Update: UK Schooling & COVID 19

16 Jun

If you are relocating to the UK with school aged children, here’s what is happening with our schools:

If you are hoping to relocate to the UK this summer, the good news is that slowly, things are now opening up. With lock-down easing in the UK, schools are gradually opening and businesses such as retail, realtors and estate agents are now up and running. Given this positive news, businesses and individuals are now feeling able to plan that all important job relocation.

Here at Educatus we would usually have started to work with families expected to relocate during the summer months as early as March or April, but the delay due to the lock-down has made that impossible of course. The great news is that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and are now starting to see new families relocating with their businesses to the UK with schools and councils preparing to be operational in September.

UK state schools have been closed for most pupils since the end of March, though they have remained open for children of ‘key workers’ throughout lock-down. Primary school children (4 -11 years) have now returned in certain year groups. For older children (11-18 years), in order to give examination year students some teacher contact before the holidays, secondary pupils have been offered staggered lessons in small groups. Some private schools have returned but many are continuing to teach remotely and getting prepared for the big re-opening in September..

Our consultants have been working with a number of ‘soon to be’ relocating parents at a distance and many of the UK private schools have helpfully offered virtual tours, and remote assessments for any potential new students. As a result some of the schools here have already managed to offer places to new students starting in September. The good news for these families is that they can now arrive at their leisure in the coming months, in order to clinch that all important family home before settling into their new international role here in the UK

Private and international schools are still open to working with us remotely and now is a good time for parents to get started on the search for a good school in their preferred location. We are encouraging families to get the process started so that they do not miss out on that all important good school, even if final decisions are made when they arrive and we get them into visit their preferred schools. Now is the time to get started!

State schools are now accepting ‘in-year’ applications, and we will be working with families who are arriving between now and September. The key for any state school application is around the residency of the child, and schools and councils are not relaxing any rules here in relation to families waiting to move into the UK. If you are looking to get your child into a state school for the new academic year, we would advise arriving as soon as you can to pin down your new home, so that you may then get your application in to your local council or school. This has been a little complicated this year, but our consultants are ready to help if needed.

In our opinion, the key to the success of any family move is around the smooth transition of the children into their new school. The businesses and relocation companies we work with understand how important it is to get this right, especially given the challenges of a global pandemic. As ever, our aim is to make the educational transition as smooth as it possibly can be during this time, and we look forward to helping wherever we can.

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.

Update: UK Schooling & COVID 19

Relocating families: Finding a school place in the UK during the pandemic.

Relocating to the UK? Read about your education options