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State schools

The vast majority of children in the UK attend one of the country’s 30,000 state schools. We can help you get to know Britain’s state education systems, where learning and growth from primary school through to sixth form are free for all.

Essential reading

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State school in-year admissions and school transfers

UK Schools

Processes for applying for a state school place outside of the standard rounds of admissions can be confusing.

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Faith schools in the UK

UK Schools

Faith schools are state-funded schools in the UK with an affiliation to a particular religion or faith-based organisation.

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Applying for a secondary school place

UK Schools

How do you find the best secondary school for your child, when do you apply and what is the admissions process?

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A guide to state schools

UK Schools

State schools in the UK provide a free, government-funded education for children aged 4 to 18.

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State & grammar consultancy

From grammar school admissions to searching for a local state school gem, our education consultants can support you with every aspect of your child’s education.

Grammar school essentials

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Best grammar schools in the UK

UK Schools

Which grammar schools (academically selective state schools) in England are best at helping children progress academically?

A grammar school girl walking past some state school children

Grammar schools in the UK

UK Schools

Grammar schools are academically selective senior schools, state-funded, and typically popular with ambitious parents.

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Grammar school admissions

UK Schools

All state grammar schools admit pupils according to academic performance in the 11-plus assessment or transfer test.

All grammar school articles

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All grammar school articles

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All state and grammar articles

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6 top areas for brilliant state schools

UK schools

Do you want to know which parts of England have the best state school options?

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7 things you need to know when applying to primary schools

UK Schools

We encourage parents to thoroughly research their options when starting this confusing admissions process.

An oil painting of a girl in a white school shirt

7 things you need to know when applying to secondary schools

UK Schools

Our top tips for when you’re figuring out your child’s move to secondary school and applying for a place.

A graphic illustration showing a lighthouse providing guidance to a boat in on a troubled sea. Credit: retrorocket

A guide to state schools

UK Schools

State schools in the UK provide a free, government-funded education for children aged 4 to 18.

A woman trying to choose between the red button or blue button

Applying for a secondary school place

UK Schools

How do you find the best secondary school for your child, when do you apply and what is the admissions process?

An illustration of a grammar school classroom with a young girl in colour in the foreground and school children in a blue tone in the background

Best grammar schools in the UK

UK Schools

Which grammar schools (academically selective state schools) in England are best at helping children progress academically?

Fishing net with holes in

Catchment area cheat

UK Schools

Catchment area cheats, how parents secure state school admission to the very best state schools by fair means or foul!

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Delaying or deferring your child’s start at primary school

UK schools

Parents of summer-born children often wonder whether a later start to primary school would help

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English secondary schools and the National Curriculum

UK Schools

The National Curriculum aims to provide a balanced and broadly based education that’s consistent across the country.

A gag cartoon by NAY showing a normal row of terraced houses but with one house having elaborate italianate ecclesiatical rooftop

Faith schools in the UK

UK Schools

Faith schools are state-funded schools in the UK with an affiliation to a particular religion or faith-based organisation.

A boy studying for the 11+ exam

Grammar school admissions

UK Schools

All state grammar schools admit pupils according to academic performance in the 11-plus assessment or transfer test.

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Grammar school appeals

UK Schools

If your child didn’t quite make the grade, you can appeal. Here are details.

A grammar school girl walking past some state school children

Grammar schools in the UK

UK Schools

Grammar schools are academically selective senior schools, state-funded, and typically popular with ambitious parents.

Exterior of independent school under a blue sunny sky.

Ofsted gradings: misleading and unhelpful

UK Schools

A headteacher took her own life after her Caversham primary school's Ofsted inspection. We believe change is required.

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Ofsted reports explained

UK Schools

Ofsted inspects and regulates services that care for, educate, and train children and young people.

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Primary school admissions

UK Schools

Detailed information on choosing and applying for a state primary school in England.

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Progress 8 and Attainment 8 explained

UK Schools

Progress 8 and Attainment 8 aim to give a rounded picture of school performance and encourage improvement from all pupils.

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School appeals – do I stand a chance?

UK Schools

If you are not offered your first choice primary or secondary school, you have a legal right to appeal the decision.

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Scottish secondary schools and the Curriculum for Excellence

UK Schools

Children in Scotland study for six years at secondary school, in year groups that run from S1 to S6

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State boarding schools in the UK

UK Schools

Everything you need to know about state boarding in the United Kingdom plus a list of all state boarding schools.

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State grammar school local authorities

UK Schools

Find out which English local authorities still have academically selective state grammar schools.

a simple illustration showing coloured arrows all moving in the same direction except one which points out of the group and then carries on on its own trajectory

State school in-year admissions and school transfers

UK schools

Processes for applying for a state school place outside of the standard rounds of admissions can be confusing.

A painting of a woman by a child

What are SATs in the UK?

UK Schools

SATs stand for Standard Assessment Tests and are taken by children in state primary schools.

More UK articles and advice

UK education essentials

Nurseries and early years

State schools

Independent schools

Scholarships and bursaries

Alternative education

View all UK schools articles and advice