Introduction
The UK remains a popular destination for families across Europe seeking English-language education, outstanding schools, and smooth routes into top universities. From France and Germany to Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands, thousands of EU students make the move to British boarding schools each year.
Since Brexit, there are a few extra steps to take, but the process is well supported and schools are used to guiding EU families through it. This guide walks you through all the essentials: applying for a visa, arranging healthcare, setting up a UK bank account, and placing your child in the right year group.
Visa Requirements: What’s Changed
EU nationals now require a Child Student visa to attend full-time school in the UK. It’s a straightforward online application, followed by a biometric appointment in your home country.
What you’ll need:
- Valid passport
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the UK school
- Parental consent letter
- Evidence of funds for fees and living expenses
- The visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (gov.uk lists the current amounts)
gov.uk says that if the application is successful, your child gets an eVisa, a digital record of their identity and immigration status. Physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer issued: gov.uk says all BRPs have now expired and been replaced by eVisas. We don't give visa advice. For your family's circumstances, speak to the school's admissions team or a regulated immigration adviser, and we can make the introduction.
Note: Some EU countries offer expedited visa appointments, so check timelines early, especially before peak summer travel.
Healthcare: NHS Access Included
When you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, your child becomes eligible for full access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their studies.
This includes:
- GP care
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency services
- Prescriptions (with small co-payments)
Most boarding schools also have a medical centre or school nurse on site, and many link with local GPs or dentists for routine care. Private insurance is optional but not essential.
UK Guardianship: Where Your Child Stays Outside Term
A UK-based guardian can support your child during holidays, weekends out, or emergencies. Under gov.uk's Child Student visa rules, your child must have a suitable place to live when not boarding. Its guidance lists the options: living with a parent who holds a Parent of a Child Student visa, staying with someone who is a British citizen or settled in the UK, or leaving the UK in the school holidays. If your child stays with someone other than a parent, gov.uk says that person must be a foster carer, a close relative or a nominated guardian, and a child can stay with a nominated guardian for up to 27 days in a row. Each school also has its own guardianship policy, so ask each school what it expects.
You can appoint a relative or friend living in the UK, or work with a professional guardianship agency. These services often include:
- Airport pickups and travel coordination
- Host family accommodation during breaks
- 24/7 emergency contact
- Parent-teacher meeting attendance
If your child will stay with a nominated guardian, gov.uk says the visa application must include a letter from that guardian; the school will tell you what it needs for its own records. Either way, confirm your arrangement before applying.
Find Out More about UK School Holidays
Managing Money: Simple Ways to Pay and Spend
Sending school fees and allowances from the EU is straightforward. Parents typically use international platforms like Wise or Revolut, which offer strong exchange rates and low transfer fees.
For everyday student banking:
- Children aged 11–15 can open youth accounts like HSBC MyMoney or NatWest Adapt, usually with a guardian co-signer
- Students aged 16–17 can open Monzo Teen or Starling Teen accounts using their passport and proof of immigration status (now an eVisa) once in the UK
These accounts are app-based, easy to manage, and work well for online payments and contactless spending.
Year Group Placement: EU to UK Comparison
Placement is based on age on 1 September of the academic year. Most UK schools are familiar with transitions from European systems and will help your child settle into the right year.
Rough alignment:
- Age 13 → Year 9 (pre-GCSE)
- Age 14 → Year 10 (start of GCSEs)
- Age 15 → Year 11 (GCSE exam year)
- Age 16 → Year 12 (start of A-Levels or IB)
Requirements often include:
- Two recent school reports (translated into English if needed)
- A teacher reference
- Entrance tests in English and Maths
- Interview (in person or online)
UK schools welcome students from a wide range of European curriculums, including British, IB, French, German and Dutch, so tailored academic support is usually in place.
Everyday Adjustments: What to Expect
Phones: EU roaming is no longer free in the UK with many providers. It’s often better to buy a local SIM (giffgaff, EE, Vodafone) with a UK data plan.
Travel: Students 16+ can buy a 16–25 Railcard for reduced train fares. Transport is reliable and well-connected.
Weather: The UK climate is milder than most of Europe: wet winters, mild summers. Bring layers, a waterproof coat, and school uniform basics.
Food & culture: UK schools are diverse and inclusive, with broad food options (vegetarian, halal, etc.) and a strong focus on student wellbeing.
Languages: English fluency helps, but many schools offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) support if needed.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to the UK from an EU country is very achievable with the right planning. Once your visa, guardian, healthcare, banking, and year placement are sorted, your child will be in a strong position to enjoy everything UK boarding schools have to offer: academic rigour, personal development, and lifelong friendships.
Need personalised help? Prestige Football Schools Admissions Support offers end-to-end guidance for families across Europe. Whether you’re applying from Paris, Madrid, Berlin or Brussels, we’re here to help every step of the way.