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.

26 Articles
5 Topics
3 Expert Authors
A flat-lay of a complete children's school PE kit on a white surface — navy polo shirt, shorts, white socks, trainers and a drawstring bag — neatly arranged Practical Advice
Featured
PE Kit Essentials: What Does Your Child Really Need for School Sports?
Everything your child needs for school PE in England — from primary plimsolls to secondary trainers. What is compulsory, what is optional and what to avoid buying.
IC
Imogen Clarke
9 min read
Read Article
Four pairs of children's black school shoes arranged on a grey surface — Velcro strap, lace-up, chunky boot and Mary Jane styles — representing the range of options for UK parents Practical Advice
The Best School Shoes for UK Kids: Comfort, Durability and Cost Compared
Clarks, Start-Rite, Kickers or budget supermarket shoes? Our guide compares the best school shoes for UK children by comfort, durability, width fitting and cost.
IC
Imogen Clarke
9 min
A split scene showing a Reception play-based classroom on one side and a Year 1 desk-based learning classroom on the other Practical Advice
Transition From Reception to Year 1: What Changes?
A parent's guide to the Reception to Year 1 transition in England — what changes in the curriculum, teaching style, phonics, writing and reading expectations, and how to help at home.
CW
Christopher Walton
10 min
A Year 4 child sitting at a school desk completing an online check on a tablet in a bright classroom Practical Advice
Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check: A Parent Guide
Everything parents need to know about the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) in England — format, timing, scoring, what to expect and how to help at home without causing stress.
CW
Christopher Walton
9 min
A parent managing childcare accounts online on a laptop while a toddler plays nearby in a bright kitchen Practical Advice
Tax-Free Childcare and Funded Hours: Can Families Use Both?
Yes, families in England can use Tax-Free Childcare alongside 15 or 30 funded hours. This guide explains how both schemes work together, eligibility rules and what to watch out for.
CW
Christopher Walton
10 min
A parent writing a formal complaint letter at a desk with a laptop, looking focused and composed Practical Advice
Understanding School Complaints Procedures in England
A step-by-step guide for parents on how school complaints procedures work in England — from informal concerns to governors' panels and escalation to the DfE.
CW
Christopher Walton
11 min
Primary school pupils in a sunny English playground looking up at the St George's Cross flag flying on a flagpole Practical Advice
The Flag of England: St George's Cross Explained for Pupils
A clear guide for pupils and teachers on the Flag of England — the St George's Cross. Covers its history, design, meaning, how it differs from the Union Flag, and classroom activities.
CW
Christopher Walton
10 min
A Year 1 child reading aloud from a card held by a teacher in a quiet corner of an English primary school classroom Practical Advice
Phonics Screening Check in Year 1: Parent Guide
Everything parents need to know about the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check in England — what it tests, how pseudo-words work, the pass mark and how to help at home.
CW
Christopher Walton
10 min
A parent applying for a childcare eligibility code on a laptop at a kitchen table while a toddler plays nearby Practical Advice
How to Apply for a Childcare Eligibility Code
Step-by-step guide to applying for a childcare eligibility code in England. Get your 11-digit code to claim 15 or 30 funded hours for your child in 2026-27.
IC
Imogen Clarke
10 min
A family with two children at an airport departures hall in England with luggage, looking slightly anxious, representing the risks of taking a term-time holiday Practical Advice
Term-Time Holidays: Understanding the Fines and Legal Consequences
New August 2024 rules mean term-time holiday fines of £80–£160 per parent per child — and a third offence goes straight to court. Here's what you need to know.
IC
Imogen Clarke
10 min
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