Primary & Secondary FAQs

All your primary and secondary education questions answered.

1. Where can I find out how good my local school is?
2. When do I need to register my child for primary or secondary school?
3. What are the school term dates for primary and secondary schools?
4. Is my child entitled to two weeks away from primary or secondary school for family holidays?

1. Where can I find out how good my local school is?

   The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) is a government department whose main aim is to help improve the quality and standards of education and childcare through independent inspection and regulation, and provide advice to the Secretary of State. Ofsted make all of their assessments of schools available for parents and other interested parties. These reports may help you in any decision you may be about to make as to which school to send your child to.

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2. When do I need to register my child for primary or secondary school?

   When you have made your choice of school, you need to apply in plenty of time for your application to be processed.

   You will usually need to apply for a primary school place well before your child reaches five - many schools admit children at four. Most local authorities ask you to apply for a place in the autumn the year before your child is due to start school, when they are three or four years old.

   You will usually need to apply for a secondary place in November or December in the year before your child is due to start at secondary school (i.e. when they are in Year 6).

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3. What are the school term dates for primary and secondary schools?

   Holiday dates are decided locally and can be obtained by contacting the relevant Local Education Authority.

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4. Is my child entitled to two weeks away from primary or secondary school for family holidays?

   No. Parents do not have a right to demand a pupil's leave of absence for a holiday. Schools have a discretionary power to grant leave of up to 10 days for the purpose of an annual holiday. Parents or guardians should contact the Headteacher well in advance of planned holiday, giving the reason for taking time off during the term, instead of using statutory school holidays for the trip. They are advised to apply in writing at least two weeks before the trip.

   Remember - taking your child out of school during termtime without authorisation is illegal - you could face a fine of up to  2,500 per child.

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