Secondary schools for relocating families in the UK

Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most consequential decisions for families moving to the UK. Whether you need a state school with an outstanding sixth form or an independent school offering the IB alongside A-Levels, this directory covers a range of strong options across the UK.

Browse schools ↓
5
Featured schools
4
Nations covered
Free
Always free to use
Featured schools

Secondary schools across the UK

A selection of state and independent secondary schools welcoming internationally mobile families.

5 schools listed

No schools match your current filters. Clear all filters to see all schools.

London · Independent
Latymer Upper School

Highly regarded co-educational independent day school in Hammersmith, West London. Strong academic results at GCSE and A-Level, with an outstanding sixth form and a genuine commitment to diversity through its bursary programme.

Co-Ed · Ages 11–18A-LevelsWest LondonIndependent
Visit website
Kent · Independent
Sevenoaks School

One of the UK's leading independent schools, offering both A-Levels and the IB Diploma. Sevenoaks is particularly well suited to internationally mobile families given its large international community and strong IB programme.

Co-Ed · Ages 11–18IB & A-LevelsDay & BoardingKent
Visit website
Cambridge · State
Hills Road Sixth Form College

Consistently ranked among the top state sixth form colleges in the UK, with outstanding A-Level results and Oxbridge progression rates comparable to many independent schools. State-funded and free to attend.

Ages 16–18A-LevelsState-FundedCambridge
Visit website
Moray · Independent
Gordonstoun

One of Scotland's most distinctive independent boarding schools, renowned for its challenging outdoor education programme and international community. Offers A-Levels and Highers for ages 13–18, with strong university placement support.

Co-Ed · Ages 13–18BoardingScotlandOutdoor Education
Visit website
Manchester · Independent
Manchester Grammar School

One of the UK's leading independent day schools for boys, with exceptional academic results and a large means-tested bursary programme. A strong option for academically able boys relocating to Greater Manchester.

Boys · Ages 11–18A-LevelsManchesterBursaries Available
Visit website

More schools being added.
Apply for a listing →

Choosing a secondary school as a family moving to the UK

Secondary school selection in the UK is more complex than primary, partly because the choices made at this stage have a direct bearing on university entry. The main academic qualifications are GCSEs (taken at 16) and A-Levels (taken at 18), though some independent schools also offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma — a qualification that is well understood internationally and can be attractive to families who may move again before or during sixth form.

For families relocating mid-secondary school — particularly into Years 10 or 11 when GCSE courses are already underway — finding a school that can accommodate a pupil part-way through their GCSE programme requires careful planning. Independent schools tend to have more flexibility here, and some have experience managing curriculum transitions for internationally mobile pupils. State schools will place pupils in the nearest available school with a vacancy, which may not always be the most suitable academically.

Sixth form entry (Years 12 and 13, ages 16–18) is a separate admissions process from the main secondary school intake, and many state sixth form colleges and independent schools accept external applicants at this point. This can be a practical entry point for families arriving in the UK when a child is 15 or 16 — competition is less intense than at 11+ or 13+, and pupils start A-Levels or the IB on equal footing with their peers.

The 11+ examination, used to select pupils for grammar schools and many independent schools, is sat in Year 6 (age 10–11) and requires specific preparation. If your child is approaching this age and you are relocating to an area with grammar schools (such as Kent, Buckinghamshire or parts of Essex), understanding the 11+ process and timeline well in advance is strongly advised.

Category
Education
Sub-category
Secondary Schools
Regulated by
Ofsted / Education Scotland
Directory status
Accepting applications
Back to Education
Common questions

Secondary Schools — FAQs

GCSEs are the standard UK secondary qualification taken at age 16, covering typically 8–10 subjects. A-Levels are then taken at 18, usually in 3 subjects, and are the primary university entry qualification in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is an alternative to A-Levels taken at 16–18, covering 6 subjects across a broader range plus core components (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, CAS). The IB is internationally recognised and can be advantageous for families who may move again or want flexibility for international university applications.
Yes — grammar schools are state-funded and free to attend. They select pupils based on academic ability, assessed through the 11+ examination. Grammar schools exist in specific areas of England including Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and parts of Essex, Hertfordshire and the West Midlands. There are no grammar schools in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland (though Northern Ireland has a similar selective system). Competition for places is intense and most pupils require specific preparation for the 11+.
Yes, though it requires more planning than primary-level entry. For state schools, the local authority will identify a school with a vacancy — which may not be in your preferred area. For independent schools, contact admissions directly; many will consider mid-year entry, particularly in Years 7–9. Years 10 and 11 (GCSE years) are more complex as pupils are mid-course, though some schools can accommodate this with careful timetabling. Sixth form entry (Year 12) is generally more straightforward as it is a separate admissions process.
Scottish secondary schools follow a different curriculum and qualification system from England. Pupils study for National 5 qualifications (broadly equivalent to GCSEs) in S4 (age 15–16), then Highers in S5 (age 16–17) — Highers are the primary university entry qualification in Scotland. Advanced Highers can be taken in S6 for students seeking additional challenge or applying to competitive universities. Most Scottish universities accept Highers for entry; English universities also accept them, though may require Advanced Highers for more competitive courses.
Yes — UK universities accept a wide range of international qualifications including the IB Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, European Baccalaureate, French Baccalauréat, German Abitur and many others. Each university publishes entry requirements for specific qualifications on their admissions pages. The IB is particularly well recognised and competitive IB scores are accepted by all Russell Group universities. If a student has completed part of a foreign secondary qualification before moving to the UK, a university admissions adviser can advise on equivalency.
For schools

List your secondary school

We help internationally mobile families find the right school from the moment they start planning their move. State and independent schools both welcome.

Apply for a listing →