Primary School Applications: What Parents Should Do This Autumn
Preparing a Reception application for September 2027? Use this autumn checklist to compare schools, check admissions criteria, visit open days and submit before the January deadline.
For Parents & Students
Helpful guides for parents and students on choosing schools, admissions, SEND, attendance, bullying, exams, wellbeing, reports and talking to teachers.
My Child Is Exhausted After School: What Can Help?
Why is your child exhausted after school? Explore sleep, hunger, homework, anxiety, sensory overload and busy routines, plus when to speak to school or a GP.
What Happens If You Miss the Secondary School Application Deadline?
Missed the secondary school application deadline? Find out how late applications work, when they are considered, exceptional circumstances, waiting lists and appeals.
How Much Homework Is Reasonable at Different Ages?
Find out how much homework is reasonable from primary school to GCSEs, with age-by-age guidance, signs of overload and advice on sleep, focus and study time.
Should You Put the Same School First on Every Admissions Form?
Understand how school preference order really works, including equal preference, supplementary forms, grammar schools, catchment and why ranking schools honestly matters.
Secondary School Applications: A Checklist Before You Submit
A practical secondary school application checklist covering deadlines, school preferences, admissions criteria, catchment, SEND, transport, supporting forms and what happens next.
Choosing GCSE Options: When Should Families Start Thinking About Them?
A practical guide to when families should start thinking about GCSE options, what to consider in Years 7–9, compulsory subjects, EBacc and future choices.
School Open Evenings: What to Notice Beyond the Headteacher’s Speech
A practical guide to school open evenings, covering what to notice about teaching, behaviour, SEND, pastoral support, pupils, clubs, routines and school atmosphere.