London at a Glance

Expat Info London: Schools and Shopping

London is a shopper's paradise: Foodies will especially enjoy its many markets!

Expats moving to London are often attracted by its cultural as well as professional diversity. You will be pleased to discover that it is also an exciting and accessible place to settle in. But before you get ready for moving to London, read our guide on accommodation, visa, education, and more.

Schooling for Expat Children

Despite its size, London is a fairly family-friendly city offering many educational opportunities and leisure activities. As an expatriate with children, you will inevitably face one very important decision, namely which school to choose.

Every child residing in the UK can attend a state school free of charge. All state schools are comprehensive schools and follow a nationwide curriculum. Standards, however, vary greatly depending on funding and the schools catchment area. Thus, it is advisable to attend an open day or arrange for a private visit before enrolling your child.

“Public” Schools

Some British parents who can afford to do so send their children to independent schools – often referred to as “public schools”. The quality of teaching tends to be higher and your child is more likely to meet other international students.

Admission criteria vary, and although these schools are technically open to everyone who can afford to pay the fees, places are, of course, restricted. The School Search website can help you to find a suitable independent school in your area.

International Schools

One category of independent schools catering specifically to the needs of expat children are International Schools. There are several of them in London, both in the center and on the outskirts of town.

They usually combine nursery, primary and secondary school under one roof, thus teaching children from the ages of 3 to 18. They often offer the International Baccalaureate as an alternative to traditional British A Levels.

The International School of London also runs a “mother tongue program” in several languages, particularly useful for younger children who still need to develop certain skills in their native language.

On the downside, competition for places is high, so make sure to apply in good time. Tuition fees can be as high as £ 10,000 per term, plus extra costs for school meals, school uniforms, music lessons, etc.

Availability of Goods

There is probably nothing you cannot buy in London. When it comes to purchasing groceries, big supermarket chains offer everything from meat, fresh fruit and vegetables to household appliances. Bigger branches also have special imported food sections for their foreign customers.

If you can´t find what you are looking for or have a craving for German sausages, Polish bread or French pâtés, try one of the many national delis or visit Borough Market in South East London. Most neighborhoods feature weekly farmer markets offering local produce. People on special dietary regimes (Halal, kosher, vegan, etc.) should be able to find what they need in one of the big supermarket chains, in whole foods shops or at a specialist butcher's.

Shopping

Supermarket shopping hours vary, but key opening times are from 9 am to 9 pm, on Sundays until 5 pm. Outside of normal shopping hours, there is always your local corner shop or off-license (allowed to sell alcohol), able to satisfy all your basic needs.

London´s biggest shopping streets are Oxford Street and Regent Street in the West End, boasting branches of all major (and minor) British and international retailers.

You´ll soon find, however, that what people say about London is true, namely that the capital is one big fusion of many little towns and villages. Every area has its very own High Street with food and fashion retailers, bookshops, pharmacies, hairdressers or restaurants.