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
A primary school child doing homework at a kitchen table surrounded by colourful books and pencils in a cosy British home Practical Advice
Homework Expectations: How Much Is Too Much for Primary Pupils?
How much homework should primary school children really be doing? We examine government guidance, the research evidence, and practical tips for parents.
IC
Imogen Clarke
7 min
Parent holding child by the hand walking towards the gates of a red-brick English primary school English Education System
Primary School Admissions: How to Apply and What to Do If You're Rejected
A complete guide to primary school admissions in England: key dates, how to apply, understanding the criteria, and your options if your first-choice school says no.
IC
Imogen Clarke
8 min
Empty British school classroom with a sign reading Supply Teacher Today on the chalkboard Education Trends
The Teacher Shortage in England: Which Subjects Are Most Affected?
England is facing a growing teacher shortage in 2026. Discover which subjects are worst affected, why teachers are leaving, and what the government is doing about it.
CW
Christopher Walton
7 min
A Year 6 child writing in a SATs exam paper at a bright primary school classroom in England Exams & Qualifications
A Parent's Guide to SATs: Why They Matter at Year 2 and Year 6
Everything parents need to know about SATs in England: what Year 2 and Year 6 tests involve, how results work, and how to support your child without adding stress.
IC
Imogen Clarke
8 min
Children engaged in outdoor learning activities in a woodland Forest School setting in England SEND & Alternative Education
Forest Schools: Why Outdoor Learning Is Becoming a Trend in England
Discover what Forest Schools are, how they work, and why outdoor learning is booming across England. A guide for parents considering this nature-based approach.
ER
Emmett Richardson
9 min
Flat lay of British school uniform items including blazer, shirt, tie and shoes with a price tag visible Practical Advice
The Cost of School Uniforms: New Laws and How to Find Second-Hand Options
Discover how much school uniforms cost in England, what the 2021 Uniform Act requires schools to do, and practical ways to reduce costs including grants and second-hand schemes.
CW
Christopher Walton
8 min
Aerial map of a British suburb showing school catchment area boundaries with coloured zones English Education System
Catchment Areas Explained: How Your Postcode Determines Your School Choices
Understand how school catchment areas work in England — how distance is measured, what the priority order means, and how to check if your postcode qualifies.
CW
Christopher Walton
9 min
Exterior of a prestigious British private school with a financial document overlay representing VAT on fees Education Trends
The Impact of VAT on Private School Fees: 2025/2026 Update
The UK removed the VAT exemption for private schools in January 2025. Find out how much fees have risen, which schools were most affected, and what it means for 2026.
CW
Christopher Walton
10 min
British sixth-form students in three different learning environments representing A-Levels, BTECs and T-Levels Exams & Qualifications
A-Levels vs. BTECs vs. T-Levels: Which Path Is Right for Your Teenager?
Compare A-Levels, BTECs and T-Levels in 2026. Understand assessment styles, UCAS points, university acceptance and which pathway suits your teenager best.
CW
Christopher Walton
9 min
A specialist teacher supporting a student with dyslexia using colourful learning aids in a modern English classroom SEND & Alternative Education
Dyslexia and ADHD in the Classroom: How English Schools Support Neurodiversity
Learn how English schools identify and support pupils with dyslexia and ADHD, from SEN Support to exam access arrangements and practical advice for parents.
ER
Emmett Richardson
9 min
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