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School system in London
Finding the right school for your child or children is a major concern when relocating abroad. So, where do you start when making such important decisions?
There are a number of important factors to take into consideration:
– The age, educational level and English level of your child
– Is your child a boy or a girl
– How long you expect to be in the UK
– Your budget and therefore whether you want a state or independent (also called private or public) school
– Whether you wish for your child to attend an English, bi-lingual or international school
This is a basic outline of the UK education system and types of school:
At what age do children start Primary School?
Children start school if they turn 4 years before the 31st August of the school year. For example, a child born on the 4th of July 2013 would join a reception class on September 2017. A child born on the 4th of September 2013 would only join a reception class in September 2018.
At what age can pupils leave school?
Children can leave school when they are 16 years old.
What is a State School?
State schools are mainly government-funded schools, meaning that education is totally free.These schools have to follow the National Curriculum.
In the UK State Schools can be Faith schools (Roman Catholic, Church of England, Jewish, etc).
What is an Independent School?
Independent schools are privately run and will charge termly fees. They are commonly called public or private schools. Approximately 7% of school children in England attend independent schools. Some of these schools offer scholarships for those with particular skills or aptitudes, or grants to allow students from less wealthy backgrounds to attend. Independent schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum, and their teachers are not required or regulated by law to have official teaching qualifications.
What is an International School?
International schools are privately run and will charge quarterly fees. They offer the “International Baccalaureate” Program, from early years to the IB diploma.The IB program is the only worldwide education program that is universally recognised. It is ideal for children moving regularly between different countries, as the program that is taught is exactly the same, whatever the school or country. These schools have to be authorised by the IBO, the central IB organisation, in order to teach the IB program.
Want to learn about the school options in London? Buy and download our Guide to state and private schools in London!
This guide gives you all the detailed information to help you understand schooling in London, including:
- Overview of the British education system
- Where are the best schools in London?
- Which school grade for which age?
- The school day and the academic year
- State schools
- Private schools
- International schools
- Boarding schools
- The applications process for state and private schools
- GCSEs, A levels and the International Baccalaureaute
- How to select a school for children with Special Education Needs
- Glossary of school terms used in the UK
- Links to essential websites and resources
- Note: This guide covers primary and secondary schools, for children between 4 and 16 years old.
Click here for a preview of this fantastic guide!