Schools in England at a glance: state, academies, independent and in-year entry

This article is for parents who are considering moving to England with their children, or sending them to study there. It sets out the basic structure of school types and in-year entry. Rules can differ by council and by school, so at the end there is a list of things to confirm directly with the official bodies and the school.

Types of school at a glance

GOV.UK's Types of school page (archived July 2026) says children aged 5 to 16 in England are entitled to a free state school place. State schools come in several forms.

• Community schools: run by the local authority and follow the national curriculum.
• Academies: run by not-for-profit trusts and free to attend. They can set their own curriculum and term times, but follow the same admissions, special-needs and exclusion rules and sit the same exams as other state schools.
• Grammar schools: select pupils by an ability test.
• Faith schools: set their own religious studies and may have their own admissions criteria.
• State boarding schools: teaching is free and only boarding is charged.
• Independent (private) schools: charge fees and receive no government funding. They need not follow the national curriculum, but must be registered and inspected regularly. Half are inspected by Ofsted, and those in Independent Schools Council associations by the ISI.

The national curriculum sets out the subjects taught and the standards pupils should reach, organised into 'key stages' (GOV.UK). Academies and private schools are not required to follow it, although academies must teach a broad and balanced curriculum that includes English, maths and science. That page shows no publication date, so check it against current guidance.

Joining mid-year

Moves rarely line up with the start of a school year. Hampshire County Council's 2025/26 in-year scheme (Hampshire County Council) cites the School Admissions Code and says any parent can apply for a place at any school, at any time. The document says:

1. Children are usually admitted to their age group. Parents may request another year group.
2. When moving house, parents send proof of the new address, such as a signed tenancy agreement, to the school.
3. The school checks it and then offers a place. Schools aim to reply within 10 school days and must respond in writing within 15.
4. Offers must be accepted within 10 school days and the place taken up within four school weeks.

The document has no general rule for families arriving from overseas, and procedures differ by council. Check with the council for the area where you will live.

Visa routes and school choice

Department for Education (DfE) guidance (updated April 2022; information checked 2026-10-29) says children who are dependants of a parent with settled status or on a work or student visa can generally attend state-funded schools. Schools and councils must not require proof of immigration status as a condition of admission. Applications from abroad are considered in the normal round.

By contrast, unaccompanied Child Student or Student visa holders cannot study at state-funded schools. They must attend a licensed independent school or college. Children on visitor routes cannot enrol in state schools. See the DfE guidance for details.

The GOV.UK Child Student visa overview (checked 2026-10-29) states:

• It is for applicants aged 4 to 17.
• An unconditional offer from a licensed Child Student sponsor is required.
• Applicants need a suitable place to live, evidence of sufficient funds, and consent from a parent or legal guardian.
• Applications can be made up to 6 months before the course starts from outside the UK, and up to 3 months before from inside the UK.
• Typical decision times are about 3 weeks and 8 weeks respectively, and the fee shown is £558.

These details can change, so check the current GOV.UK notice before applying.

If you are considering boarding

The DfE's national minimum standards for boarding schools (applying from 5 September 2022) contain 23 standards. Key points:

• Boarders must be able to contact their parents privately at a time suitable for both. Time zones are considered for international pupils.
• Schools need policies for unwell boarders and medication, and boarders must have access to local medical, dental and optical care.
• Each boarding building needs at least one member of staff sleeping or on duty overnight.
• Boarders must have an independent person to raise concerns with, plus details of at least two child support services.
• Where a school is involved in an educational guardian arrangement, it must check and record that it promotes the boarder's welfare. Staff may not be guardians of their own boarders.

Checklist

• I can tell the school types apart (state, academy, grammar, faith, independent).
• I have checked in official guidance whether my child's visa route allows a state school place.
• I have found the in-year admissions process of the council where we will live.
• I have checked whether I can provide proof of the new address, such as a signed tenancy agreement.
• I have checked whether the year group I want differs from my child's age group.
• For independent or boarding schools, I have checked registration and inspection (Ofsted or ISI).
• For boarding, I have listed questions on parent contact times, medical care and guardian rules.
• I will re-check visa fees and application timing against the latest GOV.UK notice.

Ask the school

• How do I apply for an in-year place, which documents are needed, and how long until a decision?
• If it is an academy or independent school, which curriculum and term dates does it follow?
• Is the school a licensed student sponsor? (Relevant if you are considering a Child Student visa.)
• For boarders: how are parent contact, medical care and overnight staffing handled?
• If a guardian is needed, how does the school get involved and how does it check the arrangement?

Always confirm your own situation with the official authority or an immigration professional.