Compulsory education within England ranges from the ages of 5 to 16, with most children beginning their education in the year of their 5th birthday.

However please note the system is changing, for those children entering secondary education in September 2007, the new compulsory age for schooling will mean they have to either be in school or on an approved training scheme until they are 18. From 2013, full-time paid employment will be against the law for under-18’s.

Typically there are three main tiers contained with the system:

• Primary Education: 5 to 11 years old
• Secondary Education: 11 to 16 years old
• Further Education: 16 years and over

In the main the state education system operates an admissions policy based upon where your property is situated and which primary or secondary school catchment area it falls within.

The national curriculum has four Key stages:

• Key Stage 1: 5 to 7 years old
• Key Stage 2: 7 to 11 years old
• Key Stage 3: 11 to 14 years old
• Key Stage 4: 14 to 16 years old

The first three stages of assessment are taken at the ages of 7, 11 and 14 whilst the fourth is measured by the pupils achievement at GCSE examination level (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in their final year of compulsory education.

From this point each pupil has the option as to whether to continue with their education or gain employment.

If they choose to continue with their education there are a range of Advanced Level qualifications (A Levels) or further courses that they can choose from, visit the Directgov website for further information.

Within the Area Information section of this guide we have provided a range of educational facilities for each location available.