●London Schools Guide · American Families · 2026
London Schools for American Families
Moving to London from the US? This guide covers American curriculum schools, British state schools, the difference between UK and US grades, and what American parents need to know about the London school system.
Key Questions for American Parents
What year group will my child be in?
UK school years run differently to the US. A US 1st grader (age 6-7) is in Year 2 in England. A US 5th grader (age 10-11) is in Year 6. A US 9th grader (age 14-15) is in Year 10. The UK academic year runs September to July.
Do American children need to take the SAT or ACT in the UK?
British state schools and most independent schools follow the GCSE and A-Level curriculum. If your child will return to the US for university, an American or international curriculum school (offering the IB or AP courses) may be preferable. Several London independent schools offer AP courses alongside A-Levels.
What is an Ofsted rating?
Ofsted is the UK's school inspection body, equivalent to a state education board in the US. Schools are rated Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. Most London state schools are rated Good or Outstanding.
American-linked Schools in London
The American School in London
Westminster · US curriculum, K–12, fees ~£40,000/year
The British School of Washington (London campus)
Various · IB curriculum
About state schools
Many American families find that Outstanding-rated state schools — which are free — provide an excellent education comparable to fee-paying international schools. The British curriculum is rigorous, and GCSE/A-Level qualifications are widely recognised by US universities.
How the London School System Works
→State schools are free
All state schools in England are free to attend for children legally resident in the UK. This includes primary (ages 4–11) and secondary (ages 11–18) schools.
→Ofsted is the inspection body
Ofsted inspects state schools and rates them Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. Most London state schools are Good or Outstanding. Use ofsted.london to search any school by rating or borough.
→Admissions are through the local council
Apply for a school place through your local council's website. Primary places must be applied for by 15 January for September entry. Secondary places by 31 October. You can list up to six schools in preference order.
→Year groups run September to July
The UK school year runs from September to July. Children are placed in year groups by their date of birth. Year 1 is for children who turn 5 or 6 during the academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can American children attend London state schools?
Yes. Children who are legally resident in the UK are entitled to a free state school place regardless of nationality. The admissions process is the same as for UK children — apply through your local council by the deadline for your child's age group.
Will my child's US credits transfer to UK schools?
UK schools generally do not operate on a credit system. Your child will be placed in the year group appropriate to their age and will follow the national curriculum from that point. Credits are not directly transferable, but strong US school records may influence streaming decisions within a school.
Are there American curriculum schools in London?
The American School in London (ASL) in St John's Wood is the main full US-curriculum school, offering PK through Grade 12. It is a private school with fees around £40,000 per year. Some other international schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is widely recognised by US universities.
Search London schools by Ofsted rating →
Use ofsted.london to search all 3,195 London state schools by Ofsted rating, borough, phase and KS2 results. Free, no login required.