London School Admissions

London is home to a diverse range of communities and continues to be an attractive proposition for both overseas visitors and those looking to settle there. As such, its educational provision is wide and includes the English public system (‘state schools’), English private schools and a small number of international schools. Each suits a different type of resident.

ISA-TOKYO CAN HELP

We have a lot of experience with schools both in London and further afield in the U.K. We know the admissions requirements and have supported many students in the application, assessment, and interview process. We would love to hear from you and show you how we can support your child through this sometimes-tricky process. Get in touch for an initial chat. 

SCHOOL CHOICE

For those who intend to be in London for the long-term, both the English public system and private system are viable options; however, it is worth noting that both tend to be oversubscribed. State schools will accept new students at any time of the year (if they have a place available) and entry requires only the completing of some forms. These schools follow the National Curriculum for England.

Admission to London’s private schools is far more rigorous, requiring the completion and provision of certain documentation, a formal academic assessment, and most commonly, an interview (student, and sometimes, parents). However, as London has so many highly regarded private schools which can be very academically selective and competitive, there are often long waiting lists for admission. In addition, the most well-known private schools, tend to do their main intakes at 4, 7, 11 and 13 years, and so getting admission at any other time is rare. London’s private schools tend to follow a combination of the National Curriculum for England and the Common Entrance syllabi (an advanced curriculum used by independent schools).

For those families who are intending to be in London for the short-term, or who have a more mobile lifestyle, there is a third option, international school. As London is an English-speaking country, there is not a vast choice when it comes to international schools (approximately 30, of which some are small, and only cater for certain year groups) and they are mainly centred around London. Most of these international schools, use the International Baccalaureate as their curriculum framework with many also using a particular country’s curriculum, such as the American School in London. Entry requirements are similar to that of the London private schools, and most require a certain level of English proficiency. They are classed as an independent school along with private schools and are therefore monitored by the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI).

For more information on studying and living in the United Kingdom, please visit Visas and Immigration.

ENTRY ASSESSMENT

STATE SCHOOL

State schools carry no formal entry assessments and are open to anyone who has the residence/visa status to apply.

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Private schools in London have major intakes of students at selected times. For those already living in the city who wish to join a school at 7 or 11, they must sit an entry assessment in December/January of their time in Year 2 or 6 respectively (Grade 1 or 5 of the American system). These are usually set by the individual schools although there is a consortium of girls’ schools who use their own standardised assessment for entry at 11.

For those choosing entry at 13, testing also begins in Year 6 for many students with the ISEB (Independent School Examination Board) pre-test. If successful in this initial assessment, they may go on to complete an assessment set by the individual school, and finally the formal 13+ exams published by the ISEB.

For those wishing to apply for an ‘occasional place’ out of these set times, they would be required to sit an assessment given by the particular school.

For students applying from overseas, the school will inform you of any requirements. They may require a student to undertake the UKiset, an independent school assessment for international students.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Most international schools will set their own admission assessment which can be taken at any time of the year, although some may use a published test such as the CAT4 test which assesses proficiency in four areas: verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial. Assessments can usually be taken remotely.

OPEN DAYS

We have included only a selection of the open days taking place. Please visit the admissions section of each school’s website for further information.