Forum United Kingdom

Forum of expats in the United Kingdom: Ask questions and participate to discussions concerning expatriation.

  Search the whole website

  User's Charter  -  Help  -  Terms and Rules  -  Privacy Policy

✎ EN Question regarding entering the british school system
    

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by joanb, Apr 25, 2011.

  1. joanb

    joanb New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2011
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Gender:
    Female
    Living In:
    Usa
    Nationality:
    American (US)
    Languages:
    English
    My family is considering relocating to the UK. We're actually going to be making a decision very shortly, but one of my main reservations is my lack of knowledge about the school system for young children. My older son is 4 now and will turn 5 in August. I think that puts him in line for going straight into Year 1 according to the UK system, but I'm concerned he's not prepared for that. He's only been attending preschool here in the US 3 days a week for 3 hours a day.

    Does anyone know if a just turned five year old would be elgible for Reception instead of Year 1? Has anyone had a child start in the UK system at age 5 without much school prep prior to that?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
     
    #1 joanb, Apr 25, 2011
  2. EasyExpat

    EasyExpat Administrator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2003
    Messages:
    8,583
    Likes Received:
    22
    City:
    London
    Living In:
    United Kingdom
    Nationality:
    British (GB)
    Languages:
    English, Français
    Indeed if the child is already 5 year old on September, 1st, he will go to Year 1 (age 5 to 6). Before that age, it depends only on the private sector and they are called preparatory (prep) schools (age 4 to 5). Therefore it is not mandatory (but highly recommended for people who can afford it!).
    At yound age children might struggle with the level at school but studies have shown that when a few years older they catch up quickly and it might even become an advantage.
     
    #2 EasyExpat, Apr 26, 2011
  3. briankeating

    briankeating New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2011
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Gender:
    Male
    City:
    Richmond
    Living In:
    Usa
    Nationality:
    Jordanian (JO)
    Languages:
    english
    If your son is 5 years old then it good for you and him to put him in school Grade 1. According to me if your child joins Preparatory Schools North London at this age then it would be highly beneficial for him in his future.
     
    #3 briankeating, Jul 22, 2011
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Loading...
Similar Threads Forum Date
✎ EN 4 questions about a small claim United Kingdom Jan 18, 2011
✎ EN UK de facto visa for Australian partner question United Kingdom Nov 18, 2010
✎ FR UK: Question about Earnings and Benefits Package United Kingdom Sep 16, 2008
✎ FR Cherche assistant de langues à Bournemouth pour questions United Kingdom Jul 13, 2008
✎ FR Portable double bande pour angleterre ? + new question United Kingdom May 26, 2008

Share This Page

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis
Read the latest news in the expat world, info, trends, interviews, and much more: Browse our Expat Magazine