Education Blog

The Schools in England Blog

Expert guides, exam tips and practical advice from experienced educators. Everything parents and students need to navigate England's school system.

53 Articles
5 Topics
3 Expert Authors
A primary school child working one-to-one with a teaching assistant in an English classroom SEND & Alternative Education
Featured
Can a Child Receive SEN Support Without a Diagnosis?
A formal diagnosis is not required for a child to receive SEN support in England. Find out how the SEND Code of Practice works and what to ask the school.
ER
Emmett Richardson
11 min read
Read Article
A GCSE student in school uniform writing maths working on lined paper with a scientific calculator beside them Exams & Qualifications
Reverse Percentages: A Step-by-Step Method
Learn how to find the original value before a percentage change. Step-by-step reverse percentage method with worked examples for GCSE Maths revision.
IC
Imogen Clarke
10 min
A Year 6 child working through a long division calculation on squared paper at a kitchen table Practical Advice
Long Division for Year 6: Worked Examples
Clear worked examples of long division for Year 6 using the bus stop method. Covers dividing by 1 and 2-digit numbers, remainders and decimals for KS2 SATs.
CW
Christopher Walton
11 min
A young summer-born child in school uniform standing at the entrance of an English primary school with a reassuring parent beside them English Education System
Summer-Born Children and Reception: Admission Options Explained
Parents of summer-born children in England have the right to delay Reception entry. This guide explains the rules, how to apply, and what happens if schools refuse.
CW
Christopher Walton
11 min
A Year 11 pupil in school uniform holding two college prospectuses side by side while deciding between sixth form and FE college Exams & Qualifications
Choosing a Sixth Form or FE College: Key Differences
Comparing sixth forms and FE colleges in England? This guide explains the key differences in environment, courses, support and independence to help Year 11 pupils decide.
ER
Emmett Richardson
10 min
A Year 3 child arranging coloured counters into rows and columns as an array for a multiplication activity at a kitchen table Practical Advice
Year 3 Multiplication: Using Arrays and Related Facts
Help your Year 3 child understand multiplication using arrays and related facts. Worked examples, home activities and tips for the 3, 4 and 8 times tables.
CW
Christopher Walton
10 min
Young primary school children eating hot school lunches in a bright English school dining hall Practical Advice
Universal Infant Free School Meals Versus Means-Tested Meals
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in England get free school meals. But means-tested Free School Meals offer additional benefits. Here is what families need to know.
ER
Emmett Richardson
10 min
An Ofsted-style inspector sitting at the back of an English secondary school classroom observing a lesson with a notepad English Education System
Ofsted's Five-Point Evaluation Scale Explained for Parents
What does "Strong" or "Getting There" actually mean on the new Ofsted scale? This guide explains each of the five ratings and how inspectors apply them in practice.
IC
Imogen Clarke
10 min
A primary school entrance door seen from outside, closed on an overcast British morning Practical Advice
Authorised Versus Unauthorised Absence in England
What is the difference between authorised and unauthorised school absence in England? Learn the 2026 rules, penalty fines and how the 10-session threshold works.
IC
Imogen Clarke
11 min
A young child sitting on a living room carpet surrounded by household objects for a phonics activity Practical Advice
Simple Phonics Games Using Household Objects
Reinforce phonics at home with these four simple games using everyday objects. No worksheets needed — just items from around the house.
ER
Emmett Richardson
10 min
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