Primary Schools in England — Complete Parent Guide 2025

What Is It?

Understanding Primary School in England

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.

Primary schools follow the National Curriculum, divided into two key stages. Key Stage 1 covers Years 1 and 2 (ages 5–7), and Key Stage 2 covers Years 3 to 6 (ages 7–11). In Reception (age 4–5), children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which bridges nursery and formal schooling.

At the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6), children sit national SATs tests in reading and mathematics, alongside teacher assessment in writing. These results inform the secondary school transition and measure school performance. Primary schools come in many forms: community schools, academies, free schools, and voluntary aided schools — often faith schools.

Step by Step

How Primary School Works

1

Children must start school in the September after their 4th birthday (some councils allow deferred entry until later in the year).
2

Apply to your chosen primary schools through your local council's admissions portal — usually open from November, with a January deadline.
3

Receive your offer on National Offer Day in April. You have the right to appeal if you are not offered your preferred school.
4

Your child starts in Reception, following the EYFS curriculum.
5

Years 1–6 follow the National Curriculum: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Art, DT, Music, PE, Computing, and a foreign language (from Year 3).
6

At the end of Year 6, children sit KS2 SATs and transition to secondary school the following September.

Pros & Considerations

The Advantages & Things to Consider

Advantages

Free at all state primary schools across England
National Curriculum ensures broad, consistent coverage of subjects
Wide variety of school types to suit different families
Typically community-oriented with strong parental involvement
Structured progression from EYFS through to secondary school

Considerations

Oversubscribed outstanding schools can be very difficult to get into
Significant variation in quality between schools and regions
KS2 SATs can be a source of stress for some children
Catchment areas restrict choice for families who cannot relocate

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Primary School in England

When does my child start primary school in England?

Children must start school by the September after their fifth birthday. Most places are offered from September of the year a child turns 5, meaning most children start Reception at age 4. Parents can request deferred entry until later in the year.

How do I apply for a primary school place?

Applications are made through your local council's online admissions portal. Deadlines are typically mid-January; offers are made in mid-April on National Offer Day. You can usually list 3–6 schools in preference order. You have the right to appeal if not offered your first choice.

What are SATs and does my child have to take them?

SATs are national standardised tests at the end of Year 6 in Reading and Maths. Writing is teacher-assessed. KS1 SATs (Year 2) became optional in 2023. All state primary pupils in England sit KS2 SATs. Results are used for secondary transition information and published school performance data.

What subjects do children study in primary school?

The National Curriculum requires: English, Maths, Science (core subjects), plus History, Geography, Art & Design, DT, Music, PE, Computing, and RE. Languages are compulsory from KS2 (Year 3). Schools have flexibility in how they organise time across subjects.

What is the difference between a state primary and a private prep school?

State primaries are free and government-funded. Private prep schools charge fees (often £3,000–£6,000+ per term) and are not required to follow the National Curriculum. They typically have smaller classes and more extracurricular provision, and prepare pupils for competitive independent secondary entry at 11+ or 13+.

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