The nursery and Reception years (ages 3 to 5), focused on play-based learning.

The blocks the school system is divided into, from KS1 (ages 5 to 7) to KS5 (ages 16 to 18).

National tests taken in Year 2 and Year 6 to check progress in primary school.

The main qualifications taken at 16, graded 9 to 1. Most students take 8 to 10.

Qualifications taken at 18, usually 3 subjects, graded A* to E. The traditional route to university.

A practical, coursework-based qualification, an alternative or complement to A-levels.

A newer, career-focused qualification (equivalent to 3 A-levels) that includes a work placement.

The final two years of school (ages 16 to 18) where students study A-levels or equivalents.

The central system students use to apply to UK universities.

The body that inspects and rates schools (Outstanding, Good, etc.).

A group of parents and staff who support the school and organise events.

Extra support a school provides for children who need it.

The teacher in every school responsible for coordinating support for children with SEND. Your first port of call if you have concerns.

A legal document from the local authority setting out the support a child with significant needs must receive, up to age 25.

ISEB-set exams sat at 11+ or 13+ for entry to independent senior schools, usually confirming a place already conditionally offered.

The body behind the Common Pre-Tests and Common Entrance exams used by many independent schools.

An independent primary school (usually ages 7 or 8 to 11 or 13) that prepares children for senior school entrance exams.

The independent equivalent of infant school, ages 3 or 4 to 7, often attached to a prep school.

Fee help from an independent school based on family income, sometimes covering up to 100 percent of fees.

A fee reduction awarded for academic, musical, sporting or artistic talent, usually via a separate, harder assessment.

A globally recognised alternative to A-levels: six subjects plus core elements, scored out of 45.

The inspection body for most independent schools, the equivalent of Ofsted.

Published rankings of schools by exam results. Useful context, but they reward intakes as much as teaching.

The geographic area around a school. For most state schools, living closer means a higher chance of a place.