Choosing the right school, whether it be an international, comprehensive, public, private, or state school, is incredibly important for expat parents who are moving to the UK. More and more parents are increasingly recognising that academic performance is only one aspect of a rounded education. In this guide, we will provide some useful insights into why the UK is ideal for your child’s education, the differences between state and private schools, and the top schools for families moving to the UK.
Why the UK is a top choice for education for expat families
Depending on the sources you rely on, the UK ranks in the top three countries globally for the quality of education on offer. Furthermore, a number of British universities are counted among the world’s leading institutions, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and University College London (UCL).
All of this comes down to the UK’s high academic and non-academic standards, diverse cultural opportunities, and strong community values. This is why the UK is such a favoured destination for families relocating from other countries. The UK has a tailored approach to education that caters to students’ holistic development. With that said, some schools focus more on academics, some are more balanced, and others emphasise sports and other non-academic areas. The education system here also offers a strong foundation in English and a curriculum that prioritises skills like critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.
Overview of the UK education system and its appeal to expats
School up to the age of 18 has three key stages: primary (ages 4-11), secondary (ages 11-16), and sixth form (ages 16-18). After 16, there are several decision points. From the age of 16, students in the UK have the choice to leave school to pursue employment or continue with their education. There is also the option to attend a tertiary college between the ages of 16-18. At 18, those who continued their education can then decide whether to go on to university or go to work.
The UK education system offers a wide range of school types up to the age of 18:
- State Schools – Government-funded, free to attend, covering primary and secondary education.
- Academies – State-funded but independently managed, with flexibility over curriculum.
- Grammar Schools – Selective state schools requiring entrance exams, often academically focused.
- Free Schools – State-funded, independently run, established by various groups (e.g., parents, charities).
- Independent Schools – Privately funded and fee-paying, also referred to as private schools. Many independent pupils opt to board, whereby they live on-site during term time.
- Special Schools – Cater to students with special educational needs (SEN).
- Faith Schools – Associated with specific religions, integrating religious aspects into the curriculum.
- International Schools – Offer international curriculums (e.g., International Baccalaureate), often for expatriates and globally focused students.
- Sixth Form Colleges – Educate students aged 16-18, primarily for A-levels or similar qualifications.
Most schools in the UK follow the same national curriculum, but an increasing number cater to the International Baccalaureate (IB). In this article, we will focus predominantly on independent (private) and state/grammar schools in the UK.
Differences between state and private schools for expat children
State schools (comprehensive schools, grammar schools and academies) are free for UK residents (including the children of valid visa holders) and offer a balanced curriculum with excellent teaching staff and facilities. With that said, the best state schools can be extremely competitive when it comes to gaining entry, especially in popular locations within the UK. This is why many expats prefer private schools with their smaller class sizes and additional support.
Private (also called independent schools) can be costly for parents in terms of tuition fees, but they tend to have resources that allow them to offer smaller classes, exceptional facilities, and broader curriculum options, such as the IB.
Top private schools in the UK for expat families
The following are the top three private schools in the UK according to the ‘Parent Power’ results published in the Times newspaper:
- St Paul’s Girls’ School, Hammersmith – consistently ranked among the best in the country and is known for its academic performance and emphasis on independent thinking. With a 2024 ranking of No. 1, it remains a popular choice for its high Oxbridge admission rates.
- Guildford High School, Guildford – The 2024 Sunday Times Parent Power Independent School of the Year is celebrated for its focus on both academic success and student well-being. It has a strong creative approach and integrates activities like a Christmas pantomime and various clubs to promote joy in learning.
- King’s College School, Wimbledon – A coeducational school that ranks seventh nationally, offering a challenging curriculum alongside exceptional facilities for sports and the arts. King’s College fosters a strong sense of community, often attracting expat families for its supportive environment.
It is important to bear in mind that while these are the top-ranked independent schools in 2024, these rankings are constantly changing, and their performance does not mean they are best suited for your children. It is important to look at a range of schools to see which is most suitable for the requirements of your children in terms of academics and non-academics (e.g. sports and arts).
Admission process and tips for enrolling your child in an independent school
We advise starting the process as early as possible, ideally a year before entry. The key to success is either securing a scholarship based on academic or non-academic performance or, in most cases, passing the common entrance exams. Not all have common entrance exams, but the schools that are most in-demand tend to. To give your children the best chance of being offered a place, we recommend:
- Getting your child into a preparatory school before applying – this will give them the best chance of preparing for the common entrance exams and interviews in the same way as domestic pupils. Exams include subjects such as maths, English, and reasoning.
- Researching and shortlisting schools – take the time to evaluate each school’s curriculum, culture, and location
- Schedule visits in person – attending open days helps families understand the school’s environment and offering
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries – Many private schools offer financial assistance to eligible students.
Best public schools in the UK for expats
As of 2024, the top-rated state and grammar schools include:
- Wilson’s School – among the top state schools, consistently ranked in the top ten across the UK.
- Henrietta Barnett School – a selective girls’ school in North London offering a highly competitive curriculum, excelling in both GCSEs and A-levels.
- Tiffin School – a top boy’s school with an excellent reputation, producing outstanding exam results year after year.
How to secure a spot for your child in a competitive area
It can be challenging to secure a place at one of the best state schools in the UK due to high demand. To increase your chances, we recommend applying early. It is also important to understand the local application deadlines and processes. The proximity of where you live to the school you are trying to get a place is often important because many schools prioritise admissions based on location. If your child’s preferred destination is a grammar school, you will need to ensure they are prepared for the entrance exams. You can do this by hiring a private tutor and encouraging regular practice for exams in subjects like English and maths.
Factors to consider when choosing a school in the UK as an expat
Don’t look at the best-ranked schools and those with the top academic results, look at the wider factors such as:
- Location – think about the proximity of the school to home and travel times. Getting this right will balance finding the right school with your quality of life and convenience.
- Curriculum – check that the school curriculum aligns with your family’s educational goals. Many private schools offer the internal baccalaureate, which is an increasingly popular choice for international expat families.
- Extracurricular activities – Many top schools provide a wide range of activities, from sports to the arts, promoting a well-rounded education.
- Student support services – Especially for younger children or those adjusting to a new country, pastoral care and mental health support are essential.
How the self-sponsored route can help secure a better education for your children
Many foreign nationals moving their families to the UK do not consider the impact of their chosen visa route on the education of their children, but it is an important factor. One way to maximise your chances of securing a place for your child at a top school is by choosing the self-sponsored route. The self-sponsored route enables foreign nationals to set up a business in the UK and effectively sponsor themselves. As such, they are not tied to a specific business plan, employer, or sponsor. Due to the flexibility of this route and the fact that they are not limited geographically, self-sponsored parents often have access to a wider range of school options, including highly sought-after state and private schools.
As such, the self-sponsored route allows families to live and work in the UK while providing their children with a stable education and is ideal for families seeking flexibility in their residency and schooling options for the long term.
