State or Private School in the UK

How long are you planning to stay in the UK? If you’re uncertain, then it’s probably better to assume a long stay. Because of language and other integration problems, enrolling a child in a British school with a British syllabus (state or private) is only advisable for a minimum of one year, particularly for teenage children.

• The area in which you choose to live may affect your choice of local school(s). Although it’s unnecessary to send your children to the state school nearest your home, you may have difficulty obtaining admission to a state school if you don’t live within its catchment area.

• Do you know where you’re going after the UK? This may be an important consideration with regard to your children’s schooling. How old are your children and what age will they be when you plan to leave the UK? What future plans do you have for their educa­tion and in which country?

• What age are your children and how will they fit into a private school or the British state school system? The younger they are, the easier it is to place them in a suitable school.

• If your children aren’t English-speaking, how do they view the thought of studying in English? Is teaching available in the UK in their mother tongue?

• Will your children require your help with their studies? Will you be able to help them, particularly with the English language?

• What are the school hours? What are the school holiday periods? How do the school hours and holidays influence your (and your spouse’s) work and leisure activities?

• Is religion an important consideration in your choice of school? In British state schools, religion is usually taught as a compulsory subject. Parents may, however, request permission for their children not to attend. Some voluntary-aided schools are maintained by religious organisations and they may make stipulations as to religious observance. Religion is an issue in every area of life in Northern Ireland, where even primary education is divided along religious lines. Religion is also a contentious issue among certain ethnic groups, such as Muslims, who believe that education should be single-sex (particularly for girls).

• Do you want your children to attend a co-educational (mixed) school? State schools are usually co-educational.

• Should you send your children to a boarding school? If so, should it be in the UK or in another country?

• What are the secondary and further education prospects for your children in the UK or another country? Are British educational qualifications recognised in your home country or the country where you plan to live after leaving the UK?

• Does the school have a good academic record? All schools must provide exam pass rate statistics, e.g. GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and GCE (General Certificate of Education) A-levels, and a prospectus, which they may post to you.

• What are the facilities for art and science subjects, for example arts and crafts, music, computer studies (how many computers?), science, hobbies, drama, cookery and photography? Does the school have an extensive library of up-to-date books (a good library is usually an excellent sign)? These should be listed in a school’s prospectus.

• How large are the classes? What is the teacher:pupil ratio?

Obtain the opinions and advice of others who have been faced with the same decisions and problems, and collect as much information from as many different sources as possible before making a decis­ion. Speak to teachers and the parents of children attending schools on your shortlist. If possible, interview the headteacher before making a decision. Most parents find it’s desirable to discuss the alternatives with their children before making a decision. (If it isn’t already too late, you could always decide against children and save yourself a lot of trouble!)

Most Local Education Authorities (LEAs) provide schools for children with special educational needs, including those with emotional and behavioural difficulties, moderate and severe learning difficulties, communication problems, hearing or sight impairment, or physical disabilities (although these are being phased and all children included in mainstream schools). There are, however, few special teaching facilities in the UK for gifted children.

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Also in this section

• Choosing an International School: Advice on choosing an International School
• Choosing a private school: A checklist for you and your children
• Language schools: What you need to consider when learning English
• Further Education in the UK: How to continue your studies after school
• Special Education in the UK: Information and tips
• State or Private School in the UK: Which school to choose