Expat Community > England

Gables
Joined 2005
Posts: 2

London Bound...Please help

19 years ago

My employer wants me to relocate my family from Florida to London for a 2-3 year assignment. My wife and I are extrememly anxious yet nervous about the move. I have 3 kids all under the age of 7 and earn approx. 210K U.S. per year. I am in the process of negotiatiing my expat package and would like some advice.

First, what school should my kids attend? We've received several recommendations on the American School in London in St. John's Woods. What are your thoughts? Is it expensive? What is the approx. annual tuition? Are local English schools cheaper? Are they considered superior to American schools?

The second question concerns where we should live. By way of background, my wife and I would like to take advantage of everything that London has to offer i.e., parks, museums, theater, restaurants, etc. By the same token, we need to be close to our children's school. Also, my office will be located either in Uxbridge or some other community near Heathrow. What are your thoughts on living in either Kensington, Chelsea, or St. John's Woods? What can I expect to pay monthly for a 3 or 4 bedroom flat?

My third question concerns nannies and cleaning ladies. In Florida, it is quite common for a nanny, in addition to her duties with the children, to clean the house and prepare lunch and supper. Is this the practice in the U.K. or do you need to hire somebody to do the cleaning apart from the nanny? How much do nannies cost per week?

Lastly, I am prepared to negotiate a cost of living adjustment b/t the U.S. and London as well as appropriate tuition and housing allowances to cover my incremental costs. However, what other benfits or allowances should I request or look into? For example, is it common to require the employer to pay for x-number of trips back to the U.S. to visit family and friends?

You help is appreciated.

Cheers,

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