Navigating School Applications
The application process varies by school type. This guide walks you through how it works for every kind of school in England, so you know exactly what to do and when.
Applying for a school place in England
Every child in England is entitled to a school place. But the process of applying varies depending on the type of school, whether you are applying at the normal entry point or mid-year, and whether the school has additional requirements like tests or faith criteria. Understanding the system helps you make stronger applications and avoid common mistakes.
How applications differ by school type
Each type of school has its own admissions authority and may have additional requirements. Here is what you need to know for each.
Primary School (Reception entry)
Apply through your local authority by 15 January in the year your child turns 5. You list your preferred schools in rank order and receive a single offer on National Offer Day (mid-April). Oversubscription criteria typically prioritise looked-after children, siblings, and proximity to the school. Most primary schools are straightforward distance-based admissions.
Secondary School (Year 7 entry)
Apply through your local authority by 31 October in Year 6. You receive a single offer on 1 March (National Offer Day). Secondary admissions can be more complex — some schools use banding tests, aptitude criteria, or have larger catchment areas. Research each school's individual admissions policy carefully.
Faith School
Faith schools (voluntary aided and some academies) can prioritise children of their faith. You typically apply through the local authority as normal, but you may also need to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) from the school. This often requires a reference from a religious leader confirming attendance at a place of worship. Criteria vary widely between denominations and individual schools.
Grammar School
Grammar schools select by academic ability using the 11+ test, taken in September or October of Year 6. You must register your child for the test separately — this is not part of the local authority application. If your child passes, you then list the grammar school on your LA application by the normal deadline. Each grammar school has its own pass mark and oversubscription criteria.
Academy / MAT School
Most academies participate in the local authority coordinated admissions process, so you apply in the same way as any other school. However, academies are their own admissions authority — they set their own oversubscription criteria (within the Admissions Code). Some academy trusts run their own supplementary forms. Always check the individual school's admissions policy on their website.
Free School
Free schools follow the same application process as academies. Apply through the local authority. As new schools, free schools may have less established catchment areas and may be oversubscribed in their first few years. Check their admissions policy for specific criteria — some prioritise children from particular areas or communities.
Special School
Special schools are for children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). You do not apply through the normal local authority admissions process. Instead, the school is named in your child's EHCP during the annual review or EHCP assessment. The local authority consults the school, and if appropriate, the school is formally named in the plan. You can request a specific school, but the LA makes the final decision.
In-Year Transfer (moving schools)
If you need a school place outside the normal entry points (e.g., you are moving house or changing schools), you make an in-year application. For maintained schools and most academies, apply directly to the local authority or the school. The school must respond within 15 school days. If the school is full, you can join the waiting list and appeal. In-year moves are common — around 300,000 happen each year in England.
The application timeline
The key dates are set nationally, though local authorities may vary slightly. This is the typical timeline for standard entry points.
Spring–Summer (Year before entry): Research schools
Visit schools, attend open days, read Ofsted reports and school profiles on WhatSchool. For grammar schools, register for the 11+ test by June. For faith schools, ensure you have the required evidence of worship attendance.
September–October: 11+ tests and secondary deadline
Grammar school entrance tests take place in September/October. The secondary school application deadline is 31 October. Submit your application through your local authority's online portal. List all your preferred schools in genuine rank order.
15 January: Primary application deadline
The deadline for primary school (Reception) applications. Late applications are processed after all on-time applications, which significantly reduces your chances of getting a preferred school.
1 March / mid-April: National Offer Days
Secondary offers are released on 1 March. Primary offers are released in mid-April (the date varies by LA). You receive a single offer — your highest-ranked school that can offer a place. If you don't receive any preference, the LA allocates the nearest school with space.
After offers: Accept, appeal, or join waiting lists
You must accept or decline your offer by the deadline stated in the offer letter (usually 2–3 weeks). If unhappy, you can join waiting lists for higher-preference schools or lodge a formal appeal. Appeals are heard by an independent panel — and parents do win appeals.
Tips for a stronger application
Use all your preferences
Always list the maximum number of schools allowed. Leaving preferences blank does not improve your chances for your top choice — it just reduces your safety net. Include at least one school where you are very likely to get a place.
Read each school's admissions policy
Don't assume all schools use the same criteria. Each admissions authority publishes its own policy. Check what criteria they use (distance, siblings, faith, catchment area, banding) and where you fall.
Measure your distance accurately
Most schools measure distance as a straight line from your home to the school. Use WhatSchool's map feature to check your proximity. Remember that the 'last distance offered' changes every year — don't rely on historical data alone.
Understand the appeals process
If you don't get your preferred school, you have the right to appeal. Appeals are heard by an independent panel and are decided on the merits of your case versus the school's reason for refusal. Around 20–25% of appeals are successful. It is always worth appealing.
Keep your address current
Your address at the time of application is crucial for distance-based admissions. If you move, notify the local authority immediately. Fraudulent addresses lead to withdrawn offers — LAs do check.
Don't panic on offer day
If you don't get your first choice, waiting lists are active until at least 31 December. Positions change as families move or accept other offers. The allocation you receive on offer day is not necessarily final.