Foreign national children residing in the UK normally have the right to attend schools in England, which are:

• state-funded
• independent

To lawfully enter the country to access a school, foreign national children residing outside the UK will typically need either:

• a right of abode
• an immigration status which otherwise permits them to enter the UK to study at a school.

Checking eligibility for a school place

Parents of foreign national children are responsible for checking that their children have a right to study at a school under the UK entry conditions. They should do this before applying for a place.

It is not the role of state-funded schools or local authorities to ask for proof of eligibility before offering a place.

If foreign nationals outside the UK want to enter the UK to study at an independent school with a licenced student sponsor, they should contact the school directly. If it accepts the application, it will send them a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Parents will need a CAS before applying for their child’s visa. They cannot enter to study at schools which are not licenced student sponsors.

Parents can find more information on gov.uk visas and immigration.

Parents are reminded to ensure their child holds the correct entry visa before making a school application. If a school or the local authority has concerns about a particular child’s immigration status, they will refer the case to the Home Office.