Relocation Support for Globally Mobile Families

Relocating to a new country is exciting but can be challenging. Simply Learning Tuition provides highly responsive and discreet relocation and education support for families. Our particular area of expertise is the UK schools system, but we feel confident that we can help families navigate most new education settings anywhere in the world with confidence and clarity.

SLT will put in place a personalised programme of support for your child. From identifying the right school or university to preparing for entrance assessments and managing the admissions process, our consultants work closely with your family to deliver a seamless experience.

Are you relocating with your family?

We are always happy to discuss your situation, answer questions, and explore whether our approach could be the right fit for your family.

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Trusted by Relocating Families

Helping families relocate for nearly 20 years, our education and relocation services are recognised by the Good Schools Guide, Relocate Global awards and the Spear’s 500. Families choose Simply Learning Tuition for our calm, strategic approach and our ability to deliver results in even the most complex circumstances.

Who We Support

We work with busy, globally mobile families who might be relocating or living between countries and want a trusted advisor to manage and deliver an exceptional education for their child.

– We have assisted families moving to or living between: the UK, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and the UAE, Ireland and USA

– We have helped students to gain places at leading worldwide schools and colleges including: Oxbridge and Imperial, Ivy League, European Universities including IE Madrid and Bocconi, top Swiss schools and leading UAE schools

– We work with the leading independent day schools in London such as St Paul’s Girls, St Paul’s, Westminster, Latymer Upper and Dulwich College plus hidden gems such as UCS, The Harrodian and Ibstock Place

– We also work with boarding schools across England, Scotland and Wales including Eton, Brighton College, Wycombe Abbey, Harrow, Radley, Winchester, Rugby, Tonbridge, UWC and Downe House

– We can manage school search and provide academic preparation at any age or stage, from 4+ to university as well as transition support

We regularly assist families relocating for work, investment or lifestyle reasons, including those managing multiple residences, international curricula or non-standard entry points.

We are skilled at managing families with multiple children who often require different schools and different entry points.

A Personal Programme, designed to fit your family

Every family we support receives a tailored relocation programme. Your dedicated consultant coordinates the process and brings together the right specialists – education consultants, tutors and trusted partners – so you benefit from one clear strategy and a well-managed journey.

Finding the perfect place

For families at an early stage, we create a carefully considered shortlist of suitable schools or universities. This is informed by your child’s academic profile, your values and aspirations, and realistic availability based on timing and entry points.

You may find our guide How to choose a school when relocating to the UK helpful as part of this process.

Full-service support for busy families 

For families who want a fully managed service, we oversee the entire placement journey. This includes assessment, school shortlisting, planning and attending visits, managing application documentation and guiding you through offers and acceptance.

This level of support is particularly valuable where timelines are tight or where applications fall outside standard entry points.

Personalised academic transition

A gentle academic assessment allows us to understand the current level your child is working to and identify the most appropriate preparation route. We then introduce specialist tutors to support entrance exams such as 11+, 13+, 16+ and UKiset where required.

We also advise on curriculum pathways including GCSE, IGCSE, Pre-U and IB and can provide preparatory or catch-up tuition to ensure your child transitions confidently into their new school.

We don’t just focus on the child’s attainment levels, however. SLT’s focus is never just academic, we want to support your child’s personal growth; our support is holistic and we are as concerned with their mental wellbeing and their long-term development as a young person as we are with their school grades.

You may wish to explore our Education Consultancy and Private Tutoring services alongside relocation support.

Supporting additional learning needs

We specialise in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

We are experts at placing children in schools that welcome a wide range of abilities and we don’t just have a circle of schools we always go to. We will always find and secure a place at the right school for your child, however complex their needs may be.

 

 

 

 

Going above and beyond

For nearly 20 years, we have been helping families relocate and have developed, tried and tested relationships with a range of service providers, ranging from property finders to professional movers, immigration lawyers, household staffing agents and concierge companies. Our expert and discreet network is available to all relocating clients.

Always discreet

All family engagements are handled confidentially. We are accustomed to working alongside private offices and advisors and can operate as part of an existing professional team.

How Our Relocation Service Works

1) Private consultation – We take time to understand your family, priorities and timelines.

2) Assessment and strategy – A clear, realistic plan is created, with key milestones and deadlines.

3) Shortlist and visits – Carefully selected schools and a practical visit schedule.

4) Preparation – Targeted tutoring and coaching aligned to admissions requirements.

5) Application management – Calm oversight through to offer and acceptance.

6) Transition support – Optional settling-in and pre-term tuition where needed.

 

Families value our ability to anticipate challenges and manage the process discreetly and efficiently.

Enquire about our Family Relocation Plan

Case Studies:

We regularly support families with complex profiles — multiple children, international schooling backgrounds, competitive entry points and accelerated timelines. Our experience allows us to deliver successful outcomes while maintaining a calm, supportive process for parents and children alike.

  • "Thanks to Simply Learning’s kind and attentive assistance, Ella has managed to secure a Year 8 chance space at Francis Holland."

    Mr B, Washington D.C., Senior School Placement

  • "It is all now achieved thanks to your continuous efforts and support and on behalf of the family and myself really appreciate it." SLT placed two brothers in a North London Prep School by identifying the family's needs and recommending the best school for them, then arranging online interviews and assessments for the boys (who lived in the Middle East).

    Eli, Family PA, Prep-School Placement

Useful Guides for Internationally Mobile Families

The following resources may also be helpful as you plan your move:

Begin Your UK Relocation with Confidence

If you are considering a move to the UK and want expert, discreet guidance tailored to your family, we would be delighted to help.

Arrange a Private Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When should I start the application process for a UK school admission?

    As early as possible, depending on the entry point. Simply Learning Tuition can advise on ‘occasional places’, for situations where your child enters the school year outside of the regular entry point. Some schools require families’ registration by a certain date, and these deadlines are inflexible.
    School prestige is a key factor in the challenge faced. The more prestigious the institution, the harder it will be to secure a place, and the earlier you should start your application process. To ensure you receive your desired outcome, you will want to have plenty of time to visit schools and tie in a property search.

  • Should I relocate first by location, or by school?

    For state schools governed by location, they need a house and proof of residency first. For independent schools, you can have more autonomy to choose the school first. Families often gravitate towards a certain area for work, or because of family connections. For others, relocation provides a blank slate for the family. Especially if the child is in full boarding – where they will only return home a couple of times a term and for holidays – it is important to consider where you would like your home to be.

  • How do I apply for a school place when moving to the UK?

    For independent (fee paying) schools, applicants should contact the school directly to learn more about their admissions requirements, and their advice for overseas applicants.

    For families who are applying to British independent schools from outside the UK, the typical application process comprises the following:
    1. Choose a school
    2. Apply and be offered a place
    3. Collect written confirmation from the school (called a CAS, or ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’)
    4. Complete visa application - including submission of documents and payment of fees
    5. Arrive in the UK
    - For a Child Student Visa, you can arrive in the UK up to 1 month before your course starts.
    - For a Student Visa, if your course lasts for 6 months or less, you can arrive up to one week prior to the start date. If longer than 6 months, you can arrive up to 1 month before the course begins.

    For state schools, you apply through your local council (even if you’re applying for schools in another council area or you’ve just moved to England). If you’re applying from another country, contact the local council in the area where you’re going to live.

  • Will I need a UK student visa?

    Unless you are a UK citizen, or have an immigration status that gives you ‘right of abode’, you must apply for a student visa.

    If you are between the ages of 4 and 17 and applying for an independent school, you will need to apply for the Child Student Visa. If you are aged 16 and over, and hoping to study a further or higher education course in the UK for at least 6 months, then you should apply for the Student Visa.

  • What is 'right of abode'?

    Having right of abode means you’re allowed to live or work in the UK without any immigration restrictions. This means you do not need a visa to enter the UK, and there is no restriction on how long you can stay in the country. If you are a British citizen, you automatically have right of abode in the UK. Certain Commonwealth citizens may also have this right.

    You can prove you have right of abode if you have a UK passport describing you as a British citizen, or a British subject with right of abode. Otherwise, you need to apply for a ‘certificate of entitlement’, which goes in your passport, and proves your right of abode in the UK.

  • How do I apply for a UK Child Student Visa?

    For children aged 4-17 studying at an independent school in the UK, the Child Student Visa application is completed online. It is not a requirement to use an immigration lawyer to apply for a Child Student Visa in the UK. However, many families do, to alleviate some of the worries which come with such an application, and to ensure as few mistakes arise as possible.

    The UK Child Student Visa criteria necessitates an applicant to:
    - have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school
    - be able to show that you’ll have access to enough money to support yourself in the UK and pay for your course
    - have the consent of your parent or guardian to study in the UK – you’ll need to prove this when you apply

    If a parent wants to accompany you, they’ll need to apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa.

  • How do I apply for a 16+ UK Student Visa?

    For children aged 16+ studying at a further or higher education institution in the UK, the Student Visa application is completed online. Whilst many students do find it reassuring to use an immigration lawyer to help them with their application, it is not a specific requirement.

    The UK Student Visa criteria necessitates an applicant to:
    - have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
    - have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
    - can speak, read, write and understand English
    - have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply.

  • What is a ‘CAS’?

    If foreign nationals resident outside the UK want to enter the UK to study at an independent school, which is a licensed student sponsor, they should contact the school directly. Children cannot enter to study at schools which are not licensed student sponsors. If the school accepts the application, it will send them a reference number, called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Parents will need a CAS before they can apply for their child’s visa. You must enter this reference number on your visa application, and you must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

  • What documents will I need to apply for a student visa?

    1. CAS Letter - CAS stands for ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’, and is provided by licensed student sponsor schools. If the school accepts a student’s application, they will send them a CAS number. Applicants then use this number on their VISA application.

    2. Proof of Funds - In order to successfully apply for a student visa, the Home Office requires that applicants prove their financial status; their ability to sustain themselves for the duration of their study in the UK. The minimum amount depends on whether the student will study in London or elsewhere in the UK.

    3. Proof that you meet the required education level – Students are required to prove their knowledge of English by:
    - Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
    - Or, by having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18.

    4. Meet the language requirements - As per the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), child students must have at least B1 level of English proficiency. Students studying undergraduate or graduate programs (or equivalent courses), must have a B2 level at minimum.

    5. Proof of identity - This includes:
    - a current passport or other valid travel documentation;
    - proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if under 18;
    - proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if under 18 (photos of you two together, etc.);
    - a copy of your birth certificate (or another government issued document) that shows the names of your parents.

    Applicants should note that certain documents may need to be certified with an apostille stamp. This certifies your public documents, to more easily allow other countries (such as the UK) to legally recognise them.

    6. Additional documents – For example, a valid passport (with at least an empty page in order to be able to affix a visa), and your previous passports.

  • Do boarding school students need a guardian?

    Guardians are your in loco parentis, and provide a very useful service for families who are very distant and perhaps speak little to no English. Guardians are helpful in situations where a parent is unable to live in the UK and, in case of emergencies, to act on behalf of the student’s parents. For Exeats or Half Terms where it is perhaps too far to travel, it can be nice for the student to have a familiar place to stay, for example with a family friend in the UK.

    The majority of leading British boarding schools require overseas students to have a guardian because of the National Minimum Standards for Boarding (NMS). Most schools are very capable however, and also have extensive safeguarding policies in place.