Choosing a school for your child is potentially one of the biggest decisions you can make during the early years of their life.  As a UK citizen your child is entitled to free education, indeed compulsory education, up to the age of sixteen.  They may choose to continue their education free of charge up to the age of eighteen should they so wish (see the secion on further education).

It is important first of all to know of the different types of school that exist beofre making your decision.  There are three kinds of state school:

1. Schools run and maintained by the local education authority (LEA) which is responsible for admissions
2. Foundation schools which are provided by a foundation or trust for which the governing body looks after admissions
3. Voluntary schools, most of which have a strong religious ethos, and are also known as faith schools

If you have firm religious beliefs you may with your child to attend a faith school.  This may be further from your home than a non faith school, but the LEA may be able to help with travel costs.

There are also private schools, which are not run by the LEA and who charge fees for the education they provide.  The fees can be very expensive, and they will vary from school to school.  Fees are normally paid annually or termly in advance.

There are lists of local schools in Hyndburn in this education section, use the links to the right to find them.  Schools will tend to hold open days or evenings where you can see the facilities and speak to staff members and get an idea of what the school is like.

For details on these events or enquiries specific to a particular school, contact them directly using the contact details provided.