Before you apply for a first or primary school place, see the Frequently Asked Questions below:
See the full FAQ document here: First and Primary Schools Frequently Asked Questions 2025 - 2026 (PDF)
When can my child start school?
Children must start school by the term after their 5th birthday. Children turning 4 before 31 August 2021 can start Reception in September 2025. You can also send your child part-time until they turn 5. Check with your school for induction details. See: Is your child ready for school?
Can I delay my child鈥檚 school start?
Parents can request a delay for their child to start in Reception, but only for the same academic year (not the next year). Summer-born children may be allowed to start in Reception at age 5 instead of Year 1, but it depends on the school鈥檚 decision. See: Deferred, delayed or accelerated entry into a school.
Which school can my child attend?
You can request a school, but you don鈥檛 have the right to choose. Find out the catchment school for your area. If you choose another school, your child might not have priority for transfer later.
How do I apply for a school place?
You can apply online for any school, including Academies, Foundation, or Voluntary Aided Schools. Late applications may not get the preferred choice.
Why do I need to list 3 preferences?
Listing 3 preferences helps us find an acceptable school if your first choice isn鈥檛 available.
What if I live outside 糖心vlog?
Apply through your home Local Authority, even if you want a 糖心vlog school. Add 糖心vlog schools as preferences.
What if I apply late?
You can make a late application here: . Late applications are given lower priority unless you moved house or have other special circumstances.
What if I change my application after the deadline?
Changes after the deadline can be accepted for some time if you have moved house or have a valid reason. After that, late applications are considered after all on-time ones.
What if I鈥檓 moving house?
You need to provide evidence of your new address before the application deadline.
Who decides on school places?
If a school has more applicants than places, it will use admission criteria to decide who gets a place. For Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools, school admissions will make the decisions. For Academies, Foundation, Free, or Voluntary Aided Schools, the school鈥檚 governing body decides. Check the school's admission policy for details.
How are places allocated?
If a school has multiple applications, school admissions or the school follows a set process to offer places, prioritising those who meet the admission criteria.
What if I鈥檓 moving to a new area?
Contact the new area鈥檚 school admissions as soon as possible. If moving during the school year, follow the In-Year Admissions process.
How many children can be admitted?
Each school has a set limit on the number of students it can admit, known as the Published Admission Number (PAN).
What if the school is full?
You鈥檒l be added to the waiting list. For community schools, this is managed by the council; for other schools, check with them directly.
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