Guide

Choosing a school when you move abroad with young children

Finding a school is often the most stressful part of an international move. A few steps make it easier.

Start with the curriculum

Decide which curriculum makes sense for your family. If you expect to return home, a school that follows your home system can make the return easier. If you may move again, the IB or an English-language curriculum is widely available.

Then the city

School location shapes where you live, or the other way round. In large cities such as Tokyo, Singapore or London, pick an area with good transport to your shortlisted schools. Mark each shortlisted school on a map, then look at rents within a 30 to 40 minute school run. A city list such as the one for Kuala Lumpur shows how spread out the options can be.

Documents schools ask for

• School reports from the last two years.
• Passport and visa details.
• A birth certificate.
• Vaccination records, which some countries require for school entry.
• Any reports on learning needs, so the school can plan support.

Timing

Many international schools admit children at any time of year if they have space. Popular schools may have waiting lists, so apply as soon as your move is likely.

When places are tight

If your first choices are full, ask to join the waiting list and take a place elsewhere for now. Children often move between international schools in the same city.