Guides for Parents

For Reception entry in September, you apply through your home council during the autumn before — the statutory deadline is 15 January, and offers come on 16 April (National Offer Day). Independent prep schools have their own, generally earlier, timelines — many close registration 12–18 months before entry. We cover both in our Reception Admissions in North London guide.

There's no single right answer — it depends on your child, the school, and how much developmental gap there genuinely is. English admissions law gives you three options: start on time, defer within the same year (joining in spring or summer term), or delay a full year. The middle option is the most underused. Our Summer-Born Children guide walks through the trade-offs, the law, and the practical process.

All follow the EYFS curriculum, but the practicalities differ. 'Nursery' usually means a setting taking children from a few months old to 4–5 (private day nursery or school nursery). 'Pre-school' tends to mean smaller, often community-run, term-time only. 'Pre-prep' is the early-years arm of an independent prep school, covering Nursery and Reception. Our Best Nurseries in Southgate & Enfield guide explains the four practical types in detail.

Termly fees for 2026 entry typically fall into three bands: more accessible (£3,800–£4,800 a term), mid-fee (£5,000–£6,500), and higher-fee (£7,000–£8,500+). Add roughly 10–20% on top for the realistic all-in cost — registration or enrolment fees, lunches, trips, music tuition, exam fees, wraparound care. Our pillar guide has a full breakdown.

All registered EYFS settings — including independent school nurseries — can claim the universal 15 hours and the 30 hours (for working parents) once your child turns three. The funding is paid at a fixed local-authority rate. Most independent settings charge fees above this rate, with the difference invoiced to parents (sometimes called a 'top-up'). Always ask for a written worked example before committing.

For Reception entry (age 4), most parents start visiting open mornings 18–24 months ahead. Register your shortlist 12–18 months ahead — popular schools close registration this far in advance. For 7+ or 8+ entry into a prep, start visiting in the autumn term of the year before. Our pillar guide covers timeline in detail.

Beyond the brochure: average class size in Reception, Year 3 and Year 6; where Year 6 leavers actually go (the full list); how the school supports a struggling child and stretches an able one; what wraparound care really costs; whether you can speak to a current parent. A confident school answers all of these without flinching. Our pillar guide has a longer list of ten questions.

ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) is the regulator for most independent schools in England, equivalent to Ofsted for state schools. Reports use descriptors like 'excellent', 'good', 'sound' across several areas of judgement. Read the most recent full inspection on the ISI website — particularly the judgements on academic achievement and personal development.