Moving to the UK is a great decision for families because it opens them to an excellent lifestyle, financial opportunities, and long-term settlement. But migrating with a family means you need to know your options for education for your children.

Ideally, you must research factors such as the educational system, all levels of schooling, graduating, educational support, and parental involvement. Understandably, a new arrival to the country may find the system overwhelming.

We have a comprehensive guide for parents moving to the UK seeking educational opportunities for their children at all levels.

The Education System

In the UK, schooling is mandatory for children between the ages of 5 and 18. If you have younger children, you may opt for an early childhood development programme through in-home assistance or a specialised institution. Once they are of the right age, you may explore different schools such as private or state-funded, international, special needs, or religious schools.

After graduating from elementary and secondary school, children can pursue higher education in one of the UK universities. The country has some of the best institutions at all levels, so you will not fall short of options here.

Differences Between Public and Private Schools

Parents moving to the UK have a choice between public and private schools for their children. Foreign national children residing in the UK can rightfully attend both state-funded and independent schools in England. But it is crucial to understand the difference between the two and their school application processes.

State Schools

The state schools in the UK include the following categories:

• Community schools follow the national curriculum and are not influenced by business or religious groups.
• Academies and free schools are independent of the local authority and run by not-for-profit academy trusts.
• Foundation and voluntary schools are funded by the local authority but still have a degree of anatomy to change the way they run. In some cases, these schools are supported by representatives from religious groups.
• Grammar schools may be run by the local authority, an academy trust, or a foundation body. These schools select their pupils based on academic ability assessed through a test.

Private Schools

A private school is not funded by the state but financed with school fees paid by parents. However, they are still registered with the government and get regular inspections. All independent schools in the UK are private schools.

They cater to all age groups, and fees may differ greatly. But they do not need to follow the national curriculum. At the same time, they have better exam results and a broader range of extra-curricular activities.

A confusing fact is that the oldest and traditional boarding secondary schools are also referred to as public schools.

Daycare and Kindergarten

Children usually start preschool or kindergarten at the age of three years and senior kindergarten once they are five. Parents moving to the UK can opt for daycare, nursery schools, childminders, and au-pairs to settle the little ones during the early phase in the country.

But preschool isn’t mandatory in the UK. You can connect with your Local Council’s Family Information Service to find local childcare facilities and get information on childcare and kindergarten fees.

Primary Education

At primary schools in the UK, children are taught math, science, and literacy as core subjects. They also learn history, geography, technology, music, and art. Further, they can participate in religious education and physical education. All Year 6 primary school students in the UK can participate in a standardised exam at the end of Key Stage 2.

Secondary Education

High school is referred secondary education in the UK admits students between 12 and 16 years, and lasts for five to seven years. Students start with compulsory lower secondary education, following which they can start work or vocational training. Alternatively, 16 to 18-year-olds can join college or sixth form to prepare for university.

At the secondary level, students learn all subjects taught in primary education. Further, they have to study at least one foreign language, attend personal, social, and health education, and take citizenship classes. Those looking to focus on one or two areas can study in a specialist school.

• GCSEs and Diplomas: Students are officially assessed after three years in secondary school. GCSEs are mandatory at the end of fifth year in secondary school (Year 11). These include assessments in English, math, and science, while students also have to select from the areas of humanities, modern languages, arts, technology, and vocational studies. Additionally, the National Diploma prioritises work experience, practical training, and a vocational approach.
• A-level Exams: British students prefer A-levels instead of a diploma. These exams are the primary admission requirement for undergraduate degrees at the UK universities. The upper secondary stage is the best time to prepare for A-levels. Grading is based on written exams, coursework, and practical skills.

International Schools

Parents moving to the UK may also consider international schools as an alternative. The great thing about these schools is that they offer the same standards of schooling around the world, easing the transition between schools. They also give the International Baccalaureate recognised globally.

There are plenty of options in these schools, so you can check one close to you. However, the average tuition cost is around 20,000 GBP a year. Despite the high cost, they are ideal for families having to relocate often. International schools address the needs of expat children.

Higher Education

The UK offers excellent higher education opportunities to international students as it has some leading universities providing a broad range of options in degrees and subjects. Those planning to join law or medical school do not require a bachelor’s degree before seeking admission. However, higher education is expensive in the country.

UK and EU citizens qualify for ‘Home fee status’, so they do not pay tuition fees higher than the capped amount. Fees for students from other countries vary depending on the course. The average cost per year for an undergraduate degree for international students is 12,000 GBP. But elite universities like Oxford or Cambridge charge much more. Postgraduate fees range between 15,000 and 25,000 GBP per year, depending on the course.

The Bottom Line

Parents moving to the UK must also check entry conditions to ensure their children are eligible to study at a UK school before applying for a place. They will also need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) if they enroll their children at an independent school in the UK. The document is essential to apply for the child’s visa. Notably, they must get a CAS only from a school that is a licensed student sponsor.

As a parent, you can access plenty of online resources to research options and seek guidance regarding the choice of schools and other aspects of the educational journey of your children in the UK.