Applying for Schools

Get comprehensive guidance on applying to schools, including application timelines, required documents, and what to expect. Learn how to present your child's best self and meet all important deadlines.

A Music Place at a State Secondary School

How to secure a competitive music place at a state secondary school outside your catchment area.

A Performing Arts Place at a State Secondary School

Performing arts places at state secondary schools can get your gifted child into a better school while they get specialist tuition in their chosen subject.

All About Ofsted Reports

Ofsted reports tell you how government inspectors rate schools, here's what they cover and how to find them.

Applying for Special Needs Education

Getting your child assessed for special needs education involves your local authority and specialists who work to identify exactly what support they need.

Applying to Private School: Special Needs Child

How to find the right private school for a child with special educational needs, from mainstream options to specialist schools.

Autism Spectrum: Getting a School Place in Your Area

Getting your autistic child into the right school involves navigating statements, support workers, and mainstream versus specialist options.

Be Prepared with a Second Choice School

Have a backup school in mind in case your first choice doesn't have a place available for your child.

Common Entrance Examination

UK independent schools use Common Entrance Exams to assess pupils before GCSE, covering core subjects plus optional humanities and languages.

Getting an Academic Place at a State Secondary School

How to help your child get an academic place at a state secondary school through entrance exams.

How the Recession is Affecting School Places

More parents are sending kids to state schools during the recession, leaving fewer places for families who always planned to use them.

How to Choose the Right School for Your Child

Work through a practical checklist and visit multiple schools in your area to find the best fit for your child.

Should Your Child's Friends Influence Your School Choice?

Weigh up whether your child's friendships should factor into your school choice decision.

Single Sex or Mixed Schools?

Weighing up whether single-sex or mixed schools work better for your child and what research actually shows about academic performance.

The Application Process Explained

Walk through how school applications work, from picking schools to submitting your form, without the confusing jargon.

Theatre Schools

Theatre schools teach performing arts like drama, dance and music alongside regular school subjects, with admission based on auditions and interviews.

What to Look for When Viewing a School

Check what matters most when visiting a school, from facilities to staff to how your child will fit in.