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Summary for: How expat families can prepare for international school admissions in PragueThere are few things more stressful for parents than the public school admissions process in Prague. Strict registration deadlines. Baffling cultural differences. A nail-biting wait period. Oh, and an entrance exam that will have you sweating like your kid is aiming for the Ivy League rather than high school...or the first grade.
Prague’s international school sector has grown steadily in recent years, with multiple institutions offering rolling admissions and English-language curricula. It’s a great option for many expat families, but flexibility does not mean simplicity. Admissions still require planning, timing, and a clear understanding of how schools assess each child.
Pavlína Dalíková, admissions manager at Perrott Hill British School Prague, has spent more than a decade guiding families through the school’s admissions process. We asked her to share insider advice on what expat parents can expect and how to prepare, helping families navigate the process with fewer surprises.
Don’t assume you can secure a place quickly
A frequent misconception is that securing a place at one of the city’s international schools will be quick and easy once you arrive. While places do open throughout the year as families move in and out of Prague, relying on that alone can be risky.
“For relocating families, it is advisable to begin the admissions process as early as possible,” Dalíková advises. “Based on our experience, we recommend that families begin exploring school options as early as the relocation stage.”
Pre-registration options can help families hold a place while final decisions are being made. “The key considerations are the student’s overall profile, the student’s motivation to learn, and the potential for strong cooperation between the family and the school to support the child,” Dalíková explains.
While places open throughout the year, availability is unpredictable and often limited. Contact schools early and consider pre-registration to secure options before you arrive.
You can apply mid-year…
Unlike Czech public schools, which follow fixed enrollment periods, international schools usually operate on rolling admissions. Perrott Hill welcomes students throughout the year.
“Each application is reviewed individually,” Dalíková says. “We understand that students often come from a wide range of academic and linguistic backgrounds.”
The school recognizes that many families relocate based on work assignments rather than academic calendars, which vary widely across countries. This provides families with more options for mid-year applications.
…but flexibility does not mean availability
Demand across Prague’s international school sector remains high, and some year groups fill faster than others. Transition years such as Year 2, Year 7, and Years 10/11 tend to be the most competitive.
Start researching and applying as soon as relocation is confirmed to avoid being pushed onto waiting lists. “Early enquiry allows families to engage with the school, understand its approach, and ensure the right fit for their child,” adds Dalíková.
Schools will review the whole child, not just grades
Applications at international schools are typically handled individually rather than through rigid intake rounds. Schools review recent reports, references, and, where relevant, English proficiency or additional learning needs.
The school also uses the CAT4, the fourth edition of the Cognitive Abilities Test, as part of its admissions process. “This widely recognized assessment evaluates a child’s reasoning skills across verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial domains, helping us understand their academic potential and inform the most suitable year placement,” Dalíková says.
Prepare reports, references, and your child for an interview or assessment to help secure the right placement from the start.
Placement starts with age, but goes beyond it
One of the biggest concerns for parents moving between countries is whether their child will end up in the “right” year group. Different education systems do not always align neatly.
Schools often try to meet the student, either in person or online. “The goal is not only to place the child at the correct academic level, but also to ensure they feel confident, supported, and able to integrate socially,” Dalíková emphasizes.
Language support is built into the system
With students from more than 50 nationalities, the admissions team understands that transitions within such diversity need to be highly individualized.
“Teachers work closely with each student to integrate language development into everyday learning,” she says. The school, which follows the English National Curriculum, “provides tailored support to help children develop their English skills quickly and confidently, while also ensuring they can access the wider curriculum.”
This includes a mix of small-group or one-to-one English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons, individualized classroom adjustments, and regular progress tracking. The aim is to help students stay on pace academically while building confidence in English through everyday learning.
“The support is always tailored to the child’s current level and aligned with their stage of education,” Dalíková adds.
At the same time, many international schools, including Perrott Hill, also offer opportunities to learn Czech. This can be a valuable way for children (and their families) to feel more connected to their new environment and navigate daily life more easily.
The level of language support directly affects how quickly your child adapts both academically and socially. Ask detailed questions about EAL support and classroom integration before choosing a school.
The bottom line
Admissions processes and availability can vary by school, particularly in terms of waiting lists and support structures. Even if your move to Prague is months away, the admissions process starts earlier than many families expect. Starting early gives you time to compare schools, prepare documents, and secure a place that fits your child, rather than settling under pressure once you arrive.
