Selecting a school in United Kingdom can seem like the most daunting part of moving with children. Online sources rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and every family has different priorities. This guide focuses 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 mistaken decisions happen when families compare everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: the daily driving time matters more than you expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Make a Choice Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Start with a location-based short list. In London, congestion can turn a solid school into a daily grind.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about what the classroom is really like. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Arrange 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 you visit. This helps avoid the “everything feels identical” issue.
Important Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than standard “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- In what ways do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What are the guidelines for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school involves more than tuition alone; consider the total daily expense.
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
Usually, the most suitable school is the one that aligns with your family's actual schedule: its location, the support provided, and everyday ease for your child — not the school with the most flashy advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for London (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +44 20 7946 0123.