4 of the Best Countries for Children’s Education

If you're planning to move abroad, you'll be faced with more than your fair share of tricky decisions, but perhaps the most important of all is how your children will be educated. Along with healthcare, costs of living and quality of life, education is one of the primary considerations for expat families, which is no surprise. A child's education can shape his or her entire future, after all.

Public and private school systems can vary widely between different countries and even different states, so it’s important to know the facts. To help you explore your options, here are four of the world’s best countries for children’s education.  

Finland

Finland offers a high-quality, affordable education system for children of all backgrounds, which defies the traditions of test-driven education adopted by most Western countries. Its unorthodox approach to learning is just one of the reasons why Finland is considered one of the best countries in the world to raise a family. In a recent survey, 92% of expat parents voted Finland the top choice for education out of 41 countries around the world. Regarding costs, education is free from pre-primary to higher education levels, though children don’t usually start school until the age of 7.

United Kingdom

Despite undergoing times of change and political uncertainty, Britain continues to rank highly among the world’s best places to study. For one thing, the UK education system is flexible so that children can study in a way that suits their family's lifestyle and career aspirations. Public schools are free from the ages of 5-18, and the UK is home to some of the best private schools in the world. Akeley Wood School, Milton Keynes, is a prestigious private school that offers academic and creative scholarships for students of all background; you can book a private tour to see the school and even speak to the head for more information.

New Zealand

State school education in New Zealand is free for permanent residents between the ages of 5 and 19, and the education system itself is reflective of the unique and diverse society of the country as a whole. The culture is friendly, and the attitude toward expat children is positive and welcoming. New Zealand is a peaceful country, with an acceptance of different abilities, religious beliefs, income levels and ethnic groups, which is why it’s such a strong choice for expat families around the world. Many expats choose to buy a house in New Zealand, a process which is not difficult if you are assisted by a local lawyer specialized in real estate. 

Germany

Education in Germany is vastly different from what you see in the States. For one thing, the school day is shorter, with most children only attending in the mornings, so this is something to bear in mind if both parents plan on working. Another difference is that students at secondary level often get separated into different schools depending on their academic achievements and interests.

Students in Germany can also attend private boarding facilities for a fee, as well as international schools that teach languages such as English and French. One major attraction of education in Germany is that university degrees are free, unlike in the USA and UK. Another attraction for families is the reliable transport systems and high health and safety standards.