Questions about British Schools Answered!

  • Published
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  If you are considering sending your child to a British school, here are some frequently asked questions that will help your decision-making.

How do I find information on British schools?
Education is a service provided by the County Councils in England. Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire all have comprehensive websites which include a whole section on education in their area. This is a good place to start for general information. Look at www.suffolkcc.gov.uk/education/schools ; www.camcnty.gov.uk or www.norfolk.gov.uk

What is the difference between a state school and an independent school?
State schools are free of charge and independent schools are fee-paying schools. An old term you may still hear for an independent school is a 'public' school, which really is a contradiction in terms because only the minority attend fee-paying schools.

Will I have to pay to send my child to a church school?
If the church school is a State school, no fees required are required. Voluntary-aided schools are run in partnership with the Roman Catholic Church and Church of England. The school governors decide which children can go to the school and how religion is taught.

At what age do children start school?
British children must begin full-time education at the start of the term after their fifth birthday. In Suffolk, all children can get full-time education from the start of the term during which they become five. For example, children born in March can start full-time school in January if their parents want them to. Each County Education Office will be able to tell you when your child can start their education. Some children may be able to start schooling on a part-time basis for a term before going for full days.

At what age do they start another school?
Norfolk has a slightly different system to Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. Norfolk children remain in primary school until the age of eleven when they move up to high school. Children in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk will leave primary school at the age of nine and then go to middle school. They remain there until they are thirteen and then join the high school. 

What is a catchment area?
Most children attend the school in their immediate local area, providing there is space. This school is called the catchment school. Every school serves an area of streets or villages, but sometimes this is different for church schools. Parents have a right to ask for a place at a different school. This is called a 'preferred' school. However, it may not be possible to obtain a place if the preferred school is full - this is the overriding factor. If your catchment area school is full then the education office will find you a place at the next nearest. Schools are not able to vary the government's regulations on class sizes.

When does the school year start and how is it divided up?
The school year starts at the beginning of September and is divided into three 'terms' with holidays (vacations) of two weeks at Christmas and Easter and a six-week holiday in the summer. Each term is sub-divided into two 'half-terms' by a week's vacation.

Do I have to register?
Registration is not the same here. We use the term enrolment. When the head teacher confirms that there is availability at the school, he or she will need pupil details. The information required will include a DEROS date for the parent. This is required to help in planning for numbers related to future funding for the school. It is very important that, should you have to take your child out of the school for any reason, you notify the head teacher as soon as possible of the last day of attendance. In order to enroll at a British school you will need to have a British address in the local area.

How will my child progress through school?
Teaching is based on the National Curriculum which has a core of four subjects - English, Maths, Science and Information Technology. Other subjects, such as languages, are introduced at different stages. Within the national curriculum there are Key Stages of learning. Key Stage I is Years 1 and 2, Key Stage 2 - up to Year 6, Key Stage 3 - up to Year 9 and Key Stage 4 - Years 10 and 11. Key Stage 4 is the time when external examinations are taken with a view to entering further education, either college or university.

Will my child get free transport to school?
Free bus transportation to and from school is not automatic. The head teacher may ask for a commitment from you as parents to ensure that your child is delivered to school and picked up from the school. Also, in England we do not have distinctive school buses. Drivers over here are not required to stop behind a school bus but to proceed with caution, so it is essential that children are aware of the dangers of crossing the road when getting off a school bus.

Will my child have to wear a school uniform?
In British schools you will usually be required to wear a uniform. The top (most often a sweatshirt) has the school logo on it and can often be purchased at the school. The bottom (pants - say 'trousers' or skirt) must be a certain colour but can be bought in any store. Uniform is worn most days, except 'non-uniform' days.

What are the school times?
Typically the school day will commence at 9 a.m and will conclude at 3 p.m. The lunch break normally runs from noon till 1:30 p.m. There is normally the option of the children having a hot lunch (for a small fee), going home, or bringing in a packed lunch. Parents should follow any guidelines on the contents of packed lunches. The morning and afternoon sessions are normally broken up by a 15 minute playtime (recess).

Are there places where I can find additional information?
The best places to find out about the specific schools in your area is to call the Education Office in your area. If you live in Suffolk call 01284 352136, Norfolk call 01603 222593 or Cambridgeshire 01223 717916. They will want to know your full British Address including your post (zip) code along with the date of birth of your child/children. They will be able to give you the current situation on the schools in your area and will give you advice on what procedure you have to follow.

Your Community Relations Adviser is also available to help you.