Accessibility statement

Schools in the UK

Your child should enrol in a local school if they are under 16 and going to be with you in York for more than six months. In the UK there are three types of school:

  • Nursery school/ pre-school: 3 years – 5 years (this is optional)
  • Primary school: 4 years – 11 years (children start primary school the September after their 4th birthday, this is compulsory)
  • Secondary school: 11 years – 16 years (this is compulsory)

All children in England between the ages of 5 and 16 are entitled to a free place at a state school. If you would like further information about how the school system works in the UK the International Student Support team can help with this. 

Applying for a school place

Where your child goes to school is based on where you live. Find out more about schools in your area by checking the school's Ofsted report or ask others in the Family Network for advice.

City of York Council provide all information about applying for a school place:

If you would like more help or information about schools in York, please use the York Family Information Service. 

Children with additional needs

The York Family Information Service provides information about provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities in York.

There are two special schools in York: Hob Moor Oaks School and Applefields School.

Special Needs And Play Provision for York (SNAPPY) is a registered charity which provides information about play schemes and activities for school age children with special needs.

Out of school hours care

City of York Council publishes information about school term dates.

Use the out of school hours childcare finder to help you find childminders, out of school care, and holiday schemes for school age children.