Moving abroad with children brings one question that matters more than almost any other: where will they go to school? An international school can make the move far smoother, giving your child a familiar curriculum, teaching in English and classmates who know what it feels like to be new.
The right choice comes down to a handful of practical checks: curriculum, language support, fees, waiting lists and a proper visit. Work through them in order and the decision becomes much easier.
Key Takeaways
- Pick the curriculum first, because it shapes where your child can continue studying later
- Ask exactly how the school supports children who are still learning English or the local language
- Compare the full cost, including one-off fees, and apply early because popular year groups fill up
Start With the Curriculum
International schools usually follow one of a few well-known programmes.
The choice affects how easily your child can move again, or return home, without losing ground.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB runs from the Primary Years Programme through the Middle Years Programme to the IB Diploma for the last two years of secondary school.
It is taught in many countries, so it suits families who expect to move more than once.
The Diploma is widely recognised by universities.
British Curriculum
British schools follow the English National Curriculum, with IGCSE exams around age 16 and A levels after that.
This is a natural fit if you plan to return to the UK or your child already knows the system.
American Curriculum
American schools work toward a high school diploma, often with Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
They make sense for families heading back to the United States or aiming for American universities.
Some cities also have schools teaching a national curriculum such as French, German or Japanese, and bilingual local schools.
If you are staying long term, a local school can be a real option, especially for younger children who pick up a new language quickly.
Check the Language Support
Not every child arrives fluent in English.
Ask each school how it handles that.
Good questions to ask include:
- Is there a specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme, and is it included in the fees?
- How many hours a week does a new arrival spend in support classes?
- Does the school teach the local language, and from what age?
- Can my child keep up their home language through classes or clubs?
A school that answers clearly and gives examples is usually one that has done this many times before.
Compare the Real Costs
Fees vary enormously between countries and between schools in the same city.
Private international schools tend to be the most expensive.
In some countries there are also government-supported international schools that charge noticeably less.
When you compare, look beyond the yearly tuition figure.
Many schools add an application fee, an enrolment fee, a deposit and charges for things like transport, lunches, trips and uniforms.
Ask for the full list in writing.
It is also worth asking your employer what it covers.
Relocation packages sometimes include school fees, and in some countries the tax rules treat that support in a particular way.
Plan Around Waiting Lists and Deadlines
Popular schools can have waiting lists, especially for certain year groups.
Start looking as soon as the move is likely, even before dates are fixed.
Most schools will ask for:
- Recent school reports or transcripts
- A copy of your child’s passport
- Proof of your new address, or evidence that you are relocating
- Sometimes an entrance assessment or interview
Our guide on how to sign up for school covers the paperwork side in more detail.
Visit Before You Decide
A website only tells you so much.
Visit in person if you can, or book a video tour if you are still abroad.
Watch how teachers talk to the children, look at the work on the walls and ask to meet the head of the section your child will join.
Ask how the school welcomes new students during their first weeks, because that is when support matters most.
A Worked Example: Amsterdam
Amsterdam shows how these checks play out in one city.
Families there can choose between private international schools and Dutch International Schools, which receive government funding and usually charge lower fees.
The curricula on offer include the IB and British programmes, and several of the larger schools are in the neighbouring town of Amstelveen rather than the city itself.
Some year groups at some schools have waiting lists, so timing matters.
For school-by-school fees, curricula and locations, this overview of international schools in Amsterdam is a useful place to start your shortlist.
The same approach works anywhere: narrow the list by curriculum, then compare language support, total cost and the commute from the neighbourhoods you are considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start looking for an international school?
As soon as a move looks likely.
Applying early gives you the best chance of a place in a popular year group.
Is the IB better than a British or American curriculum?
No single programme is better for every child.
The best fit depends on where your family is likely to live next and where your child may want to study later.
Does my child need to speak English to join?
Not always.
Many international schools accept children who are still learning English and offer extra support.
Ask how much support is included.
Can a local school be a better choice?
For families staying for many years, and especially with younger children, a local school can help a child settle and learn the language.
It is worth comparing both routes.