School life articles
School waiting lists explained
Missed out on a place at the school of your choice? Joining the waiting list could keep the door open for your child.
The National Funding Formula for schools explained
New plans to change how school budgets are allocated could see some schools gain, but others suffer. We explain the National Funding Formula in a guide for parents.
What is a special school?
If your child has special educational needs, a mainstream education may not be right for them. We take a look at how special schools could help.
18 must-have costume-making supplies for World Book Day and beyond
Never again will you be caught out by a last-minute outfit request from your primary school child with these craft basics. Stock up today!
Applying for scholarships and bursaries
Considering a private school but worried about the fees? Financial assistance could help make the dream a reality. We explain everything primary-school parents need to know about scholarships and bursaries and how they work.
Primary school around the world: USA
What's it like to move your child from a UK primary school to a school in the USA? We met one family who made the big leap.
Primary school around the world: Switzerland
From tiny classes to mountainside cook-outs, one parent explains what it's like to have children at primary school in Switzerland.
Bikeability explained
Bike riding is an important skill for children to master. We explain how schools play their part in teaching them safe cycling.
The parents' guide to secondary school: KS3 and KS4 explained
What will your child learn at school in KS3 and KS4? We take a look at the secondary school curriculum from Year 7 up.
The parents' guide to secondary school: types of school
Not sure whether your child would do best at an academy, free school or grammar school? We explain the different types of secondary school.
Primary school around the world: Italy
Would you take a career break to give your child a flavour of school in a different country? We meet one mum who did.
Primary school around the world: Sweden
Scandinavian countries are renowned for the quality of their education, but what's it actually like to go to primary school in Sweden?
Primary school around the world: France
Wednesdays off and four-course school dinners: we take a look at what it's like to go to primary school in France.
The parents' guide to secondary school: performance measures
Every parent wants their child to go to a secondary school that will help them reach their potential. We explain how to interpret the league tables.
Primary school around the world: Israel
Long holidays, religious festivals and a focus on physical education: we take a look at what it’s like to be a primary school pupil in Israel.
Primary school around the world: Australia
What’s it like to go to school Down Under? We talked to one British family living in Sydney.
How a school nurse could help your child
School nurses play a vital role in linking the two important areas of education and health. We explain what their role involves and when you might need to see one.
Welsh language teaching in Wales
The Welsh language is an important part of the curriculum in Wales, but what do children learn and how is it balanced with their learning of English?
What is a Montessori school?
It’s a term typically associated with nurseries, but many primary-school children benefit from a Montessori education, too. We explain what’s involved.
What is selective mutism?
Around one in every 140 children suffers from this debilitating anxiety disorder. We explain the symptoms, causes and treatment.
What is golden time?
Has your child been talking about their "golden time" at school? We take a look at how this popular incentive for good behaviour works in primary schools.
Setting and streaming explained
Teaching children by ability happens in many primary schools in the UK, but how do setting and streaming work in practice?
'My son's learning is tailor-made for him'
Mum-of-four Kate Brett, from the Isle of Wight, explains why she decided to home educate her visually impaired son, Jacob.
'Our motor home doubles as our classroom'
When Max and Katie Evans decided to go travelling, they also embarked on home educating their children. They explain what it's like to travel and teach at the same time.
The classroom of the future: back to school 2026
Another academic year means another cycle of timetables, school activities and homework for parents around the world, and before you know it it'll be the summer holidays again. But what might going back to school look like when today's babies are starting at primary and secondary school? Step inside the classroom of the future...
35 thoughts you have when your ‘baby’ starts school
Your child’s first day at school is a big milestone for both of you. No wonder you’re an emotional wreck...
How to improve your child's memory
Want to help your child remember dates, formulae, tricky vocabulary and more? Memory champion Chester Santos has a few tips to share to help boost their confidence (and amaze their parents and teachers!).
6 great things your child learns in the kitchen
Cooking with kids is about more than just licking the bowl. GBBO winner and cookbook author Nadiya Hussain shares some great reasons to involve your child in the kitchen.
Best science books for children
Bring science concepts from evolution to magnetism and atomic energy to life for primary-school children with our pick of the best non-fiction science titles for kids. Fact-packed and fun-packed, these books will engage and entertain kids (and parents!) as well as explaining the building blocks of physics, chemistry, biology and engineering.
Secondary school stationery checklist
From sticky back plastic to 2B pencils and a scientific calculator, starting secondary school means stocking up on stationery! Make sure your child is well equipped with all the items they need for Y7 and beyond with our checklist.
Settling your child into a new school
It’s natural for both you and your child to be nervous if they’re moving schools, so how can you make things go as smoothly as possible?
How to change your child's school
Not all children stay at the same primary school from Reception until Year 6. We look at the ins and outs of transferring your child to a new school.
30 things every Year 6 parent knows
Your child’s final year of primary school marks the end of an era. Here’s what every Year 6 parent learns during that emotional last year.
Best art books for children
Help your child discover the world's great works of art with our pick of the best introductions to painting, sculpture, art installations and more. Will they step into a painting in an art story book, create their own 3D art masterpiece or fall in love with an artistic style or artist?
Does your primary school child need a mobile phone?
‘Everyone else’ might have one, but does your primary-school child need a phone of their own, and how can you make sure they’re using it responsibly?
What is the Early Years Foundation Stage profile?
It’s a key part of your Reception child’s end-of-year report, but what does the EYFS profile actually involve?
Could speech rhythm training help your child learn to read?
You’ve heard about phonics, but what is speech rhythm training and how could it give your child’s reading a head start?
You know it's the end of the summer term when...
With just weeks until the end of term, we run through the truths every primary-school parent knows about the imminent end of the academic year.
What is forest school?
Taking children out of the classroom and into the great outdoors, forest school is growing in popularity – but what does it actually involve?
What is growth mindset?
It’s a huge trend in education in the US, and now it’s becoming a big deal here. We take a look at what growth mindset means for your child.