5 Important Things to Know Before Moving to the UK with Teens

Thinking about moving to UK from the USA with teens? Here’s what we wish we had known before moving abroad with our kids.

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1. Transitioning American Kids into the British School System

Navigating the UK school system can be one of the most challenging parts of moving to the UK with teens, but with the right preparation and research, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When we first began researching our move, we were warned by many that it would be “impossible” for our teens to transition to the British school system, primarily because UK students have to prepare for high-stakes exams that heavily influence their rest of their academic future.

This is a very different structure than what we were used to in the US, where students often have a bit more flexibility in choosing subjects and post-high school options. The key exams that everyone talks about are called GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education), which students take around age 16, and later, A-levels (Advanced Levels), typically taken at age 18 (see below).

These exams determine everything from university admissions to career pathways, so they are a big deal. If your teen is planning to enroll in a British school, understanding this system—and how it differs from what they’re used to—is an important step to a smooth transition. The pressure to succeed can be intense, but once you and your kids are familiar with the expectations, it will make the whole process a lot easier.

GCSE and A-Level Examinations

Because university costs are capped for UK residents, the competition to get into the best schools can be fierce! British kids start preparing for university when they are barely teens, deciding early what they will study for their GCSE exams and later, A-level exams.

At around age 16, British students take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), an academic qualification taken in Year 11. These exams determine where and what students can study in Years 12 and 13 (also known as college or sixth form).

During Years 12 and 13, students spend two years studying for Advanced Level qualifications (A-levels), which are necessary for university entry. (Keep in mind that “college” and “university” don’t mean the same thing in the UK as they do in the US.)

It’s hard to overstate how much time is spent preparing for these exams, and how stressful they can be for many families. With that in mind, it’s understandable why people warned me about the challenges of transitioning to school in the UK with teens.

However, it’s not impossible—in fact, we did it!

But your teen is transitioning to a UK school during this exam period, you’ll definitely want to spend some time preparing. A good place to start is by purchasing study guides (online or available on Amazon, although they will take time to arrive) that include the topics covered and practice exam questions. In fact, one of the best things that we did to prepare our teen to move to England was purchase a revision (study) guide for her year. She had a few months to look it over and felt much more prepared when she entered her new UK school.

You can also review the national curriculum on the UK Home Office website.

Remember, if you are finding the transition to UK schools overwhelming, there are American schools and online schools that cater to expat families. You can opt to homeschool, as we did for the last semester of our daughter’s senior year!

School Uniforms

If you’re wondering whether your teen will get to wear one of those iconic Harry Potter-esque uniforms, the answer is YES!

In the UK, school uniforms are a staple for children of all ages, and it’s a tradition that spans across most schools. The uniforms typically consist of a collared shirt, tie, blazer, and trousers or skirts, with different schools having specific colors and styles that represent their institution. This uniform tradition continues until Year 12, when students begin their college or sixth form education. At that point, the dress code becomes less formal, though many schools still have guidelines about appropriate attire.

While there is a shift towards more relaxed dress codes for older students, the emphasis on uniforms up until Year 12 reflects the UK’s focus on equality, discipline, and a sense of belonging among students. It’s also a way to minimize distractions and peer pressure related to clothing. Students often take pride in their uniforms, with school colors and logos creating a sense of identity and community.

2. School Sports

School sports in the UK are very different from what we’re used to in the US. In the US, sports are a huge part of school life, with everything from football to basketball to track being offered at most schools. In the UK, however, schools tend to offer far fewer organized sports, and they don’t play as central a role in student life.

This can be a big change for American families, especially if sports are a big part of your kids’ lives. However, the good news is that while school sports may be limited, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in local organized sports clubs. Many kids in the UK participate in community clubs where they can play football (American soccer), rugby, cricket, and other sports.

One thing that stood out to us was how many kids get involved in rowing. In fact, many rowing clubs offer options for all ages, including non-competitive options. If your kids love sports, it’s a great way to meet that need while also getting a chance to experience an important part of British culture. Netball teams and running clubs are also very popular!

So while school sports might not be as central to life in the UK, there are still tons of ways for teens to stay active and involved in sports. You may just need to look outside the school setting to find what you’re used to.

Physical Education in Primary and Secondary School

Another point worth mentioning is that British school kids play very different games at recess and in PE than American kids. When our daughter started school in the UK, she was caught off guard during her first PE class because she had never heard of rounders, a game that’s similar to baseball but with some key differences. She caught a bit of grief for being totally lost and not understand the basics of the game.

If I’d known ahead of time, I would have taken the opportunity to familiarize her with some of the common games played in the UK, like rounders, rugby, and netball. These games are a big part of school life, especially for younger kids, and it would have helped her feel more prepared and included. Another way to prepare your teens for moving to England is to look at the national curriculum for PE to see what they’ll be covering that year.

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3. Greater Independence

Goodbye carpool

One of the biggest perks of living in England, in my opinion, is the fact that you’ll likely spend far less time in your car! In the mornings and afternoons, you’ll see kids of all ages taking the train or bus to school. Between 3-4 pm, the streets fill with British school kids in their posh uniforms. On weekends, it’s common for kids to walk or use public transportation to meet up with friends. Americans who grew up in the 80s and 90s might feel they have stepped back time to the greater independence of their own childhoods.

It’s rare that I drive my kids anywhere anymore. When we moved to England, our older daughter had been driving for two years. Giving up her car felt like a sacrifice, at first. She loved the freedom of having a car, and she was understandably nervous about letting go of that independence. But after a while, she noticed that many Brits wait until their mid-twenties to start driving and she eventually grew to prefer the ease of public transportation.

There are a few reasons why Brits tend to wait longer to start driving compared to Americans. For one, getting a license in the UK is more complicated and expensive, requiring a theory test, driving lessons, and a practical exam. Public transportation is also very reliable and accessible in most parts of the UK, reducing the need for a car.

Additionally, car insurance is notoriously expensive for drivers under the age of 25, which makes owning a car less appealing for young people. On the flip side, young adults in the UK have access to railcards, offering 30%-50% off standard train fares, making trains a cost-effective and convenient alternative to driving.

Although Brits tend to drive later, their teens seem to enjoy a much higher level of independence at an earlier age. Our 14-year-old and her friends regularly take the bus to the coast or hop on the train to Scotland. Our older daughter starting going for long weekends to Italy with her uni friends at 17 (which of course, she loved).

That level of independence was definitely an adjustment for us, but it’s been fantastic for our kids. Back in the US, I would have been uneasy about my daughter walking to the bus stop alone in the early morning or hopping on a train to Italy with her friends. Here in England, though, it’s just part of the norm.

While I can’t definitively say whether the streets of England are any safer, I do know that strolling along cobbled streets, past charming gardens and centuries-old buildings, is an incredibly beneficial mentally and physically for anyone—kids included!

4. Teens and Drinking

Many Europeans find it surprising that Americans can’t legally drink until 21, which seems completely normal to us. However, some aspects of UK drinking culture might be just as eye-opening for Americans.

Legal Drinking Age

In the UK, as in most of Europe, there’s a much more relaxed approach to alcohol consumption, especially when it comes to what Americans would consider “underage drinking”. The legal age to purchase alcohol is 18, but when it comes to consuming alcohol at home or in private settings, the rules are much more flexible—and a bit more complicated.

The law on the Home Office website specifically states that it is illegal to give alcohol to children under the age of five! After that, things get a little more blurry. Children between the ages of 5 and 17 can legally drink at home with parental consent. In fact, in many parts of the UK, it’s perfectly normal for teens to drink alcohol responsibly in the company of their parents or at home. This is a stark contrast to the rules in the US, where drinking outside the home, even under parental supervision, could lead to fines or legal issues.

Drinking in Secondary School

n the US, strict laws govern the supply of alcohol to minors, and parents are legally responsible for their children’s actions while they’re under the influence. It’s a structure that can sometimes feel restrictive, but it’s designed to help protect teens and ensure responsible behavior.

In contrast, in the UK, children often start drinking at a much younger age. The average age for having their first full drink is around 13 or 14. This shift in culture can be a bit of a shock for American parents, as it’s not uncommon for teens to be given alcohol at family gatherings or parties, even when they’re still in their early teens.

When our younger teen started school in the UK at 14, right in the middle of Year 10, we noticed that many of her friends’ parents would buy alcohol for their teens during gatherings, which took us by surprise at first. Before long, we came to expect that alcohol would be present at almost every party our daughter attended—whether it was wine, beer, or a light mixed drink.

However, I wasn’t prepared for the moment she was offered alcohol at a party with our UK friends! While visiting close friends, a shot of vodka was unexpectedly placed in front of her at the dinner table. She didn’t like it and left most of it untouched, but when our hostess noticed, she quickly made her a mixed drink, hoping it would be more to her liking.

While this is all part of the cultural norm in the UK, it can catch you off guard as an American parent. Since it’s not a matter of if, but when your teens will be offered alcohol, it’s wise to have a conversation beforehand to establish a plan that everyone feels comfortable with. This open dialogue will help ensure that your teen feels empowered to make choices that everyone is comfortable with.

Drinking Culture at Uni

While drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is common across Europe, binge drinking is particularly widespread and problematic in the UK. On weekends, it’s not unusual to see groups of people on trains, chugging beers as they head to the city for a long weekend of partying.

When our daughter turned 18 and started university in England, we noticed that many school-led activities took place either at the student union (essentially a pub on campus) or nearby bars. “Freshers Week,” organized by universities to welcome first-year students, felt like one big week-long pub crawl. While we accepted that our daughter could legally drink, it was still strange for us to suddenly see her going to bars and clubs.

We had our concerns, but we made sure to have open conversations about staying safe. Most importantly, we discussed the risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption and how to make responsible choices.

For parents moving to the UK with teens who will be entering university, it’s important to set clear expectations about alcohol use while recognizing that the UK has different cultural norms around drinking.

5. Studying at University

University Fees for international students

If you are moving to the UK with teens, it’s never too soon to start thinking about university. Even though the competition for top spots at university can be fierce, many UK schools actually give preference to international students because they pay higher tuition fees. This is something to keep in mind as you plan your move.

When choosing where we would live, we specifically researched locations that had universities nearby with lower fees for international students. If your teen will be entering university within a few years of your arrival, and cost is a factor, this is a step you should definitely factor into your planning. It can make a huge difference when it comes to finding the right balance between affordability and proximity to good universities.

Because we had been living in the UK for less than three years when our daughter applied to university, she was considered an international student. Thankfully, this meant she wasn’t required to take the A-Level exams (a big relief for us!).

Qualifying for Resident Tuition

The cost of university is capped at under £10,000 per year for UK students who qualify for home fees. However, your child will need to have been an ordinary resident in the UK for at least three years before they can qualify for these home fee rates.

For international students, fees can be significantly higher and vary greatly depending on the university and the course of study. Keep this in mind as you research the specific universities your teen is considering, as the fee structure can differ quite a bit depending on the program. Tuition fees for international students can range from £10,000 to over £30,000 per year, particularly for specialized or high-demand courses.

Even if money is no object, it’s still worth considering what universities are in the area when choosing a place to settle in the UK. Proximity to higher education institutions can make a big difference in the long run, especially if your teens are likely to attend university in the UK after completing their secondary education.

If your children are joining you on a dependent visa rather than a student visa, they can remain on the visa after turning 18, but only if you are financially supporting them.

While moving from the US to the UK with teens can present some challenges—like adjusting to a new education system, culture, and lifestyle—it’s also an invaluable gift to them. At this stage in their lives, they are old enough to understand and appreciate the experience of living abroad, and it will likely become a defining part of their childhood memories. It’s a chance to broaden their horizons, learn new perspectives, and make lasting memories that will shape their future.

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Moving to from the US to the UK with teens has been one of the best experiences of our lives and we wouldn’t trade it for anything! Have questions? Drop them in the comments!