Choosing schools: a Year 5 timeline

The school decision runs alongside exam preparation, and the timing catches many families out.

Autumn term of Year 5

Visit schools. Ask about travel, class sizes and how they support children who find the pace hard. Don't rely on reputation alone.

Spring term

Check registration deadlines — they are often earlier than expected, and some schools require a supplementary form. Note every exam date in one calendar.

Summer term

Narrow to a realistic shortlist: one aspirational, one likely, one safe local school. Sit any practice papers the schools offer.

September of Year 6

Exams. Then, importantly, stop. Between exams and results, let your child be a child — the work is already done.