Schools in London for Canadian Families

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Moving to London with Children:
A Canadian Parent’s Guide to Schools

Moving to London with children can make choosing the right school one of your most important decisions. This practical guide explains the British school system for Canadian parents, including state and private schools, London boroughs, Ofsted inspections, international and French-language education, admissions from Canada, SEND support, school activities and universities.

Moving to London with School-Age Children

The five things Canadian parents need to know first

1. Your London address matters.
Most state-school applications are managed through the council where the family lives. Distance from the school is frequently an admissions factor, particularly when a popular school is oversubscribed.

2. State schools do not charge tuition.
Community schools, academies, free schools and most faith schools are publicly funded. Academies are also free to attend and remain subject to national admissions, special educational needs and exclusion rules.

3. You may apply before arriving, but rules differ by borough.
Families applying from overseas should contact the council where they expect to live. Councils may request a tenancy agreement, property documents or proof that the family will be resident before the next term begins.

4. A borough reputation does not guarantee a place.
There can be excellent and weaker schools within the same borough. Parents should assess the individual school, its admissions criteria and the realistic distance from their proposed home.

5. Do not use an old Ofsted headline grade on its own.
Since September 2024, inspections of state-funded schools no longer produce a single overall effectiveness grade. Parents should read the latest report’s findings on education, behaviour, personal development and leadership, rather than relying only on an older “Outstanding” or “Good” label.

1. Understanding the English school system

The Canadian and English age structures do not align exactly.

Main types of school

State schools - These are free to attend and include:

community schools;
academies;
free schools;
foundation and voluntary schools;
faith schools;
grammar schools.

Academies and free schools have greater operational freedom, while grammar schools select pupils through academic testing. Faith schools may apply additional admissions criteria, although families of any faith can normally submit an application.

Independent or private schools

Independent schools charge fees and manage their own admissions. Parents apply directly to the school rather than through the local council. Entrance assessments, interviews, school reports and advance registration may be required.

International schools

International schools can be useful for families who:

expect to move countries again;
want the International Baccalaureate;
prefer an American or international curriculum;
need strong support for internationally mobile pupils;
want continuity with a child’s previous education.

French and bilingual schools

London has several French-curriculum and French–English bilingual options. Some follow the French national curriculum, some combine French and British education, and others offer the IB.

2. Which London boroughs have strong state schools?

There is no single official “best borough” ranking. Results differ depending on whether parents prioritise:

inspection outcomes;
primary attainment;
GCSE results;
pupil progress;
grammar-school access;
special educational needs support;
availability of places;
commuting and housing costs.

London nevertheless performs strongly overall. In 2025, London Councils reported that approximately 96% of the capital’s schools were rated Good or Outstanding under the previous

Ofsted grading system.

Strong all-round areas to research

Hammersmith & Fulham

A particularly strong borough under the final complete set of overall Ofsted ratings. An analysis of the August 2024 inspection data found all 64 inspected state-funded schools in the borough rated Good or Outstanding, with 40.6% rated Outstanding.

Why families consider it: central-west location, strong state and independent provision, and access to several French and bilingual schools.

Watch for: expensive housing and very small admissions areas around popular schools.

Richmond upon Thames

Richmond combines strong historic inspection results with high academic attainment. In 2024/25, it was one of only three London boroughs where more than 80% of state-educated pupils achieved grades 9–4 in GCSE English and mathematics.

Why families consider it: family-oriented neighbourhoods, parks, riverside communities and strong schools.

Watch for: high property prices and intense competition near the most popular schools.

Kingston upon Thames

Kingston recorded one of London’s highest GCSE English and mathematics attainment rates in 2024/25.

Why families consider it: high-performing secondary schools, some selective provision and comparatively suburban surroundings.

Watch for: grammar-school testing and admissions rules where relevant.

Sutton

Sutton was also among London’s three highest-performing boroughs for GCSE English and mathematics in 2024/25. It is particularly well known for selective grammar schools.

Why families consider it: strong secondary results and generally lower housing costs than prime southwest London.

Watch for: grammar-school entrance tests are highly competitive and normally require early registration.

Newham

Newham challenges the assumption that the most expensive boroughs necessarily offer the strongest schools. In the final complete overall-rating dataset, 38.7% of its state-funded schools were Outstanding and 96.8% were Good or better.

Why families consider it: strong school performance, newer housing and useful transport links.

Watch for: quality, admissions demand and neighbourhood character vary locally.

Islington

Islington performed strongly in the final overall Ofsted dataset, with 97.1% of schools rated Good or better.

Why families consider it: central location, established primary schools and easy access to cultural amenities.

Watch for: small catchment areas and significant differences between neighbourhoods.

Camden

Camden had 97.5% of schools rated Good or better in the final complete Ofsted snapshot.

Why families consider it: strong state and independent options, central location and several academically ambitious schools.

Watch for: high rents and strong competition.

Wandsworth and Merton

Both offer a useful balance of state-school quality, family neighbourhoods and access to central London. In the final overall-grade dataset, 95.9% of Wandsworth schools and 95.2% of Merton schools were Good or better.

Bromley

Bromley combines a suburban environment with strong primary attainment and a substantial range of schools. It also retained grammar-school options in parts of the borough.

Barnet

Barnet is frequently considered by families seeking a broad range of high-performing comprehensive, faith, selective and independent schools.

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School dinners and food in British schools

Most British schools offer a cooked lunch, commonly called a school dinner, alongside the option of bringing a packed lunch from home.

Menus vary, but typically include a hot main course, vegetarian choice, vegetables or salad, fruit and a dessert, with schools expected to meet national food standards designed to provide a healthy and balanced diet.

Common meals may include pasta, curry, roast dinners, jacket potatoes, fish, sandwiches and familiar international dishes, while schools should also have procedures for allergies, medical diets and religious requirements - although parents should discuss these directly with the school.

In England, children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to universal infant free school meals, while additional children may qualify according to household circumstances; from the 2026–27 academic year, eligibility expands to children in households receiving Universal Credit.

Older pupils who do not qualify usually pay through an online account, card or biometric system. Parents should check menus, prices, portion sizes, packed-lunch rules and how confidently the school can manage their child’s dietary needs.

A warning about borough rankings

Borough-level figures are only a starting point. Variation within a borough can be greater than variation between boroughs, and a family should not commit to a home until it has checked:

which schools serve the exact address;
the school’s oversubscription rules;
previous allocation distances;
whether a place is likely to exist in the correct year;
transport time;
the latest inspection findings and examination results.

One recent London analysis similarly cautioned that choosing a borough without examining individual schools is a mistake.

3. How to research a state school properly

Parents should use several sources together.

Essential official tools

Find and Compare Schools in England

This government service lets parents compare:

examination and test results;
pupil progress;
Ofsted information;
school finances;
pupil characteristics.

It should be the starting point for academic comparisons.

Ofsted inspection reports

Search by school name or postcode and read the latest full report.

Pay particular attention to:

quality of education;
behaviour and attitudes;
personal development;
leadership and management;
early-years provision;
safeguarding comments.

Get Information About Schools

The Department for Education register provides:

school type;
age range;
address and contact information;
academy-trust details;
capacity;
special educational needs provision;
governance information.

Borough admissions website

Every London council publishes:

its admissions guide;
application forms;
school lists;
admissions criteria;
previous allocation information;
in-year application procedures;
appeals guidance.

Questions to ask each school

Parents should contact the admissions office and ask:

Do you currently have a place in my child’s year group?
Who manages in-year admissions—the school or the council?
What was the furthest distance offered last year?
How do you support children arriving from another education system?
Is additional English-language support available?
How are pupils grouped for mathematics and English?
What subjects and languages are available?
What is the school’s approach to homework, discipline and pastoral care?
What support is available for SEND, ADHD or other additional needs?
Can we arrange an online meeting or tour before relocating?

Children with special educational needs or disabilities are entitled to appropriate support in both state and independent education, although the available provision can vary considerably between schools. Canadian parents should discuss their child’s needs with prospective schools before accepting a place and provide recent assessments, education plans, medical information and details of any existing classroom accommodations.

SEND, ADHD and autism support

Special educational needs and disabilities support
https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs

Education, Health and Care plans
https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/extra-SEN-help

Find your council’s SEND Local Offer
https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/local-offers

Independent SEND advice from IPSEA
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/

Choosing a school with an EHC plan
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/choosing-a-schoolcollege-with-an-ehc-plan

4. How parents apply for a state-school place

Starting Reception or Year 7 in September

Parents normally submit a coordinated application through the local council where they live.

The national deadlines are normally:

31 October: secondary school applications;
15 January: primary school applications.

London councils generally permit families to list up to six schools. Parents should use all available preferences and list them in genuine order of preference. In 2026, London families continued to have broader choice than most other English regions, although first-choice offer rates were lower because demand is concentrated around popular schools.

Moving during the school year - This is known as an in-year application.

Depending on the borough and school, the application may be handled by:

the local council;
the school itself;
an academy trust.

Families should contact the council first and then verify the process with each school.

Applying from Canada

The UK government advises overseas families to contact the council covering the area where they intend to live. The council may request:

a signed tenancy agreement;
proof of property ownership;
evidence of the relocation date;
the child’s passport or birth certificate;
immigration or residence documentation;
the child’s latest school reports.

Some councils accept overseas applications shortly before arrival. Barnet, for example, permits eligible families to apply in advance and currently states that an in-year application may be made from four weeks before the expected arrival date. Policies vary, so this should not be treated as a London-wide rule.

Immigration status

Schools do not normally determine a family’s immigration entitlement. However, parents who are not British or Irish citizens should ensure that both they and their children have the right to reside in the UK before applying.

When the preferred school is full

Parents can:

accept the offered school while remaining on waiting lists;
ask to join the waiting list for higher-preference schools;
submit an admission appeal;
apply to other schools with vacancies.

Accepting a place does not normally prevent a family from appealing or remaining on another waiting list.

5. Independent schools in London

London has a large and varied private-school market, including:

preparatory schools;
senior schools;
all-through schools;
single-sex and coeducational schools;
day and boarding schools;
academically selective and non-selective schools.

Areas with substantial independent-school provision

Families commonly investigate:

Kensington and Chelsea;
Hammersmith and Fulham;
Westminster;
Wandsworth;
Richmond;
Kingston;
Barnet;
Harrow;
Croydon;
Dulwich and southeast London.

Rather than publishing a simple “best private schools” list, the guide should direct parents to match a school to the child. Reputation alone does not indicate whether a highly academic, traditional or selective environment is suitable.

How private-school applications work

Parents apply directly to each school. Common entry points include:

age 4;
age 7;
age 11;
age 13;
sixth form at age 16.

Schools may request:

registration several years in advance;
a registration fee;
current school reports;
entrance tests;
interviews;
references;
assessment days.

Families relocating at short notice should still contact schools. Occasional places may arise outside the standard entry points.

Costs

Parents should check:

tuition fees;
VAT treatment;
registration and acceptance deposits;
lunches;
uniforms;
devices;
trips;
transport;
examination charges;
extracurricular activities.

Scholarships are usually based on talent or achievement. Bursaries are normally means-tested and may cover part or, more rarely, most of the fees.

Independent-school research tools

Useful starting points include:

Independent Schools Council school search;
individual school inspection reports;
school open days;
examination-results pages;
published admissions policies;
direct conversations with admissions registrars.

Independent schools may be inspected by Ofsted or by an approved independent inspectorate, so parents should check who inspects the particular school rather than assuming every private school has a conventional Ofsted grade.

6. International schools

International schools can reduce disruption for children who may later return to Canada or move elsewhere.

International School of London

A non-selective school offering the International Baccalaureate for pupils aged 3–18.

Halcyon London International School

A not-for-profit IB school for pupils aged 11–18.

ACS Cobham International School

Located outside central London in Surrey, ACS Cobham provides international day and boarding education for pupils aged 2–18. It can be relevant to families living in southwest London or Surrey.

Other options to investigate

Depending on age, location and curriculum, parents may also consider:

Southbank International School;
Dwight School London;
International Community School London;
The American School in London;
TASIS England;
Marymount International School London.

The International Baccalaureate’s official directory allows parents to search authorised schools by location, programme, teaching language and boarding status.

Questions for international schools

Ask:

Is the school fully authorised for the relevant IB programme?
Is admission academically selective?
How transferable are credits and courses?
Does the timetable accommodate entry partway through the programme?
What university systems does the guidance team understand?
Is support available for Canadian university applications?
Are fees quoted with all taxes and compulsory charges included?
Is school transport available?

7. French and French–English education

This section will be especially useful for Francophone Canadians and families seeking bilingual education.

Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle

Located principally in South Kensington, the Lycée provides French education and includes British educational pathways. Its public information describes a latest inspection outcome of Good, with Outstanding findings for quality of education and early-years provision.

Parents should verify:

which campus serves the child’s age;
French-language requirements;
curriculum pathway;
availability;
application rounds;
current fees.

Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill

A bilingual international school in Wembley for pupils aged 3–18.

École Jeannine Manuel London

A bilingual international French school educating pupils from age 3 to 18.

L’École des Petits

A French–English bilingual school in Fulham for children aged 3–6.

Additional options

The completed guide can also signpost:

La Petite École d’Ealing;
L’École de Battersea;
Collège Français Bilingue de Londres;
French bilingual nurseries;
supplementary Saturday French programmes.

8. A practical school-search plan

Before choosing a London neighbourhood

Create a shortlist based on:

maximum housing budget;
workplace commute;
child’s age;
state, private or international preference;
curriculum;
additional needs;
realistic school availability.

Eight to twelve months before moving

Research boroughs and individual schools.
Read admissions policies.
Attend virtual or in-person open days.
Register for selective and independent-school assessments.
Collect school records from Canada.
Begin gathering proof of the intended UK address.

One to three months before moving

Contact the borough admissions team.
Confirm whether an overseas or in-year application can be submitted.
Contact each shortlisted school directly.
Prepare translated records where necessary.
Obtain vaccination, medical and additional-needs documentation.
Ask the Canadian school for recent reports and curriculum information.

After receiving an offer

Confirm:

starting date;
year group;
uniform requirements;
lunch arrangements;
school-day times;
transport;
technology requirements;
orientation and pastoral support.

Clubs and activities

Find a local Scout group
https://www.scouts.org.uk/groups/

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
https://www.dofe.org/do/

Find an Army Cadet unit
https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/

Find an Air Cadet squadron
https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/find-a-squadron/

Find a Sea Cadet unit
https://www.sea-cadets.org/find-a-unit

Official school research

Search Ofsted inspection reports
https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/

Explore schools and childcare near an address
https://explore.ofsted.gov.uk/

Compare school performance in England
https://www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables

Get Information About Schools

https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/

Find your local council

https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Find schools in England
https://www.gov.uk/find-school-in-england

State-school applications

Apply for a primary-school place
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-primary-school-place

Apply for a secondary-school place
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-secondary-school-place

School admissions guidance
https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions

Applying for a school place from overseas
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/schools-admissions-applications-from-overseas-children

School waiting lists and appeals
https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/appealing-a-schools-decision

School Admissions Code
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-admissions-code--2

Private schools

Find an independent school
https://www.isc.co.uk/schools/

Find private schools near a postcode
https://www.isc.co.uk/find-private-schools-near-me/

Independent Schools Inspectorate
https://www.isi.net/

International schools

Find an International Baccalaureate school
https://ibo.org/programmes/find-an-ib-school/

International School of London
https://www.isllondon.org/

Southbank International School
https://www.southbank.org/

Halcyon London International School
https://www.halcyonschool.com/

Dwight School London
https://www.dwightlondon.org/

ACS International School Cobham
https://www.acs-schools.com/cobham/

The American School in London
https://www.asl.org/

French and bilingual schools

Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle
https://www.lyceefrancais.org.uk/

Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill
https://www.lyceeinternational.london/

École Jeannine Manuel London
https://www.ecolejeanninemanuel.org.uk/

Collège Français Bilingue de Londres
https://www.cfbl.org.uk/

L’École des Petits
https://www.lecoledespetits.co.uk/

L’École de Battersea
https://www.lecoledebattersea.co.uk/

French schools overseas directory
https://aefe.gouv.fr/

Universities and education after school

Older pupils in England usually progress from GCSEs to A levels, vocational qualifications or the International Baccalaureate before applying to university.

Canadian families should research entry requirements, tuition-fee status and funding carefully. British or Canadian citizenship alone does not necessarily determine whether a student qualifies for UK “home” fees, and universities may assess residence history and immigration status separately.

UCAS is the main application system for UK undergraduate courses, while Discover Uni helps families compare courses, student outcomes and graduate prospects. Students considering Canadian universities should also check whether their UK qualifications meet the admission requirements of each institution.