Compare the full first-year cost
Ask for tuition, registration, assessment, capital levy, technology fee, uniforms, books, transport and meals. A school with a lower tuition but a large compulsory capital levy can be more expensive.
Check the curriculum and the seat
British, American, IB and local curricula are not interchangeable. A seat in a popular year group may require a waitlist deposit or an assessment. Confirm the exact grade and campus.
Ask about annual increases
A fee schedule that rises every year changes a multi-year budget. Ask for the last three years of increases and whether the school gives notice.
VAT and payment terms matter
Some fees are subject to VAT and some are not. Ask whether the quoted amount includes tax, and whether paying annually earns a discount.
Do not compare a nursery with a school
A full-day nursery fee is not primary tuition. Keep the age group, hours and term dates aligned before comparing two numbers.