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London schools – there are over 3,000 – vary tremendously in terms of the standard of education and the quality of the facilities they offer. A common idea is that private schools are better than state schools (government-funded schools, which are free). But is this true? We explore the myth and the reality.
If your family is relocating to the UK from overseas, you might also want to explore this guide to family immigration on our sister site. It covers the essentials of bringing your family to the UK.
Are private schools better than state schools in London?
The reality
The majority of children in London attend State Schools within the Borough in which they live, and competition for the outstanding schools can be intense. As a consequence, it is common for families already living in London to move house to ensure that they live close enough to a school to gain a place.
Private schools in London
Overall, it is considered that private schools in London (also called Independent Schools) offer higher academic standards, better facilities and a greater choice of extracurricular activities. For most of the private schools, this is true.
But not all private schools are outstanding, and the definition of a good school will be different for each family. It is therefore important to check all the information available about a private school before making a final choice, or making an application.
However, this comes at a price, with fees generally ranging between £18’000 and £30’000 per child per school year. In comparison, a state school is totally free.
Please note that the fees we indicate above exclude VAT (Value Added Tax), currently at 20%. You should expect to pay an additional 20% VAT on all UK private school fees.
State Schools in London
Lastly, it is important to know that there are excellent State Schools in London. Many of the families we have helped move to London with children in the state system are very happy with their children’s school and education.
Conclusion
So if you are a family with several children, some thinking and budgeting will definitely be needed before deciding between a state school and a private school.
Get help from the experts
Relocation specialists Simply London can guide you through the school selection and application process with our Full school search package – an in-depth, bespoke service that’s tailored to your assignee’s family’s requirements. Contact us today, or schedule a free call with us here to discuss how we can help you to find your ideal school.
Need help bringing your family to the UK? Our sister site Simply UK Visa offers expert guidance on family immigration. Because getting settled starts with getting here.
