Selecting a school in United Kingdom may seem among the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Online resources often miss the realities of daily life, and each family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families relocating to London.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, outline your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong when families juggle everything at once without a clear priority order.
- Commute: Travel to and from school: the daily drive time matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is immersed in all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication approach.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families.
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In London, traffic can turn a “good” 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.
- Visit once (or take a virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions typically uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” conversations:
- What is the usual 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/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support 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 hot months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Likes)
Choosing a school isn't just about tuition. Consider the complete routine expenses:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Steer Clear)
- Selecting by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for children.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school often aligns with your family's actual schedule—its location, the level of support, and your child's everyday ease—rather than 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 0123.