Selecting a school in United Kingdom can feel like one of the most stressful parts of moving with children. Online resources often fail to show what everyday life truly looks like, and families have different priorities. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to London.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, set your non-negotiables. Many decision mistakes come from comparing everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you might realize.
- 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 Choose 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 a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions typically uncover more than broad “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, 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 hot months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part No One Enjoys)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the total routine expenses:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Deciding by reputation alone: the everyday schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it influences 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 you expect.
Bottom Line Summary
Typically, the ideal school is the one that fits your family’s real routine: its location, the support available, and everyday comfort for your child—not the institution with the flashiest marketing.
If you'd like help sorting priorities for London (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +44 20 7946 0123.