Getting a school place for your child in the UK

If you have moved to the UK with children of school age, getting them into a school quickly is one of your most important early tasks. State schools in England are funded by the government and there is no tuition fee for pupils. Here is how the system works.

School ages and structure

Education in England is compulsory from age 5 to 16 (though most children start Reception class at 4). The main stages are:

• Primary school: ages 4–11, covering Reception, Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6)
• Secondary school: ages 11–16, covering Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11, leading to GCSEs)
• Sixth form / college: ages 16–18, for A-levels or vocational qualifications (optional but very common)

How to apply for a school place

School admissions are managed by your local council (local authority), not by individual schools. To apply:

1. Find your local council using the postcode lookup at gov.uk/schools-admissions.
2. Apply online through your council’s admissions portal. For the main intake year (e.g., Reception or Year 7), there are national deadlines - typically October/November for secondary and January for primary. If you are applying mid-year (an “in-year” transfer), contact your council directly; they handle these separately.
3. You can list several school preferences (usually three to six). The council allocates places based on admission criteria - most commonly: children in care, children with special needs requiring that school, then distance from home.
4. You will receive an offer. If you are unhappy with the allocation, you have the right to appeal.

State school is free

There are no tuition fees at state schools. Schools can ask for voluntary contributions for activities but cannot make them compulsory. You may need to buy a school uniform - costs vary by school, but many councils and schools offer uniform grants or second-hand uniform swaps for families on low incomes.

Free school meals

If you receive certain benefits (such as Universal Credit below a specified income threshold), your child may qualify for free school meals. All children in Reception through Year 2 in England automatically receive a free school lunch regardless of income. Apply through your local council - it is worth checking even if you are not sure you qualify, as eligibility also unlocks other school funding.

English language support for new arrivals

Schools in the UK regularly admit children who speak little or no English. Most schools have experience supporting new arrivals and are required to help your child access the curriculum. This may include in-class support, withdrawal groups for English language learning, or in larger areas, a specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher. Ask the school directly what support they offer. There is no cost to you for this support.

Term dates and holidays

The school year runs from September to July, divided into three terms separated by half-term breaks. The exact dates vary slightly by council and school - your school will publish its term dates on its website and will give you a calendar when your child starts. Children must attend on all school days during term time; taking children on holiday during term time requires permission from the headteacher and may result in a fixed penalty fine if taken without permission.

For more on how to apply and your rights during the admissions process, visit gov.uk/schools-admissions.