How are classes allocated (England and Wales)?
In England, the year group according to age allocation is based on age groups from September to August. This means a child should start Reception in September after turning 4. Although primary school officially begins at age 5, enrolling in Reception is the standard practice followed by most families. The same approach applies to subsequent year groups. For example, children enter Year 7 in September after turning 11 and Year 10 in September after turning 14.
Which classes do students most often enrol in?
How is class allocation done (Scotland)?
Children in Scotland start school between the ages of 4.5 and 5.5 years old. If a child turns 4 before 28 February, they are required to start Primary 1 (P1) in August of the same year.
What types of schools are there in the UK?
There are two main types of schools in the UK: state schools and private schools.
State schools are funded by the government and are free for children to attend. Most state schools are non-selective, but there is a type of state secondary school called grammar schools, which are academically selective. To gain admission to these schools, pupils take exams at the beginning of Year 6, and only those with the highest scores can secure a place.
Private schools (also known as independent schools) are schools where tuition is paid for by parents. There are both selective and non-selective private schools. Additionally, there are private boarding schools where students live on the school grounds.
How to choose a school?
State schools
For primary and non-selective secondary state schools in the UK, a catchment area system is in place. A catchment area is the geographical zone around a school that determines the area of residence giving pupils priority access to that school. This system ensures a fair and even distribution of pupils among schools. Therefore, if you plan to apply to a non-selective state school, it is important to check your catchment area (this information can be found on your local council’s website). However, it is also important to understand that even if a school is within your catchment area, there is no 100% guarantee of admission, as places may already be filled.
Private Schools
Private and selective state schools, as well as senior state schools, are not bound by catchment area rules, meaning your choice is not restricted by your place of residence.
Almost all schools host open days or can arrange individual visits (either virtual or in-person) to introduce you to the school and answer any questions — this can help you make an informed decision when choosing a school.
Ofsted is the organisation responsible for inspecting all state schools, while private schools are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Their reports are publicly available and can be used as a reference when selecting a school. Additionally, there are many websites to compare schools and educational agencies that can assist you in making your choice. For state schools, you can use Compare Schools (compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk), though it may sometimes seem a bit complicated.
When to Apply for School Admissions?
State Schools
The application process varies slightly by region. Generally, if you are applying for the first time for a nursery, a reception class at a primary school, or Year 7 at a secondary school, you will need to fill out a form on your local council’s website under the "School Admissions" section, listing 5 to 7 school preferences. Applications usually open around 9 months before the start of the academic year, so it’s important not to miss the deadline. After submitting, the council will decide which of your chosen schools will offer your child a place, considering various criteria. If none of your selected schools provide a place, the local council will allocate a place in another school within your area.
Private Schools
Each private school and selective senior state school has its own deadlines for applications, which can be found on the school’s website. Selective schools usually start accepting applications in the autumn of the year prior to your child’s intended start date (some even earlier, up to 1.5 years in advance). After submitting an application, selective schools often require students to complete a series of exams and interviews as part of their selection process. All dates and details of these internal exams and interviews will be listed on the school’s website or provided after you submit your application.
Non-selective private schools sometimes accept students year-round, especially those relocating from outside the UK.
What documents are needed for school admission?
A scan of the child's ID card/passport
A scan of the child's birth certificate
A scan of the child's immigration documents (visa/BRP), if applicable. Some schools may also act as sponsors for student visas.
A scan of the parents' ID card/passport
School report/grades for the last 2 years
A recommendation letter from the headteacher
What is 11+?
The 11+ exam is a standardised test taken by pupils in their final year of primary school if they wish to apply to academically selective secondary schools (both private and state).
The 11+ exam can vary depending on the school chosen, but it typically includes four subjects:
Verbal reasoning: selecting and sorting words, codes and sequences, verbal and numerical logic.
Non-verbal reasoning: identifying shapes, missing shapes, shape rotations, composite shapes.
English: reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation, and grammar.
Mathematics: equations, numerical logic, graphical data, shape and size of figures.
Preparation for the 11+ exam is not part of the curriculum in UK state schools. Maths and English usually align with the school curriculum, but verbal and non-verbal reasoning are not school subjects, so they require separate preparation.
What is GCSE?
The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is a standardised qualification taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Typically, GCSEs are studied over two years when students are aged 14–16 (Years 10 and 11), marking the end of compulsory education in the UK. GCSEs serve as the foundation for further academic education or vocational qualifications. Students must take at least 5 subjects at GCSE, but most choose 9–10, with the maximum usually being 12 in most schools. If a student wishes to take exams in more subjects, they can do so independently of the school.
The GCSE curriculum includes core subjects that are mandatory, such as Mathematics, English Literature, English Language, and a choice of sciences. Welsh is also a core subject in Wales. Additionally, students can choose from a wide range of optional subjects. Common options include modern languages (Spanish, French), humanities (History, Geography, Psychology), arts (Drama, Art and Design), and technical subjects (Computer Science, Business).
GCSE grades are awarded on a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest grade. Grades are based on final exam results, coursework, and other assessments over the two-year period.
What are A Levels?
A Levels are traditional subject-based qualifications taken by students in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and some schools in Scotland. They are usually studied over the final two years of school (Years 12 and 13) and serve as a key requirement for entry into British universities. A Levels are also internationally recognised, including in the US and across Europe.
A Levels offer a flexible curriculum with no mandatory subjects, allowing students to focus on their specific interests or academic strengths. While universities typically require three subjects, some students choose to take four or even five. The range of available subjects varies by school but generally includes categories such as sciences, arts, technology, languages, and humanities. Examples of A Level subjects include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Drama, Art, Information Technology, Spanish, History, Geography, Psychology, and Business.
The nature of assessment at A-levels varies depending on the subject and the examination board chosen by the school. The main form of assessment is an exam at the end of the two-year programme. Some subjects also include project work or coursework, which usually contributes to the final grade.
What is the IB?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) is an international programme offered by some private schools in the UK for students during the last two years of secondary school.
The programme involves studying and taking exams in six subjects, completing a Theory of Knowledge course, writing a 4,000-word research essay, and participating in extracurricular activities.
Out of the six academic subjects, students must choose one from each category: English language and literature, foreign languages, mathematics, natural sciences, and humanities. The sixth subject can either be another one from the listed categories or a subject from the arts category. Additionally, three or four subjects must be studied at Higher Level (HL), with the remaining at Standard Level (SL).
IB subject grades are awarded on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. The total score for academic subjects can reach up to 42 points. An additional three points can be earned based on the Theory of Knowledge and the research essay. Although extracurricular activities are mandatory, they are not graded.
What is National 5?
National 5 is a standardised qualification achieved by students in Scotland at the end of S4, typically at the age of 15-16. While there is no minimum number of subjects required, most universities will expect results in at least 3-4 subjects. Students usually take 6-8 subjects. Only English and Maths are mandatory, while the rest of the subjects are chosen by the students. These can include foreign languages, sciences, arts, technology, and humanities.
Grades for National 5 are awarded on a scale from A to D, with A being the highest. Assessment is based on final exam results, coursework, and practical assignments.
What are Highers, Advanced Highers, and the Scottish Baccalaureate?
Highers are qualifications obtained by students in Scotland during S5. They are a key requirement for admission to Scottish universities. Students have a wide range of subjects to choose from, and assessment is based on exam results, coursework, and teacher evaluations. Typically, 4 subjects are required for university entry in Scotland (or 5 for more competitive courses).
Most universities in the UK, outside of Scotland, will require Advanced Highers as they are considered a higher level qualification. This is because undergraduate degrees in Scotland are one year longer than in other parts of the UK.
Advanced Highers are qualifications that students can achieve in their final year of secondary school (S6) in Scotland. At this level, students typically choose 2-3 subjects, which are often a requirement for admission to universities outside Scotland.
In some schools, S6 students can choose to study one of the four types of Scottish Baccalaureates: languages, science, arts, or social sciences. The Scottish Baccalaureate consists of relevant Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications along with an interdisciplinary project.
Higher Education
When to apply to university?
Applicants have until the end of January to submit applications to five chosen universities. Candidates applying for Oxford, Cambridge, or medical courses follow a slightly different process, as they need to take additional exams, attend interviews, and submit applications earlier.
After submitting an application, applicants receive initial decisions from universities. Positive decisions are usually conditional on achieving specific exam grades at the end of year S6. By May, applicants must narrow their choices down to two universities: one as their firm choice (the one they most want to attend) and another as their insurance choice (usually with lower grade requirements).
How does the university application process work?
Applications are submitted through the UCAS platform. After registering on the platform, applicants complete an application form, providing details about their experience, education, and work/volunteering history.
The next step is selecting universities and courses, with a maximum of five courses to choose from.
Applicants then write a personal statement, which will be sent to all universities as part of the application. Starting in 2025, the personal statement will consist of three questions, with responses limited to 4,000 characters:
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
How has your education prepared you for this course or subject?
What have you done outside of your studies to prepare, and why is this experience valuable?
The application must also include references from teachers. For some courses, additional exams may be required. Once everything is completed, the application is submitted to the universities for consideration.
After receiving decisions from all five universities, applicants must narrow their choices down to two courses: a firm choice and an insurance choice.
After receiving their A-level results (in mid-August), applicants confirm their place at one university.
If, based on their results, they do not meet the requirements for either of their chosen courses, they can use the Clearing process. Clearing matches applicants to courses that still have available places.
The application process for international students is different from the one described above, so if you have any questions, please contact Svitlo Education.
What documents are required for university admission?
Grades from Year 11 and predicted grades for Year 13
An English language certificate (if the applicant has not studied in English for the past 3–4 years)
Letters of recommendation
Results from any additional entrance exams (e.g., for medical school admission)
A copy of the birth certificate
A copy of the passport
If you have any additional questions, you can reach out to EducAd Consulting for assistance