Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

most popular US expat schools, do we have this right?

85 replies

snapjack543 · 27/12/2023 17:37

Hi everyone,
First time poster here. We are considering relocating from the states to London in the coming year and it's come down to finding a suitable schooling situation for our current 3rd (10 yrs old) and 6th grade (12 years old) daughters (i.e. rising 4th grader, rising 7th grader).

We know there are loads of other factors, but one major consideration for us is where students are likely to matriculate. We are particularly keen on having our children attend university back in the states for several reasons. So far, the top of that list appears to be American School in London where more than half head to the states. There appear to be a few of other popular options that have been suggested for expats: International School of London, Dwight School, and Southbank. Most of these students matriculate to European universities, it appears, given what we've read on their websites.

Firstly, is our understanding of these schools accurate? (if not what are we missing?)

Secondly, are there state schools we should also consider in our short list? We've mostly steered clear of state schools and the entire catchment area discussions thus far but we're open to it if it looks like a realistic option (though it does not given how behind we are on the learning curve and ages for gaining entry to the most competitive state schools).

Thanks in advance for your insights!

OP posts:
LIZS · 27/12/2023 18:21

So entering year 6 in September 2024. Could apply for state schools next October, assuming there are no longer term residency criteria.

Original poster
snapjack543 · 27/12/2023 18:18

Titwillow38 · 27/12/2023 18:09

What is the month and year of birth of the 10 year old? She would be going into year 6 or year 7 in September

She turned 10 last week. Dec 2014.

OP posts:
Titwillow38 · 27/12/2023 18:09

What is the month and year of birth of the 10 year old? She would be going into year 6 or year 7 in September

LIZS · 27/12/2023 17:59

snapjack543 · 27/12/2023 17:55

thanks. That confirms what we've come to figure out on our own thus far. Unfortunate, but expected. For a 10 year old, I thought she would be in year 5 next year? (kindergarten is year 1?)

A 10 yo would be year 5/6 now , depending when they turn 11.

tennissquare · 27/12/2023 17:55

Yes you would probably do best to stick with the US curriculum. Private schools have a growing number of pupils going to US colleges but you should note many go on Sports scholarships - hockey, rowing, football and rugby etc.

Yes you can go from a state school with A levels to a US university for free on a scholarship but the only dc I know who has done this has gone on a rowing scholarship (rowing is a niche sport if you live near the Thames).
If you live in the UK there is no government loan funding accessible for attending a university outside the U.K. so apart from the dc winning a scholarship or meeting the criteria for a handful of bursaries it's financially out of reach. Most U.K. state schools will direct your dc to a U.K. university.

There are lots of Facebook groups you can join for Americans in London etc that will help you with American schools.

Original poster
snapjack543 · 27/12/2023 17:55

thanks. That confirms what we've come to figure out on our own thus far. Unfortunate, but expected. For a 10 year old, I thought she would be in year 5 next year? (kindergarten is year 1?)

OP posts:
Flamango · 27/12/2023 17:45

There’s also TASIS - when I worked there kids mainly went to American Unis and that still seems the case. Again, not in central London but in lovely areas where well laid Americans live!

Soontobe60 · 27/12/2023 17:45

With regard to state schools, your 10 year old would be most likely starting secondary school (year 11) from next September and the admissions deadline has passed, so you’d most likely not get a choice of the most competitive ones now. Your 12 year old would be going into Year 9 as an ‘in year’ admission so again you’d have very little choice of the ‘better’ state schools.

LIZS · 27/12/2023 17:40

ACS which has campuses in Cobham, Egham et al. www.acs-schools.com Outside central London but within international communities .

LIZS · 27/12/2023 17:39

ACS which has campuses in Cobham, Egham et al. Outside central London but within international communities .