Frequently asked questions

You should refer to the local authority in the area you wish to settle and follow the directions provided on their website as arrangements and processes may differ from area to area.

All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places. Admission criteria are different for each school. For example, schools may give priority to children:

• who have a brother or sister at the school
• already who live close to the school
• from a particular religion (for faith schools)
• who do well in an entrance exam (for selective schools, eg grammar schools or stage schools)
• who went to a particular primary school (a ‘feeder school’)
•  in care or being looked after (all schools must have this as a top priority) 

Your local council can give you a booklet about schools’ criteria and how to apply.

You can apply for a place at a state primary or secondary school online for England and Wales, or by using your council’s application form. Private schools have their own admissions procedures. Apply directly if you want to send your child to a private school.

Home schooling may be a beneficial experience for both children and parents. Conduct as much research as possible and contact other families who are following this option for advice and support. 

Places in school are allocated on an assessment basis which varies dependent on location. Please refer to the local council website for full details on entrance requirements

There are a range of flexible study and entrance options offered by universities, including the Open University, to allow potential students to be assessed not just on educational qualifications, but also on their prior learning, experience and knowledge. Contact the recruitment admissions team at your preferred educational establishment for advice and guidance.

The Directgov website provides details and links to the National Qualifications Framework and the new Qualifications and Credits Framework, and also provides a table detailing the various levels of study available. There are a range of flexible education options available which include  distance learning, evening courses at local colleges and universities, part time courses which are often 1 day per week) and full time study.

Educational establishments hold a range of open days and information events for prospective students. You are advised to refer to the events lists on their website for further information.

You may be able to utilise Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) funding if the course offered is by an approved provider to the Enhanced Learning Credit Administration System (ELCAS). Details can be checked on the ELCAS website.

Please also check the Directgov website for sources of other educational funding.

When you leave military services you become responsible for registering for your own and your family’s health care support through local GPs.

You are advised to research your local area fully as to dentistry provision and options. There are normally dental practices who continue to register NHS patients. Children receive free dental care until the age of 16, or 19 if they remain in full-time adult education.

In most UK areas, GPs no longer provide out of hours care.  In England and Wales this service is provided by NHS Direct, in Scotland it is delivered by NHS24 - in any emergency situation you should always dial 999 to request emergency medical assistance.

When you leave military services you become responsible for registering for your own and your family’s health care support through local GPs.

You are advised to research your local area fully as to dentistry provision and options. There are normally dental practices who continue to register NHS patients. Children receive free dental care until the age of 16, or 19 if they remain in full-time adult education.