Foreign nationals
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 licensed 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 licensed student sponsors.
Parents can find more information on gov.uk - visas and immigration.