01
Starting school
Understand the key stages, what to expect and how to help your child feel confident.
Explore starting schoolBig school questions.
Clear, friendly answers.
From the first day at nursery to the next big step. Make sense of school life, discover what UK schools offer, and help your child feel ready.
A little guidance for every big step.
Start where you are. We’ll help with what comes next.
02
Finding the right fit
Learn about different types of UK schools and what to consider when choosing.
Explore choosing a school03
Making the most of school
Get practical advice on school life, from routines and friendships to support and wellbeing.
Explore school lifeFour nations. Plenty to discover.
School works a little differently across the UK. Find your starting point.
England
A breakdown of school stages, from early years to sixth form.
Explore EnglandScotland
Information on the Curriculum for Excellence and school stages.
Explore ScotlandWales
Guidance on the Curriculum for Wales and school stages.
Explore WalesNorthern Ireland
An overview of the curriculum and school stages in Northern Ireland.
Explore Northern IrelandThe practical things,
made simpler.
Useful tools for the moments that matter, from a school visit to the first morning.
Open the family toolkitGood places to begin.
Getting started
How the UK school system works
Understand the four UK school systems, school stages and everyday school life, with a practical starting point for families in each nation.
Read the guideChoosing a school
School open days: questions worth asking
Make school visits useful with a practical open-day plan covering teaching, inclusion, pupil wellbeing, everyday routines and follow-up questions.
Read the guideSchool life
Friendships and belonging at school
Help your child find their place at school, build friendships, manage ordinary disagreements and get support when exclusion or unkindness persists.
Read the guide