This guide covers England in most detail. Scotland’s system is different. See schools in Scotland.
Ages and year groups
The school year runs from September to July, and children are grouped by their age on September 1.
| UK (England) | Age during the year | Rough US equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Reception | 4–5 | Pre-K / kindergarten |
| Years 1–6 (primary) | 5–11 | Kindergarten to 5th grade |
| Years 7–11 (secondary) | 11–16 | 6th to 10th grade |
| Years 12–13 (sixth form) | 16–18 | 11th and 12th grade |
Children usually start Reception in the September after they turn four, a year earlier than many US kindergartens.
Exams
- GCSEs at the end of Year 11 (age 16), usually in 8–10 subjects.
- A levels in Years 12–13, usually in three subjects, which UK universities use for admission. Some schools offer the International Baccalaureate instead.
Getting a place
- State schools are free. Apply through your local council.
- Popular schools use criteria such as distance from home, siblings and sometimes faith. Where you live matters a great deal.
- There are fixed dates for September entry, but you can apply “in year” when you arrive. Councils usually want a UK address first.
- Check a school’s Ofsted inspection report and visit if you can.
- Some areas have grammar schools, selective state schools with an entrance test at age 10–11.
Private schools
Independent schools charge fees, which now include VAT. Confusingly, some of the oldest are called “public schools”. Many have their own entrance tests and waiting lists.
Thinking about US college?
UK qualifications are accepted by US colleges, but plan early: check what testing your target colleges want, keep track of extracurriculars, and look at schools with experience of US applications.
University fees
Whether your child pays “home” or international fees at a UK university depends on their immigration status and residence history, not just living here. Check this well before applications.
What to do next
Build your move plan and choose “A family with children” to add school steps.
General information, not personal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.