to London.
First: Clarify What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, establish your non-negotiables. Many missteps come from weighing everything at once without a well-defined priority order.
- Commute: how long you spend in the car each day matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local choices.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL help, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school’s structure, discipline, and ways of communicating.
How to Select Without Getting Overwhelmed
A practical approach that works well for expat families:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In London, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily struggle.
- 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 rate each school after visiting. It helps prevent the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking When Talking to Schools
These questions tend to reveal 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, or email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and 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 and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete ongoing costs.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day schedule 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.
Bottom Line
Generally, the right school is the one that matches your family’s actual daily routine: location, support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the most eye-catching advertising.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for London (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +44 20 7946 0123.