Applying for school

If you are new to the UK or to Lancashire there can be a lot to organise to ensure your children get access to essential services, including education. See information on understanding the UK Education System.

Your local Pupil Access Team will manage your school application. You can contact them at the Area Education Office for the Lancashire district you live in.

You can find information about school access on our school admissions webpage.

Depending upon your country of origin you may find the schooling system in the UK very different. Even knowing which year to apply for can be challenging.

Please refer to the following guidance on when children can start school:

• When children can start primary school
• When children cant start secondary school

If you're in receipts of benefits or have a low income then you may be entitled to a range of support. This could include free school meals, assistance with school transport or help with school uniform costs. 

Please contact your Area Education Office for further information. 

Learning Resources

If your child is missing schooling or you want to supplement the provision they are already accessing, then you'll find some resources here:

• Find your local library or access the online digital library
• Access free teaching resources on the British Library's website including a printable activity pack: Once upon an adventure and The Book of Me activity pack to help children write a story
• CBeebies - games for kids and early years activities for ages 0-6
• BBC Bitesize educational resource for children aged 3 and over

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Support is available for children with a range of extra needs, this could be SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) or perhaps some EAL (English as an Additional Language) requirements.

Someone from Pupil Access can assist with these questions but you'll also want to liaise directly with the school about these needs once a child has been made an offer.

Alternatively, if you believe your child has particular needs then you can request an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment to see if they qualify for a support plan. 

Find out more about our Local SEND Offer.