Parent Guides
Clear, practical guides to help you navigate the school system — from choosing a school to understanding Ofsted, SEND support, and your rights as a parent.
All Guides
Everything you need to know
Each guide is written in plain English and covers a specific topic that matters to families.
How to Choose a School
What parents typically prioritise — and what the evidence says actually matters. A research-backed framework for your decision.
Understanding Ofsted Reports
How Ofsted reporting has changed — from the old single-word grades to the new report card system launching November 2025.
KS2 Progress Scores
What progress scores actually measure, why they matter more than raw results, and how to read your child's school data.
Understanding Absence
What persistent absence means, when it matters, and how schools and parents can work together to improve attendance.
Understanding SEN
A supportive guide to Special Educational Needs — types of SEN, what to look for, EHCPs, and how schools can help.
Key Organisations in Education
The organisations that shape and support schools — from parent groups and unions to inspection bodies and charities.
Navigating School Complaints
A step-by-step guide to raising concerns with your child's school — your rights, the process, and where to go if you're not satisfied.
Staffing Structure in Primary Schools
Who works in a primary school, what they do, and what staffing data can tell you about a school's capacity and stability.
School Governance Types
The differences between community schools, academies, MATs, voluntary aided, and free schools — and what it means for your child.
School Applications by Type
How to apply for primary, secondary, faith, grammar, academy, and special school places — key dates, tips, and what to expect.
Forest Schools Guide
What forest schools offer, how they work, and how to find one near you.
Admissions Appeals
Your legal right to appeal, how the process works, and tips for your hearing.
Free School Meals & Pupil Premium
Eligibility, how to apply, and why Pupil Premium funding matters for your child's school.
School Uniform Guide
Costs, the 2022 law change, uniform grants, and practical ways to save.
Understanding SATs
What the tests are, how scaled scores work, and keeping it all in perspective.
GCSE Options Guide
Compulsory subjects, the EBacc, and how to help your child make confident choices.
School Transport
Statutory walking distances, free transport entitlements, and how to appeal.
Home Education
Your legal rights, deregistering, practical approaches, and sitting exams.
Primary to Secondary Transition
What changes, common worries, and what parents can do to help.
Wraparound Care & Breakfast Clubs
Before-school, after-school, and holiday provision — what's available and how to fund it.
Understanding Ofsted Reports
How to read a report, what the grades mean, and how Ofsted is changing.