Picking a school in United Kingdom can feel like the toughest part of moving with children. Online sources often don't reveal what everyday life is truly like, and each family has its own priorities. This guide centers on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — particularly for families planning a move to London.
First: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, spell out your non-negotiables. Most choosing-errors happen when families compare everything at once without a clear priority order.
- Commute: daily travel time matters more than you realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is hearing all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school’s structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that fits expat families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In London, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily headache.
- Confirm availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, and how communication works.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new students.
- Take 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 avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical classroom size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students joining 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 children who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage indoor/outdoor time during hot months?
Costs and Logistics (The Unpopular Realities)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost:
Common Pitfalls (And Tips to Prevent Them)
- Picking a school solely on reputation: daily routines matter more.
- Overlooking commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” programs are the same everywhere: they aren’t.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions are real for children.
- Dragging the process too long: admission timelines can be tighter than expected.
Bottom Line
The best school is usually the one that aligns with your family’s real schedule: location, support, and daily comfort for your child — not the option with the flashiest marketing.
If you’d like help prioritizing what matters for London (commute, routines, and what to ask), get in touch — or call +44 20 7946 0123.