Schools in London for Expats — State, Private & IB Options

London has a deep and complex school market. State (publicly funded) schools are free for residents and are run by individual boroughs or as academies; the most sought-after are heavily oversubscribed and admit by strict catchment or faith criteria. The independent (private) sector is one of the largest in the world and includes prep schools, traditional senior schools and a strong group of international and IB schools. This guide explains how to navigate it.

How the London school system works

State schools in London are publicly funded and free for residents. Admission is run by each London borough using catchment, sibling and (for faith schools) religious criteria. Top-rated state primaries and grammars (in outer-London boroughs that retain selection) can have very small effective catchments — sometimes only a few hundred metres from the school gate.

The independent (private) sector is large and varied. It includes prep schools (typically up to age 11 or 13), traditional senior day and boarding schools, and a strong international cohort: French Lycée (AEFE), American School in London, IB schools, plus Japanese, German and other national-curriculum schools. Most independent schools follow the English national curriculum and exit through GCSEs and A-Levels; many also offer IB.

State, private and international options

State primary and secondary schools — free, admission by catchment and criteria; 'Outstanding' Ofsted-rated schools often have very tight catchments.
Grammar schools — academically selective state schools; mostly in outer-London boroughs, with the 11+ test.
Faith schools — state-funded but admit partly on faith criteria.
Independent prep and senior schools — fee-paying; many require entrance assessments at 4+, 7+, 11+ or 13+.
International schools — French (Lycée), American, Japanese, German and others, plus IB World Schools.
Sixth-form colleges — for ages 16–18, both state and private, often with strong A-Level or IB tracks.

Tuition, fees and total cost

State schools are free for residents, though families still budget for uniforms, school trips, after-school clubs and devices. Day independent schools in London generally fall in a broad band from roughly £20,000 to £45,000+ per year, with the most established senior schools at the higher end. Boarding fees are higher again. From January 2025, VAT applies to private school fees in the UK — confirm the current published all-in fee with each school.

Beyond tuition, expect registration fees, deposits, capital contributions at some schools, uniforms, exam fees in senior years, music lessons and trips. International transfers should request school reports and references early in the process.

Admissions, timing and catchments

State-school applications run on fixed national deadlines — typically January for September secondary entry and January for primary, with offers in March/April. Late applications and in-year transfers are handled differently by each borough.

Independent schools run their own timelines, often opening registration years in advance for popular entry points (4+, 7+, 11+, 13+). Many require entrance assessments and reference letters. International families arriving mid-year should contact admissions offices directly — some schools maintain a waiting list and admit on a rolling basis.

How to plan school enrolment alongside the move

For London, the practical sequence below works well: most international families underestimate how early school admissions need to start. Sought-after curricula and year groups can be full 6–12 months ahead, and assessment slots may require the child to be physically present. Aligning your visa timeline, housing search and school applications is the single biggest planning lever for families.

Start admissions outreach 6–12 months before your target start date.
Confirm catchment rules — some schools admit by neighbourhood, others by waitlist.
Budget for one-time fees: registration, capital levy, deposit, uniform and transport.

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Frequently asked questions

Can my child attend a London state school as an expat?

Yes if you are resident in the UK and your child has the right to access state education. Application is through your home borough using catchment and other criteria. Confirm your eligibility based on your visa status with the borough or UKVI.

How tight are catchments for top state schools?

For the most sought-after London primaries and secondaries, the effective catchment can be very small — sometimes only a few hundred metres. Always check the previous year's furthest distance offered before signing a lease for a school address.

What does private school in London cost?

Day-school fees broadly fall in a £20,000 – £45,000+ per year range, with senior schools typically higher than prep. From January 2025 VAT applies to private school fees, so confirm the current all-in figure with each school.

Are there French, American or Japanese curriculum schools?

Yes. London has the French Lycée (AEFE), the American School in London, Japanese and German schools, and a strong cohort of IB World Schools. Demand at popular year groups can be high.

When should we start applying?

For state schools, follow the borough's national deadlines. For independent schools, register as early as possible — popular London preps and seniors can effectively close their lists 1–2 years before entry.

Are grammar schools an option?

There are no fully selective grammar schools inside the central London boroughs, but several outer-London boroughs (Bexley, Bromley, Sutton, Kingston, Barnet) operate grammars with the 11+ test.

Related guides

School curricula, admissions windows, fee bands and waiting-list dynamics change every year. Confirm current openings, fees and entry requirements directly with each school's admissions office before relying on any planning details.