Starting School

The law says that all children between the ages of five and sixteen must receive an education in the UK. This is best achieved through a local school. Education is incredibly important for all children, as it allows them to grow up with peers their own age and learn many important things to ensure a successful future. This is why the law insists that children go to school and be educated. This can however, also be achieved via elective home education.

Below you’ll find fact sheets on lots of different key pieces of information. From school uniforms to free school meals, you’ll find some really helpful tips. Remember that you can print out our fact sheets to take with you when speaking to a school or even to help a family member.

If you can’t find what you need, take a look at some of our other pages, but if you’re still stuck – give our Community Advocacy Caseworker a call on 07908 433413.

Nursery School (Pre-School)

There is no requirement for any child to attend a nursery school or pre-school. However, many parents find nursery school gives them more time and helps prepare their children for reception class. Most importantly, attending nursery helps children become more sociable and may ease their transition to primary school.

Primary School (Ages 4-11)

All children in the UK must be in education by their 5th birthday. Most children start school in the September after they turn 4. This ensures they begin the school year with their peers and are in school before their 5th birthday.

Secondary School (Ages 11-16)

Children in the UK must stay in education until the June after they turn 16. At the end of secondary school, they are typically offered exams, such as GCSEs or other qualifications, to their learning.

Alternative School – Special Provision – PRU

Some children may not thrive in mainstream education and may need to attend a school that better suits their needs. For more information, visit the “Exclusions” or “Special Education” sections. Children aged 5-16 must still be in education, including alternative schools.

College – Sixth Form (Ages 16-18)

After age 16, education rules vary across the UK:

• In England, students must stay in full-time education (e.g., college), start an apprenticeship or traineeship, or spend 20+ hours per week volunteering while in part-time education or training.
• In Wales, students can leave school on 30th June if they turn 16 by this date.
• In Scotland, students who turn 16 between 1st March and 30th September can leave after 31st May of the same year.
• In Northern Ireland, students who turn 16 during the school year (1st September to 31st July) can leave after 30th June.

For more details on school-leaving ages, visit the Gov website.

University (Ages 18+)

There is no legal requirement to remain in education after 18. However, university is necessary for certain careers, such as medicine, nursing, and teaching.

View and download our guide: How long do children have to stay in school?

To secure a school place for your child, you must apply to schools near your residence. It’s recommended to apply to three local schools to increase the chances of securing a place.

Completing school application forms is generally a straightforward process. However, families who travel and may not have all the necessary paperwork might feel overwhelmed and unable to complete the forms as required.

It’s essential to recognise that these forms are designed for the majority and often do not accommodate the unique circumstances of Romani (Gypsy), Roma, and Irish Traveller communities.

In such cases, we advise parents to fill out as much of the form as possible, including at least the following details:

• Child’s full name
• Child’s date of birth
• Parents’ names
• Emergency contact information (a phone number)
• An address (if possible, though not essential)

By providing these details, the school and local authority are obligated to find suitable education for your child upon request. Don’t let complex forms or online portals discourage you; it is possible to navigate this process in a simpler, more traditional manner. This guidance is also intended to assist parents who may struggle with reading and writing skills. It’s a good idea to inform the school that you need help with completing the application forms. Most staff members are more than willing to assist, regardless of whether you face language barriers or difficulties with literacy.

If, after attempting to complete the process outlined above, the school or local authority refuses to engage with you, insists on using online forms, or demands that all forms be fully completed, they may be acting unlawfully.

This behaviour could constitute indirect discrimination or a failure to comply with their Public Sector Equality Duty. In such instances, parents should seek support, as a letter or phone call from an advocate can often persuade the school or local authority to collaborate with Romani (Gypsy), Roma, and Irish Traveller families seeking to access education for their children. 

Keep in mind that your local council and schools will make the final decision on placements. For more information on appealing a school placement decision, visit the Find Help section.

Every child in the UK between the ages of 5 and 16 must be in school (your child should start school before their 5th birthday to ensure they are in education by that date). School places are not allocated automatically – you must apply for each place. Most applications are handled by your local council. School places are allocated differently by each council.

Factors considered in school placement include:

• Proximity to the school
• Sibling attendance at the school
• Religious beliefs of the family or the school
• Primary and Secondary School Applications

Check your local council’s website for guidance on applying for primary and secondary schools. You can also click here to start the application process.

Download our guide to applying for a school place

You can apply for a place at a state secondary school online or through your council’s application form, even if applying to schools outside your council’s area. Use the Gov website to find schools.

The deadline for applications is the 31st of October.

Missing the deadline may reduce your child’s chances of securing a place at their preferred schools.

Most children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will secure a school place in the same way as children without SEND. However, there is a different system for children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or a statement of special educational needs.

The charity Contact (for Families with Disabled Children) offers support for parents of children with registered SEND or an EHCP. Visit the Contact for Families website to find out more about the support they can provide.

Additionally, the charity SENDIASS offers a similar service. Visit the SENDIASS website to learn more about the support they can offer.

Parents of children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) often have concerns about a school’s ability to meet their child’s needs, particularly when applying for a new school.

Children with SEND fall into two categories when applying for school:

• Children with special educational needs who will join the SEN register.
• Children with an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan).

Applying for Secondary School without an EHCP:

Parents should apply through the regular admissions process, ensuring they fill out the section regarding special educational needs. This information is crucial for the school to provide the necessary support.

Applying for Secondary School with an EHCP:

Parents typically name a school during the EHCP process, which has already agreed to offer a place. If this hasn’t been done, or if you wish to reconsider the named school, you must request an Annual Review. An Annual Review is usually required to change the named school.

Children with an EHCP generally do not need to apply for a school place, as the school has been consulted and agreed to the placement in advance. However, it’s advisable to confirm this with the school and visit if possible.

Children with Disabilities

It is unlawful for a school to refuse a place to a child due to their disability.

Sometimes, parents may be dissatisfied with the school their child has been admitted to. This may be because the school was not their first choice, or because their child will not be attending the same school as family or friends.

Parents have the right to appeal school placements. However, it is important to note that while parents can choose which schools to apply to, they do not have the final say in determining the placement. The Government website outlines the appeal process clearly; click here to view this information.

It is worth remembering that for an appeal to be successful, a legitimate reason must be provided to enable the local authority to grant the appeal. This reason must be one that the local authority acknowledges; just because a parent believes they have a valid reason does not mean it will be deemed legitimate by the authority. For this reason, we advise families to seek support when appealing a school placement, and to do so well in advance of the appeal deadline.

Once an appeal is made and lost, there is little that anyone can do to assist unless there is clear evidence that the process itself was unlawful, such as a school place being refused on the basis of race. Additionally, seeking help in a timely manner is essential to allow for a professional or volunteer to provide assistance.

Things to Consider when appealing a school place

When appealing, it is important to consider the consequences of embarking on such a lengthy process, particularly if it results in your child not starting school alongside their classmates.

Be aware that an appeal can prolong the period of uncertainty for both parents and children. Therefore, it’s crucial to be realistic about your reasons for appealing and the likelihood of success.

This is especially true if you are appealing a decision that denies your child a place in an infant class (such as reception, Year 1, or Year 2), where the law limits the number of pupils to 30 per teacher, except in specific exceptional circumstances. Consequently, there are limited situations in which an appeal panel can uphold an infant class appeal.

You should also consider accepting any school place offer you receive to ensure your child has a placement in case your appeal is unsuccessful. Accepting another offer will not affect your appeal, and the appeals process does not limit other options available to you.

Before making an appeal, it will be helpful to understand how the school allocated its places, so you can grasp why your child did not secure a spot. A school’s admission arrangements can usually be found on the school’s or local council’s website.

Sometimes, things can go awry. There are countless reasons that issues may arise in a child’s education or in a parent’s relationship with the school. While some problems are to be expected, often stemming from a lack of communication or misunderstandings, it is crucial to address concerns promptly and not let issues fester. Most issues can often be resolved through simple, informal means, so we advise parents to follow the steps below to address matters quickly, without resorting to unnecessary complex processes.

However, if a serious issue arises, parents should take appropriate steps or seek advice before acting.

Talk to Your Child and Their Teacher

First, talk to your child if they’re unhappy at school or if you have concerns about their education. Gather as much information as possible. You might be able to help your child resolve the issue by suggesting changes they can make to improve the situation.

If this doesn’t work, reach out to their teacher. When you do, you should:

• Explain the problem clearly.
• Ask what they can do to help and when.
• Request a timeline for updates.

If you email or write a letter to the teacher, keep a copy. If you call or speak in person, make a note of the date and document what was discussed—either immediately or shortly afterwards. Your notes could be helpful if you need to follow up with the school regarding the issue. If your child is struggling to learn or make friends, they might need additional support. You can speak to the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) or a staff member responsible for inclusion.

Talk to the Headteacher

If the teacher does not resolve the problem, you can ask to speak with the headteacher. They may refer you to another staff member who handles behaviour issues, but you can insist on speaking with the headteacher if you prefer.

When speaking to the headteacher, you should:

• Clearly explain the problem.
• Ask what they can do to assist and when.
• Request a timeline for updates.

Again, keep a copy of any written correspondence, and note the date and details of any phone conversations or meetings. Your records could prove useful if you need to follow up or escalate the complaint.

Ask Other Parents

If the issue affects multiple children at the school, consider discussing it with other parents. You can take collective action, such as requesting to speak at a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting or writing a letter to the headteacher and school governors.

You can also ask the school office how to contact the PTA, or you may find their details on the school’s website.

Make a Formal Complaint

If you’re still unsatisfied, you can file a formal complaint. All state schools are required to have a complaints procedure; you can request a copy from the school or check their website. Typically, you’ll need to email or write a letter to the headteacher and the governing body, explaining the issue and why you are dissatisfied with the school’s response. Be sure to keep copies of everything you send.

If the school invites you to a meeting regarding your complaint, consider bringing your child’s other parent or a friend along for support; be sure to inform the school if you intend to do this. It’s wise for one person to take notes during the meeting.

If you need assistance with the formal complaint process, you can contact your nearest Citizens Advice.

Complain to Your Local Education Authority

If your formal complaint does not resolve the issue, you may have the option to complain to your Local Education Authority (LEA).

Your LEA is the local council that oversees education in your area; you can find your LEA on the GOV.UK website. They will inform you whether they can assist with your issue.

Please note that you cannot complain to your local education authority if your child attends a:

• Free school
• Academy
• Private school

For alternative guidance, please refer to the information available on GOV.UK.

If you move to a new area during the school year, whether due to a change of address or travelling, it is essential to ensure your child is enrolled in a new school near your current home. This process is known as an in-year transfer. Unlike the standard admissions process, where children typically start school at the beginning of the academic year, in-year transfers can occur at any time during the school year.

The reasons for an in-year transfer can vary, as families may move for employment opportunities, personal circumstances, or other reasons. Regardless of the motivation, it is crucial to minimise disruption to your child’s education by securing a place at a new school as quickly as possible.

To apply for an in-year transfer, contact your local council, as school places are not automatically allocated.

Visit your local council’s website for more information, or contact us for support.

Download our guide to Moving Schools in Year

Most schools have procedures in place to ask about any specific needs your child may have.

These needs may include:

• Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND)
• Allergies or intolerances to food, medication, or any product or substance
• General health or prescribed medication (especially if this needs to be taken during the school day)
• Family circumstances (such as people who are authorised to collect or remove the child from school)

At The Traveller Movement, we are aware of the discrimination that Romany Gypsy, Roma, and Irish Traveller communities face when accessing education. However, we encourage all members of these communities to declare their ethnic status to schools for several reasons.

Firstly, if discrimination occurs, schools could claim that they were unaware of your ethnicity and therefore could not have been discriminatory. If this is made clear to them at registration, they have a legal duty to take it into account in their behaviour and policies.

Additionally, it allows staff to monitor any potential bullying that may occur and to deal with it promptly. We know that bullying happens in schools and that Romany Gypsy, Roma, and Irish Traveller children are disproportionately bullied compared to other children. However, we also know that teachers are better equipped to support Romany Gypsy, Roma, and Irish Traveller children when they are aware of the facts.

Finally, when a family registers themselves and their child as Romany Gypsy, Roma, or Irish Traveller at a school, it makes local and national data more accurate and reflective of what is happening in schools. This may not sound like a big deal, but the more we know about community experiences, the more we can influence the government to implement effective support.

If you experience discrimination from a school because of your or your child’s ethnicity, we strongly encourage you to Contact Us so we can offer support and take any necessary actions against the school or local authority.

Download our guide to Communicating Needs and Other Information