Selecting a school in United Kingdom may feel like the most stressful part of relocating with kids. Websites rarely reveal what daily life is truly like, and each family's priorities differ. This guide centers on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — particularly for families planning to relocate to London.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, establish your non-negotiables. Many mistakes happen when families compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the daily time spent driving matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In London, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily ordeal.
- 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 the visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” chats:
- 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/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children 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 hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Bit No One Enjoys)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Consider the complete everyday costs too:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Deciding based on reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Believing “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Failing to inquire about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Delaying too long: admission timelines can be tighter than you expect.
The Bottom Line
The optimal school is typically the one that mirrors your family’s actual routine: location, support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the flashiest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for London (commute, routines, what to ask), reach out — or call +44 20 7946 0873.