Learn More: 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. 

You can also expand our sections below for further information. 

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 demonstrate 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. 

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. 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. 

This page outlines everything you need to know about applying for a school place for your child: 

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. 

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. 

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). Learn more about EHCPs here. 

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. 

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.

Buying school uniform can be expensive, especially when a family has more than one child. If you are struggling to pay for school uniform for your children there may be support out there to help you cover some or all of the costs, especially with school branded uniforms.

Remember, there is no shame in not being able to afford brand new school uniform for your child or young person. School uniform is designed to ensure that all children are treated equally and not judged based on their clothes. It is essential for school age children to wear uniform and it is all the same whether it is brand new or second-hand. There is also a growing number of families who choose second-hand school uniform as it is cost-effective and good for the environment.

NEWS: School Uniform Costs to be Capped by the Government

New rules to drive down cost of school uniform for families

Families will save money on school uniforms from next year, following new legally binding guidance published today (Friday 19th November) requiring schools to make uniform affordable for all.

The Department for Education (DfE) cost of school uniform guidance means schools in England must ensure that school uniform costs are reasonable, and parents get the best value for money.

Research from the DfE in 2015 showed that parents can save almost £50 on average if they can buy all school uniform items from any store compared to uniform which all needs to be bought from a designated shop or school. From Autumn 2022 schools will be required to help keep costs down by taking steps to remove unnecessary branded items and allowing more high-street options, like supermarket own-brand uniforms.

To support families schools will have to make sure second-hand uniforms are available. In the UK, an estimated 350,000 tonnes of clothes end up in landfill every year and encouraging families to use second-hand uniform can reduce waste and bring down emissions from manufacturing new garments while making it cost-effective for families.

Advice on how to access support for school uniform costs:

• Contact your local authority or council
• Do you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
• Contact your child’s school directly
• Ask friends, family and community members for second-hand uniform
• Contact local charities

Contact your local authority or council

Use the Gov UK website to see what information your local authority has on providing help with school uniform costs. The link below will take you to the Gov UK website and will allow you to enter your postcode to take you to your local authority or council website.

Click Here

Please note: not all local authorities or councils provide grants to help with school uniform costs. In this case look at the next step below.

Do you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

You may be able to get a school uniform grant if you live in:

• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

To access school uniform grants in these  areas, please use the links above.

Contact your child’s school directly

Some schools may have specific funds to support low-income families in providing school uniform for their children. This isn’t guaranteed and many schools do not offer this financial support. Schools may also allow families to pay for school uniform costs in instalments to spread the upfront cost over several months. Schools should not charge interest and uniforms paid for instalments will not be any more expensive than paying up front.

If neither of these options are available at your child’ school, some schools will permit children to borrow second-hand uniform for a period, possibly until a family can afford to purchase new school uniform.

Ask friends, family and community members for second-hand uniform

Some schools or communities organise for used school uniform to be donated so that families on low-income can provide usable school uniform to their children. Even if you are not a low-income family, it is often a great idea to provide your child with good quality second-hand school uniform as it is a sustainable and cost-effective option.

Contact local charities

Try contacting local charities in your area, as they may have discretionary funds to support you in accessing school uniform for your children.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

All children should have access to nutritious meals during the school day. However, families with low incomes may need support to meet their child’s need for school meals. 

The government requires all schools to provide free school meals to pupils who meet any of the following criteria. Free school meals are available to pupils, or whose parents are, receiving one or more of the following benefits: 

• Universal Credit (with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400) 
• Income Support 
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance 
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit 
• Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190) 
• Working Tax Credit run-on 

Check if your child is eligible for free school meals in England and learn how to apply through your local authority’s website. 

If you are having trouble applying for free school meals or need assistance, contact your child’s school for support with the application to ensure your child receives their meals. 

 FREE SCHOOL MEALS

There are many reasons why a family may need support with school transportation costs. Distance or location may be an issue, or a child may have special educational or physical needs, requiring assistance to access the school. If your child has been a victim of bullying, you may have chosen a different school further away. These and other reasons may be grounds for applying for assistance with school transportation costs. 

Children who are legally required to attend school may qualify for free school transport if they attend their nearest suitable school and meet any of the following conditions: 

• The school is more than 2 miles away, and the child is under 8 years old. 
• The school is more than 3 miles away, and the child is 8 years or older. 
• There is no safe walking route between home and school. 
• The child cannot walk due to special educational needs, disabilities, or mobility issues. 

Children will also qualify for free school transport if they are: 

• Aged 8 to 11, attending their nearest school, and it is at least 2 miles away. 
• Aged 11 to 16, attending a school 2 to 6 miles away, if it is one of their 3 nearest suitable schools. 
• Aged 11 to 16, attending a school 2 to 15 miles away, if it was chosen due to religion or belief. 

If your child does not qualify under these criteria, they may still qualify if your family has a low income. If your child is 16 or older and still in education, ask your local council if they offer any transport assistance. 

We encourage families to seek advice if they are unsure about eligibility or the application process. Romany Gypsy, Roma, and Irish Traveller children may face unique challenges in accessing education and may be entitled to support on a case-by-case basis. For more advice, please Contact Us. 

 SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

f 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. 

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. 

COMMUNICATING NEEDS AND OTHER INFORMATION