If you want your children to have a good education, it’s absolutely essential to get them into a good secondary school, even if it means moving house and changing your job.
You have the right to express a preference for a particular state school and don’t have to choose a school within your local LEA. However, priority is usually given to children with a family member already at a school, children with special family or medical circumstances, and to children living in a school’s catchment area.
It’s vital to research the best schools in a given area and to ensure that your child will be accepted at your chosen school, before buying or renting a home. Admission to most state schools is decided, largely, on the local catchment area; if you live outside a school’s area, your child may not be admitted.
Homes near the best state schools are at a premium and prices in many areas have risen because of high demand. A government-funded survey in 2002 revealed that house prices in areas with good schools are on average 10 per cent higher than other areas, a figure that rises to 21 per cent in London, the South-east and the North of England.
Some parents are prepared to pay £50,000 extra in property prices in order to guarantee their children places at top primary schools! Some schools have been forced to reduce their catchment areas, thus excluding many children whose parents may have moved home specifically so that their offspring could attend a particular school. Children can be denied the right to attend a school simply because they live on the wrong side of a street.
Parental choice was a cornerstone of educational reforms in the ‘80s, although many believe it’s a charade, as the money isn’t available to fill the increased demand from parents for places at the best state schools. There are over one million surplus places in schools costing millions a year to maintain, while parents are fighting to get their children into the best schools. You can appeal against a refusal, as thousands of parents do each year, although most are unsuccessful.
Many parents are dissatisfied with their child’s school place. An LEA is obliged to provide transport or pay travelling expenses only when the nearest state school is over 3km (2mi) for under-8s or over 5km (3mi) for over-8s. You can apply to change schools if you or your child wishes, but given the possible disruption of your child’s education, this shouldn’t be undertaken lightly.
There has never been so much information available about schools as there is today. To help you choose an appropriate school, all primary and secondary schools are required to publish a prospectus giving details of educational, religious and social attitudes. A list of schools in a given area can be obtained from county or borough education offices in England and Wales (listed in telephone directories). Secondary schools are also required to publish full details of their GCSE and GCE A-level results.
The government publishes school performance tables. There are many books written to help you compare different schools, including The Sunday Times State Schools Book (Bloomsbury), which details 500 of the best state schools throughout the country. The Sunday Times (and other newspapers) also publish education supplements to help parents choose a state (or private) school.
You should address enquiries about admission (enrolment) to state schools to the Chief Education Officer of the LEA or contact school secretaries or headteachers directly. If possible, enquiries should be made well in advance of taking up residence in a new area.
All schools prefer children to start at the beginning of a term (see below). The school year in England and Wales normally begins in September and runs until July of the following year. In Scotland, it generally runs from mid-August to the end of June and in Northern Ireland from September to June. Most local councils publish information regarding school admissions and information is also available from the local Education Department.
The school year is usually divided into three terms (autumn, spring and summer, a throwback to when children helped with the harvest), which are separated by 14 weeks holiday. The mid-term (or half-term) is usually marked by a one-week break. The typical term dates are as shown below, although the dates and the length of holidays vary depending on the school and the area:
Terms are a flexible length to accommodate the main public holidays. Most schools also close for staff training on certain days, which are listed in the school schedule. School holiday dates are published by schools well in advance, thus allowing plenty of time to schedule family holidays during official school holidays. Holidays shouldn’t be taken during term time, although many parents ignore this and it isn’t illegal. By law, parents are permitted to withdraw their children from school for up to two weeks a year without official permission.
However, it’s unwise to take a child out of school, particularly when he should be taking examinations or during important course work assignments. The GCSE examinations are scheduled for late May and June, and if your child misses an exam you may have to pay the fee and will have to pay again for him to take it later.
The school day in state schools is usually from 9am to noon and 1pm to 3.30pm or 4pm, Mondays to Fridays. Some (usually secondary) schools keep what are termed ‘continental hours’, starting at 8.30am and finishing at 2.30pm (with a short lunch break). There are no state school lessons on Saturdays.
Most primary and secondary schools provide lunches (cafeteria self-service or buffet-style) for around £2.50 per day and parents are permitted to join their child for lunch in some schools. It may be necessary for pupils to order meals in advance and to book meals for a whole week, i.e. no meals on odd days.
A child whose mother doesn’t go out to work and who lives within walking or cycling distance of school, may go home for lunch. In Northern Ireland, a midday meal is provided for all primary school children who wish to have one.
Most schools allow children to take a snack for morning break, e.g. biscuit, apple or crisps (chips), and milk is on sale in some schools. Free milk and lunches are provided for pupils whose parents receive Income Support who may also be exempt from paying for travel and school outings. All secondary schools provide covered cycle racks for pupils who cycle to school. Primary school children usually need the following items:
Although most state schools have a school uniform, the rules about wearing them may vary. In some schools it’s obligatory, in others not (rules may be more relaxed in infant and junior schools). Less well off parents, e.g. those claiming Income Support, can claim a uniform grant and some secondary schools may also help with the cost of uniforms.
State schools went through a period in the ‘60s when school uniforms were unfashionable and were considered by educationalists to inhibit personality, in addition to being a burden on less well-off families (which is still the case).
In recent years, many state schools, particularly comprehensive schools, have reintroduced school uniforms in an attempt to instil in students a sense of identity, discipline and pride in their school. Those in favour of uniforms also argue that they enhance a school’s reputation and, contrary to earlier belief, the children whose parents cannot afford good clothes don’t stand out, as everyone wears the same.
Attendance at a nursery school or kindergarten for children under five isn’t compulsory. All children must start compulsory schooling in the term following their fifth birthday. A government scheme introduced in 1998 makes provision for part-time, ‘early years’ education for four-year olds from the term following their fourth birthday.
Children are guaranteed three two-and-a-half hour sessions a week at a registered play scheme or school of the parents’ choice, which is one of the lowest provisions of nursery education in Europe (in Belgium and France 95 per cent of children attend a nursery school). Children from three to five years old may be catered for in local state nursery schools, in nursery schools attached to primary schools or registered play schemes.
However, the provision of state nursery schools by LEAs isn’t mandatory, although LEAs must ensure that there are places at play schemes if there aren’t enough state nursery schools. Admission to nursery education is usually on a first-come, first-served basis. Nursery schools have no catchment area and you can apply to any number of schools, although you must put your child down for entry as soon as possible. One advantage of putting your child down for entry at a state nursery school attached to a primary school is that you’re usually ensured your child has a place at the primary school later.
The cost of private nursery school varies and is usually from £50 a week or £400 a term, although it can cost up to £5,000 a year. Some schools allow you to choose a number of morning or afternoon sessions, e.g. from £150 a term for two sessions a week, rising to around £400 a term for five full days a week. School hours vary, but may be from 9am to noon (morning session) and 12.15pm to 3.15pm (afternoon session).
Children who attend nursery school all day usually require a packed lunch (a mid-morning snack and drink may be provided by the school). There are over 800 nursery schools in the UK using the world-famous Montessori method of teaching.
If you’re unable to get your child accepted by a state-aided nursery school, you must pay for him to attend a private pre-school playgroup. These usually cost from £2.50 to £4 a session. Many playgroups accept children from age two, but stipulate that they must be toilet trained. Informal play facilities are provided by private nursery schools and playgroups, or may be organised by parents and voluntary bodies such as the Pre-School Learning Alliance (The Fitzpatrick Building, 188 York Way, London N7 9AD 020-7697 2500, www.pre-school.org.uk), which provides places for some 800,000 under fives. To find out where the nursery schools and playgroups are in your area, get in touch with Childcare Link (0800–096 0296).
Children attend between two and five weekly sessions of two and a half hours a day on average. Parents pay a fee each term and are encouraged to help in the running of the group. A playgroup doesn’t generally provide education (just educational games) for under fives, although research has shown that children who attend nursery school are generally brighter and usually progress at a much faster rate than those who don’t.
Nursery school is highly recommended, particularly if a child or its parents aren’t of English mother tongue. After one or two years in nursery school, a child is integrated into the local community and is well prepared for primary school (particularly if English isn’t spoken at home). A number of books are available for parents who wish to help their young children learn at home, which most educationalists agree gives children a flying start at school.
Primary education in the UK begins at five years and in state schools is almost always co-educational (mixed boys and girls). Primary school consists mainly of first or infant schools for children aged five to seven (or eight), middle or junior schools for those aged 7 to 11 (or 8 to 12) and combined first and middle schools for both age groups.
In addition, first schools in some parts of England cater for children aged from five to eight, nine or ten, and are the first stage of a three-tier school system: first, middle and secondary. Some primary schools also provide nursery classes for children aged five.
LEAs must provide a primary school place at the start of the term following a child’s fifth birthday, although some admit children earlier. If a child attends a nursery class at a primary school, he usually moves up to the infants’ class at the same school, although it isn’t compulsory. Entry to a primary school isn’t automatic and parents must apply to the head for a place.
In England and Wales, the transfer to secondary schools is generally made at 11, while in Northern Ireland it can be 11 or 12. In Scotland, primary school lasts for seven years and pupils transfer to secondary school at the age of 12. In a few areas, children may take the 11-plus examination, which determines whether they go on to a grammar or high school, or to a secondary modern school.
Secondary schools are for children from 11 or 12 to 16 and for those who choose to stay on at school until age 18 (called ‘sixth formers’). Most state secondary schools are co-educational, although there are many single-sex schools in Northern Ireland. Students are streamed in some secondary schools for academic subjects. The main types of secondary schools are as follows:
Comprehensive schools are usually divided into five or seven year groups, with the first year having the youngest children, e.g. 11-year-olds. At the age of 16, students can take GCSE examinations or leave school without taking any exams.
After taking their GCSEs, students can usually stay on at school for the sixth form (or transfer to a 6th form college) and spend a further two or three years studying for their A-level examinations, usually in order to qualify for a place at a university. They can also retake or take extra GCSEs or study for the B.Tech or GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) exams at a 6th form college. Around 40 per cent of all students stay on at secondary school to take A-levels.
The average pupil:teacher ratio in most state secondary schools is around 22, although class sizes are over 30 in some schools. Teaching time is from 22 to 26 hours in secondary schools, but may be increased to boost exam results.
City technology colleges are state-aided, independent of LEAs, and are a recent innovation in state education for 11 to 18-year-olds. Their aim is to widen the choice of secondary education in disadvantaged urban areas and to teach a broad curriculum with an emphasis on science, technology, business understanding and arts technologies. Although initially received with hostility and scepticism by the educational establishment, technology colleges have proved a huge success.
The Education Reform Act of 1988 established the progressive introduction of a national curriculum in primary and secondary schools, for the years of compulsory schooling from 5 to 16.
This means that children in all parts of the England and Wales now receive the same basic education, which makes comparisons between how children are performing at different schools easier and facilitates transfers between schools. Before the national curriculum, headteachers (also called headmasters or headmistresses) in England and Wales were responsible for determining the curriculum in their schools in conjunction with LEAs and school governors.
The national curriculum (which has spawned a new language: ‘curriculingo’) was introduced over six years from autumn 1989 to summer 1995, ostensibly to bring the UK into line with Europe. It consists of eleven subjects which all children must study at school: English, mathematics, science, history, geography, information and communication technology (ICT), music, art and design, physical education (PE), design and technology (D&T) and a modern foreign language (in secondary schools from 11 years). English, mathematics and science are termed ‘core’ subjects, because they help children to study other subjects, and are compulsory up to GCSE level.
Other subjects are termed ‘foundation’ subjects. The core subjects plus technology and a modern language are often referred to as the ‘extended core’. In Wales, Welsh-speaking schools teach Welsh as a core subject and other schools in Wales teach Welsh as a foundation subject (although this has caused some dissension among English-speaking parents, when pupils are forced to learn Welsh against their parent’s wishes). Religious education must be part of the curriculum and is decided locally. Parents can, however, decide whether their child takes part.
Schooling is divided into four ‘key stages’, which help parents know what their children are learning at various ages. Parents receive a report containing the results of Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) at the end of each key stage (at ages 7, 11, 14 and 16), based on national attainment targets.
In key stages 1 and 2, English, maths, science, information and communication technology (ICT), history, geography, art and design, music, design and technology (D&T) and PE are taught. In key stage 3, a modern foreign language and citizenship are added. In key stage 4, compulsory subjects are English, maths, science, ICT, D&T, PE, citizenship and a modern foreign language. Pupils must also study sex and religious education at all stages, although parents have the right to withdraw children from these lessons. In stage 3, children aged 11 to 14 should have 20 per cent of their timetable free for subjects other than the statutory requirements, increasing to 40 per cent in stage 4.
Other subjects may be taught in addition to the national curriculum and religious education, and are decided by individual schools. All schools are required to publish information in their prospectus and the governing body’s annual report about what’s taught at the school. Children with special education needs also follow the national curriculum, where possible.
In Scotland, there’s no set national curriculum and education authorities and individual headteachers decide what is taught. There are, however, national guidelines suggesting that the following subjects be taught between the ages of 5 and 14: English, mathematics, environmental studies (including science, social subjects, technology and health), expressive arts (including art, design, music, drama and physical education), and religious and moral education.
These form the core area and are supplemented by other activities, which make up the elective area. Provision is made for teaching Gaelic in Gaelic-speaking areas. Standard tests are held in English and mathematics for 9 and 12-year-olds.
In Northern Ireland, there’s a common curriculum for all schools with several areas of study, including: English; maths; science and technology; history and geography; creative and expressive area of study (art and design, music and physical education); religious education; and four educational cross-curricular themes (education for mutual understanding, cultural heritage, health education and information technology), which aren’t separate subjects, but included within the other subjects.
All secondary school pupils study a European language and the Irish language is available in Irish-speaking schools only. Secondary schools are known as Post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. There are also grammar schools and admission to these depends on the results of two Transfer tests examining pupils’ knowledge in English, maths, science and technology.
The national curriculum has already been revised and is expected to be modified over the coming years to counter problem areas and to take into account the changing face of education and training. For further information contact the Qualification and Curriculum Authority, 83 Piccadilly, London W1J 8QA (020-7509 5556, www.qca.org.uk).
Before the introduction of comprehensive schools, the 11-plus examination was sat by all pupils in England and Wales at the age of around 11, and was the major turning point in a child’s schooling. The major objection to the 11-plus was that it decided a child’s future education at too young an age and left little room for late developers (very few children who failed the 11-plus made it into higher education).
However, the 11-plus hasn’t quite passed into history and it’s still taken by primary school pupils in a few areas, where those who pass go on to a grammar or high school. Those that fail attend a secondary modern school. Places at advanced secondary schools are limited so, in addition to achieving the required 11-plus pass mark, pupils also require a recommendation from their headteacher. It’s possible to transfer from a high school to a grammar school, but it’s rare.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the main examination usually taken at age 16 after five years of secondary education is the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). The General Certificate of Education Advanced (A) level may be taken after a further two years of study. In Scotland, the main examination is the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE). SCE standard (ordinary) grade is taken after four years of secondary education and the SCE Higher grade (highers) after a further two years.
Passes in the GCE A-level and SCE Higher grade exams are the basis for entry to further education, and are recognised by all British and European universities and most American colleges. In recent years, there has been a debate over whether GCSE and A-level standards are falling, although GCSE and A-level results remain the best guide to a school’s teaching standards. The examinations held in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are described below.
In 1988, the GCSE examination replaced the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary (O-level) and the Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) examinations. The GCSE differs from its predecessors in that the syllabi are based on national criteria covering course objectives; content and assessment methods; differentiated assessment (i.e. different papers or questions for different ranges of ability) and grade-related criteria (i.e. grades awarded on absolute rather than relative performance).
Coursework forms part of the assessment of GCSE results, depending on the subject and the examination board, and can vary from 30 per cent to as much as 70 per cent. When children reach the end of the third year of secondary education, they choose GCSE subjects with the help of teachers and parents (there’s no restriction on entry to any examination).
Pupils sit their GCSEs at the age of 16 or earlier – e.g. if they’re exceptionally gifted. Generally, five or six GCSE at grades A to C are required by children who intend to take A-levels and go on to higher education.
General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced level (A-level) examinations are usually taken during the two years after GCSE (at age 17 or 18) by those who wish to go on to higher education. In 2002, A-levels were changed somewhat in response to criticisms that standards had fallen (in recent years there has been a sharp rise in the number of A-level passes, particularly in top grades A and B, and many educationalists believe that exams and marking are deliberately being watered down in order to increase pass rates) and to encourage students to have greater flexibility in subjects.
Students in their first year of A-levels can decide how many A-levels they wish to study. Each A-level has six units, which may be taken over two years (modular) or at the end of the two years (linear). Coursework may form part of the A-level units and there’s a ceiling of 30 per cent coursework in most subjects. The first year of A-level study is known as ‘AS’ (see below) and the second year as ‘A2’.
Advanced Supplementary level (AS-level) examinations may be taken during the first and second years of A-levels and consist of three units. An AS-level is graded as half an A-level and therefore two AS-level passes are usually accepted as the equivalent of one A-level pass. AS-level courses are intended to supplement and broaden A-level studies and examinations are graded A to E (as for A-level grades).
Advanced Education Awards (AEAs) were introduced by the government in 2002, to replace the old Scholarship levels (S-levels), although it’s expected that AEAs will be taken by more students than the S-levels, which were somewhat elitist. AEAs aim to stretch the most able A-level students and to help differentiate between them, particularly in subjects where there’s a high proportion of ‘A’ grades at A-level. At present AEAs are available in 16 A-level subjects (biology, chemistry, economics, English, French, geography, German, history, Irish, Latin, maths, physics, religious education, Spanish, Welsh and Welsh as a second language), which will be increased to 20 by 2005 with the introduction of business studies, computing, design and technology, and psychology.
Scotland has its own examination system, the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE) standard (ordinary) and higher grade examinations. The standard grade (roughly equivalent to the GCSE) is taken at age 15 and the higher grade is usually taken at the age of 17 or 18. The Scottish Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (SCSYS) is a further qualification for pupils who stay on at school after passing the SCE higher grade. Some Scottish private schools set GCE A-levels as well as SCE higher grade.
The Certificate of Pre-vocational Education (CPVE) is a nationally-recognised award for 17-year-olds doing an extra year at school or college.
To gain acceptance to a university in the UK, a student usually requires at least two A-level passes (grades A to E). This is the minimum; to study some courses more passes and high grades are necessary, e.g. to study law and medicine, you usually require three A grade passes, while the requirement for some other courses may be two B grade passes and one C. If you receive an unexpectedly low grade in an exam, you can appeal to your school. There’s a fee for most appeals, but if you’re successful, the fee is returned. If you’re going to appeal, do so as soon as possible, as an A-level course, a college or university place, or a job may rest on the outcome.
Special concessions are made for dyslexic children taking GCSE and A-level exams, which allow them to use an amanuensis or word processor to write answers and to have exam questions read out to them or recorded on tape.
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