Schooling and childcare in London

How state admissions work

You apply through the borough council, not the school, listing up to six preferences on a single common application form. Places are allocated against each school's published oversubscription criteria — typically looked-after children, siblings, then distance — and offers land on national offer day in March for secondary and April for primary. Faith schools apply their own criteria and usually require a supplementary form and evidence of attendance.

• Secondary applications close around 31 October; primary around 15 January, for the following September.
• Arriving outside those windows means an in-year admission application to the borough, from whatever places remain.
• Ofsted reports and published performance tables are the standard reference points, and they drive local house prices.
• Distance is usually measured in a straight line from home to school; some boroughs use walking routes.

The independent sector

London's private schools are academically strong, heavily oversubscribed and expensive, with day fees at the top end running well into five figures a year before extras. Entry is by examination and interview at the classic points — 4+, 7+, 11+ and 13+ — and registration often closes a year or more before assessment. Some boroughs and neighbouring counties still run selective state grammar schools with their own separate 11+ tests.

• Register early; some schools close lists years ahead of entry.
• Expect assessment, interview and school reports; many use a common pre-test at 11.
• Budget for uniform, trips, lunches and a deposit on top of termly fees.

International and bilingual options

London has French, German, American, Japanese and IB-curriculum schools alongside the domestic sector, mostly in west and north-west London. They suit families on shorter postings or intending to return to a home system. Fees are comparable to the British independent sector and admission timelines are similarly early.

Nursery and childcare

Formal childcare in London is among the most expensive in Europe and full-time nursery for an under-two can rival rent. Government-funded hours are available to eligible families and the entitlement has been extended repeatedly in recent years, so check the current offer on GOV.UK rather than relying on what a friend paid. Popular nurseries maintain waiting lists measured in months.

• Options run from private day nurseries to childminders registered with Ofsted.
• Funded hours are claimed through the provider, but you must apply and get a code first.
• Ask about the difference between the funded hours and what the nursery actually charges — top-up fees are common.