UK Education & Student Calculators
If you are a parent in the UK right now, you have probably already discovered that childcare costs roughly the same as a second mortgage. Full-time nursery for an under-two in London can top £20,000 a year -- and that is before you even think about school catchments, uniforms, or saving for university. The government has expanded free childcare hours for working parents in 2025, which genuinely helps, but working out what you are actually entitled to feels like it needs a maths degree.
And if you are a student or recent graduate, the financial questions do not stop either. Student loan repayments kick in at different thresholds depending on which plan you are on (there are now five different plans, because apparently that was necessary). Your first salary negotiation can be worth thousands of pounds over the next few years, but most graduates have no idea what the going rate actually is for their role and location. These tools cut through all of it -- check catchment distances with real admissions data, calculate your childcare costs after every bit of government support, or put together a proper salary negotiation pack with actual UK market benchmarks. Built for parents and students who want the real numbers, not vague advice.
All Education & Student Tools (5 live)
UK School Catchment Checker
Check school catchment areas and see historical admission distances for primary and secondary schools.
Childcare Cost Calculator
Calculate your childcare costs after free hours, tax-free childcare, and Universal Credit support.
Graduate Salary Negotiation Pack
Get an AI-generated salary negotiation pack with market data, scripts, and counter-offer templates.
UCAS Tariff Points Calculator
Calculate your UCAS tariff points from A-Levels, BTECs, T-Levels and more.
Student Budget Planner
Plan your university budget with maintenance loan, accommodation, and living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are school catchment areas determined in the UK?
School catchment areas in the UK are set by local authorities for community and voluntary-controlled schools, or by the school itself for academies, free schools, and faith schools. Admission criteria typically prioritise looked-after children, siblings, and then distance from the school (measured as the crow flies or by the shortest walking route, depending on the authority). Catchment distances vary significantly -- some popular schools admit children from as little as 200 metres, while rural schools may have catchments of several miles.
How much does childcare cost in the UK in 2025?
The average cost of a full-time nursery place in the UK is around £14,000-£16,000 per year for children under two, and £12,000-£14,000 for children aged two to four. London is significantly more expensive, with costs often exceeding £20,000 per year. Childminders are generally cheaper at £8,000-£12,000 per year. Government support includes 15 hours free childcare for all three and four-year-olds, 30 hours for working parents, and the expanded scheme now covers children from nine months. Tax-free childcare adds 25% to your payments up to £2,000 per child per year.
What free childcare hours am I entitled to in the UK?
As of 2025, working parents in England are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged nine months to school age, during term time (38 weeks per year). Both parents must be working (or one working and one disabled/carer), earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours at minimum wage and no more than £100,000 per year each. Non-working parents of three and four-year-olds still get 15 free hours. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different schemes.
How do graduate salary negotiations work in the UK?
UK graduate salaries vary significantly by sector, location, and university. The median graduate salary in 2025 is around £28,000-£32,000, with London-based roles typically paying 15-25% more. Sectors like finance, tech, and law offer the highest starting salaries (£35,000-£55,000+), while creative, charity, and public sector roles start lower (£22,000-£28,000). When negotiating, research market rates using salary surveys, factor in the total package (pension, benefits, bonuses), and be prepared to justify your value with specific skills or experience.
When should I start saving for my child’s education?
If you are considering private education, starting early is essential. UK private school fees average £15,000-£18,000 per year for day schools and £30,000-£45,000 for boarding schools. Over 14 years of schooling, that totals £210,000-£630,000 per child. A Junior ISA allows tax-free savings of up to £9,000 per year. Even for state education, budgeting for uniforms, school trips, tutoring, and university costs is sensible. Starting a savings plan when your child is born gives compound interest the maximum time to work.
How does the UCAS personal statement work?
The UCAS personal statement is a 4,000-character (approximately 600-word) essay that forms part of your university application. It should explain why you want to study your chosen subject, demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm, highlight relevant experience and achievements, and show you have the skills to succeed. From 2026, UCAS is replacing the single personal statement with three shorter questions. Strong statements are specific, evidence-based, and show genuine intellectual curiosity rather than listing achievements.