Moving to the UK? Here’s the British school system explained

If you’re moving to the UK with children, the state school system is likely to be a very attractive option; it’s free, and your children will have the benefit of making local friends and immersing themselves in British culture. The British school system is quite different from the one they (and you) are accustomed to. It can be a challenge to understand a new way of learning in a different country.  That’s why we break down what you can expect, from the larger, more noticeable distinctions to the smaller variances that might nonetheless come as a surprise when your children first make the big switch.

Age and year groups

One issue that will come up in your transition to the UK education system is what year group your child goes into. In England, children go into reception (kindergarten) at age four and begin their first official year of school at age five.

In South Africa, your young ones will have probably begun school at age six, having done Grade 0 the year before.