When should I apply for a Reception place?

In England, the national deadline is 15 January in the year your child is due to start. Applications open the previous autumn (usually September or October). In Wales the deadline is similar. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own council-run timelines — check with your local authority from summer the year before. Late applications are processed after all on-time ones, which significantly reduces your chances of getting a preferred school.

Can I delay my child’s start if they have a summer birthday?

In England, parents of summer-born children (1 April – 31 August) can request that their child starts Reception a full year later, joining their younger cohort. You must apply to the local authority and the decision is made case by case, but the DfE expects LAs to approve requests unless there is a strong reason not to. In Scotland, automatic deferral is available for children born in January or February. Wales and Northern Ireland have less formal deferral processes.

What does “school readiness” actually mean?

School readiness is not about academic skills. It means a child can: separate from their carer for the school day, use the toilet mostly independently, communicate their basic needs, put on their coat and shoes with minimal help, eat lunch without one-to-one support, and follow simple instructions in a group. Schools do not expect children to read, write, or do arithmetic — that is what Reception teaches.

Do children have to attend full-time from day one?

No. In England, children do not legally have to attend full-time until they reach compulsory school age (CSA), which is the start of the term after they turn 5. Until CSA, parents can choose part-time attendance or delay entry to later in the year — though you must accept the offered place to hold it. Most children attend full-time from September by choice, but it is your legal right to request part-time.

What happens if I don’t get my first-choice school?

You will be offered a place at the highest-ranked school on your list that can offer one. If none of your preferences can be met, the LA will allocate the nearest school with a vacancy. You can: (1) accept the offered place while joining waiting lists for preferred schools, (2) appeal the decision for any school that refused you, and (3) apply for in-year transfer later. Waiting lists must be ordered by the published admissions criteria, not by when you joined.

How does the 30 hours free childcare relate to Reception?

The 30 hours free childcare entitlement (for working parents of 3–4-year-olds) applies to nursery provision, not Reception. Once your child starts Reception, they are in full-time school and the 30-hour entitlement no longer applies. However, some families use it for nursery the year before Reception, which can help with school readiness. Breakfast clubs and after-school clubs are separate from the 30-hour offer and typically charged.

My child has SEND. What additional support should I expect?

If your child has an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), the plan should name the school and specify any support needed for transition. This might include extra settling-in visits, a dedicated key worker, sensory adjustments, or a reduced timetable. If your child has emerging needs but no EHCP, speak to the school SENCO before starting — they can plan reasonable adjustments. Schools have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, regardless of whether an EHCP is in place.

What should my child be able to do before starting Reception?

Focus on independence, not academics. Helpful skills include: using the toilet and washing hands, putting on and taking off their coat and shoes, eating a packed lunch or school dinner independently, knowing and responding to their own name, separating from their carer without prolonged distress, and following a simple two-step instruction (e.g., “put your bag down and come to the carpet”). Teachers do not expect reading, writing, or number work — they will teach all of that.

What is phased entry and how long does it last?

Phased entry (also called a staggered or soft start) means children attend for shorter periods in the first week or two, gradually building up to full days. A typical pattern might be: mornings only for the first three days, staying through lunch for two days, then full days from the second week. Some schools phase more slowly over two to three weeks. The details vary by school — ask during your visit. Schools cannot insist on phased entry if a parent wants full-time from day one (once CSA is reached).

Can I appeal if my child is refused a place?

Yes. You have the legal right to appeal for any school that refused your child a place. For infant classes (Reception, Year 1, Year 2), the infant class size limit of 30 applies, which makes appeals harder to win — you must show a mistake was made in applying the admissions criteria, the criteria are unlawful, or the decision was unreasonable. Appeals are heard by an independent panel and are free to make. Our guide on school admissions appeals covers the full process.

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Parent Guide

Reception Entry & School Readiness

Over 750,000 children start Reception each year across the UK — the single biggest transition of their young lives. Getting the application right, choosing the right school, and knowing what “school readiness” actually means can make the difference between a child who thrives and one who struggles. Here’s everything you need to know.

20–25 min readAll 4 UK nationsUpdated April 2026

Key facts

The national application deadline for Reception in England is 15 January — late applications go to the bottom of the pile
National Offer Day is 16 April; around 1 in 6 families do not get their first-choice school
"School readiness" means social and emotional confidence, not reading or writing — Reception is where formal learning begins
All 4 UK nations have different start ages and curricula: England/Wales (Reception, age 4–5), Scotland (P1, age 4.5–5.5), NI (Year 1, age 4)
Most schools use a phased entry over 1–2 weeks in September to help children settle gradually

750k+

Children start Reception in the UK each year

15 Jan

National application deadline (England)

1 in 6

Families don’t get their first-choice school

16 Apr

National Offer Day — when you find out

The Application Timeline

The Reception application process runs roughly 18 months from first research to first day. Missing the deadline is the single biggest mistake parents make — late applications are processed after all on-time ones, which dramatically reduces your chances.

Spring (Year Before)

Start researching schools. Attend open days and stay-and-play sessions.

September–October

Visit shortlisted schools during the school day. Talk to current parents.

November–December

Finalise your preferences. Rank up to 3–6 schools (varies by LA).

15 January

National application deadline (England). Late applications go to the bottom of the pile.

16 April

National Offer Day. You receive your school place by email or letter.

By mid-May

Accept or decline the offer. Request a place on the waiting list if needed.

June–July

Settling-in visits, transition sessions, and meeting the teacher.

September

Your child starts Reception. Most schools use a phased entry over 1–2 weeks.

Don’t miss the deadline

In 2025, over 12,000 families in England submitted late applications and were significantly less likely to receive any of their preferred schools. Set a calendar reminder for early January and submit well before the 15th.

Reception Application Timeline Checklist

Follow this timeline for a smooth Reception entry.

0/10

Choosing a School

Open days show you the school at its best. Visiting during a normal school day tells you what it’s really like. Do both if you can. Here’s what to look for and what to ask.

Environment

Are displays current and celebrating children’s work?
Is the outdoor area well-resourced and used daily?
Does the classroom feel calm, organised, and welcoming?

Teaching

How is phonics taught? (Most schools use a systematic synthetic phonics programme)
What does a typical Reception day look like?
How do they balance adult-led and child-initiated learning?

Pastoral

How do they handle separation anxiety in the first weeks?
What is the behaviour policy for 4-year-olds?
How do they communicate with parents day-to-day?

Practical

What is the settling-in/phased entry process?
Can children attend part-time if parents wish?
What wraparound care is available (breakfast club, after-school)?

Red flags to watch for

The head won’t let you visit during the school day. Staff seem stressed or disengaged. Children aren’t spoken to with warmth. The outdoor area is bare or unused. The school avoids answering questions about behaviour management. High staff turnover. Recent Ofsted downgrade with no clear improvement plan.

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4-Nation Differences

Starting school works differently in each UK nation. The age children begin, what they’re taught, and how you apply all vary. Here’s a breakdown.

England

Reception · Age 4–5

Children start Reception in the September after their 4th birthday
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum until end of Reception
National Curriculum begins formally in Year 1 (Key Stage 1)
Compulsory school age (CSA) is the term after a child turns 5 — parents can delay or request part-time until then
Summer-born children (April–August) can request to delay entry by a full year and start in Reception the following September

Wales

Reception · Age 4–5

Foundation Phase covers ages 3–7 (Nursery through Year 2) — more play-based than England
New Curriculum for Wales introduced from 2022: six Areas of Learning and Experience
Welsh-medium schools available in most LAs — children don’t need Welsh-speaking parents
Application timeline mirrors England (mid-January deadline, April offers)
Smaller class sizes in Foundation Phase: maximum 30 in Reception

Scotland

Primary 1 (P1) · Age 4.5–5.5

Children start P1 in August if they turn 5 between the preceding 1 March and the last day of February
Parents of children with birthdays from September to February can request early or deferred entry
Curriculum for Excellence: play-based Early Level continues through P1
No national application system — each council runs its own process
Placing requests (school choice) work differently from the English preference system

Northern Ireland

Year 1 · Age 4

Children start compulsory education at 4 — a full year younger than the rest of the UK
Foundation Stage covers Years 1–2 (ages 4–6), emphasising learning through play
Application deadline is usually mid-January, with offers in late April
Integrated, controlled, maintained, and Irish-medium school types each have separate processes
No catchment areas in law — admissions criteria set by each school’s Board of Governors

What “School Readiness” Actually Means

The phrase “school readiness” causes more parental anxiety than almost anything else. Let’s be clear: schools are ready for your child, not the other way around. Reception teachers are trained to meet children wherever they are developmentally. That said, a few basic skills make the transition smoother.

What actually helps

Using the toilet independently (accidents are fine)
Putting on and removing coat and shoes
Eating a meal without one-to-one help
Separating from a carer for a few hours
Following a simple two-step instruction
Communicating basic needs to an adult
Taking turns and playing alongside others

What schools will teach

Reading and phonics (from scratch)
Writing and letter formation
Counting, number recognition, simple addition
Sitting on a carpet for short group times
Following classroom routines
Handwriting grip and pencil control
Everything else in the EYFS curriculum

Readiness myths — debunked

“Children must be able to read before starting school”

No. Reception is where formal reading instruction begins. Phonics teaching starts from day one. Enjoying stories and recognising their own name is plenty.

“They need to be fully toilet-trained with no accidents”

Schools expect children to be toilet-trained, but accidents are normal and staff handle them sensitively. A spare set of clothes in their bag is standard.

“They should be able to sit still and concentrate for long periods”

Reception is designed for 4-year-olds. Learning happens through play, movement, and short focused activities — not hours at a desk.

“Summer-born children are always at a disadvantage”

Being younger in the year group is a factor but not a destiny. Good schools differentiate. Parents can also request delayed entry for summer-borns in England.

“Children who attended nursery are better prepared”

Nursery experience helps with social skills, but children who haven’t attended nursery catch up quickly. What matters most is feeling secure and supported.

30 Hours Free Childcare & Reception Entry

The 30 hours free childcare entitlement (for working parents of 3–4-year-olds in England) is a nursery benefit, not a school one. Once your child starts Reception, the 30-hour entitlement ends because they are in full-time education.

Before Reception

Use the 30 hours for nursery or pre-school the year before starting. This is often where children build the social and independence skills that ease the Reception transition.

During Reception

The entitlement no longer applies. However, the universal 15 hours for all 3–4-year-olds may still apply if your child is below CSA and attending part-time. Check with your LA.

Wraparound care

Breakfast clubs and after-school clubs are separate from the 30-hour offer and are usually charged. Some schools offer government-funded wraparound pilots — ask.

For more on before- and after-school options, see our wraparound care guide.

Settling In: The First Weeks

Most schools use phased entry — a gradual increase in hours over one to three weeks. This is normal and helps children adjust without being overwhelmed. Here’s what to expect.

Week 1

Short mornings (often 9am–11:30am). Meeting the teacher, learning routines, finding their peg and tray. Lots of play.

Week 2

Staying for lunch. Navigating the dinner hall, choosing food, eating independently. Afternoons may be added midweek.

Week 3

Full days for most children. Routines are established. Tiredness is normal — many children fall asleep by 6pm.

What’s normal in the first term

Tearful drop-offs (even after weeks of being fine). Extreme tiredness. Behavioural regression at home. Not wanting to talk about their day. Catching every cold going. Wet accidents. All completely normal and almost always resolve by half-term. If your child is still distressed after 4–6 weeks, speak to the teacher.

Part-Time Attendance Rights

In England, children do not have to attend school full-time until they reach compulsory school age (CSA) — the start of the term after their 5th birthday. Until then, parents have the legal right to request part-time attendance.

Autumn-born (Sep–Dec)

CSA reached in the spring term. You can request part-time for the autumn term.

Spring-born (Jan–Mar)

CSA reached in the summer term. Part-time option available for autumn and spring terms.

Summer-born (Apr–Aug)

CSA not reached until the following September. In theory, part-time for the entire Reception year — or delayed entry. Alternatively, request to start in Reception the following year.

Important: accept the place first

If you want part-time or delayed entry, you must still accept the offered place by the deadline. If you don’t, the place will be given away. Accept first, then discuss flexible arrangements with the school.

Practical Preparation

The things that actually make the first weeks easier are surprisingly simple.

Uniform

Buy one size up — they grow fast
Label absolutely everything (iron-on labels are quickest)
Velcro shoes, not laces — teachers will thank you
Supermarket uniform is identical quality at a fraction of the price
Buy at least 3–5 polo shirts and 2–3 trousers/skirts

Lunch & snacks

All Reception children in England get Universal Free School Meals
If packing lunch: practise opening containers, cartons, and wrappers at home
Schools often provide fruit at snack time — check
Label the lunchbox and water bottle clearly
Avoid nuts (most schools are nut-free)

The school run

Practise the route several times before September
Build in 10 extra minutes for the first few weeks
Establish a consistent goodbye routine
Have a backup plan for when you’re delayed
Check if the school offers a walking bus or park-and-stride

At home

Start the school bedtime routine 2 weeks before term starts
Practise getting dressed independently each morning
Read together every day (this is the single most impactful thing you can do)
Talk about school positively but honestly
Don’t over-prepare — workbooks and flashcards aren’t necessary

What If You Don’t Get Your First Choice?

Around 1 in 6 families don’t receive their first-preference school on National Offer Day. It’s disappointing, but you have options. Don’t panic — act quickly and strategically.

1. Accept the offered place

Always accept. It does not affect your right to appeal or join waiting lists. If you reject it, you lose your safety net.

2. Join waiting lists

Contact the LA to go on the waiting list for your preferred schools. Waiting lists must be ranked by the published admissions criteria — not by when you joined. Movement happens through the summer as families move or change plans.

3. Consider an appeal

You have the right to appeal for any school that refused you. For infant classes (Reception, Y1, Y2), the 30-pupil class size limit makes appeals harder but not impossible. You must show a mistake was made, the criteria are unlawful, or the decision was unreasonable.

4. Visit the offered school

Many parents who were initially disappointed end up happy with the school once they visit. Give it a chance. Your child’s experience depends more on the classroom teacher than the school name.

For detailed appeal guidance, see our school admissions appeals guide.

SEND Considerations at Reception Entry

Children with additional needs deserve a smooth start too. Whether your child has an EHCP, is being assessed, or you simply have concerns, here’s what to know.

If your child has an EHCP

The EHCP should name the school and specify transition support: extra visits, a key worker, sensory adjustments, a visual timetable, or a reduced timetable. The plan must be in place before your child starts. If it isn’t, escalate with the LA’s SEND team.

If you’re awaiting assessment

Tell the school SENCO about your concerns before September. They can put informal support in place (SEN Support) without an EHCP. This might include differentiated activities, a quiet space, or additional adult support during settling-in.

Delayed entry for SEND

Children with significant developmental delay may benefit from delayed entry. In England, this must be agreed with the LA. Medical or educational psychologist evidence strengthens the case. The child would start in Reception a year later, not skip straight to Year 1.

Specialist provision

If mainstream school isn’t appropriate, the EHCP process can name a special school or resource base. Start this conversation with the LA well before the application deadline — specialist places are limited and high-demand.

Your rights

Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must make reasonable adjustments for disabled children. They cannot refuse admission because of SEND. If you believe a school is discriminating, contact the school’s governors, the LA, or IPSEA for advice.

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Common Questions

Sources

This guide draws on the DfE School Admissions Code 2021, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, Curriculum for Wales guidance, Education Scotland Curriculum for Excellence documentation, the SEND Code of Practice 2015, and data from the DfE national offer day statistics. This guide is for general information only. Admissions policies, inspection frameworks, and school structures change regularly — always verify current details with the relevant school, local authority, or official body. Last reviewed April 2026.

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Parent Guide

Reception Entry & School Readiness

20–25 min readAll 4 UK nationsUpdated April 2026

Key facts

The national application deadline for Reception in England is 15 January — late applications go to the bottom of the pile
National Offer Day is 16 April; around 1 in 6 families do not get their first-choice school
"School readiness" means social and emotional confidence, not reading or writing — Reception is where formal learning begins
All 4 UK nations have different start ages and curricula: England/Wales (Reception, age 4–5), Scotland (P1, age 4.5–5.5), NI (Year 1, age 4)
Most schools use a phased entry over 1–2 weeks in September to help children settle gradually

750k+

Children start Reception in the UK each year

15 Jan

National application deadline (England)

1 in 6

Families don’t get their first-choice school

16 Apr

National Offer Day — when you find out

The Application Timeline

Spring (Year Before)

Start researching schools. Attend open days and stay-and-play sessions.

September–October

Visit shortlisted schools during the school day. Talk to current parents.

November–December

Finalise your preferences. Rank up to 3–6 schools (varies by LA).

15 January

National application deadline (England). Late applications go to the bottom of the pile.

16 April

National Offer Day. You receive your school place by email or letter.

By mid-May

Accept or decline the offer. Request a place on the waiting list if needed.

June–July

Settling-in visits, transition sessions, and meeting the teacher.

September

Your child starts Reception. Most schools use a phased entry over 1–2 weeks.

Don’t miss the deadline

Reception Application Timeline Checklist

Follow this timeline for a smooth Reception entry.

0/10

Choosing a School

Open days show you the school at its best. Visiting during a normal school day tells you what it’s really like. Do both if you can. Here’s what to look for and what to ask.

Environment

Are displays current and celebrating children’s work?
Is the outdoor area well-resourced and used daily?
Does the classroom feel calm, organised, and welcoming?

Teaching

How is phonics taught? (Most schools use a systematic synthetic phonics programme)
What does a typical Reception day look like?
How do they balance adult-led and child-initiated learning?

Pastoral

How do they handle separation anxiety in the first weeks?
What is the behaviour policy for 4-year-olds?
How do they communicate with parents day-to-day?

Practical

What is the settling-in/phased entry process?
Can children attend part-time if parents wish?
What wraparound care is available (breakfast club, after-school)?

Red flags to watch for

Search schools near you· Check catchment areas· Admissions predictions

Find the best-matched schools near you

Answer a few questions and we'll rank nearby schools by how well they fit.

4-Nation Differences

Starting school works differently in each UK nation. The age children begin, what they’re taught, and how you apply all vary. Here’s a breakdown.

England

Reception · Age 4–5

Children start Reception in the September after their 4th birthday
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum until end of Reception
National Curriculum begins formally in Year 1 (Key Stage 1)
Compulsory school age (CSA) is the term after a child turns 5 — parents can delay or request part-time until then
Summer-born children (April–August) can request to delay entry by a full year and start in Reception the following September

Wales

Reception · Age 4–5

Foundation Phase covers ages 3–7 (Nursery through Year 2) — more play-based than England
New Curriculum for Wales introduced from 2022: six Areas of Learning and Experience
Welsh-medium schools available in most LAs — children don’t need Welsh-speaking parents
Application timeline mirrors England (mid-January deadline, April offers)
Smaller class sizes in Foundation Phase: maximum 30 in Reception

Scotland

Primary 1 (P1) · Age 4.5–5.5

Children start P1 in August if they turn 5 between the preceding 1 March and the last day of February
Parents of children with birthdays from September to February can request early or deferred entry
Curriculum for Excellence: play-based Early Level continues through P1
No national application system — each council runs its own process
Placing requests (school choice) work differently from the English preference system

Northern Ireland

Year 1 · Age 4

Children start compulsory education at 4 — a full year younger than the rest of the UK
Foundation Stage covers Years 1–2 (ages 4–6), emphasising learning through play
Application deadline is usually mid-January, with offers in late April
Integrated, controlled, maintained, and Irish-medium school types each have separate processes
No catchment areas in law — admissions criteria set by each school’s Board of Governors

What “School Readiness” Actually Means

What actually helps

Using the toilet independently (accidents are fine)
Putting on and removing coat and shoes
Eating a meal without one-to-one help
Separating from a carer for a few hours
Following a simple two-step instruction
Communicating basic needs to an adult
Taking turns and playing alongside others

What schools will teach

Reading and phonics (from scratch)
Writing and letter formation
Counting, number recognition, simple addition
Sitting on a carpet for short group times
Following classroom routines
Handwriting grip and pencil control
Everything else in the EYFS curriculum

Readiness myths — debunked

“Children must be able to read before starting school”

No. Reception is where formal reading instruction begins. Phonics teaching starts from day one. Enjoying stories and recognising their own name is plenty.

“They need to be fully toilet-trained with no accidents”

Schools expect children to be toilet-trained, but accidents are normal and staff handle them sensitively. A spare set of clothes in their bag is standard.

“They should be able to sit still and concentrate for long periods”

Reception is designed for 4-year-olds. Learning happens through play, movement, and short focused activities — not hours at a desk.

“Summer-born children are always at a disadvantage”

Being younger in the year group is a factor but not a destiny. Good schools differentiate. Parents can also request delayed entry for summer-borns in England.

“Children who attended nursery are better prepared”

Nursery experience helps with social skills, but children who haven’t attended nursery catch up quickly. What matters most is feeling secure and supported.

30 Hours Free Childcare & Reception Entry

Before Reception

Use the 30 hours for nursery or pre-school the year before starting. This is often where children build the social and independence skills that ease the Reception transition.

During Reception

The entitlement no longer applies. However, the universal 15 hours for all 3–4-year-olds may still apply if your child is below CSA and attending part-time. Check with your LA.

Wraparound care

Breakfast clubs and after-school clubs are separate from the 30-hour offer and are usually charged. Some schools offer government-funded wraparound pilots — ask.

For more on before- and after-school options, see our wraparound care guide.

Settling In: The First Weeks

Most schools use phased entry — a gradual increase in hours over one to three weeks. This is normal and helps children adjust without being overwhelmed. Here’s what to expect.

Week 1

Short mornings (often 9am–11:30am). Meeting the teacher, learning routines, finding their peg and tray. Lots of play.

Week 2

Staying for lunch. Navigating the dinner hall, choosing food, eating independently. Afternoons may be added midweek.

Week 3

Full days for most children. Routines are established. Tiredness is normal — many children fall asleep by 6pm.

What’s normal in the first term

Part-Time Attendance Rights

Autumn-born (Sep–Dec)

CSA reached in the spring term. You can request part-time for the autumn term.

Spring-born (Jan–Mar)

CSA reached in the summer term. Part-time option available for autumn and spring terms.

Summer-born (Apr–Aug)

CSA not reached until the following September. In theory, part-time for the entire Reception year — or delayed entry. Alternatively, request to start in Reception the following year.

Important: accept the place first

Practical Preparation

The things that actually make the first weeks easier are surprisingly simple.

Uniform

Buy one size up — they grow fast
Label absolutely everything (iron-on labels are quickest)
Velcro shoes, not laces — teachers will thank you
Supermarket uniform is identical quality at a fraction of the price
Buy at least 3–5 polo shirts and 2–3 trousers/skirts

Lunch & snacks

All Reception children in England get Universal Free School Meals
If packing lunch: practise opening containers, cartons, and wrappers at home
Schools often provide fruit at snack time — check
Label the lunchbox and water bottle clearly
Avoid nuts (most schools are nut-free)

The school run

Practise the route several times before September
Build in 10 extra minutes for the first few weeks
Establish a consistent goodbye routine
Have a backup plan for when you’re delayed
Check if the school offers a walking bus or park-and-stride

At home

Start the school bedtime routine 2 weeks before term starts
Practise getting dressed independently each morning
Read together every day (this is the single most impactful thing you can do)
Talk about school positively but honestly
Don’t over-prepare — workbooks and flashcards aren’t necessary

What If You Don’t Get Your First Choice?

Around 1 in 6 families don’t receive their first-preference school on National Offer Day. It’s disappointing, but you have options. Don’t panic — act quickly and strategically.

1. Accept the offered place

Always accept. It does not affect your right to appeal or join waiting lists. If you reject it, you lose your safety net.

2. Join waiting lists

3. Consider an appeal

4. Visit the offered school

Many parents who were initially disappointed end up happy with the school once they visit. Give it a chance. Your child’s experience depends more on the classroom teacher than the school name.

For detailed appeal guidance, see our school admissions appeals guide.

SEND Considerations at Reception Entry

Children with additional needs deserve a smooth start too. Whether your child has an EHCP, is being assessed, or you simply have concerns, here’s what to know.

If your child has an EHCP

If you’re awaiting assessment

Delayed entry for SEND

Specialist provision

Your rights

School Atlas Pro

See real admissions data, last-distance-offered figures, and oversubscription patterns for every school — so you know which schools you’re likely to get in to before you apply.

View plans & pricing

Common Questions

Sources

Was this guide helpful?

Related guides

Catchment Areas & School Transport

How catchment areas work and your transport rights

Wraparound Care & Childcare

Breakfast clubs, after-school, and the funded hours

Key Stage Transitions

Every major school transition from nursery to university

School Admissions Appeals

How to appeal if you don’t get the school you want

SEND Rights & Processes

EHCPs, SEN Support, and your legal rights

How the UK School System Works

Key stages, inspections, and how it all fits together

Find the right school for your child’s first step

Search by postcode, check catchment boundaries, and see real admissions data for every primary school near you.

Search schools Browse all guides