Schools and learning

School types and planning

In England most 4 year olds attend nursery before moving to primary school between the ages of 5-10 years old – nursery and primary schools teach both girls and boys. Children then transfer to secondary schools (either single sex or mixed) where they are educated until 16. At this point children can stay on in a sixth form, attend college or leave school to start work.

Some areas of the country have a different structure where children go to first schools instead of a primary school. They then transfer at the ages of 9 and 12 to Middle and Upper schools respectively. In Hertfordshire Berkhamsted, Buntingford and Royston operate this method of schooling, which is called 3 Tier Education.

The majority of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are able to attend mainstream schools where they receive additional help. A small number of children require a more specialised education which is only provided for in special schools. If you think your child needs help please discuss this with their school in the first instance.

You will also find links on this page to details about Specialist schools, Healthy schools and Extended schools, as well as details about school planning in Hertfordshire, and the Building Schools for the Future project.