Schools
If you are planning on bringing your children with you to Loughborough while you are studying, you might need to think about what school you would like your children to attend.
Below you can find more information on different types of schools, the admission process and other school related concerns.
Childcare (pre-school)
Children aged 3 months to 4 years are sometimes put into childcare (pre-school), provision of this is largely in the private and voluntary sectors and you will most likely need to pay a fee.
The options for children from 3 months to 4 years is childminders, day nurseries and playgroups or pre-schools.
There is a nursery on the Loughborough campus which is open for children of students, staff and the local community. There are 102 places in the Nursery for children between 0-5 years.
You will be able to get an up-to-date list of all registered childcare services from local education authorities that sit under the local council.
Education and Schools
If your child is between 4 and 18 years of age, they are allowed to attend a state-run or private primary/secondary school in the UK. You do not have to pay for state-run education.
Primary schools are for children between the ages of 4 and 11 and mostly have mixed gender classed.
Secondary schools are for children between the ages of 11 and 16. Most secondary schools in England are comprehensive, meaning that they do not operate a selective entrance system. Grammar and independent schools will mostly require applicants to take entrance exams and operate on a selective entrance system. Only independents (also called private schools) will charge fees. At the age of 16 all students will be assessed by the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
Colleges and Sixth Forms
In England, students can leave school on the last Friday in June if they will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays. According to GOV.UK the child must then do one of the following until they turn 18:
- Stay in full-time education for example at a college or sixth form
- Start an apprenticeship or traineeship
- Spend 20 hours or more a week volunteering or working while in attending part-time education or training
More details of colleges and sixth forms in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire can be assessed and compared on the government’s Compare School Performance website.
School admissions process
The admission process for both primary and secondary schools differ a little depending on what council you live in. Therefore, it is advised to look at your local council website (typically Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire) in order to get more specific information about the school admission process.
Alternatively, if you would like your child(ren) to attend a fee-paying school in the private sector you will need to have a look at the school’s own website as it will be different for each school.
Disabilities and specific learning differences
If your child has a disability or a learning difference, it is advised that you contact the relevant Local Education Authority as soon as possible to discuss your child's needs and how these can be met.
Usually, the school which your child attends will have a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) or someone equivalent who you can speak to in order to make the relevant adjustments.
Further Guidance
External Resources
Last Updated: 22nd December 2022