Parent Guides
Practical advice and guides to help you navigate your child's education.

School AdmissionsA plain-English 2026 guide to grammar school admissions and the 11+ in England: registering for the test, the timeline, scores, oversubscription, and what to do next.
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School AdmissionsMoving house in England? A plain-English 2026 guide to in-year school admissions: how to apply to the council, proof of address, waiting lists, appeals and Fair Access.
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School AdmissionsGet the preference order right on your school application. A plain-English 2026 guide to the equal preference system, how many schools to list, and ranking by real odds.
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School AdmissionsA plain-English 2026 guide to school admissions in England: how to apply, key deadlines, the equal preference system, catchment, offer day, waiting lists and appeals.
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School AdmissionsThe DfE plan to drop 'average' labels for school progress scores, plus the 2026 Parent Power table where state schools surged. What it means for parents.
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School AdmissionsHow do oversubscribed schools decide who gets in? A clear 2026 guide for parents to the PAN, equal preference, the criteria order, distance and tie-breakers.
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School AdmissionsIs your child entitled to free school transport in England? A 2026 parent guide to the 2 and 3 mile rules, low-income rights, SEND transport and how to apply.
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School AdmissionsHow school admission waiting lists work in England: how you are added, why lists are ranked by oversubscription criteria not waiting time, and how to improve your position.
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School AdmissionsLearn how to find your school catchment area, understand how catchment zones work, and discover which primary and secondary schools your child is eligible for in your area.
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Choosing SchoolsExpert advice on choosing the right primary school for your child, including what to look for, questions to ask, and how to make an informed decision that's right for your family.
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Ofsted & School PerformanceUnderstand Ofsted ratings and what they really mean for your child's education. Learn how to read inspection reports, what inspectors look for, and how to use ratings when choosing schools.
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School AdmissionsEverything you need to know about school admissions deadlines in the UK, from nursery to secondary school, with key dates and what to do at each stage.
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School AdmissionsEverything you need to know about applying for a primary school place in England, including deadlines, how to choose schools, and what to do if you don't get your first choice.
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