Education

Contact your local authority (find at gov.uk/find-local-council) as soon as you have a UK address. For a September start, apply via the local authority's online admissions portal by January (primary) or October (secondary). For an immediate mid-year place, the local authority must find a place within 15 school days. Bring your child's passport, proof of UK address, and any school reports or educational records from your home country.

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are taken by all students at age 15–16 (Year 11) in typically 8–10 subjects. They are graded 1–9 (9 being highest). A-Levels (Advanced Level) are taken at 17–18 (Year 13) in 3 subjects, graded A*–E. A-Level results are the primary university admissions criterion. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is an alternative to A-Levels, taken at international schools, graded 1–45 points.

International (non-UK) students pay significantly higher tuition fees than UK students. Expect £22,000–£38,000 per year for most undergraduate courses; medical degrees can reach £50,000/year. Living costs are approximately £14,000–£20,000/year (higher in London). A 3-year degree therefore costs approximately £110,000–£170,000 in total. Some scholarships and bursaries are available — check individual university websites and the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programmes for funded options.

Yes. There are no immigration restrictions on which school your dependent child attends. International schools are open to all children whose parents can pay the fees (£15,000–£30,000/year) and who meet the admissions criteria. Many expat families choose international schools for curriculum continuity (especially IB Diploma), English-medium instruction, and smaller class sizes — though excellent state schools are a better value option if you can access them.

The Graduate visa allows international students who have completed a UK degree (bachelor's, master's, or PhD) to remain in the UK for 2 years (3 for PhD graduates) with full work rights — any employer, any job, any salary level. It is not extendable but can be used as a bridge to switch onto a Skilled Worker visa once you find a sponsored role. It is a significant advantage of UK university education and has driven a major increase in international student applications.