Education is compulsory for all children between the ages of five and 16. Children between these ages who are in the UK as dependants of those resident in the UK may attend state school free of charge. Children can normally start school in the September term following their fourth birthday.
Children between the ages of four and 11 attend a primary school. They transfer to secondary school at the age of 11.
You may only apply for a school place once you have a residential address in Bristol. A full listing of state-funded schools and details of how to apply are available on theBristol City Council Children and Young People's Service website.
The application form permits you to list three preferred schools. Schools near the university are often oversubscribed and there may not be a place at your preferred school. In this event you will be offered a place in an alternative school.
If you do not get a place at your preferred school it is sometimes possible to appeal. Email international-staff@bris.ac.uk for advice on this.
There are a number of independent (private) schools in Bristol which charge tuition fees. You can find a listing of independent schools in Bristol online.
If you would like to learn more about schools in your area, Ofsted is the inspectorate for children and learners in England. The website can help you to find schools in your area by post code and view inspection reports for those schools. Another useful website is UpMyStreet, which has information about local schools.
You are also always welcome to contact the International Staff Adviser for further help or information.
Email: international-staff@bristol.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)117 954 5790