UK

London for Expats: So many school systems, how do you choose?

The opportunity for an expatriate youngster to live and go to school in the UK can be a rewarding experience that leaves a lasting influence, and greatly influences the direction of his adult life. The selection of the school is not always an easy process, and it merits much thought and research on the part of the expatriate family before the decision is reached.    

Notes for foreign parents

Most independent UK schools are now genuinely thrilled to welcome in foreign students, and no longer regard a cosmopolitan mix as a matter for shame (that they cannot fill the school with home-grown products). State schools too are getting used to the influx of EU students (boarded out with locals, or accommodated by the state boarding school network). Foreign students are perceived to add breadth, excitement, new horizons, not to mention fantastic exam results in exotic languages (Turkish, Norwegian, Polish, Mandarin, Japanese, Gujerati, Urdu among the most common), high intelligence (often) and motivation.

The basics of an English education

For the uninitiated, the English education system can take a little getting used to. All children are entitled to be educated for free in the state sector; however, many parents prefer to educate their children privately at a public or independent school. Fees for public schools vary enormously from less than £6,000 per annum for a day place in a nursery or pre-prep to more than £30,000 p.a. for some top boarding schools.

The UK school system

It helps, when planning your child's journey through school, to know the main stages and options, public or private.

London

• Best international schools in London, UK considered by expats

  A snapshot of international schools in London and surrounding areas that are considered (although not necessarily chosen) by English-speaking expat parents, with the best visited and reviewed by The Good Schools Guide International.