Stories from our Global Community
What our international families say…
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Landmark community? Being a school where you can easily interact with the teachers or my kids with others kids (even if they go to upper classes), it's great. You really feel being part of a community.
What would you say to another international family considering Landmark? I think LIS is an excellent option if you are looking for a school with a high standard of teaching where students learn in a very welcoming environment, both with their classmates and with their teachers. The values of the school are very important, and the opportunity to study under the Baccalaureate methodology is crucial. It is especially valuable for non-English-speaking families who want their children to grow up in an international environment while still receiving a close and supportive education. I think it's important they attend the 'taster' day. Also take the opportunity to speak with the teachers, director....etc My final personal comment is that you shouldn’t be overly impressed by other schools that have spectacular facilities, beautiful school uniforms, or references from important people. It’s more important to value the closeness in the educational approach, the support from teachers and the community, and the overall quality of the education.
Kozakaya family
Home Country: Japan
January 2024-Present
Number of Children: 3
Students Entry Year(s): Years 3, 6, 9
Home language: Japanese
Why did your family move to the UK: Work relocation
What were you looking for in a school? Language support
Level of English when joining Landmark: Beginner
English Additional Language Lessons Required: Yes
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Landmark community? Our kids thoroughly enjoy the various activities organised by Landmark. In particular, the Forest School, learning about other religions, and the wide variety of school trips really get them excited. Being in an environment with students of various nationalities has certainly broadened their horizons.
What would you say to another international family considering Landmark? I would like to highlight the benefits of a small school, such as the ability to give individual attention to every student and the close relationship between teachers and parents. I imagine that sending your child to a school in a foreign country can be a source of anxiety for parents, but I would recommend asking the Landmark helpdesk about anything you’re unsure of. They will always provide a prompt and courteous response.
Bender family
Home Country: Portugal and Germany
January 2019-Present
Number of Children: 1
Students Entry Year(s): Year 1
What were you looking for in a school? A school that caters for Jensito's needs and is not a state school.
Level of English when joining Landmark: Beginner
English Additional Language Lessons Required: Yes
How has their level of English improved since joining Landmark? He is now in Year 8 and comes home with an A in English. His English is now better than mine.
What do you think your children enjoy most about being at Landmark? It would be too long to describe it all. But Landmark is home for Jensito. If it is for him he would sleep there. Our home only comes second.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Landmark community? It is like a family with excellent learning opportunities. The children are not only educated but prepared perfectly for life. My son enjoys school, enjoys learning, enjoys going to school and dislikes leaving at the end of the day. What school is like that?
Garzón Massafrets family
Home Country: Spain
September 2024-Present
Number of Children: 3
Students Entry Year(s): Years 1,4,7
Home language: Catalan
Why did your family move to the UK: Work relocation
What were you looking for in a school? We were looking for a school that would help our kids to introduce in the new environment (language, friends, teaching methodology...etc) and that they felt welcome and not as 'foreigners'.
Level of English when joining Landmark: Beginner
English Additional Language Lessons Required: Yes
How has their level of English improved since joining Landmark? A lot!! I think they speak quite good English!
What do you think your children enjoy most about being at Landmark? The 3 of them enjoys being in a 'small' school and feeling supported by all the teachers. That makes them feel more comfortable and with more confidence.
Arai Family
Home Country: Japan
January 2024-Present
What would you say to another international family considering Landmark? Come and join.
Zheng family
Home Country: Hong Kong
September 2023-Present
Number of Children: 1
Students Entry Year(s): Year 4
Home language: Mandarin and Cantonese
Why did your family move to the UK: International experiences
What were you looking for in a school? An English-speaking environment and and international atmosphere.
Level of English when joining Landmark: Beginner
English Additional Language Lessons Required: Yes
What made you choose Landmark? Firstly, after attending a taster day, my child really took to the school’s staff, students and learning environment; the school’s IB curriculum particularly appealed to him. Furthermore, the school’s educational philosophy and objectives align closely with our own, so we were confident in our decision to choose this school.
How did your child settle when he first joined? He settled in within a day or two, as all the teachers, students and staff at our school are incredibly warm and caring towards everyone; the atmosphere at school is cheerful, relaxed and welcoming. He has even asked if he can start school an hour earlier and stay on an hour later every day!
What do you think your child enjoys most about the school? He really enjoys exploring and researching topics with his teachers and classmates, as well as the school’s woodland and the range of activities on offer.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Landmark community? We are very fortunate to have found Landmark Community and to have become part of it. As a mother, I particularly appreciate the school’s IB programme and educational philosophy, but above all, I love the wonderful atmosphere of this international family, which has broadened our horizons in terms of culture, thinking and academics, amongst other things.
What would you say to another international family considering Landmark? Personally, I believe that Landmark Community’s educational philosophy and curriculum provide my child with a solid foundation, enabling him to face a diverse future with confidence and composure.
Landmark Community is also a very loving and warm extended family, where everyone is always smiling. It is here that my child has developed a love of learning and made progress in many areas. My child absolutely loves school and his classmates, which is something that never happened at his previous school.
Number of Children: 2
Students Entry Year(s): Years 4 and 6
Level of English when joining Landmark: Beginner
English Additional Language Lessons Required: Yes
How has their level of English improved since joining Landmark? They can now understand almost everything that is said in the classroom. They also no longer feel reluctant to communicate with their teachers and friends.
How did your child settle when he first joined? The kind support of the teachers and the friendly, helpful support of their friends.
What do you think your child enjoys most about the school? Their interactions with their great friends.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Landmark community? By taking part in various school events, we truly feel how much the children have grown.
What would you say to another international family considering Landmark? Landmark International School has a wonderful atmosphere, with friendly teachers and students, making it easy to settle in. We recommend visiting the school with your children at least once to get a feel for the atmosphere.