Schools, Childcare and Young People

All children and young people aged 18 or under have the right to a free education.

Sheffield City Council is responsible for making sure every child has a school place.

Education is free. If your child is 4 years old, you can choose for them to attend nursery or school. For children aged 5 to 18 school is Compulsory (they have to attend)

Schools are divided into stages based on your child’s age on 31 August:

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Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 3–4) 

• Nursery or preschool. Children learn through play and activities.
  
  

Primary School (ages 5–11) – Usually split into:

• Infant School (ages 5–7) – Key Stage 1
  
  
• Junior School (ages 7–11) – Key Stage 2
  
  

Secondary School (ages 11–16) 

• Key Stages 3 and 4. Children study a range of subjects and take exams (GCSEs) at age 16.

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Most schools open from about 8:45am to 3:15pm.

Children will join a class with other children of the same age, even if they have missed some schooling before. The school will offer extra support to your child in class, if needed. This is the recommended way to support children who have been out of school for long or short periods of time. This is also recommended for children who have never attended school. 

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Post-16 Education (age 16+) 

• Young people continue learning or training. This can be:
  
  
• A Levels (at college or sixth form school)
  
  
• Vocational training or apprenticeships (learning a job skill)
  
  

‍Helpful Information and Websites

• ‍Understanding England’s education system in your own language‍
  
  • Bell Foundation – Guidance for parents on the English education system (available in multiple languages, especially useful for families where English is an additional language).

If you are new to Sheffield and need a school place for your child, this is called an in-year admission.

You should contact the Pupil Admissions Team to:

• Provide details about your child (child’s name, DOB, address, parent name)
  
  
• Let them know if your child has any additional needs, such as a disability. Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

The team will register your child and offer them a school place. This can take a few weeks.

Most schools admit pupils from their local area, known as the catchment area. If your nearest schools are full, your child may be offered a place at a school further away. If your catchment school is full your child might need to catch the bus to school. 

In some cases, the council can help with travel to school (for example, by providing a bus pass). This is done on a case-by-case basis. Only some children will be eligible for a bus pass. This is usually if the journey from home to school is above a certain distance. 

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What you can do:

• ‍Apply for an in-year school place

• Check your catchment area

• Contact the Pupil Admissions Team for support‍
  
  • Email: [email protected]‍
  • Telephone: 0114 273 5766
• Read more information about how to apply for school in Sheffield

If your child already goes to a school but you want them to move to another school, you can ask for a school transfer.

You will need to:

• Ask your child’s current school for a Common Transfer Form
  
  
• The school will fill in Section 2 of the form
  
  
• The school will then send the form to the Pupil Admissions Team at the Council.

Full details about how to transfer schools are on the Sheffield City Council website.

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What you can do:

• ‍Check the official guidance

• ‍Contact the Pupil Admissions Team for advice‍
  
  • Email: [email protected]‍
  • Telephone: 0114 273 5790

Some children move automatically from their infant school to a linked junior school.

In other cases, parents need to apply for a junior school place when their child is aged 7–8.

If you are not sure whether you need to apply, ask your child’s current school for advice. They can tell you what to do next.

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What you can do:

• ‍Apply for a Junior School place

• Read guidance for parents

• Check your catchment area

• Contact the Pupil Admissions Team for advice
  
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 0114 273 5790

In England, young people aged 16 to 18 must stay in education or training.

There are different options to choose from:

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• Stay in full-time education – for example, study at a college or sixth form (school)
  
  
• Start an apprenticeship – work and learn at the same time
  
  
• Work or volunteer for 20 hours or more a week, while also doing part-time education or training
  
  

These options help young people gain skills, experience, and qualifications for the future.

What you can do:

• Find out about Education Options‍

• Explore local colleges and sixth forms

• Search and apply for courses

• Find out about your education entitlement depending on your immigration status

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Full and Part Time Learning programmes for 16 to 19 year olds

CTS Training offer qualifications, knowledge and skills to support your next steps on to an apprenticeship, work or further education.

If your child gets free school meals, they may be able to join Holiday Activities and Food (HAF).

HAF offers free holiday clubs during the Easter, Summer, October half term, and Christmas school holidays.

Activities may include:

• Sports, dance, drama, and songwriting
  
  
• Day trips and group activities
  
  
• A healthy meal for each child at the club
  
  

If your child is eligible, Sheffield City Council will send you a letter with a HAF code.
You will need this code to book activities.

What you can do:

• ‍Book activities using your HAF code
  
  • You can book online (by creating an account)
  • Or calling 0114 203 9303

• Check what’s available in your area

• Find more information from the Council

• Contact the programme team directly (if you need help)
  
  • Telephone: 0114 203 9303
  • Email: [email protected]

Sheffield has many libraries across the city. Children and young people can:

• Read or study in a quiet space
  
  
• Take part in activities and events
  
  
• Borrow books, DVDs, and other resources for free
  
  

Sheffield Children’s University (CU) helps children and young people take part in learning activities outside school.

The CU keeps track of activities and rewards children for their achievements.

What can do you:

• Visit a local library

• Sign up for library membership

• Get involved with Children's University