One of the top priorities for expats moving to England with children is making the right choice of school. Attending the right school will play a major role in a successful transition to expat life. Factors that will affect the choice of school for expat children include the child’s previous school experience, academic abilities, and English language skills.
Expat parents should note that most government-funded schools in England and some private schools rely on constituencies for admissions. Therefore, it is important to choose a school before deciding where to live within a city. Private schools and international schools with boarding facilities for students offer more flexibility.
Public schools are run by the government. They follow the national curriculum and give priority to students residing in the constituency. This means expats need to consider the school they want their child to attend when choosing a place to live.
All schools are inspected regularly. Parents can consult the Ofsted ( Office of Standard Education ) website to access comprehensive reports on the quality of education and facilities, as well as the academic performance of students in a particular school.
Private schools in England.
Independent schools are privately run. Tuition fees in private schools in England are high, but standards are excellent, class sizes are small, and students perform academically better than those attending government-funded schools.
Most private schools follow the English national curriculum, but some have introduced the International Baccalaureate curriculum as an option for over-sixteens. There are also private schools that teach from a religious perspective, such as Christianity, or using an alternative educational philosophy, such as Montessori.
Admission requirements to private schools vary. In some cases, students have to take an interview or an exam.
International schools in England
International schools are a popular option for expat families living in England. These schools follow a variety of different curricula from all over the world. Students from international schools have the opportunity to continue learning the curriculum of their country of origin. Another advantage is that the familiar methods and language of instruction can also bring comfort to expatriate children.
Therefore, it is a good option for families who do not intend to live in the UK long term. However, tuition fees are high, so expats considering international schools are advised to try and negotiate a tuition allowance as part of their employment contract.
There are a variety of international schools in England that follow different curricula, including those from countries such as the United States, France, and Germany. As the capital and home to the largest expat community, London has the most choice when it comes to international schools.
schools in northern Ireland.?
Although there are no schools offering an international or foreign curriculum in Northern Ireland, expat parents can be sure that their children will have access to a high standard of education. Indeed, the country surpasses other parts of the UK when it comes to academic prowess.
The education system in Northern Ireland is similar to that of England and Wales, particularly in terms of curriculum content. However, class groups operate differently and religion plays a much larger role in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the UK.
Expat parents who are unsure of which school to choose can consult the Education and Training Inspectorate website which frequently reviews all schools in Northern Ireland.