Getting a place and settling your child in.
How state school admissions workState schools are free and you apply through the local council — deadlines matter (January for primary, October for secondary starts).
Arriving mid-year: in-year admissions and EALMoving outside the normal cycle means an in-year application — councils must find your child a place, and schools support English learners.
Free school meals, uniforms and transportSchool is free but extras add up — free school meals, uniform grants and free school transport can take the sting out.