Search for schools and colleges in the UK on Yell.com

State schools are usually run by local authorities. Independent schools, also known as public schools, are registered by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), but set their own curriculum and admission criteria. There are also different types of colleges, including sixth form colleges, colleges of art, colleges of agriculture, colleges of technology, and tertiary colleges. Colleges are for students who have completed their GCSEs but want to continue studying outside of a school environment.

• Admission to state primary schools and secondary schools is not automatic. You need to apply well in advance.
• The DfES can provide exam results and Ofsted reports for individual state schools and colleges, and for independent schools.
• You can apply for your child to go to your chosen state primary school or secondary school, whether it is inside or outside the "catchment area" you live in. However, popular state schools may give preference to children living close by.
• Make appointments to visit schools and sixth form colleges to help you decide which ones to apply for.
• There are still some state grammar schools in the UK, where admission is awarded by entrance exam and interview.
• Independent schools or public schools require parents to pay fees, and set their own admission criteria. They are often boarding schools. If you want your child to go to a single-sex school, you will find that many are independent, whereas most co-educational schools are state schools, although there are exceptions.

You can use Yell.com to find schools or colleges across the UK. Simply enter any UK location, such as London, Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds, into the search box below.