The 5 steps to finding a (good) state school in London

How do I find a good state school in London for my children? This is probably the most frequently asked question by expatriate families before coming to London. After all, their kids’ happiness and future are top priorities.

To help answer this pertinent question, we first ask the family to define what they consider a good school. Some favour academic results, while others focus on the environment provided to the children.

Whatever your answer, there are five steps you can follow to help you assess and select schools that align with your preferences ahead of the application process.

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.

What you’ll learn in this quick guide

• 5 steps to finding a good state school in London
• Ofsted reports
• School league tables
• FAQs
• How Simply London can help

Finding a good state school in London: five steps to follow

1. Contact your local borough to find out what schools are in your area and the admissions criteria

Every London borough has a dedicated school admissions section on its website. This typically includes:

• A list or map of state-funded schools in your area.
• Admissions arrangements and criteria, such as oversubscription rules, sibling priority, and catchment areas.
• Information on how to apply, including deadlines, in-year admissions, appeals, and waiting lists.

If the website doesn’t provide all the information you need, you can usually contact the borough’s school admissions team, either via phone or email.

Contacting the borough will help you to make an informed decision, improve your child’s chances of getting into a preferred school, and avoid missing out because of rules or deadlines.

2. Check the school league tables

One of the best ways to compare local schools is to check the league tables. They provide an overview of how well schools are performing academically based on exam results and progress scores. This helps you identify which schools consistently achieve good results, allowing you to narrow down your choices before visiting and applying.

Be aware that popular, high-performing schools typically have small catchment areas. Knowing which schools rank highly can dictate where you decide to rent or buy a home in London. While academic performance will be an influential element of your decision, don’t focus solely on it. Other aspects of a school, such as culture, ethos, and spirit, are equally important.

3. Read the school’s Ofsted report

Ofsted inspections assess a school’s performance based on specific criteria. You can access the report detailing their findings online for a clear, independent picture of the school before you apply.

These informed, unbiased resources provide you with vital information about a school, including:

• Quality of education – How effectively pupils are taught, how engaging lessons are, and whether pupils are progressing well.
• Leadership and management – How well the school’s run, how the headteacher and staff perform, and whether standards are being maintained or improved.
• Behaviour and attitudes – How pupils behave and how respectful the culture is.

4. Find out more about a school by visiting, if you can

Most schools hold open days, summer fairs, and Christmas fairs, which offer a perfect chance to visit before applying. This will give you a real sense of the school atmosphere, how friendly it feels, and whether it matches your requirements.

Once there, you can meet teachers, pupils and parents and assess the facilities in person – tangible and emotional indicators that can’t be replicated online or in a prospectus. Moreover, events like seasonal fairs show how involved parents, teachers, and children are, providing an indicator of school spirit.

5. Meet the headteacher and talk to parents, if you can

A school isn’t just about the curriculum, exam results, and facilities; the people shape its culture and environment. Meeting the headteacher and parents in person helps you assess whether your child will thrive, not just attend.

A face-to-face chat with the headteacher can help you understand the school’s ethos and priorities, and gauge how approachable and engaged the leadership is – something that’s often reflected in the school’s culture. You can also gain insight into how they help children and parents from different backgrounds settle in, especially those joining mid-year, and ask questions tailored to your child.

By speaking with other parents, you can get a feel for what day-to-day life at the school is really like. They might share perspectives on homework, social life, communication with teachers, and how happy their child is.

FAQs

> Do I need a London address before applying to a state school?
Yes. Families can’t apply for a state school place without having a permanent residence address in the London borough where they want their child to attend school. Your home address often determines which schools you can apply for, based on catchment areas.

> How do I find out which state schools are near my home in London?
You can use your local council’s website to check which schools are in your catchment area. Most councils provide an online tool where you can enter your postcode and see nearby schools.

> Do I have to live in the catchment area to get a place at a good state school?
Popular state schools in London typically prioritise children who live closest to the school. Living within the catchment area greatly improves your chances, but doesn’t guarantee a place. Catchment sizes can change each year depending on demand.

> When should I apply for a state school in London?
For secondary schools, the deadline is often at the end of October, the year before entry. For primary schools, it’s typically mid-January. Check your local council’s website for the exact dates.

Sources

• Simply London: What is a London borough?
• Simply London: How to apply for state schools in London
• Simply London: Check which school year your child will attend
• UK: Compare the performance of schools and colleges in England
• Ofsted: Find an inspection report

How Simply London can help

Our schools’ experts can provide personalised guidance and support on the state school admissions process. Using their knowledge and experience, they can help you select and apply for schools that match your child’s educational needs so they can excel. Contact us today to learn how we can help you to find your child’s 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.