Admissions at British international schools: timeline, tests and documents
How applying to a British school abroad works: when to apply, entrance assessments, interviews, school reports and the documents you will need.
Admissions at British international schools are usually more flexible than in national systems, but popular schools fill up. Knowing the steps helps you plan the move.
Typical timeline for a September start
| When | What |
|---|---|
| September–November (year before) | Research, virtual or in-person visits, open days |
| October–January | Applications open; priority deadlines at popular schools |
| November–March | Assessments and interviews; first offers |
| February–April | Acceptance and deposit; waiting lists move |
| May–August | Mid-year movers and late applications, if places remain |
Families relocating at short notice should contact admissions directly. Many schools keep a few places for corporate and diplomatic transfers.
The application, step by step
- Enquiry and visit. Register interest and book a tour. Ask how many places are likely in your child’s year group.
- Application form and fee. Most schools charge a non-refundable application fee.
- Documents. Typically:
- passport or ID for the child and parents
- the last two years of school reports
- a confidential reference from the current school
- vaccination records, where the host country requires them
- assessments or reports for any special educational needs
- Assessment. Depending on age:
- Early Years: an informal play-based session
- Primary: reading, writing and maths tasks, sometimes CAT4
- Secondary: CAT4, English and maths papers, an interview
- Sixth Form: IGCSE/GCSE predicted or actual grades, subject-specific requirements for A-Level choices
- Offer and deposit. Offers are usually confirmed with a deposit and sometimes a one-off capital or enrolment fee.
Special educational needs and EAL
Be open about learning needs from the start. A school can only plan support it knows about, and hiding needs risks a placement that breaks down. Ask:
- What support is included in the fees, and what costs extra?
- Are there qualified SENCOs and EAL specialists?
- Does the school have experience with your child’s specific profile?
Getting the year group right
British schools place children by date of birth (age on 31 August), not by the year they reached in another system. Check our Key Stages and year groups table before you apply, and ask the school to confirm placement in writing.
Waiting lists
If your preferred school is full, ask where you stand on the list and how often places come up. In mobile expatriate communities, lists can move quickly over the summer. Accepting a place elsewhere while you wait is common, but check the deposit and notice terms first.
Frequently asked questions
Do British international schools accept students mid-year?
Most do, if there is space, because international families move year-round. Entry into exam years (Year 11 and Year 13) is often restricted because of course continuity.
What entrance tests do British schools abroad use?
Commonly the CAT4 cognitive abilities test, an English assessment, and a maths assessment, sometimes with an interview. Early Years entry is usually based on an informal play session.
Will my child be refused if they don't speak English?
It depends on age and school. Younger children are usually admitted with EAL support. From around Year 9 onwards many schools require a minimum level of English, because the child has to follow IGCSE courses.