The school system in the UK

In England education starts with the Early Years stage (from 3 to 5) with Reception at age four, then Primary School (from 5 to 11) in two stages: Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2) and Key Stage 2 (3-6), then Secondary School (from 11 to 16) with Key Stage 3 (7-9) and Key Stage 4 (10-11) with GCSE exams at its end.

• After 16 you choose Sixth Form or a college to study A-levels (two years), BTEC, T-Levels or an apprenticeship.
• Then university or work.
• And in Scotland there are different stages and qualifications (National 5 and Higher), and in Wales and Northern Ireland systems close to England with differences.
• And there is a nursery stage that is not compulsory for those under five, and the government offers free hours for some ages.

School is not registered automatically, but you apply via your local authority for primary (apply by 15 January for admission in September) and secondary (31 October for admission the following year).

• You choose between three and six schools in order of preference, and you are allocated according to admission criteria: siblings at the school, proximity to home, children in council care, and some faith schools depend on religious commitment.
• Your child need not have a specific immigration status, but documents may be requested: a birth certificate, proof of address and the vaccination record.
• For a child arriving after the year starts contact the council or the school directly to find a place (in-year admission).
• And if you do not get your preferred school you have the right to appeal.
• Search Ofsted for school reports (Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate).

Many children in British schools speak other languages at home (EAL: English as an Additional Language), and schools offer language support with assistants and specialist teachers, and an assessment of the child's level on arrival.

• The child is often placed in a class according to age not language level and supported within the class.
• Ask the school about the EAL programme and the Pupil Premium funding for low-income families.
• Encourage your child to read daily in English and your mother tongue.
• Join the parent-teacher association (PTA) to get to know families.
• Many schools speak of British values and teach personal and social education (PSHE), religious education and some sex education by age, and you have the right to request withdrawing your child from some (under rules) and to speak with the school.
• And multiple festivals are celebrated.

At the end of Key Stage 2 (age 11) SATs tests in reading, maths and grammar, and at age 16 GCSE exams in subjects such as English, maths, sciences and languages, with grades from 9 (highest) to 1, and usually a 4 in English and maths is needed, otherwise the exam is retaken.

• After that A-levels in about three subjects at 18, which determine university admission (UCAS).
• And BTEC and T-Levels are vocational routes.
• And parents' evenings are held about twice a year, and school reports are sent.
• And support services exist for lagging children and tutoring lessons.
• And you can contact the teacher by email or app (ClassDojo, ParentPay and Schoology).
• And corporal punishment is not permitted.
• And schools stress attendance: absence without permission may expose you to a fixed penalty.

In England all Reception children and the first two years get a free lunch (Universal Infant Free School Meals), and free meals by income are provided for low-income UC families (Free School Meals).

• Families pay for school uniform, trips and equipment, and there is Pupil Premium support and free uniform banks.
• For school transport there is a free right if the distance is great (over two miles for the young and three for the older) or for circumstances.
• And for special needs (SEND) an EHC plan (Education, Health and Care) is provided and a special needs coordinator (SENCO) in the school, so speak to him early.
• And for those with disputes with the school complain to the headteacher then the governors then the council or the Department for Education.
• And home education is legally allowed.
• And remember that children in care or refugees have priority.

From what age is education compulsory in England?