Private schools in the UK

For families relocating with children, school places often decide where you live and when you move. The UK’s leading independent schools are heavily oversubscribed, and their admissions timetables run years ahead. Start early.

How independent school admissions work

• Registration: many leading schools take registrations years in advance, and some close lists early for popular entry points.
• Main entry points: commonly at 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ (sixth form). Entry at other ages depends on places becoming free.
• Assessment: typically a mix of tests, an interview and a reference from the current school. Many senior schools use a pre-test in Year 6 or 7 for entry at 13+.
• Mid-year moves: possible, but you will need to approach schools directly and be flexible on location.

Fees and VAT

Since 1 January 2025, VAT at the standard rate of 20% has applied to private school fees, including boarding fees. Budget for fees inclusive of VAT, plus extras such as trips, uniforms and lunches.

Day, boarding or international

• Day schools suit families settling in London or a commuter town.
• Boarding schools offer weekly or full boarding, and are common for families splitting time between countries.
• International schools teach the International Baccalaureate or a national curriculum, which can make moves in and out of the UK easier.

Visas for children

Children who move with you normally come as dependants on your visa. Children coming to the UK alone to attend school apply under the Child Student route instead. See bringing your family.

How the UK school system is structured

Stage	Ages	Key points
Nursery and Reception	3 to 5	Reception (age 4 to 5) is the first year of primary school
Primary (prep in the independent sector)	5 to 11 (or 13)	Many independent prep schools run to 13
Secondary (senior)	11 (or 13) to 16	GCSE exams at 16
Sixth form	16 to 18	A levels, the International Baccalaureate or vocational qualifications

The school year runs from early September to July in three terms. In England, children are placed in a year group by age on 1 September, so a child born in August is the youngest in their year. Scotland has its own system, with different qualifications and a different age cut-off.

State schools

State schools are free for children living in the UK, including dependants on a visa. Places are allocated by the local council, usually based on distance from home, siblings and faith criteria, and applications for the main entry points close a year ahead. You normally need a UK address to apply, so families often rent near the schools they want first. Selective state grammar schools exist in some areas and admit by an exam at 11, sat in the autumn of Year 6.

A realistic admissions timeline

• 18 to 24 months before: shortlist areas and schools, check registration deadlines, and visit if you can.
• 12 to 18 months before: register with independent schools, and for 11+ and 13+ entry arrange pre-tests and interviews.
• 6 to 12 months before: secure a UK address if you are relying on state schools, and apply to the council.
• On arrival: in-year applications for any remaining places, plus support with English if needed.

Entry outside the usual points is common for relocating families, but you will have fewer options. Schools in prime London areas fill first.

Choosing a school

• Curriculum: English GCSEs and A levels, the International Baccalaureate, or a national curriculum such as American or French. Think about where your child might study next.
• Inspection reports: Ofsted inspects state schools in England; the Independent Schools Inspectorate covers most independent schools.
• Results and destinations: look at university destinations, not just league tables.
• Pastoral care: how the school supports children arriving from abroad mid-way through their education.
• Logistics: commuting time matters. Many families choose the school first and the house second.

University fees: a trap for movers

UK universities charge much lower “home” fees to students with settled status and 3 years of ordinary residence. Children who are dependants on a temporary visa usually pay international fees, which can be several times higher. If university entry is a few years away, plan the family’s route to settlement around it.

Boarding and guardianship

Children at boarding school whose parents live abroad need a UK guardian, often provided by a specialist guardianship agency. Children coming to the UK alone to attend an independent school use the Child Student visa rather than a dependant visa.

Getting help

Education consultants can shortlist schools, manage registrations and prepare children for assessments, which is particularly valuable for an international move. We are adding them to our directory; see list your firm.

Last checked: 2 November 2026. General information. See our disclaimer.