Every child living in the UK has the right to a free state education, regardless of their immigration status. You apply for a school place through your local council, and families who arrive partway through the year use the “in-year admissions” process. This guide explains how to enrol a child in England and how Child Benefit works. It is general information, not legal advice, so check current rules on GOV.UK.
How the state school system works
State schools in England are funded by the government and are free to attend. Children normally start primary school the September after they turn 4, and move to secondary school at age 11. Applications are handled by your local council, not by contacting schools directly, although you can list your preferred schools on the application.
Applying at the normal time
If you are settled before the standard deadlines, you apply in the year before your child starts. Primary and secondary applications have fixed national timelines.
| Stage | Typical application deadline | Offer day |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary school (age 11) | 31 October | 1 March |
| Primary school (age 4 to 5) | 15 January | 16 April |
Applying mid-year: in-year admissions
Most newcomers arrive outside the standard window, so they use in-year admissions. You apply to the local council for a place at any point in the school year. The council must find a school place for your child, though it may not be your first choice if local schools are full. Contact the council for the area where you live to start the process.
What you usually need
- Proof of your home address (a tenancy agreement or utility bill)
- Your child’s date of birth (passport or birth certificate)
- Any documents about additional needs, if relevant
Schools cannot refuse a place because of a family’s immigration status, and they should not ask for it as a condition of admission.
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a regular government payment to help with the cost of raising a child. You get it for each child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training). Only one person can claim for a child.
| Who | Weekly rate |
|---|---|
| Eldest or only child | £27.05 |
| Each additional child | £17.90 |
If you or your partner earns more than £60,000 a year, you start to pay some of it back through the High Income Child Benefit Charge, and once earnings reach £80,000 you repay all of it. See GOV.UK Child Benefit rates for the current figures.
Important: Child Benefit and immigration status
Child Benefit counts as a “public fund”. If your visa says you have “no recourse to public funds” (NRPF), you usually cannot claim it. This is different from school and GP access, which are open to everyone. Check your visa conditions before applying, because claiming when you are not entitled can affect your immigration status. Our UK visa guide for newcomers explains NRPF in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child go to school if we arrived mid-year?
Yes. You apply through in-year admissions and the local council must offer a place, though not always at your preferred school if it is full.
Does my immigration status affect getting a school place?
No. Every child in the UK has the right to state education regardless of immigration status, and state schools are free.
Can I claim Child Benefit as a newcomer?
It depends on your visa. If your visa has “no recourse to public funds”, you generally cannot claim Child Benefit. If you have settled status or a visa without that condition, you usually can.
How much is Child Benefit?
It is £27.05 a week for your eldest or only child and £17.90 a week for each additional child, subject to a high-income charge above £60,000.
Enrolling children is one task among many. See our first 30 days settling-in guide for the full checklist, and the money and banking guide for budgeting as a family.
