Relocation to London with your family throws an interesting aspect into the mix when planning your international relocation adventure. If you have children and they will be attending school in the UK, the first thing you do is choose a school.
Let your London relocation agents worry about where to find you a home AFTER you have chosen schools for your children. Location and Transportation are the two biggest factors that you have to face when you are moving here.
There are only about half a dozen American Schools within the greater London area, so if you’re set on staying American after your relocation, you may find that your choices of neighborhood are somewhat limited. Over the next few posts we’re going to delve into a number of independent American and International schools and what they can offer your family.
The American School in London. In existence since 1951, this is undoubtedly the biggest and best known American school. Fees range from £19,350 – £22,550 per year. It is located in the center of London close to St. John’s Wood, Regent’s Park and a short distance from Maida Vale. The American School offer tuition for children from the ages of 4 – 18. The school is run in the same way as an American school both academically, as well as socially and culturally. Classes are small, and for this reason you need to apply for a place as soon as you start planning your relocation.
The school offers an American High School Diploma as well as Advanced Placement courses for those intent on further study. They do not offer the IB at this moment. Just over 65% of teachers come from schools around the US, so there is a good mix of international and local exposure for children.
The school has scholars from 45 countries around the world making it a truly international school that is based on firm American principles. It is important to note that being an American citizen does not guarantee your child a place in the school. If you are living outside of central London, traveling to and from school can be a nightmare. The next admissions open house is being held on November 15 2011, from 8.45 am – 10.30 am. You will have to book a place to attend the open house tour of the school through [email protected].
Planning your relocation can be an education in itself. The most important aspect is that you get to share your adventure with your entire family.