Making sense of school choice in England
Straightforward, evidence-based guides to admissions, performance data, Ofsted and everything else that goes into finding the right school for your child.
Moving to a New Area? How to Research Schools Before You Relocate
Relocating with school-age children adds a layer of risk to any move. Here is how to research schools in an unfamiliar area and apply for a place mid-year without leaving your child without one.
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How to Choose Between Two Good Schools: A Data-Driven Checklist
When two schools both look strong on paper, the decision comes down to detail. This checklist helps you compare them systematically — on data, fit and the things a league table never shows.
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State vs Independent Schools in England: Costs, Outcomes and the Real Trade-offs
Independent schools charge fees; state schools are free. But the honest comparison is more nuanced than price. Here is how they differ on cost, class size, curriculum, inspection and outcomes.
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School Catchment Areas and House Prices: What Parents Need to Know
Homes near sought-after schools command a premium — but catchments shift every year. Here is how the link between schools and house prices really works, and how to avoid an expensive mistake.
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Applying for a Primary School Place in England: Everything Parents Need to Know
From the 15 January deadline to oversubscription criteria and deferring entry, here is how primary school admissions work in England and how to give your child the best chance of a place.
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The Secondary School Application Timeline in England: A Month-by-Month Guide
Applying for a secondary school place runs on fixed national dates. Miss the 31 October deadline and your options shrink. Here is the full timeline and how to use your preferences wisely.
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Grammar Schools and the 11-Plus: A Complete Guide for Parents in England
Grammar schools select by ability using the 11-plus. Where they still exist, what the test involves, when it is sat, and how to decide whether it is right for your child.
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What Makes a School 'Outstanding'? Inside the Ofsted Framework
Ofsted judgements shape reputations and house prices, yet few parents know what inspectors actually assess. Here is how the framework works and how much weight to give the grade.
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KS2 SATs Results Explained: What Scaled Scores Really Tell You About a Primary School
Primary league tables are built on KS2 SATs. Here is what a scaled score of 100 means, what 'the expected standard' is, and how to read a primary school's results without over-reading them.
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Progress 8 and Attainment 8 Explained: A Parent’s Guide to Secondary School Performance
Progress 8 is the single most important number in English secondary school league tables — and the most misunderstood. Here is what it measures, what counts as good, and how to use it when choosing a school.
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