Education

This page explains what education is available to you and your children while you are living in the UK, and your responsibility to ensure that your children receive full-time education while they are of compulsory education age.

It is compulsory for children to have full-time education between the ages of 5 and 16. This is usually at school. A child must start education in the term after their 5th birthday, and must continue it until June of the year of their 16th birthday. If you have any dependants of compulsory school age, you must ensure they receive full-time education.

The organisation responsible for providing education in your area is the local council. It must ensure that all children living in its area receive full-time education, regardless of their immigration status. The education must be appropriate to the child's age, abilities and special education needs (if any).

State schools provide education free of charge. In addition to state schools, there are a variety of faith schools. Your local council can advise you about these. There are also many independent schools, where you will have to pay fees for your child's education.

Colleges of further education and sixth-form colleges offer academic, technical and vocational courses for people over the age of 16. Most courses are free for students up to the age of 19, but students often have to pay for the cost of examinations.

If you have the right qualifications, you can attend university. Fees must usually be paid, but loans are available to students. There are adult education colleges in many areas. These offer short courses in many subjects. These courses do not always lead to a qualification. You can find out about adult education courses in your area from a library or from your local council.