Department for Education (DfE)
Responsible for schools, childcare, apprenticeships and higher education policy in England. School places are handled by your local council.
Home » Schools and childcare » Apply for a school place
Apply for a school place
State schools are free. You apply through your local council, which sets the deadlines. If you arrive mid-year, ask the council for an in-year place.
Official links
Show links for:
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: school admissions www.gov.uk/schools-admissions | England |
| GOV.UK: apply for a primary school place www.gov.uk/apply-for-primary-school-place | England, Wales |
| GOV.UK: apply for a secondary school place www.gov.uk/apply-for-secondary-school-place | England, Wales |
| GOV.WALES: school admissions www.gov.wales/school-admissions | Wales |
| mygov.scot: choosing a school for your child www.mygov.scot/choose-school-for-child | Scotland |
| nidirect: schools www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/education/schools-learning-and-development | Northern Ireland |
Who handles it
Handled by your local council This procedure is done with the council where you live. Find your council »
Step by step
- Contact your local council to see the state schools in your area and their admission criteria.
- Apply through the council, listing schools in order of preference. In England, primary applications close on 15 January and secondary on 31 October.
- Accept the offer by the deadline in the offer letter. In England offers are sent on 1 March (secondary) and 16 April (primary).
- If you arrive during the school year, ask the council for an in-year place. If refused, you can join waiting lists and appeal.
What you need
- Proof of your address, for example a rental agreement, mortgage or property deeds.
- If you are moving from abroad, proof that you will live in the area before the term starts.
- Your child's details, and their EHC plan if they have one.
Common mistakes
- Listing only one school to improve your chances. It does not help.
- Missing the application deadline, which makes a place at your preferred schools less likely.
- Not accepting the offer in time: the place can be given to someone else.