For families arriving in or returning to the UK, choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Many parents relocating from overseas may already be familiar with international schools, which often follow the UK curriculum, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or another national system. Others may be considering enrolling their child directly into the British system. But which route is best for your family – international or British school? The answer often depends on your circumstances, your reason for moving, and your long-term goals.
Key questions to ask before deciding
Before looking closely at the two systems, it’s helpful to consider some key factors:
- Do you want an independent (private) school or a state (free) school?
- Would your child thrive in a boarding environment, or do you prefer a day school?
- Would they feel more comfortable in a single-sex or co-educational setting?
- Are extracurricular activities and facilities important to your child’s development?
- What are the practical considerations — location, transport links, admissions timelines, and cost?
These questions form the foundation of your decision-making and will help you narrow down your options. After these, a key place to start is looking at the curriculum you would like you child to follow, GCSES & A-level or the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Curriculum differences
The GCSE and A-Level system
In the UK, most students follow the traditional path of GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications). GCSEs are taken at age 16 across a range of subjects, providing a broad academic foundation. After this, students typically specialise by choosing three or four A-Level subjects to study in depth over two years, usually from ages 16–18. This route is highly regarded by UK and international universities alike, because it allows students to demonstrate expertise and focus in specific subjects, particularly those relevant to their chosen degree. However, it can feel quite specialised at an early stage, and students with broader interests may find the narrowing of subject choice challenging.
The International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB Diploma Programme, followed by many international schools, is a globally recognised qualification taken between ages 16–18. Unlike A-Levels, the IB requires students to study six subjects (including languages, sciences, maths, and humanities), ensuring a more balanced and broad education. Alongside academic subjects, the IB includes unique components such as the Extended Essay (a piece of independent research), Theory of Knowledge (critical thinking), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), which encourages personal development through extracurricular and community projects.
Comparing the two
The choice between an international or British school often comes down to your child’s strengths and long-term plans. A-Levels are excellent for students who already have clear academic interests, as they allow specialisation that aligns well with UK university applications. For example, if your child knows they wish to study Medicine or Architecture, A-levels will provide an excellent framework in subjects such as Biology and Maths that will form the foundation of their degree knowledge. The downside is the lack of breadth, which may not suit children who want to keep their options open.
The IB, on the other hand, offers a broader education and is ideal for internationally mobile families, as it is widely accepted across different countries and systems. However, the workload can be intense, and some students may find balancing six subjects alongside the extra IB components demanding. In short, A-Levels suit focused learners with a clear academic goal, while the IB may be the better choice for families valuing flexibility, breadth, and global mobility.
Importantly for relocating families, some schools in the UK now offer both options – A-Levels or IB. Examples include all girls’ Godolphin and Latymer in Hammersmith, London and Oakham School in Rutland, England. For some students, the ability to specialise early works well; for others, the IB’s broader, more holistic approach is a better fit. The choice often comes down to whether your child is already focused on a particular field (A-Levels) or thrives on keeping options open and combining different disciplines (IB). Please read more here.
Understanding UK schools
The British education system has a long-standing reputation for academic rigour and tradition. Independent education typically begins with nursery or pre-prep at age 2+, moves through prep (ages 4–11), and into senior school (11 or 13–18).
Many expatriate families choose to return to the UK when their children are approaching secondary school or preparing for public exams (GCSEs, A Levels, or IB). Others opt earlier for prep schools, which can serve as an excellent stepping stone to more competitive senior schools.
Strengths of UK schools:
- Strong academic tradition and preparation for top universities.
- Structured entry points (prep, senior, public exams).
- Rich history, discipline, and exam-focused curricula (for those who value this)
Challenges to consider:
- State schools, while still providing a solid education, have been largely underfunded for years, resulting in larger class sizes and fewer resources.
- Many families — even those coming from independent schools — have expressed concerns that GCSEs and A Levels place too much emphasis on exams and too little on student wellbeing or broader life preparation. GCSEs in particular are criticised for being outdated, with narrow subject choices at 16 and little relevance to today’s world. To read more on this point, please see our blog on Halcyon’s headteacher’s perspective here.
The international school experience
International schools in London provide a different educational environment. Many follow the International Baccalaureate (IB), whereas others offer both the IB and US curriculum. Excellent examples in London include Halcyon and the International School of London, TASIS, the ACS group of schools and several top US schools.
Advantages of international schools:
- Smaller class sizes allow for more personalised support for each child.
- Well-funded, often with world-class facilities for sport, the arts, and extracurricular activities.
- Multicultural environment: students from all over the world learn alongside each other, encouraging cultural awareness, tolerance, and emotional intelligence.
- Fewer curriculum changes and more stability in teaching approaches.
- International consistency: families who move frequently find transitions easier when schools use similar systems worldwide.
- Stronger support for students with little or no English.
Challenges to bear in mind:
- Some language barriers and cultural adjustments can be an initial hurdle.
- International schools may feel less “traditional” in style — less emphasis on uniforms or exam specialisation, more on holistic learning.
- The cost of international schools is usually on the higher end. They will often match the UK’s most expensive private schools, whereas the state system remains free until children are 18.
Which option is right for your family?
So, should you choose a British school or an international school when moving to the UK? The answer depends largely on your family’s situation:
A UK school may suit you if…
- You are relocating permanently or long-term.
- Your child is preparing for a known academic program, such as medicine at university.
- You value tradition, rigour, and the structure of the British exam system.
An international school may suit you if…
- Your relocation is short-term or temporary.
- You want a global outlook and broader curriculum options (e.g., IB).
- Your child would benefit from smaller classes, strong English support, or a multicultural environment.
- You want easier transitions if you expect to move again.
- You value flexibility: some international schools allow students to choose between the IB or the US curriculum, depending on their goals.
Making the final choice
Ultimately, the best way to make your decision between an international or British school is to visit the institutions on your shortlist. When visiting, ask yourself:
- What are my first impressions — does this feel like a place my child will be happy?
- Are the staff welcoming and approachable?
- Are the pupils engaged and enjoying their learning?
- Do the facilities and extracurricular offerings suit my child’s needs?
- Does the school offer the qualification pathway (IB, A-Level, or both) that best supports our long-term plans?
For tailored, expert advice on your family’s situation, and for support applications to top UK and International schools, please contact us.
