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
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
A Year 10 pupil in a British school science lab reviewing GCSE study materials for biology, chemistry and physics Exams & Qualifications
Combined Science Versus Separate Sciences: Choosing a GCSE Route
Choosing between GCSE Combined Science and Separate Sciences? Learn what each route involves, who it suits, and how the grades work.
IC
Imogen Clarke
9 min
A school inspector speaking with a headteacher in an English secondary school corridor while reviewing a clipboard English Education System
Understanding Ofsted Ratings: What "Outstanding" vs "Good" Really Means
Confused by Ofsted ratings? Learn what Outstanding, Good and the new five-point scale really mean for your child's school in England.
CW
Christopher Walton
10 min
Neatly folded school uniforms including white shirts, a navy jumper and grey trousers laid out on a bed in England, ready for the new school year Practical Advice
How Much School Uniform Do I Actually Need to Buy? A Parent's Guide
Confused about how many school uniforms to buy? Our practical guide covers quantities, costs, where to shop, second-hand options, and grants available in England.
CW
Christopher Walton
8 min
A parent in England opening a school offer letter at the kitchen table on National Offer Day, looking relieved or concerned at the result English Education System
National Offer Day: What Happens If You Don't Get Your First Choice School
Didn't get your first choice secondary school on National Offer Day? Discover your options: waiting lists, appeals, alternative schools and what to expect next.
ER
Emmett Richardson
8 min
A young child in England wearing a new school uniform on their first day of primary school, standing at the garden gate with a parent English Education System
When Do Children Start School in England? Age, Dates and Deferral Options
Confused about when your child must start school in England? We explain compulsory age, Reception entry, deferral rights, summer-born options and how to apply.
CW
Christopher Walton
8 min
A parent in England reviewing school admission appeal documents at a kitchen table, preparing their case with printed letters and notes English Education System
How to Win a School Admission Appeal in England: A Step-by-Step Guide
Refused a school place in England? Learn exactly how the admission appeal process works, what evidence wins cases, and how to present your strongest case to the panel.
IC
Imogen Clarke
10 min
A teaching assistant in England working one-to-one with a young EAL pupil using picture cards and books in a primary school classroom SEND & Alternative Education
English as an Additional Language: Support for Non-Native Speakers in Schools
Is your child learning English as an additional language? Discover how English schools support EAL pupils, what rights families have, and how to help at home.
ER
Emmett Richardson
8 min
A group of parents and teachers at a PTA meeting in an English primary school hall, sitting around tables with papers and refreshments Practical Advice
PTAs and School Governors: How Parents Can Get Involved in School Life
Want to make a real difference at your child's school? Discover how to join the PTA or become a school governor in England — roles, responsibilities and how to apply.
CW
Christopher Walton
7 min
A secondary school pastoral leader in England speaking with a group of teenagers about the risks of vaping in a school classroom Education Trends
Vaping in Schools: How English Secondary Schools Are Tackling the Issue
Vaping among secondary school pupils in England is a growing concern. We explain the health risks, what the law says, how schools are responding and what parents can do.
ER
Emmett Richardson
7 min
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