Choosing a school
Choosing a primary school that fits your child
Compare primary schools with confidence: visits, teaching, inclusion, admissions, practical costs and the questions that matter for everyday school life.
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Make sense of your options, ask useful questions and find a school where your child can thrive.
8 helpful guides
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Choosing a secondary school
A clear guide to choosing secondary school: curriculum, pastoral care, subject choices, independence, travel and a balanced approach to school comparisons.
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How to read school inspection information
Use school inspection reports thoughtfully: understand the different UK inspectorates, new Ofsted report cards, report dates and useful follow-up questions.
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Moving schools: planning a smooth transition
Plan an in-year school move, including applications, records, curriculum differences, support, friendships and the first weeks in a new setting.
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School admissions: a practical family guide
Understand school applications, preference lists, evidence, offers and in-year moves, with clear distinctions between the four UK admission systems.
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School catchment areas and distance rules
Understand school catchments, distance measurements, oversubscription rules and address evidence before choosing schools or planning a move.
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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.
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School types across the UK explained
Make sense of academies, community schools, faith schools, grammar schools, independent schools and other UK school types before comparing options.
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