Decoding School Application Processes: A Checklist for International Families

Relocating to the UK and applying to schools can feel like navigating a system without a map. Every school has its own process. Deadlines vary. And if you’re joining from abroad, the British education system may look completely unfamiliar.

At Enjoy Education, we help hundreds of families relocate to the UK every year. Whether you’re moving for work, returning home or choosing the UK school system for the first time, we know what to expect and how to support you through every stage.

This checklist is designed for international parents who want clarity, structure and peace of mind.

Your School Application Checklist for International Families:

1.  Confirm your child’s entry point

• Match your child’s age and current school year to the UK system.
• Common entry points are Year 7 (age 11) and Year 9 (age 13), though applications typically need to be made one to two years in advance.
• Some boarding schools assess children in Year 6 for deferred Year 9 entry.
• We offer guidance on entry routes for children aged 4 to 18.

2.  Build a strong school shortlist

Consider what type of environment will allow your child to thrive – not just academically, but socially and emotionally. Key questions to ask include:

• Academic fit: Is your child happiest when stretched or supported? Do they need learning support or thrive in fast-paced settings?
• Curriculum: Are you looking for the British curriculum (GCSEs and A levels), the IB, or something more internationally transferable?
• Single-sex or co-educational: Does your child learn best in a mixed environment, or would they benefit from the structure and focus of single-sex education?
• Day or boarding: Are you relocating permanently, or will you remain internationally based? Full or weekly boarding can offer continuity and independence for older children.

Our Schools Advisory team can help you weigh these options in relation to your child’s strengths, personality and long-term goals.

5.  Know what the assessments involve

• Independent schools may use the ISEB Pre-Test, written exams or bespoke assessments.
• Grammar schools typically use GL or CEM papers, focusing on English, maths and reasoning.
• Almost all independent schools include interviews, online or in person.

We offer mock assessments and interview preparation, tailored to the schools you’re applying to. These are led by former Heads, private school teachers or specialist interview coaches who understand exactly what schools are looking for.

6.  Plan for interviews and visits

Most schools will want to meet your child as part of the admissions process. This could be:

• An Assessment Day
• A Taster Day (joining lessons and meeting current pupils)
• A one-to-one interview, either in person or online

If you’re unable to travel to the UK:

• We can liaise with schools to arrange remote assessments or interviews

For children who are nervous or adjusting to a new environment:

We may recommend introducing a relocation mentor to build confidence and offer consistent support during the transition.

7.  Support the whole relocation, not just the paperwork

• We provide relocation support in multiple languages: in-house we cover English, Russian, Gujarati and Hindi and our tutors can also support in languages ranging from French, Spanish, Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Italian… the list is endless! 
• Ask about academic mentors who can support your child socially and emotionally through big changes.
• For students with learning needs, we offer Learner Profile Assessments to ensure the right support is in place from day one. We can also offer specialist advice on schools geared up to your child’s unique learning needs. 

8.  Bridge the gap if needed

• If your family is in transition between schools, we offer short-term home-schooling programmes in the UK or abroad.
• These can follow the UK curriculum or be fully bespoke, supporting academics, travel, and cultural learning.