London Schools and Childcare Guide

London is one of the biggest educational hubs in the world and also draws millions of people every year for business, tourism, work, and many other purposes. They naturally require information on childcare and schooling in the city. There is no dearth of childcare in London along with many reputed educational institutions as well. There are several kinds of facilities that parents can avail of in this regard. 

Childcare Services in London

Some of the top childcare services in the city include the following: 

1. Nannies

There are options to hire nannies for young children although a few legal obligations are necessary. These include work contracts with all details and declarations about employing a nanny, along with paying taxes and social security contributions. Registration as an employer is required with the Inland Revenue Service. The options include au-pair nannies, live-out nannies, live-in nannies, and others.

2. Childminders

These are nannies who look after children at their own premises, after Ofsted inspection and child first aid training. They should be insured and pay taxes. They should also have updated documents, and do not have legal restrictions on the number of children they can look after at home, since it varies based on the ages of the children. 

3. Crèches, Day Nurseries, and Nursery Schools

Day nurseries come with several options for childcare in London. They can take children from 3 months onwards and stay open throughout the year. They usually follow the Early Years Foundation Stage. Nursery schools take children from 2 ½ years onwards, with a view towards equipping them for primary schooling. The school year and timetable have years divided across three terms/semesters. 

Schools in London

There are several kinds of schools in London, including the following: 

1. Primary schools in London

These cater to children between 5-11 years of age including the key stage 1 and 2 under the London system of schooling. 

2. Secondary schools in London

They take children between 11-16 years of age, covering key stages 3 and 4 as per the educational system of the United Kingdom (UK). They prepare students for the GCSE. 

3. Further Education Options

These are for children over 16 who can take up two-year programs in their chosen subjects which they wish to pursue at colleges and universities. They can also choose vocational qualifications at this stage. 

There are several leading public and private schools along with reputed boarding schools in London as well. Some of the top names include the following: 

• EIFA International School London
• St Paul’s School
• St Paul’s Girls School
• Southbank International School
• King’s College School
• James Allen’s Girls’ School
• Westminster School

Some leading primary schools include the following: 

• St Joseph’s RC Primary School
• St Peter’s Catholic Primary School
• Thomas Jones Primary School
• Paxton Primary School 

Some leading secondary schools include the following: 

• Wilson’s School
• Queen Elizabeth’s School
• Henrietta Barnett School
• Holland Park School

London has one of the world’s most acclaimed educational systems along with several reputed public and private schools across the primary and secondary levels. It also has a good childcare framework as outlined above. Those coming to the city for work or leisure can take their pick from short-term rentals in London which are located strategically and offer several facilities for guests. They are ideal options for staying a few days or weeks in the city. 

In the guide, we have mentioned about the schools and their fees. The guide also contains tips for educating your child in the UK.