Education and Schools in London
London’s schools vary tremendously in conditions, facilities and the standard of education they offer. As a rule, the better schools tend to be in the more affluent areas. School days run from 9am to around 4pm weekdays. There are three terms with a week break between each, an additional two weeks at Easter and Christmas and eight weeks over summer. The school year begins in early September and concludes in July.There are two types of school: State schools are government run, follow the national curriculum, and can only be attended by pupils resident in the catchment area. Waiting-lists for the better institutions are long. Independent schools are privately run, charge high fees, and usually offer a superior standard of education. Research schools through the comprehensive www.schoolsnet.com
A third option, popular with expats, is the international schools. These offer the advantage of continuity with one’s home country curriculum (e.g. the American K-12), and familiar modes and languages of instructio0n.
International schools:
- International Community School: www.ics.uk.net
- Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle: www.lyceefrancais.org.uk
- The American School in London: www.asl.org
- The German School: www.dslondon.org.uk
