One of the biggest decisions you will make as a parent is obtaining the right school place for your child. The school admissions process in England is formalized but can be daunting if you’re not familiar with the system. Whether you are applying for your child’s first primary school, transferring to secondary school, or changing schools mid-year, taking a clear step-by-step approach makes everything much easier.
Step 1: Learn About the Types of Schools
In England, parents are able to apply for a number of different types of schools.
- State Schools – funded by the government, include community schools, academies and free schools.
• Faith Schools – state-funded and linked to a religion; they may have different admissions criteria.
• Grammar Schools – selective schools that expect children to take the 11+ exam in order for them to be accepted.
• Private (independent) Schools – children that attend independent schools require admissions to be paid for.
Most of the applications for state schools will be made through the local authority. Parents apply directly to the independent schools.
Step 2: Research Schools in Detail
Before applying, try to grab as much information as possible:
- Look through their school websites –> Read school admission policies.
• Check Ofsted inspection reports for ratings of school quality.
• Find out and attend school open days, where you will meet teachers and local environment.
• Consider practical issues like location and transport links. This can be particularly important for secondary schools regarding catchment areas.
Step 3: Be Aware of Dates to Apply
- Primary school applications (Reception): You can often apply by the middle of January in the year your child is due to start school.
• Secondary school applications (Year 7): You can often apply by the end of October in the year before your child is due to start school.
• In-year transfers: You can apply at any time for an in-year transfer; however, the decision will depend on the availability of a place in the school being applied for.
Missing an application date may limit the possibility of getting a place at a school you prefer. It is recommended to check dates on the website of your local authority.
Step 4: Fill out the Application Form.
Applications for state schools are submitted electronically via your local council. You will typically be able to:
- Select multiple schools in order of preference.
• Include any supporting information (e.g. siblings already at the school)
• Provide accompanying documentation (e.g. proof of address, birth certificate or baptismal certificate for faith schools).
It is advisable to use all available options as opposed to just choosing one school.
Stage 5: Familiarise Yourself with the Admission Policies
Schools have very strict admissions policies, which will usually rank preferences in the following order:
- Children in care or with special educational needs (SEN)
• Siblings still attending the school.
• Children living within the school’s catchment area.
• Religious belief (if it is a faith school).
• Academic ability (of grammar schools as part of the 11+ exam).
You should always read the admission criteria on each school’s individual page closely to see how applications are prioritised.
Step 6: Wait for the Offer
- You will receive primary school offers in April.
• You will receive secondary school offers in March.
You will receive an email or letter from the local authority confirming whether your child has been given a place.
Step 7: Accepting/Appealing
If you are satisfied with the offer, you will need to accept it by the deadline provided. If you are not satisfied with the offer, you have the option to:
- be placed on a waiting list for your desired school, and
- make an appeal to the decision, specifying why the school that you selected is a better fit for your child.
Conclusion
There may appear to be some complexities in applying for a place at a school in England, but if you are well-prepared, keep to deadlines, and thoroughly understand the rules of admission, you can improve your chances of success. It helps to start early, research thoroughly and have realistic expectations about your preferences. Above all things, remember that all children deserve to be educated in an environment where they can flourish, academically and in life.