Getting your child into education

Early Years education can take place in settings such as:  

• state nursery schools
• nursery classes  
• reception classes within primary schools
• voluntary pre-schools
• privately run nurseries  
• childminders

Find out more about Early Years education. 

Some primary schools may have a nursery or a children’s centre attached to cater for younger children.

Most public sector primary schools take both boys and girls in mixed classes.

It is usual to transfer straight to secondary school at age 11. Children can also make the transition via middle schools catering for various age ranges between 8 and 14.

There are different types of secondary schools:

• community schools, which are sometimes called local authority maintained schools - they are not influenced by business or religious groups and follow the national curriculum
• foundation schools and voluntary schools, which are funded by the local authority but have more freedom to change the way they do things - sometimes they are supported by representatives from religious groups
• academies and free schools, which are run by not-for-profit academy trusts, are independent from the local authority - they have more freedom to change how they run things and can follow a different curriculum
• grammar schools, which can be run by the local authority, a foundation body or an academy trust - they select their pupils based on academic ability and there is a test to get in  
• special schools are for children with a special educational need or disability  

At the end of secondary school, students take external examinations. Normally, these are GCSEs.  

After taking GCSEs, young people normally choose between a practical route or an academic route.  

Further education for young people aged 16-18 can be provided in:  

• sixth forms within secondary schools  
• sixth form colleges  
• independent training providers  

The most common academic qualifications are called A-Levels. These are often required to go on to university.  

To apply for a further education course, go to a further education provider’s website.  

Find out more about applying for sixth form. 

You can often study flexibly at your own pace by learning online or part time.

Universities and specialist colleges are not free to attend.

If you have refugee status, you are eligible for home fee status for tuition fees and to apply for student loans to help with tuition fees and living costs.

If you have Humanitarian Protection status, you will need to live in the UK for three-years before you submit your application to qualify for home fee status. You will then be eligible to apply for student loans.