Primary
Compulsory education begins at the start of the term following a
child’s fifth birthday. In most cases parents send their children
to a primary school in their local neighbourhood but by law,
parents may express a preference for any school. Choosing a school
for your child is an important decision.
Do:
- Make time to visit schools
- Ask questions about anything that worries you
- Talk to the Headteacher about your child
Do not:
- Think that good exam results are the only important thing to
consider
- Judge a school just by what others say – go and see for
yourself
When you visit schools, you may want to ask yourself the
following questions:
- Does the school make you feel welcome?
- Can you see all parts of the school?
- Does the school have lots of the pupils’ work on show?
- Are there lots of activities going on such art, sports
etc?
- Is everyone friendly and polite?
- What are the school’s rules for example on bullying?
- Does the school have a uniform? Is this important to you?
- How does the school advise parents on how well their children
are doing?
Maintained schools
Maintained schools (financed by public money) in the primary
sector normally fall in to two groups:
Community schools
Publicly funded and maintained by the Local Education Authority
(LEA) where the school is situated. The LEA also sets the admission
arrangements.
Voluntary schools
Normally set up by a religious or voluntary body but maintained
by the LEA where they are situated. The Governing Body has
additional responsibilities including setting admission
arrangements. The only maintained primary school in the City of
London is the
Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School which is a voluntary
aided Church of England school taking pupils aged from 4 - 11
years. Residents who are unable to find a place for their
children at the school have the opportunity to send their children
to schools in neighbouring LEAs. The Children's Information Service
can provide you with further information.
For more information contact Sir John Cass's Foundation Primary
School on 020 7283 1147or by
email.
Secondary
Information about secondary schools in the City of London