Our clients increasingly relocate from the US to the UK, whether this be to settle in London or the wider UK. US families can have a right to settle in the UK on work or entrepreneur visas, by setting up a UK branch of their US company or if they’re married to a spouse with a UK passport.
Relocating with a family can present a challenge in finding the right schools or transitioning smoothly between US and UK education systems. For our US clients or clients of other nationalities relocating from the US to the UK, there are a myriad of education systems and schooling choices to consider. We guide you through the options:
US education system
If you are relocating from the US to London, or to the London suburbs, you can access the US education system. Continuing in the US education system, rather than moving to the English education system, may be particularly important if you have high school-age children, who are close to sitting their High School Diploma or Advanced Placement.
American schools in central London
The only US school in central London is the American School of London (ASL). A well-run school, with over 50 nationalities and lots of outdoor space, ASL is academically strong with excellent college counsellors. ASL entry process is competitive with applications submitted by January each year.
Schools with US curriculum in the London suburbs
TASIS (the American International School in Surrey) – A welcoming school with a real community feel, TASIS offers the US high school diploma, Advanced Placement and the IB. Set in beautiful grounds and with boarding options, TASIS is a top contender for families looking for a home with more space and a rural outlook, but within an easy commute of central London.
ACS Cobham – Cobham’s large, leafy campus is impressive, with a college feel. Sports facilities are plentiful with a gym, swimming pool and multiple pitches. Like TASIS, Cobham offers both US high school diplomas, Advanced Placement and the IB. It also has a boarding option. Located in leafy Surrey, houses offer more space for your money, but are still within an hour’s commute of central London.
ACS Hillingdon – Smaller than Cobham, with a family feel, and an attractive campus, Hillingdon offers a welcoming environment. ACS Hillingdon offers US high school diploma, Advanced Placement and the IB.
Please read more about London’s American schools here.
English school curriculum
Many of our US clients opt for the English school curriculum. This can work extremely well, so long as you are prepared for the curriculum and cultural differences. Please read more about the differences between the English and US curriculums here.
Additionally, if you are relocating from the US to Scotland or Wales, the curriculums differ from those in England, as education is a devolved area. If you would like to know more, please read our blogs on the Scottish and Welsh Education systems
English schools vary between private, and state (free or public) schools. To access a state school, you will first need to rent or buy a property in the area close to the school, before applying. For more information, please read our blog on moving house and choosing schools.
French Bilingual schools
Many American families, or those relocating from the US, are opting for London’s French bilingual schools. Several of these don’t have a required level of French for younger children. Furthermore, some of London’s French bilingual schools are partly subsidised by the French government, making them much more affordable than the majority of London’s private schools. Read more here.
Relocating to the UK from the US, with school-age children, can be challenging. However, with the right advice, you can ensure that your children are happily settled in your school of choice.
For expert advice on London schools and those in the wider UK, please contact us to arrange a consultation.
