Childcare
There are many different types of childcare available including Nurseries, Nannies, Childminders and Pre-school.
Many of the Trust’s in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have nurseries on site. However, as with all childcare options there may be a waiting list.
University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Tops Day Nursery
More information on childcare can be found here Do remember that there is help available to contribute to childcare costs. All children aged 3 – 4 are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare. It must be with an approved childcare provider and stop when your child starts in reception class (or reaches compulsory school age, if later). There is further information here
Schools and Education
Across the UK there are five stages of education: Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Further Education and Higher Education.
Early Years
All children aged 3 – 4 are eligible for 15 hours of free childcare. It must be with an approved childcare provider and stop when your child starts in reception class (or reaches compulsory school age, if later). There is more information here
All children in England between the ages of 5 and 16 are entitled to a free place at a state school.
Primary Schools
The primary stage covers three age ranges: nursery (under 5), infant (5 to 7 or 8) and junior (up to 11 or 12) .
Secondary Schools
Children start secondary school at the age of 11 and leave at 16 after taking their GCSE exams. In the UK all students have to study English, Maths, Sciences, a Humanity and a Modern Language (normally French, German or Spainish) for their GCSE’s. Besides these subjects, each school has a list with optional subjects, for example, Art, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Design and Technology, Computer Science, and students may choose a selectin of these subjects as well.
Further Education
In the UK school system, once a student reaches the age of 16, they can start a 2 year A (Advanced) Level Course where they specialise in 3 or 4 subjects. A levels are state examinations and are recognised by all UK universities and by institutions worldwide. Some schools cater for A levels, but a lot of schools in Hampshire have separate colleges for students to study for A levels.
Higher Education
Higher education applies to any form of education that results in a level 4+ qualification. This includes:
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
- Foundation degree
- University degree
- Degree apprenticeship
Applying for a school place
Applying for a school place varies depending on where you live.
There are three main authorities in Hampshire that will have differing deadlines and processes for applying for school places.
School admissions – Portsmouth City Council
School admissions | Hampshire County Council (hants.gov.uk)