The United Kingdom (UK) has one of the best education systems in the world. With prestigious secondary schools and universities, it’s no wonder that over 500,000 international students choose to study in London every year. The school system may be different than that of those in other countries, so it’s important to understand its framework to get a better understanding of which options are best for each student’s circumstances.
There are five stages of the education system in the UK, spanning Early Years from the age of three, to Higher Education, which takes place at university and postgraduate levels.
Students here can attend public, private, independent, grammar, and state schools. While the terminology might sound foreign for those currently residing outside of the UK, public, private, and independent schools are both fee-paying with typically smaller classrooms. Well-known establishments such as Eton and Harrow come to mind for many. State or grammar schools, on the other hand, are funded by the government and offer high-quality education, albeit with larger classrooms.
Many private and public schools also have boarding facilities, attracting students from all over the world to come and study in the UK from a young age.
For international students attending university in the UK, buying London property to live in while studying offers an opportunity to invest for the future and have a place to live without needing to rent.
How are schools ranked?
Schools in the UK are rated by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted). Each school is rated on a 4-point scale – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, as well as leadership and management. The top schools are given either a ‘good’ or an ‘outstanding’ rating.
Students looking to apply for university in the UK can also review the Times Higher Education ranking to see which are the highest rated each year. Compared to many top universities in other countries, UK universities also have some of the highest percentages of international students enrolled in their institutions, providing a welcoming environment for all backgrounds.
Finding a home near the best schools
It may come as no surprise that London has some of the best schools and universities in the world. Known for its melting pot of culture, innovative business ventures, and world-class education, the city draws students from all over the world seeking top-notch courses and degrees annually.
As with any big city, finding the right accommodation that fits both the location that a student wants to reside in and a price tag that fits their budget can be a challenge. Investing in a property while studying overseas can be a great way to build equity in a home, instead of paying rent to a landlord. Barratt London has many developments within the city that are located within easy reach of the city’s best universities.
Here are Barratt London’s top picks of universities, schools, and where to buy flats in London near them.
Central London
The world renowned Imperial College London is the only university in the UK to focus entirely on science, engineering, medicine, and business. As such, those studying here will likely have a firm grasp on what they want to do after graduation.
Imperial College London has two campuses, one in White City and the other in South Kensington. The recently opened White City campus is near to the famous Westfield Shopping Centre and provides lifestyle benefits of studying that are second to none, as well as a location with easy transport connectivity to the rest of Central London.
Students attending Imperial College London’s other campus will spend their days in one of the most beautiful and exciting parts of London surrounded by world-famous museums, entertainment venues, shopping districts, and verdant parks.
Barratt London’s new Royal Gateway development in North Action is only a short journey away on the Central Line from the White City campus. The properties feature one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences. There will also be an on-site gym, lounge, and concierge, as well as communal and rooftop gardens.
For parents with children looking to attend primary or secondary school near to Royal Gateway, the Ark Acton Academy, West Acton Primary School, and North West London Independent Special School are rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
Recommended Developments - Royal Gateway
University College London (UCL) is the second largest university in the UK by tuition numbers and the largest in terms of postgraduate enrollment. It’s a leading research university and has had 30 Nobel laureates among its staff and alumni since its establishment. For those with a child thinking about studying here, investing in a London property nearby should be a top priority.
Wembley Park Gardens in Wembley is a great place to live, especially when commuting to UCL is a daily necessity. Buyers can take advantage of the strong growth and attractive property prices here as compared to other parts of London. Residences are available in one- and two-bedroom layouts.
There is no shortage of primary and secondary schools in this part of London. The best to consider include Elthorne Park High School, which was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, as well as Durdans Park Primary School and Acton Gardens Primary School, which were both rated ‘Good’.
Also within easy access to UCL’s main campus is Hayes Village. Thanks to the modern and efficient Elizabeth Line, residents can enjoy the parks and waterfront living in Hayes, while being able take the service directly to Tottenham Court Road in only five stops.
Hayes Village also has many great schools for pre-university students. In total there are 16 schools that were rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. These include the likes of Drayton Manor High School, Oaklands Primary School, and Oaklands Primary School, to name a few.
Recommended Developments - Hayes Village
For students that love the outdoors, but don’t want a long journey into Central London, Ridgeway Views offers a beautiful retreat that’s set within a conservation area with easy access on the Northern Line to UCL. It’s an ideal place to reside while studying for a degree. Residents will have access to all of the modern services and amenities expected of a Barratt London development, including a concierge, residents’ gym, restaurant, and bar. Flats come in one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts.
With a history of almost 200 years, King’s College London is one of the oldest universities in England and has one of the most international enrolments in the country, with students from over 150 countries. The school is well known for humanities, law, and the sciences. What many people don’t know is that research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones, and radar all came from King’s College London, as did the discovery of the structure of DNA.
The university has five campuses throughout London, including on the Strand, Waterloo, St. Thomas, Guy’s (which is near the Shard), and Denmark Hill.
For students looking for an easy commute to King’s College, Bermondsey Heights in South Bermondsey is easily accessible to Guy’s campus, which is just 20 minutes away via Southern trains. The development has one-, two- or three-bedroom flats, featuring open-plan layouts along with balconies or winter gardens, as well as landscaped courtyard gardens with cycle parking. The 26-storey building will have views across central London, and include a residents’ roof terrace. It sits at the heart of a wider regeneration project set to take shape in the next few years, with New Bermondsey overground station as its centrepiece.
One of the top social science universities in the world, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is high on the list of both local and international students alike. According to the Research Excellence Framework, which is undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies – Research England, the Scottish Funding Council, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland – LSE scored the highest percentage of world-leading research for any university in the United Kingdom.
LSE’s main campus is situated on Chancery Lane, making it one of the best places for studying in Central London. Due to its prime location, many of Barratt London’s developments are within easy commute of the university.
North London
With a history dating back to 1878 (originally called St Katharine’s College), Middlesex University London has grown to become one of the best ranked universities not only in London, but in the UK. THE Young Universities ranked the institution in the top five in the UK in 2023 and fifth in London for overall student positivity.
Like many universities in London, it’s a great place for students from all walks of life. In 2019, the university was the first in the UK to receive the UKIED award for inclusion, equality and diversity.
Barratt London’s Hendon Waterside, situated alongside the Welsh Harp Reservoir, is located just 10 minutes away from the Middlesex University London campus by bus. It’s also just 12 minutes from the popular student handout of Camden Town and a mere 24 minutes from Central London by train.
The development is at the heart of the area's £9.6 billion regeneration project and features one-, two-, and three-bedroom flats, landscaped communal gardens, and an on-site shop.
Near to Hendon Waterside are several primary and secondary schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Parents can consider enrolling their children in Parkfield Primary School and St. Mary’s and St. John’s CE Primary School. Popular secondary schools nearby include Hendon School and Barnet Hill Academy.
Recommended Developments - Hendon Waterside
South West London
In South West London, Kingston University was ranked in the top five universities in London last year according to the 2023 Guardian University Guide. Students who are planning on studying there should consider residing at Barratt London’s Sterling Place development. It’s situated approximately 30 minutes from the university via public transport.
Apartments come in one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, each with its own private outdoor space. On-site amenities are abundant, with a gym and yoga studio for health-conscious residents, as well as private podium gardens for those who want to enjoy some quality respite. Residents are also just a short walk from Motspur Park Station, where they can reach London Waterloo in a mere 24 minutes.
Nearby primary and secondary schools include Southfield Primary School which received an ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted and John Perryn Primary School which received a ‘Good’ rating.
Many students often choose to look for jobs in the UK after graduating university. Having a home to already live in provides a great base for post-university life in the UK. For those that decide to leave the UK after university, owning a London property can provide a good income stream should they choose to rent it out.
Interested in learning more about the range of homes to meet your school and university needs, enquire now.
