Living in the UK
3. EDUCATION
3.2. Education at different ages
This section explains the levels of education at different ages in the UK.
Primary School: 5-11 Years
You will need to apply for a place at a school for your child.
You do this in the year before they will start.
Online: Primary School Admissions
Each child will work towards the National Standards, known as Key Stages with a test at the end of each Stage:
Key Stage 1 is for Years 1 and 2 (approximately 5-7 years).
Key Stage 2 is for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (approximately 7-11 year).
Date of Birth | Start or Transfer | Apply |
01/09/2015 - 31/08/2016 | Start Reception September 2020 | 1 Sep 2019 – 15 Jan 2020 |
01/09/2016 - 31/08/2017 | Start Reception September 2021 | 1 Sep 2020 – 15 Jan 2021 |
Secondary School: 11-16 Years
You will need to apply for a place at a school for your child.
Your primary school will let you know when to do this and send home more information on when to do this.
Online: Secondary School Admissions
Each child will work towards the National Standards, known as Key Stages with tests at the end of each Stage:
Key Stage 3 is for Years 7, 8 and 9 (approximately 11-14 years).
Key Stage 4 is for Years 10 and 11 (approximately 14-16 years) and leads to GCSE examinations.
Education and Training after 16
When they reach 16, children can choose to leave school, or continue to study.
After 16, the options are:
Stay in full-time education, for example at a college.
Start an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.