Finding a school is one of the biggest worries for South African families moving to the UK. The good news: if your children are moving with you on the right visa, state schools are free and you can apply before you leave South Africa. This guide covers England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own systems.

Can South African children go to state school in the UK?

Usually yes, if they're living in the UK with the right to be there.

Your child's statusState school?
Dependant of a parent on a Skilled Worker, Ancestry, Student or family visaYes
British or Irish citizenYes
Child of a parent with settled statusYes
Child Student visa (studying without a parent)No. Must attend an independent school or college that's a licensed sponsor
Visitor visaNo

State schools in England are free. You don't pay tuition, though you'll still pay for things like uniforms, school trips and sometimes lunches.

Schools can't ask for your passports or visas. Schools in England must not ask to see immigration documents as a condition of admission. It's up to you to make sure your child has the right to live in the UK.

Can you apply from South Africa before you move?

Yes. Councils in England should accept applications from families still living overseas, and shouldn't turn you down just because you don't live in the area yet.

You'll usually apply through the local council for the area you're moving to. They may ask for evidence of the move, such as:

  • a UK rental agreement or property purchase,
  • a letter from your new employer with your start date, or
  • registration with a local GP.

Your address affects your chances. Many popular schools give priority by distance or catchment area. Until you can show a UK address, your application may be judged on your South African address, which can put you at the back of the queue. Sorting out where you'll live early helps.

When do you need to apply?

There are two ways to get a place.

1. The normal admissions round, for children starting primary school or moving up to secondary school:

StageApplications closeOffers sent
Primary (starting Reception)15 January16 April
Secondary (starting Year 7)31 October1 March

Applications open in September, for children starting school the following September.

2. In-year admissions, for every other year group or if you arrive part-way through the year. Contact the local council for the area you're moving to. They'll tell you which schools have space and how to apply. Once a place is offered, your child usually starts at the beginning of the next term.

Most South African families moving mid-year will apply in-year.

Which year group will your child join?

UK schools place children by age, not by the grade they were in. The English school year runs from September to August, and children are grouped by how old they are on 1 September.

Age on 1 SeptemberYear groupStage
4ReceptionPrimary
5Year 1Primary
6Year 2Primary
7–10Years 3–6Primary
11Year 7Secondary
12–13Years 8–9Secondary
14–15Years 10–11 (GCSEs)Secondary
16–17Years 12–13 (A-levels)Sixth form or college

Because South Africa's school year starts in January and England's starts in September, many South African children join a year group with a higher number than their South African grade. Check with the council, using your child's date of birth.

Children must be in education from the term after they turn 5, though most start Reception at 4.

What about private schools?

Independent (private) schools set their own admissions and charge fees. They're the only option for children coming on a Child Student visa without a parent, and only if the school is a licensed sponsor. Many families use state schools, so it's worth looking at local options before committing to private fees.