Apply for School Places
Welcome to the school admissions page. Here, you can find all the information you need to apply for a school place within our council area. Whether you're applying for a primary school, secondary school, or transferring mid-term, this page will guide you through the process.
When to Apply
Primary School Applications: Applications open in September for children starting Reception in the following September. The deadline for submitting applications is 15 January.
Secondary School Applications: If your child is moving up to Year 7, applications open in September, and the deadline is 31 October.
How to Apply
You can apply online for a school place using our School Admissions Portal. This is the quickest and easiest way to submit your application and make changes if needed.
Alternatively, you can request a paper application form by contacting our Admissions Team on 01234 567890. Please be aware that paper applications may take longer to process.
Steps to Apply Online
- Register – Create an account on our School Admissions Portal.
- Complete the Application – Provide details about your child, including their date of birth and current school (if applicable). You’ll also need to select up to three preferred schools in order of preference.
- Submit – Review your application and submit it before the deadline.
- Receive Confirmation – You’ll receive an email confirming your application has been submitted.
Admission Criteria
Each school has its own admission criteria, which are used to allocate places when a school is oversubscribed. Common factors include:
- Distance from the school
- Sibling attendance
- Religious or faith-based requirements (for faith schools)
We encourage you to review the admissions criteria for your preferred schools before applying.
Offer Day
- Primary School Offer Day: 16 April
- Secondary School Offer Day: 1 March
You’ll receive your child’s school place offer by email if you applied online. Paper applicants will receive their offer letter by post. If your child is not offered a place at one of your preferred schools, they will be offered a place at the nearest school with availability.
Late Applications
If you miss the application deadline, you can still apply, but your application will be considered after those submitted on time. This may affect your chances of getting a place at your preferred school.
Mid-Year Admissions
If you need to apply for a school place during the academic year (e.g., if you're moving into the area), you can submit a mid-year application through the same portal. We will process your application and offer a place at a school with availability.
Appeals
If your child is not offered a place at your preferred school, you have the right to appeal. Full details of how to appeal will be provided with your offer letter.
Contact Us
For further assistance or enquiries, please contact our School Admissions Team at:
- Phone: 01234 567890
- Email: contact@yourcouncil.gov.uk
We’re here to help you through every step of the application process.