From nursery to sixth form, academies to faith schools — your complete guide to how education works in England. 8 school types, every key stage, and a searchable directory of 52,000+ schools.
The education system in England is one of the most diverse in the world. Unlike many countries where a single type of state school serves all children, England has evolved a complex ecosystem of school types, each with different governance structures, admissions policies, and areas of specialism. Understanding the differences can make a significant difference to families navigating school choices.
Education in England is compulsory from the start of the term after a child's fifth birthday until their 16th birthday. Since 2015, young people must remain in some form of education or training until their 18th birthday. The curriculum is structured into five key stages: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for ages 0–5; Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2, ages 5–7); Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6, ages 7–11); Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9, ages 11–14); Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11, ages 14–16); and Key Stage 5 for post-16 education.
The great majority of children in England attend state-funded schools, which are free at the point of use. Within the state sector, there is significant diversity — from local authority maintained schools to academies, free schools, faith schools, and special schools. A smaller proportion of children attend independent (private) schools, which charge fees and operate outside the state system.
Use the guides below to explore each school type in depth, or search our database of 52,000+ schools to find options in your area.
Click any type to read the full guide — age ranges, key facts, how admissions work, and FAQs
3–4 years
Nursery and early years education in England covers children aged 3 to 4 years, although many settings also accept children from age 2. This stage of education — known as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) — is not compulsory, but the vast majority of children attend some form of early years provision before starting primary school.
4–11 years
Primary school in England covers children aged 4 to 11, from Reception through to Year 6. This seven-year phase of compulsory education is foundational: it is where children learn to read, write and use mathematics, and develop the social, emotional and intellectual skills they will build on for the rest of their lives.
11–16 years
Secondary school in England covers pupils aged 11 to 16, from Year 7 to Year 11. It is divided into Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) and Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11). In the final two years, pupils study towards their GCSEs — the primary academic qualification at 16 and the gateway to Sixth Form and further education.
16–18 years
Sixth Form covers Years 12 and 13 (ages 16–18), known as Key Stage 5. Since 2015, all young people in England must remain in some form of education or training until 18. Options include a Sixth Form attached to a secondary school, a standalone Sixth Form college, an FE college, or an apprenticeship.
All phases (Primary & Secondary)
Academy schools are state-funded schools in England that operate independently of local authority (LA) control. Funded directly by the government via the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), they are governed by an academy trust — a charitable company with a board of trustees — rather than the local council.
All phases
Free schools are a type of academy school established under the Academies Act 2010. Like all academies, they are state-funded and independently run — outside local authority control. The key distinction is that free schools are new schools, created from scratch by groups such as parents, teachers, charities, universities, businesses, or faith groups, rather than being converted from existing schools.
2–19 years
Special schools in England provide education for children and young people with significant special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who require a level of specialist support that cannot be met in a mainstream school — even with additional support in place. Access to a special school is gated through the Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan process.
All phases (Primary & Secondary)
Faith schools — formally known as schools with a religious character — are state-funded schools in England that operate with a religious ethos and are associated with a religious body. They educate over a million pupils. The most common are Church of England and Catholic schools, but there are also Jewish, Islamic, Sikh, Hindu, Methodist, and other denominational schools.
Common questions about the English school system answered
In-depth guides for parents, students and education professionals
Practical Advice
English Education System
English Education System
