A Comprehensive Guide for Families Moving to the UK Capital
Moving to a new city always brings a blend of excitement and challenge, but relocating to London adds extra dimension: the vibrant culture, vast opportunities, and, for families, the intricacies of the various schools systems. Whether you are relocating from another part of the UK or from abroad, understanding how to secure the best educational opportunities for your children is paramount. This guide will walk you through the essentials of relocating to London and successfully navigating the different school systems in the capital.
1. Understanding the London School System
The English education system (we say English, as opposed to British, because education in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is devolved) is admired globally, and London offers a diverse array of schooling options. When relocating to London, understanding the structure of the system is the first step.
1.1 Types of Schools
- State Schools: termed public schools in the US, these are government-funded and free to attend. State schools include community schools, foundation schools, voluntary-aided and voluntary-controlled schools, academies, and free schools. Each has different governance but follows the National Curriculum.
- Independent (Private) Schools: Fee-paying schools, offering diverse curricula, sometimes including International Baccalaureate or other international programmes. Many have selective entrance exams.
- Faith Schools: These can be state or independent, with a religious ethos and sometimes admissions based on faith adherence.
- Specialist and SEND Schools: For children with particular talents (e.g., performing arts schools) or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Grammar Schools: Selective state secondary schools requiring entrance exams (11-plus). London has a limited number of grammar schools, mainly in surrounding boroughs.
- International schools: London has several excellent international schools, most of whom follow the IB curriculum
- US schools: London has a number of outstanding schools which follow the US curriculum
- French bilingual schools: with a vibrant francophone community, London also boasts some excellent French bilingual schools, including the Lycée Charles de Gaulle in Kensington and Jeannine Manuel in Bloomsbury
1.2 School Stages and Ages: the English education system
- Nursery/Preschool: Ages 3-4; various options, some state-funded for part-time places.
- Primary School: Ages 4-11; divided into Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11).
- Secondary School: Ages 11-16; Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) and Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16); students take GCSEs at the end of Key Stage 4.
- Sixth Form/College: Ages 16-18; Key Stage 5, where students typically study A-levels or equivalent qualifications before university or work.
2. Applying for Schools in London
2.1 State School Admissions
The London Boroughs largely coordinate admissions for state schools, although some state schools welcome direct applications. Applications are typically made online via the council’s admissions portal for your borough of residence.
Catchment Areas: Most state schools allocate places based on catchment areas—essentially how close you live to the school. Living nearby boosts your chances of admission, but proximity does not always guarantee a place. Hence the importance of securing your property (whether you are renting or buying prior to applying to state school).
2.2 State school In-Year Admissions
If your move to London does not coincide with normal application windows (into Reception class when you child is aged 4-5 or into Year 7 when you child is 11, you’ll apply for an ‘in-year’ place. This process is coordinated by the local authority, but spaces depend on availability and can be competitive in central or popular boroughs.
2.3 Independent School Admissions
Private schools have their own application procedures, often including assessments and interviews. Some highly competitive schools require registration years in advance, so research and apply as early as possible. Many offer bursaries or scholarships.
2.4 International School Admissions
When relocating to London from abroad, many will opt for International schools. These are very accustomed to families applying throughout the year, in the middle of a term or semester and outside normal time frames. International schools vary with their entry requirements. Some base entry around teacher references, school reports and an interview, which can take place online if you are based outside the UK. Other ask for standardised tests.
2.5 US School Admissions
The American School of London in St John’s Wood has clear January and March deadlines in any given year for applications to be submitted. They rely on school reports, teacher references, parent and student statements and, for older children, standardised tests, to make their decision. Unlike the international schools, they are less likely to admit students outside their normal admissions timeframes. Other schools which offer a US, as well as an international IB curriculum, such as TASIS tend to accommodate applications outside the normal timeframe and admissions windows.
2.6 French and other bilingual school admissions
French, Spanish, German and other bilingual school systems in London all have their own admission timeframe and criteria. Please read about admissions rounds to the French Lycee and associated primary schools here.
3. Key Considerations When Choosing a London School
- For English state schools, many families look at Ofsted Ratings: The UK’s education regulator, Ofsted, inspects schools and rates them from ‘Outstanding’ to ‘Inadequate.’ Please be aware that these reports are only a tiny part of the whole picture. Ofsted is in the process of reforming its inspection system.
- Academic Results and League Tables: Exam performance, especially at GCSE and A-level, is published annually. League tables can help, but are not the only factor to consider.
- Many of our families are bilingual and/or have dual nationality. In this case, it’s worth considering whether you wish your children to be in a bilingual or in an English school. This will depend on whether you speak your mother tongue with your children at home, and how much exposure you want them to have to several languages.
- If London will be a short sojourn for your family and you plan to relocate again, for work or for lifestyle, the international school system is worth considering. It was designed specifically for relocating families
- For US families, depending on how close your children are to sitting the High School Diploma, AP or other public exams, you may consider the English or another education system for younger children
- Extracurricular Offerings: London schools offer a wide range of clubs, sports, arts, and enrichment activities—valuable for your child’s personal development. The French education system tends to offer less after school clubs, as music lessons and sports are often arranged privately outside of school by families.
5. Final Thoughts
Relocating to London is a great opportunity for you and your family. The city offers a rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and learning experiences. The city’s various school systems, although complex, are designed to accommodate a wide range of culture and abilities. With careful planning, thorough research, and a proactive approach, you can ensure that your children thrive both academically and socially in their new London home.
For help finding the best school for your child, please contact us.
