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Education Matters: The Best Schools & Options in London

Writer's picture: Amelia Sterling-WhiteAmelia Sterling-White

Updated: Apr 18, 2023

Relocating from Hong Kong to London can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to choosing the right school for your child. With so many education options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But with a little research and preparation, you can find the perfect school for your child's needs and goals. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what to expect from the education system in London, and what to look for when choosing a school.


London has a comprehensive education system, which starts with primary schools for children aged 4 to 11, followed by secondary schools for children aged 11 to 16, and finally, sixth form colleges and further education colleges for children aged 16 to 18. The typical school structure in London consists of a primary school followed by a secondary school, although there are also alternative options such as academies, free schools, and grammar schools. The role of parents in the education process is to support their children, both academically and emotionally, and to make informed decisions about their child's education.


The process for applying to schools in London varies depending on the type of school and the stage of education. For primary schools, applications are usually made in the year before the child is due to start school. For secondary schools, applications are usually made in the autumn of the year before the child is due to start. For sixth form colleges and further education colleges, applications are usually made in the spring of the year before the child is due to start.


There are several fees associated with applying to schools in London, including application fees, registration fees, and examination fees. Some schools also require entrance tests, such as the 11-plus for grammar schools or the Common Entrance Exam for private schools.


London has a diverse range of education options, from state schools to private schools, international schools to special schools. Each of these types of schools offer their own unique set of benefits, and it's important to understand what each one can offer before deciding.


State schools are publicly funded schools that are free to attend. They offer a comprehensive education to students of all abilities; some are selective such as Grammar schools however mostly there is no entrance exam required. While state schools are a popular choice for many families, they are not always the best fit for every child. State schools in London can be oversubscribed, meaning that there may be more demand than supply when it comes to places. However, state schools have a strong reputation for providing quality education, especially in subjects like mathematics, science, and the arts.


Private schools, on the other hand, are independently funded schools that charge fees for attendance. They typically have smaller class sizes, better resources, and a wider range of extra-curricular activities. Private schools in London are also known for their high academic standards, and many of them have a reputation for being some of the best schools in the world. However, private schools are often expensive, and not all families can afford the fees. Additionally, some private schools in London have a strong emphasis on sports, music, and the arts, so if your child has a particular talent or interest, a private school might be a good option.


International schools in London are schools that offer an education to children from international families. These schools are usually based on a specific curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the American curriculum. International schools are a good option for families who are looking for a more global education for their children, or who want their children to continue their education in a similar style to their home country. International schools in London also provide a multicultural environment, where children from different countries can come together and learn from one another.


Special schools in London cater to children with special educational needs, such as learning difficulties or disabilities. These schools offer a tailored education to meet the specific needs of each child, and they have the resources and expertise to support children with a range of special educational needs. Special schools also often have experienced teachers and therapists, who are trained to work with children with special needs.


Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of schools in London, let's take a closer look at some of the best schools.


Schools:


The Latymer School is a selective, mixed grammar school in Edmonton, London, England, established in 1624 by Edward Latymer.


Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet is a boys' grammar school in Barnet, northern Greater London, which was founded in 1573 by Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, and others, in the name of Queen Elizabeth I.


Nonsuch High School is an all-girls' grammar school with an academy status, located in Cheam, in the borough of Epsom and Ewell in Surrey, England, on the border of the London Borough of Sutton, and standing in 22 acres of grounds on the edge of Nonsuch Park.


The Henrietta Barnett School is a grammar school with academy status primarily for girls in Hampstead Garden Suburb in London.


Wallington High School for Girls is an all-girls selective grammar school in the London Borough of Sutton, England, specialising in STEM subjects and Languages.


Wilson's School is a state boys' grammar school with academy status in the London Borough of Sutton, England. It was founded as Wilson's Grammar School in Camberwell in 1615, making it one of the country's oldest state schools.


St Michael's Catholic Grammar School is a voluntary aided Roman Catholic Grammar School for girls, and boys in the sixth form, situated in Finchley, Barnet, London.


Tiffin School is a boys' grammar school in Kingston upon Thames, England. It has specialist status in both the performing arts and languages.


Newstead Wood School is a selective girls' grammar school in Avebury Road, Orpington, South-east London.


The Royal Masonic School for Girls is an independent school in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, England, with day and boarding pupils. The school was instituted in 1788, with the aim of caring for the daughters of poor Freemasons. In 1978, the school opened to girls beyond the daughters of freemasons.


Haberdashers' Girls' School is an independent day school in Elstree, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as "Habs". The school was founded in 1875 by the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London.


Harrow School is a well-known private school located in Harrow, Northwest London. It was founded in 1572 and is one of the oldest boarding schools in the world. Harrow School has a strong academic record, with an emphasis on subjects such as science, mathematics, and the arts. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, sports, and community service.


Highgate School is an independent school located in Highgate, North London. It was founded in 1565 and is one of the oldest schools in England. Highgate School has a strong academic program, with a focus on subjects such as mathematics, science, and the humanities. The school also has a thriving sports program, with a range of team and individual sports on offer.


Eton College is a prestigious private school located in Eton, Windsor. It was founded in 1440 and is one of the oldest and most famous schools in the world. Eton College has a strong academic program, with a focus on subjects such as history, mathematics, and the sciences. The school also has a thriving sports program, with a range of team and individual sports on offer.


St Paul's School is a private school located in Barnes, Southwest London. It was founded in 1509 and is one of the oldest schools in England. St Paul's School has a strong academic program, with a focus on subjects such as mathematics, science, and the humanities. The school also has a thriving music program, with a range of ensembles and opportunities for solo performance.


Westminster School is located in Westminster, Central London. It was founded in 1560 and is one of the oldest schools in England. Westminster School has a strong academic program, with a focus on subjects such as history, mathematics, and the sciences. The school also has a thriving music program, with a range of ensembles and opportunities for solo performance.


The City of London School, also known as CLS and City, is an independent day school for boys in the City of London, England, on the banks of the River Thames next to the Millennium Bridge, opposite Tate Modern.


Dulwich College is a 2–18 independent, day and boarding school for boys in Dulwich, London, England. As a public school, it began as the College of God's Gift, founded in 1619 by Elizabethan actor Edward Alleyn


The International School of London is a well-respected institution that provides a high-quality education to students from kindergarten to high school. It is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The school offers a range of programs, including the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP), the Middle Years Program (MYP), and the Diploma Program (DP). With a diverse student body representing over 60 different nationalities, the International School of London provides a truly global education experience. The school's commitment to cultural understanding and bilingual education makes it a great choice for families who are looking for a more global education for their child.


London is a city that boasts of a rich cultural heritage, being home to some of the world's most famous landmarks, museums, and galleries. Living and studying in London provides students with opportunities to immerse themselves in this cultural richness and broaden their perspectives.


In addition to its cultural offerings, London is also known for its diversity, with many international communities residing in the city. This makes it an ideal destination for students who want to experience different cultures, meet people from all over the world, and broaden their horizons.


Furthermore, London is one of the world's leading global cities, providing students with a wealth of opportunities for international travel. Whether it's visiting nearby European countries or taking advantage of direct flights to destinations all over the world, students in London could explore and experience different cultures first-hand.


There are many great schools and education options available in London, making it a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Whether you are looking for a private, international school, or a prestigious independent school, you are sure to find a school that is right for you and your child. When relocating from Hong Kong to London, it is important to do your research and carefully consider all your options, so that you can find the best school for your child. With its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and supportive learning environments, the schools in London are sure to provide your child with the education they need to succeed.

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