School and College

Education in the UK is generally divided into four separate stages:

If your child chooses to continue their education after 16, they will have to decide whether to stay at

school or go to college.

Equipment and Books

At school, every child needs to have their own pen, pencil and ruler. The school should provide books,

paper and all other equipment needed for the lessons.

School Uniform

If you are on a low income, you may be able to get some financial help to pay for the cost of your child's

school uniform.

School Meals

All schools in the UK provide a midday meal for pupils, although many students take a packed lunch.

School meals are free to children whose families have a low income.

If a pupil is in the care of social services, the designated carers will give a packed lunch or the child will

be given money to buy their own school meal.

Travel

If your child has a place at the nearest available school to where you live, and it is not within ‘walking

distance' (three miles in most cases), you may get help in paying the bus or train fare.

Other Costs

The school should not ask you to pay for anything that your child needs for their work in school.

However, you may be asked to pay for extra activities, such as lessons to learn to play a musical

instrument.

School Trips

Sometimes a teacher will arrange a trip outside school, such as a visit to a castle or museum. You

should not have to pay for this if it is part of one of the main school subjects and the visit takes place

during the school day. Families on a low income do not have to pay the cost of accommodation and food

if the trip requires an overnight stay.