primary school

American  

noun

1. a school usually covering the first three or four years of elementary school and sometimes kindergarten.

2. elementary school.

---

primary school British  

noun

1. (in Britain) a school for children below the age of 11. It is usually divided into an infant and a junior section

2. (in the US and Canada) a school equivalent to the first three or four grades of elementary school, sometimes including a kindergarten

---

Etymology

Origin of primary school

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

He believes the lack of support he received as a child led to his behaviour worsening, which ultimately saw him excluded from two primary schools.

From BBC

Pupils who already have the plans will be able to keep them until at least September 2029, when children will start to have their support entitlements reassessed at the end of primary school and GCSEs.

From BBC

Among primary schools, the push for more practical school uniforms is largely to encourage physical activity and play.

From BBC

"I was permanently excluded from two primary schools, sectioned, home-tutored, and placed in a pupil referral unit," he said.

From BBC

According to her website, she came to Leicester from India, where she had been studying for a PhD, in 1970, and completed her studies before becoming a primary school teacher for about 20 years.

From BBC

Related Words

• grade school
• grammar school