A Practical Guide to International Schools in London for Relocating Families
For many families relocating to London, the biggest question is not about visas, flights, or even housing, but schools. Where their children will study often determines where they will live, how settled they feel, and ultimately how successful the relocation experience will be. This is why school planning should begin as early as possible in any international move.
From our experience supporting families relocating to the UK, school choice is often the factor that shapes the entire relocation plan.
This guide is designed to help HR teams and relocating families understand how international schooling in London works in practice, and why this decision is closely linked to housing, timing, and overall relocation support.
Why are schools central to a successful relocation?
When families arrive in London without a clear school plan, it creates stress very quickly. Catchment areas, waiting lists, admissions assessments, and commute times can all become overwhelming when managed from abroad.
We often see that the difference between a smooth relocation and a difficult one comes down to how early the school conversation starts.
The main types of schools relocating families consider
Relocating families usually look at three options:
1. International schools
These are often the first choice for expat families because they follow familiar curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), American, French, or German systems.
2. Independent (private) schools
These offer high academic standards but usually require entrance assessments, interviews, and early applications.
3. State schools
These can be excellent, but admissions depend heavily on catchment areas, which means the family’s address determines eligibility.
This is where school choice and housing choice become inseparable.
Well-known international schools in London
Some of the most recognised international schools for relocating families include:
- ACS International Schools (Egham, Cobham, Hillingdon)
- The American School in London (St John’s Wood)
- Southbank International School (multiple campuses, IB curriculum)
- ICS London International School (Marylebone)
- Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle (South Kensington)
- Deutsche Schule London (Richmond)
- EIFA International School (Marylebone)
- Dwight School London (IB curriculum)
Each of these schools attracts families from specific areas of London, which directly influences where families should be looking for housing.
School choice determines where families should live
A common mistake is choosing a home first and then looking for schools nearby. In reality, the school should often come first.
For example:
- Families attending ACS Cobham often live in South West London or Surrey
- Families choosing the American School in London often look at St John’s Wood, Maida Vale, or Hampstead
- Lycée Français families tend to cluster around South Kensington, Chelsea, and Fulham
- Deutsche Schule families often look at Richmond and surrounding areas
Without understanding this link, families can end up with long commutes and unnecessary stress.
Admissions timelines that often catch families out
Many international and independent schools have:
- waiting lists
- assessment processes
- limited mid-year entry points
Relocating families are often surprised to learn that places are not always immediately available, especially for certain year groups. Starting this process early is essential.
Common mistakes families make when choosing schools from abroad
We frequently see families:
- Apply too late in the academic year
- Choose housing before confirming school availability
- Underestimate commute times in London
- Assume state school places will be easily available
- Not realise assessments or interviews are required
These are all avoidable with the right guidance at the start.
How does this affect HR and relocation planning?
For HR teams managing international moves, schools can quickly become the most time-consuming and sensitive part of the process. Questions around catchment areas, admissions, and suitable neighbourhoods are difficult to answer without local expertise.
This is why school planning is often integrated into the wider relocation support process, ensuring housing, schooling, and settling-in are aligned from the beginning.
Need support planning a family relocation to London?
If you are relocating employees with children to the UK and would like guidance on how school choice connects to housing and overall relocation planning, the Cornerstone team would be happy to help.
You can contact us for an informal conversation about upcoming moves and how to make the process smoother for both your team and your employees.