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.

56 Articles
5 Topics
3 Expert Authors
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
Primary school children holding red and white St George's Cross flags in a bright English school hall Practical Advice
St George's Day in England: Origins and Classroom Ideas
Who was St George and why is he England's patron saint? Discover the origins of St George's Day and find creative classroom and home activity ideas for 23 April.
ER
Emmett Richardson
10 min
Primary school children in British uniforms boarding a school bus on a residential street in England Practical Advice
Free School Transport Eligibility: What Families Should Check
Is your child entitled to free school transport in England? Check eligibility rules for distance, SEND, low income and nearest suitable school for 2026–27.
IC
Imogen Clarke
10 min
A parent and toddler at a kitchen table reviewing funded childcare hour documents in an English home Practical Advice
Funded Childcare Hours: Understanding Term-Time and Stretched Offers
Understand the difference between term-time and stretched childcare funding offers in England — and how to choose the right option for your family.
IC
Imogen Clarke
9 min
A parent sitting at a kitchen table reading a school Ofsted report on a laptop, taking notes English Education System
How to Read the New Ofsted School Report Card
The new Ofsted Report Card replaced single-grade judgements from November 2025. This guide explains every section, what the ratings mean, and how to use the report.
CW
Christopher Walton
11 min
A large bonfire burning against a dark November sky with fireworks above and families watching from a safe distance in England Practical Advice
Bonfire Night in England: Why 5 November Is Remembered
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night on 5 November? Discover the history of the Gunpowder Plot, what Guy Fawkes did, and classroom activity ideas for schools.
CW
Christopher Walton
11 min
Secondary school pupils in British uniforms seated in a circle during a student council meeting in an English school English Education System
Pupil Voice and Student Councils: How They Work
Find out how student councils work in English schools, what pupil voice means in practice, and how schools use both to improve outcomes.
CW
Christopher Walton
8 min
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