Finding the right school
There are lots of different types of school in Kent, and it's
important that your child goes to a school suitable to their age
and their abilities.
Your options
You can find out more about different types of school from
the links below.
How old your child should be when they start
school
By law, children have to start school by the beginning of the
school term after their fifth birthday (this is when they reach
compulsory school age). However, you may want your child to start
earlier than that. All our infant and primary schools will take
children from four years old.
A school year runs from September in one calendar year to August
in the next.
When your child can finish school
By law, children must be in school until they are 16 years old.
Children are considered to still be of compulsory school age and
must continue attending their school until the last day of the
summer term in the year they turn 16. This is usually the last
Friday in June.
Some children choose to continue their education and stay on at
school or college after they are 16.
Some of our secondary schools offer a 'sixth form' where children
can study until they are 18.
Search for a school in Kent.
Further education
After your child becomes 18 years old, they may choose to
continue their education at a college or
university.