Finding a School

• Catchment Areas: State schools have designated catchment areas. Priority for places is typically given to children living within the catchment area.
  • Use a catchment area checker tool provided by your local borough council to see which schools your address falls under.
    
• School Performance Tables: The Department for Education publishes school performance tables that can be a helpful resource to compare schools. 
  
• Ofsted Reports: Ofsted inspects and reports on schools. Reading Ofsted reports can give you valuable insights into a school’s strengths and weaknesses.

Types of Schools in UK (State):

• Community Schools: These are the most common type of state school, enrolling children from all backgrounds.
  
• Faith Schools: These state-funded schools have a religious character, such as Church of England or Catholic.
  
• Grammar Schools: Selective state schools that admit students based on a competitive entrance exam (usually the 11+).
  
• Academy Schools: State-funded schools with some autonomy over their curriculum and operations.

Additional Considerations:

• Special Educational Needs (SEN): If your child has special educational needs, research schools with experience and resources to support them.
  
• Religious Considerations: Choose a school that aligns with your family’s religious beliefs if that’s important to you.
  
• School Visits: Once you’ve shortlisted some schools, arrange visits to get a feel for the atmosphere and meet the staff.

Resources for Finding Schools:

• GOV.UK – Find a school
• Council Websites: Each borough’s council website has a section on schools with information and application processes.

Private Schools:

• Independent Schools: These are fee-paying schools that operate outside the state system. Research and contact schools directly for admissions information and fees.
• Grammar Schools: A few selective state grammar schools exist in London. These require a separate competitive entrance exam (usually the 11+).