3.3. School education

Starting School   

• Most children start school full-time in September after they turn 4.

• If your child is aged between 5 and 16, they must attend school. 

• State education is free, however, parents have to pay for any school uniform and sportswear.

• All pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in state-funded schools are eligible for free school meals. 

• Parents on low incomes can get help with these costs and with the costs of school meals.

• Some schools collect used uniforms which can be re-used by others.

• Pupils follow the National Curriculum which is divided into five Key Stages.

• Pupils do a test at the end of each Key Stage. These tests are very important.

• School is Monday to Friday, normally 8:55am – 3:15pm.

There are 3 terms:

• Autumn Term - September to December.

• Spring Term - January to March.

• Summer Term - April to July.

 How to Apply: 

To find a list of all schools in Hillingdon (Nursery, Primary, Secondary) with Name, Address and Phone Number go to: 

NOTE: Attending school regularly is important for children and holidays must be taken outside the school terms.

If a child misses school regularly, they may be monitored by the school and continued absence without good reason, could lead to prosecution or fine.