For primary (Reception entry), apply by mid-January for a September start. For secondary (Year 7), apply by 31 October. National offer days are 16 April (primary) and 1 March (secondary). Check your local authority for exact dates.

How many schools can I list?

In England, most local authorities let you list 3–6 schools in order of preference. In London, you can typically list 6. List as many as allowed — there is no penalty for listing a school as a lower preference.

What are oversubscription criteria?

When a school has more applicants than places, it uses criteria to decide who gets in. Common criteria (in priority order): looked-after children, siblings, distance from school, faith (for faith schools), and feeder schools.

What is a catchment area?

Most state schools give priority to children living nearby. The "last distance offered" shows the furthest distance a place was offered in the previous year. This varies each year and is not a guaranteed boundary.

Can I appeal if my child doesn’t get a place?

Yes. Every family has the right to appeal for any school that rejected their application. Appeals are heard by an independent panel. For infant classes (Reception–Year 2), the law limits classes to 30 pupils.

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children with special educational needs. It describes the child’s needs and the support they should receive. An EHCP is required for admission to most special schools.

Is school free in the UK?

State schools are free for all children aged 5–18, regardless of nationality or immigration status. Independent (private) schools charge fees, typically £3,000–£15,000 per term.

At what age do children start school?

Children must be in full-time education by the start of the term after they turn 5. Most children start Reception at age 4. In Scotland, children start Primary 1 at age 4–5.

Can I choose any school?

You can express a preference for any state school, but places are not guaranteed. If a school is oversubscribed, it uses admissions criteria (usually distance-based) to decide who gets in.

What if we arrive mid-year?

Contact your local authority for an in-year admission. They will help you find a school with available places. Schools cannot refuse a child if they have space, except grammar and faith schools with specific criteria.

Do I need to speak English?

Schools welcome children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and provide support. Your child will be placed in the appropriate year group by age, not by English ability.

What is the school day like?

Most schools run from around 8:45am to 3:15pm (primary) or 3:30pm (secondary). Many schools offer breakfast clubs from 7:30am and after-school activities until 5–6pm.

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Parent Guide

How the UK School System Works

The UK doesn’t have one school system — it has four. Different year-group numbering, different exams, different inspectorates, different admissions rules. This guide maps all of it in one place, so you know what applies where and what to ask for.

Last reviewed April 2026AI-drafted, human-reviewed

Key facts

The UK runs four separate education systems — England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each have different curricula, exams, and inspectorates.
State schools are free for all children aged 5–18, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
England’s system is divided into 6 key stages from Early Years (age 0–5) to KS5 (age 16–18), with GCSEs at 16 and A-levels at 18.
Ofsted scrapped single-word headline grades in September 2024, replacing them with multi-area "Report Cards" (launched November 2025) using a new five-point scale.
School admissions are coordinated by local authorities — apply by mid-January (primary) or 31 October (secondary) for a September start.

Key Stages & Ages

The UK school system is divided into key stages, each covering specific age groups and year groups. This structure applies to England — Scotland and Wales have variations (see below).

Early Years

Ages 0–5Nursery – Reception

Play-based learning in nurseries and reception classes. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework covers communication, maths, and physical development.

Key Stage 1

Ages 5–7Year 1 – Year 2

Children learn to read, write, and do basic maths. Assessed through teacher assessment at the end of Year 2 (SATs were removed in 2023).

Key Stage 2

Ages 7–11Year 3 – Year 6

Broader curriculum including science, history, and languages. Year 6 pupils sit SATs tests in reading, maths, and grammar. Results are reported as scaled scores.

Key Stage 3

Ages 11–14Year 7 – Year 9

The first three years of secondary school. Students study a broad curriculum before choosing GCSE options.

Key Stage 4

Ages 14–16Year 10 – Year 11

GCSE years. Most students take 8–10 subjects including compulsory English and Maths. Graded 9–1 (9 is highest). Key measures: Attainment 8 and Progress 8.

Key Stage 5

Ages 16–18Year 12 – Year 13

Sixth form or college. Most students take 3 A-levels (graded A*–E) or vocational qualifications like BTECs or T-levels.

Types of Schools

The UK has several types of schools. Most children attend state-funded schools, which are free. Independent (private) schools charge fees.

Community Schools

Run by the local authority. Free to attend. Follow the national curriculum. Admissions managed by the council.

Academies

Government-funded but run independently by academy trusts. Free to attend. Have more freedom over curriculum and term dates.

Free Schools

Set up by parents, teachers, or charities. Funded by the government but run independently. Free to attend.

Grammar Schools

Selective state schools that admit based on the 11-plus exam. Free to attend. Found mainly in certain areas of England.

Faith Schools

Can be state or private. May give priority to families of a particular religion in admissions. Follow the national curriculum.

Independent (Private)

Charge fees (typically £3,000–£15,000+ per term). Set their own curriculum and admissions. Inspected by ISI rather than Ofsted.

Special Schools

Cater for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). May be state-funded or independent. Require an EHCP for admission.

How Admissions Work

State school admissions in England are coordinated by your local authority. You apply through your council's website, listing schools in order of preference.

Key dates for England

Primary (Reception)

Apply by: mid-January

Offers: 16 April

Secondary (Year 7)

Apply by: 31 October

Offers: 1 March

Inspections & Ratings

Schools in the UK are regularly inspected by independent bodies. The inspectorate depends on which country the school is in and whether it is state or independent.

Ofsted (England)

From September 2024, Ofsted scrapped single-word headline grades. Full “Report Cards” launched in November 2025, grading schools across areas including achievement, attendance and behaviour, personal development and wellbeing, and inclusion. Each area receives a separate grade on a new five-point scale:

ExceptionalStrong StandardExpected StandardNeeds AttentionUrgent Improvement

Safeguarding is assessed separately as “met” or “not met”. Schools inspected before November 2025 have legacy ratings: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate.

Other Inspectorates

ISI

Inspects independent schools in England. Since September 2023, ISI reports whether standards are “met” or “not met” (the old grading scale was abolished).

Estyn

Inspects all schools in Wales. Uses a narrative-based approach.

Education Scotland

Inspects Scottish schools. Uses a 6-point scale from Excellent to Unsatisfactory.

Find schools near you

Enter your postcode to browse schools in your area with inspection grades, admissions data, and more.

Search results open with filters matching this guide

Differences Across the UK

Education is devolved — each UK nation runs its own system. Key differences include the curriculum, qualifications, and inspection bodies.

England

Inspectorate: Ofsted

Curriculum: National Curriculum (or academy freedom)

Key exams: SATs (Year 6), GCSEs (Year 11), A-levels (Year 13)

Largest system with ~24,000 schools. Admissions are coordinated by local authorities with national offer days.

Wales

Inspectorate: Estyn

Curriculum: Curriculum for Wales (new since 2022)

Key exams: No SATs. GCSEs from WJEC. Welsh Baccalaureate available.

Welsh-medium schools teach through the Welsh language. The new curriculum is organised around Areas of Learning and Experience.

Scotland

Inspectorate: Education Scotland

Curriculum: Curriculum for Excellence (CfE)

Key exams: National 5 (≈ GCSE), Highers (≈ A-level), Advanced Highers

Different structure: primary (P1–P7), secondary (S1–S6). Children start school at 4–5. Qualifications are set by SQA.

Northern Ireland

Inspectorate: ETI (Education and Training Inspectorate)

Curriculum: Northern Ireland Curriculum

Key exams: Transfer test (similar to 11-plus), GCSEs, A-levels

Retains academic selection at age 11. Grammar schools are common. Many faith-based schools (Catholic maintained and controlled).

Common Questions

Sources

This guide draws on the Education Act 2002, the Academies Act 2010, the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, DfE statutory guidance on school types and governance, the Curriculum for Wales framework, Education Scotland Curriculum for Excellence documentation, and the Education Authority (NI) framework. 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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Education glossary·Admissions calendar·Appeals guide

Parent Guide

How the UK School System Works

Last reviewed April 2026AI-drafted, human-reviewed

Key facts

The UK runs four separate education systems — England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each have different curricula, exams, and inspectorates.
State schools are free for all children aged 5–18, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
England’s system is divided into 6 key stages from Early Years (age 0–5) to KS5 (age 16–18), with GCSEs at 16 and A-levels at 18.
Ofsted scrapped single-word headline grades in September 2024, replacing them with multi-area "Report Cards" (launched November 2025) using a new five-point scale.
School admissions are coordinated by local authorities — apply by mid-January (primary) or 31 October (secondary) for a September start.

Key Stages & Ages

The UK school system is divided into key stages, each covering specific age groups and year groups. This structure applies to England — Scotland and Wales have variations (see below).

Early Years

Ages 0–5Nursery – Reception

Play-based learning in nurseries and reception classes. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework covers communication, maths, and physical development.

Key Stage 1

Ages 5–7Year 1 – Year 2

Children learn to read, write, and do basic maths. Assessed through teacher assessment at the end of Year 2 (SATs were removed in 2023).

Key Stage 2

Ages 7–11Year 3 – Year 6

Broader curriculum including science, history, and languages. Year 6 pupils sit SATs tests in reading, maths, and grammar. Results are reported as scaled scores.

Key Stage 3

Ages 11–14Year 7 – Year 9

The first three years of secondary school. Students study a broad curriculum before choosing GCSE options.

Key Stage 4

Ages 14–16Year 10 – Year 11

GCSE years. Most students take 8–10 subjects including compulsory English and Maths. Graded 9–1 (9 is highest). Key measures: Attainment 8 and Progress 8.

Key Stage 5

Ages 16–18Year 12 – Year 13

Sixth form or college. Most students take 3 A-levels (graded A*–E) or vocational qualifications like BTECs or T-levels.

Types of Schools

The UK has several types of schools. Most children attend state-funded schools, which are free. Independent (private) schools charge fees.

Community Schools

Run by the local authority. Free to attend. Follow the national curriculum. Admissions managed by the council.

Academies

Government-funded but run independently by academy trusts. Free to attend. Have more freedom over curriculum and term dates.

Free Schools

Set up by parents, teachers, or charities. Funded by the government but run independently. Free to attend.

Grammar Schools

Selective state schools that admit based on the 11-plus exam. Free to attend. Found mainly in certain areas of England.

Faith Schools

Can be state or private. May give priority to families of a particular religion in admissions. Follow the national curriculum.

Independent (Private)

Charge fees (typically £3,000–£15,000+ per term). Set their own curriculum and admissions. Inspected by ISI rather than Ofsted.

Special Schools

Cater for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). May be state-funded or independent. Require an EHCP for admission.

How Admissions Work

State school admissions in England are coordinated by your local authority. You apply through your council's website, listing schools in order of preference.

Key dates for England

Primary (Reception)

Apply by: mid-January

Offers: 16 April

Secondary (Year 7)

Apply by: 31 October

Offers: 1 March

Inspections & Ratings

Schools in the UK are regularly inspected by independent bodies. The inspectorate depends on which country the school is in and whether it is state or independent.

Ofsted (England)

ExceptionalStrong StandardExpected StandardNeeds AttentionUrgent Improvement

Safeguarding is assessed separately as “met” or “not met”. Schools inspected before November 2025 have legacy ratings: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate.

Other Inspectorates

ISI

Inspects independent schools in England. Since September 2023, ISI reports whether standards are “met” or “not met” (the old grading scale was abolished).

Estyn

Inspects all schools in Wales. Uses a narrative-based approach.

Education Scotland

Inspects Scottish schools. Uses a 6-point scale from Excellent to Unsatisfactory.

Find schools near you

Enter your postcode to browse schools in your area with inspection grades, admissions data, and more.

Search results open with filters matching this guide

Differences Across the UK

Education is devolved — each UK nation runs its own system. Key differences include the curriculum, qualifications, and inspection bodies.

England

Inspectorate: Ofsted

Curriculum: National Curriculum (or academy freedom)

Key exams: SATs (Year 6), GCSEs (Year 11), A-levels (Year 13)

Largest system with ~24,000 schools. Admissions are coordinated by local authorities with national offer days.

Wales

Inspectorate: Estyn

Curriculum: Curriculum for Wales (new since 2022)

Key exams: No SATs. GCSEs from WJEC. Welsh Baccalaureate available.

Welsh-medium schools teach through the Welsh language. The new curriculum is organised around Areas of Learning and Experience.

Scotland

Inspectorate: Education Scotland

Curriculum: Curriculum for Excellence (CfE)

Key exams: National 5 (≈ GCSE), Highers (≈ A-level), Advanced Highers

Different structure: primary (P1–P7), secondary (S1–S6). Children start school at 4–5. Qualifications are set by SQA.

Northern Ireland

Inspectorate: ETI (Education and Training Inspectorate)

Curriculum: Northern Ireland Curriculum

Key exams: Transfer test (similar to 11-plus), GCSEs, A-levels

Retains academic selection at age 11. Grammar schools are common. Many faith-based schools (Catholic maintained and controlled).

Common Questions

Sources

Was this guide helpful?

Ready to find schools?

Search by postcode to find nearby schools with inspection ratings, catchment distances, admissions data, and more.

Find schools near me SEND school finder

Education glossary·Admissions calendar·Appeals guide

How the UK School System Works

Key Stages & Ages

Early Years

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 5

Types of Schools

Community Schools

Academies

Free Schools

Grammar Schools

Faith Schools

Independent (Private)

Special Schools

How Admissions Work

Key dates for England

When do I apply?

How many schools can I list?

What are oversubscription criteria?

What is a catchment area?

Can I appeal if my child doesn’t get a place?

What is an EHCP?

Inspections & Ratings

Ofsted (England)

Other Inspectorates

Find schools near you

Differences Across the UK

England

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Common Questions

Is school free in the UK?

At what age do children start school?

Can I choose any school?

What if we arrive mid-year?

Do I need to speak English?

What is the school day like?

Ready to find schools?

How the UK School System Works

Key Stages & Ages

Early Years

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 5

Types of Schools

Community Schools

Academies

Free Schools

Grammar Schools

Faith Schools

Independent (Private)

Special Schools

How Admissions Work

Key dates for England

When do I apply?

How many schools can I list?

What are oversubscription criteria?

What is a catchment area?

Can I appeal if my child doesn’t get a place?

What is an EHCP?

Inspections & Ratings

Ofsted (England)

Other Inspectorates

Find schools near you

Differences Across the UK

England

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Common Questions

Is school free in the UK?

At what age do children start school?

Can I choose any school?

What if we arrive mid-year?

Do I need to speak English?