School places for Families moving from Hong Kong to the UK

Written By Sarah Teasdale

Over the last few months, we have been lucky enough to work with several Hong Kong based families embarking on a move to the UK and needing to find school places within the British state or private schooling sector for their children.

Unfortunately, there is evidence that some popular misconceptions are gaining traction in Hong Kong amongst families looking to make the move.

Googling the net to find reliable information on good private or state schooling in the UK can be difficult. Unfortunately, there is no one website offering clear facts around deadlines and application procedures for private schools, or guidance around navigating the state school application process in the contexts of the chosen location and residency laws.

In terms of State Schools for instance, the relevant authority will need to see evidence of a permanent address at which the family (including the children) is already living. The issues of catchment areas and deadlines are also confusing and may change depending on the rules of the local authority involved.

Applying to Independent/Private Schools here in the UK can also be confusing. All British Private Schools are academically selective, but some also have key deadlines for applications and given their popularity, negotiating the system with no prior knowledge can be tricky.

Thankfully, we understand the state system and we also work with some great private schools who are very welcoming to International Families and who when asked the right questions are prepared to offer school places if they have capacity.

Importantly, our Education Consultants also have a good understanding of how the International or Hong Kong grades will convert to the British education system and are able to advise and support you through the steps needed to secure a school place.

If you are thinking about making the move to the UK with young children and want to consider school placement support, we’ll be happy to explain our fixed cost services which are great value and help to reduce one of the biggest sources of stress (finding good school places!) when you make your move.

Sarah Teasdale
SARAH TEASDALE - LEAD CONSULTANT & MANAGING DIRECTOR

Introducing Sarah Teasdale, Lead Consultant, Managing Director and the powerhouse behind Educatus. Sarah started the company back in 2013 after going through the whirlwind of relocating across the globe with her three young daughters and facing the daunting task of finding the right schools for them abroad. Having personally experienced the ups and downs that can come with moving frequently - living in places like Ireland, Kenya, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and eventually returning to the UK, Sarah knows firsthand the mix of emotions that come with moving to a new country and helping children settle into a new school. At Educatus, she's all about ensuring a smoother and less daunting process for corporate clients, parents, and importantly their little ones.   

Sarah's journey into education began as a trained teacher in England, where she gained experience in both state and independent schools. Her teaching adventures extended then to Ireland and Bahrain, before her next move to Kenya where she established her own supply-teaching agency, catering to international schools in Nairobi. Her passion for education led her to work with the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the United Nation's Kenyan Office, providing guidance to families seeking quality schools in Kenya and East Africa. Afterwards, Sarah returned to the Middle East, where she contributed significantly to a project in the UAE focused on developing and implementing a new school curriculum in government schools.  

Upon returning to England, Sarah became part of a prominent relocation company, where she played a crucial role in establishing their in-house education consultancy. This role centered around assisting clients who were relocating families in and out of the UK.  

Given all her own experience, Sarah wanted to take the leap and in 2013 established her own education consulting company, Educatus. With her leadership, she handpicked an exceptional team of consultants based in the UK who share her dedication. Together, they are committed to providing outstanding support and guidance, making the transition smoother for families embarking on similar relocation journeys. 

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