How to apply for a primary or secondary school place
In England you apply through your local council, even for schools in another area. Secondary applications are usually due by 31 October and primary by 15 January. Here's how to give yourself the best chance.
- Time
- A few weeks of research, 30 minutes to apply
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your child's details and your address
- A shortlist of schools
- Each school's admission criteria
- Any supporting evidence, e.g. faith or medical reasons
Safety first
- Giving a false address to get a school place can lead to the offer being withdrawn.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Know the deadlines
In England the usual deadlines are 31 October for secondary school (starting Year 7 the following September) and 15 January for primary (Reception) and junior school. Offers come on national offer days: 1 March for secondary and 16 April for primary, or the next working day. Check exact dates with your council.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Research schools
Look at Ofsted reports and performance tables, visit open days and talk to other parents.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Read the admission criteria
Each school sets oversubscription criteria, such as looked-after children, siblings, distance or catchment, and sometimes faith. Check how places were given out last year so your choices are realistic.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Apply through your council
Apply to your own council online or on its form, even if schools are in another council area. List schools in your real order of preference. Include at least one school you're likely to get into.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Get your offer
You'll get one offer. If it isn't your first choice, you can usually join waiting lists for schools you preferred.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Appeal if you need to
You can appeal to an independent panel. You'll be given at least 20 school days from the decision letter to lodge an appeal. You can still accept the offered place while you appeal.
Tips
- Apply on time: late applications are usually considered after on-time ones.
- Moving house? Ask the council what proof of address they need.
When to call a professional
Coram's Child Law Advice service offers free guidance on school admissions and appeals.
These dates apply to England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems and deadlines; check with your council or education authority.
Questions people ask
Do I have to apply for Reception?
Children in England reach compulsory school age on 31 December, 31 March or 31 August following their fifth birthday, whichever comes first. Most start Reception earlier than that, but you must apply by the January deadline to get a place.
Do I apply to the school directly?
No, in England you apply through your council's coordinated scheme, though some schools ask for an extra form.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- GOV.UK: Apply for a primary school place (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: Apply for a secondary school place (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: School starting age (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: School admissions: admissions criteria (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: Appealing a school's decision (gov.uk)
- Sutton Council: School application, transfer and offer dates (sutton.gov.uk)
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