Family-friendly areas in London near top schools

Moving to London to support your child’s education in one of the city’s prestigious educational institutions is a big step for most Japanese parents. From choosing the right neighbourhood to finding the right type and size of property, parents need to consider several factors. For most Japanese families, the goal is similar: a comfortable, practical and well-connected London base that works for both school life and the wider family

Here are some of London’s most family-friendly areas near top schools that consistently appeal to Japanese buyers. We also share insights on what to consider when buying a home in each of these neighbourhoods.

Acton - Community and convenience

Acton remains a top choice for Japanese families, largely due to its proximity to the Japanese School in London. Families with younger children often settle here first, then stay on as older siblings move into boarding school.

Among the best London neighbourhoods near the Japanese School in Acton, Acton itself offers the shortest commute, an established Japanese community, familiar shops and restaurants, and good transport links into central London.

Properties in this neighbourhood are a mix of Victorian terraces and modern apartment developments, making it a practical entry point for families new to the London market.

Ealing - Abundant green space and excellent schools

Known as the “Queen of the Suburbs”, Ealing is just a short distance from Acton in West London. It is also known for its abundance of parks and outdoor spaces. Walpole Park and Lammas Park are both popular with local families, and the area has strong transport links via the Elizabeth line.

Plenty of large family homes sit on beautiful tree-lined streets, keeping the Japanese School in Acton within easy reach. The wider Ealing area is also home to several respected schools, including Ada Lovelace High School, Ark Soane Academy and Fielding Primary School, making it a sought-after area for families. Families looking for new homes in Ealing can find completed, ready-to-move-in apartments at modern developments such as Dickens Yard and Filmworks. Both offer good security, with a concierge, and a selection of shops, restaurants and open spaces. Dickens Yard also provides quality residents' facilities, including a swimming pool, sauna and gym. Both developments also offer excellent connectivity to the West End and the City via nearby Ealing Broadway Station. New and well-managed properties are top choices for tenants, allowing investors and landlords in these developments to find a tenant quickly.

Hampstead and Highgate - Prestigious postcodes and open spaces

Hampstead in North West London and Highgate in North London are both sought-after neighbourhoods for affluent overseas property buyers. They are also famous for their tranquil village appeal, period Georgian townhouses and Victorian villas.

Proximity to Hampstead Heath is one of the main reasons families choose to settle here. With nearly 800 acres of grassy open space, children enjoy the outdoors, which includes many ponds along with dedicated spots for open water swimming and rich wildlife and biodiversity.

These areas also offer easy access to central London, along with a selection of established schools, including South Hampstead High School, University College School and Parliament Hill School, among others. The village-like surroundings further enhance their appeal to households seeking a well-connected yet family-friendly London neighbourhood.

Richmond - Riverside living

With Richmond Park nearby, Kew Gardens within the wider borough and the River Thames running through the area, Richmond offers a quiet and peaceful setting away from the bustle of Zones 1 and 2. Residents also enjoy relaxing riverside walks and cafes along the River Thames, making it an ideal town for families.

Preferred by residents seeking a slower, more suburban lifestyle, this South West London town is also well connected via the District Line and National Rail, with direct trains to Waterloo taking around 20 minutes. Well-known schools and universities, such as The Vineyard, Marshgate and Grey Court, along with Kingston University and St Mary’s University, further enhance Richmond’s educational appeal for parents.

What you should look for in a family home

For Japanese families establishing a London base while their child attends boarding school, the area, type and size of property matter as much as the surrounding neighbourhood. Buyers should try and prioritise the following:

• Location: The right area depends on your child’s school locations, as well as your budget and lifestyle needs. Explore our London area guides to learn more about different neighbourhoods.
• Sufficient space: Children get breaks during school holidays and long weekends, so a spare bedroom or flexible living space is very useful.
• Commute options: Having a Tube, Elizabeth line or railway station nearby makes getting around the city easy and convenient.
• Long-term flexibility: Many families buy with the option to rent the property out later, or keep it as a second home beyond the school years.

This is why 2–3 bedroom family homes are often particularly popular with Japanese buyers. They are large enough for a family and visiting relatives, but manageable to maintain from a distance when needed.

Spacious apartments in well-managed developments are also a good option, particularly for families who prefer a lower-maintenance lifestyle or need to split their time between Japan and the UK.

Getting it right with professional help

London property remains a favourite among Japanese buyers for several reasons, including lifestyle and long-term value growth. However, for a successful purchase to support your child’s education, you need to consider several factors, such as location, size, connectivity and future plans. As a buyer, you may also need to arrange a mortgage, check the developer’s reputation, understand the legal process and even organise furnishings and ongoing maintenance.

Working with a dedicated London property buying team who understands the needs of Japanese families can make the process considerably smoother, especially when coordinating a purchase around a child's school start date.

Read our detailed London property buying guide for Japanese buyers to learn more about the purchase process.