In order to register for a place at a UK state school, applicants must have proof of residence and an address within the school’s catchment area. A signed lease and a utility bill will suffice as proof of residency, but this means that you will need to secure a property before being able to apply to the school.
Admission criteria can vary slightly from one school to the next. State schools are usually only able to accept children who live in their designated catchment area. However, living in the correct catchment area does not necessarily guarantee your child a place at your first choice of school, as some of the most popular state schools are over-subscribed and have long waiting lists. When trying to get a place at a popular state school, bear in mind that they may give priority to children:
o who have a brother or sister at the school already
o who live close to the school
o from a particular religion (for faith schools)
o who do well in an entrance exam (for selective schools, e.g. grammar schools or performing arts schools)
o who went to a particular primary school (a ‘feeder school’)
o who are looked after by social services (all schools must have this as a top priority)
In the UK, the academic year begins in September and ends in July. It is divided into 3 terms: the autumn term is from September to December; the Spring term is from January to March; and the Summer term is from April to July. In addition to the Christmas and Easter holidays there is also a one week break during each term known as “half term”. The UK state school system is divided as follows:
o Early years/preschool: Ages 3 to 4
o Primary education: Ages 4 to 11
o Secondary education: Ages 11 to 18
o Tertiary education: Ages 18+
There is no legal requirement to have had vaccinations to attend a UK state school although most children born in the UK will have been vaccinated against Diptheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio, Hib, PCV, Rotavirus, Men B, Men C, Measles, Mumps and Rubella. (Some private schools do ask for immunisation records as part of the application process.)
General Advice
• Contact the schools you are interested in directly about place availability. Create a shortlist and contact the secretary/head teacher of each. They will organise a time for you to have a tour and provide you with the forms or information you will need to transfer mid-year.
• There is no guarantee of a place at a preferred school but you can ask to go on their waiting list.
All state schools are regulated by a governing body referred to as OFSTED. You can search for reports on schools by area, or look for a link on the school’s own website. The Good Schools Guide is another independent source of information although access to some of the website will require a subscription fee.
Want to learn more about schooling in other areas? Check out our blogs about schooling in Mexico, Germany, and Luxembourg!