International Family Moving to London and No School Placement!?!

[EuroMom]

My family is moving to London for partner's work assignment in early 2022. We don't know a single person in London and have no connection to schools. Do you need a connection to get in to a private school?

We have inquired with over 15 private schools in London area and not a single one has placement for ANY of my kids for early 2022 (mid school year). Any recommendations on how I should go about getting all my kids in a school? We are years 2, 5, 7 and moving from Europe with American roots. We have not found a home in London as I thought it would be easier to find the schools first then find the home second so we don't limit ourselves too much.

I have read that placing your kid in a public/state school has it's own headache as many are waitlisted and they will not even entertain the idea of your kid in a school till you are physically in the new location then the wait could be 9+ months...?

How to people who move to London from abroad get their children settled in a school? Thank you.

Paddington is a 15 minute mainline train ride from Slough station which is only a 10 minute drive from Windsor. If you’re not set on London then Windsor is a lovely place to live. The ACS Egham International School is a short drive away. A wide choice of private and state schools for younger children.

If you look north I can’t believe there aren’t places in schools like Northbridge house, Devonshire house and some of the other Hampstead schools for your youngest. At year 7 can be more tricky but again look at north ridge Portland place or go out towards herts or bucks - Aldenham, St Margaret’s, abbots hill for girls.

Paddington's a bit of a transport hub. As well as mainline trains out of Paddington you also have the Bakerloo, Hammersmith and City, Circle, Central (at Lancaster Gate) tube lines and - from next year we are promised - the Elizabeth line.

@EuroMom Ealing to Paddington by train is about 10 minutes. And the line goes out into the suburbs.
In Ealing there’s St Benedict’s, Durston, St Augustine’s, Notting Hill and Ealing, many others. Also, most of the state schools are rated outstanding, and being London, there’s a lot of movement so places do come up fairly quickly, weeks rather than months. And they are used to assimilating international kids mid-year.

@swgeek thank you! Will check it out now.

do you have to actually live in London.
what about going west, so husband can commute in, and looking for schools outside London to the west.

Try Northbridge House

Can you list the schools you asked OP, otherwise you will probably receive the same schools on advise.

I find it hard to believe that Hill House had nothing. Your DH will be very close to work, just a quick train ride or bus hop. American grocery shop nearby and lovely family area very close to West End amenities, museums etc.

www.locrating.com/school_catchment_areas.aspx?lat=51.500211&lng=-0.1591673

I'd be very surprised if you couldn't get a place at a good state primary in Chiswick, Putney etc. Lots of movement and places come up all the time. Most of the preps usually have spaces as well.

I think it would be easier to find spaces in the W/SW London outskirts rather than living miles out of London.

I'd rent in Chiswick/Putney/ Fulham/Hammersmith and then find a state school or find the private school place first (although most have now broken up). Once you have an address your children will have to be offered a place somewhere.

Have you tried Merlin, Prospect House, Hurlingham in Putney, or Ibstock Place fairly close by? All solid options with easy commute into Paddington.

I agree with @Rumpleteezer I would have thought all 3 of those schools has places because of people moving out post pandemic. All 3 get good results

We moved out of London recently from a very good area. And we love it here. It will be around 40 mins commute to Paddington Station. We were able to afford a bigger house and are able to send our daughter to a lovely small independent school. I would really look outside London like others have suggested. There are so many fantastic places and excellent schools without it being competitive. Do message me if you would like to chat about the area we have moved to. All the best.

Have you been able to make any progress @EuroMom? PP’s suggestion of St Margaret’s (in Bushey, Hertfordshire) was a good one - coed and goes all-through.

Yes, I have made some progress. I have spoken to one headmaster which was great! Since we are near the winter break and some schools are already on winter break, I have been unable to get in touch with a few but plan to circle back in January. I have found tentative placement for the kids at a few different schools - all dependent on entrance exams and meeting the children next year. Many thanks to everyone for all the suggestions, sincerely appreciated.

@Tralalalala21

I'd be very surprised if you couldn't get a place at a good state primary in Chiswick, Putney etc. Lots of movement and places come up all the time. Most of the preps usually have spaces as well.

I think it would be easier to find spaces in the W/SW London outskirts rather than living miles out of London.

I'd rent in Chiswick/Putney/ Fulham/Hammersmith and then find a state school or find the private school place first (although most have now broken up). Once you have an address your children will have to be offered a place somewhere.

@tralalalala21 what do you mean by " ... (although most have now broken up). "

Perhaps a British term I am not familiar with... broken up? The schools?

Broken up = on holiday I.e. taking a break

Broken up means are on holiday. Private schools seem to have more holiday than state schools.

Redcliffe Gardens School in Earl’s Court have places I believe.

Nice little school that’s warm and friendly, not too academically pushy but children do well, children are very well known. New leadership in place for a year after being taken over by Godolphin & Latymer. Definitely worth a look.

@EuroMom I will DM you