A parent's guide to how US schools work and how to plan the path from home. At K1–K5 you have time: the best preparation right now is strong English, curiosity and good study habits.
Reading, writing, maths and science basics. Most schools are public and draw students from their neighbourhood.
Subjects become more separate, and students begin to choose some electives.
Students earn course credits and a GPA. Many take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
Applications combine grades, essays and activities. SAT and ACT policies differ by college and change over time, so check each school.
The usual route for students from overseas. Each school sets its own admissions, often asking for an application, transcripts, recommendations, an English assessment and an interview. The school must be certified by the US government (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students. Boarding schools most often start at Grade 9, and some take younger students.
Funded by local taxes and meant mainly for children who live in the district. An F-1 student visa cannot be used for public elementary or middle school, and public high school is limited to 12 months, with the full cost paid by the family.
Families with a work or other immigration route to live in the US can enrol children in local public or private schools. Visa rules are personal and complex, so ask a qualified immigration adviser.
Reading for pleasure, speaking without fear and a growing vocabulary matter more than early test drilling. Cambridge KET and PET are a friendly, recognised check-in along the way.
Curiosity, reading stamina and simple routines, like a daily reading time, are valued by schools in every system.
Save report cards, certificates and samples of work. They make later applications much easier.
Applications usually open about a year before entry, so there is plenty of time to prepare gently rather than rush.
This page is general information, not legal, visa or admissions advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change, so always confirm with the school and official government sources before making decisions.
A parent's guide to how schools in England work and how to plan the path from home. At K1–K5 you have time: the best preparation right now is strong English, curiosity and good study habits.
Reception is the first year, followed by Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6). Many independent schools have a preparatory (prep) section.
Students follow a broad curriculum and sit GCSE exams at about age 16. Some independent schools admit at Year 7 (11+) or Year 9 (13+).
Students specialise, most often in three A-levels, or take the International Baccalaureate (IB) or a vocational course.
Applications go through UCAS and use predicted grades, references and a written statement. Some courses also ask for an interview or admissions test.
The usual route for students from overseas. Schools set their own entrance exams and interviews, and check English. Common entry points are about ages 7–8, 11, 13 and 16, and popular schools may ask families to register early.
A Child Student visa covers ages 4 to 17 and only independent schools licensed to sponsor it. Schools generally expect international boarders to have a UK-based guardian, so ask each school what it requires.
Free for UK residents and usually allocated by catchment area or, for grammar schools, by exam. A student visa does not cover them, so a child generally needs another immigration status that allows living in the UK.
Reading for pleasure, speaking without fear and a growing vocabulary matter more than early test drilling. Cambridge KET and PET are a friendly, recognised check-in along the way.
Curiosity, reading stamina and simple routines, like a daily reading time, are valued by schools in every system.
Save report cards, certificates and samples of work. They make later applications much easier.
Registration for popular schools can open a year or more before entry, so there is plenty of time to prepare gently rather than rush.
This page is general information, not legal, visa or admissions advice, and it describes England (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ). Rules, fees and deadlines change, so always confirm with the school and official government sources before making decisions.