In year admissions

A fresh start at a new school at the beginning of the school year would be the choice of most parents. Consideration needs to be given to avoid a change of schools during the school year.

Circumstances often mean this not possible and a move during the school year becomes unavoidable. Before deciding to change schools, parents should talk to their child’s teacher or head teacher. Many issues that worry children and parents can often be sorted out without the need to move schools. Please, before taking the decision to change school, talk to the staff at your child’s school.

Changing Schools can be a serious step for your child to take. This is especially so in secondary schools, in particular when they reach Year 10 or 11. Once GCSE courses start, it is not always possible to continue studying the same subjects in another school.  This can impact on the number of GCSE exam passes that will be achievable following a change of school.

Careful consideration should always be given before making any decision to change schools. If there is no other way forward then download an In Year application form.

Application forms are processed in date order within 15 school days or 28 calendar days (whichever is sooner) of the application being received by the local authority.

If there is room in the appropriate year group, your child will be given a place. If the year group is full, ie. they have admitted up to their admission number (AN) then you will be contacted in writing and told that the local authority is unable to give your child a place. You will be given the option to appeal against the decision not to award a place at the chosen school.

Important information to note before making an application

You can request for your child to be placed on a waiting list for the reminder of the academic year.

If any places become available while your child's name is on the waiting list then the place will be offered to children using the over-subscription criteria.

Parents should not remove children from a school until an admission to an alternative school has been agreed.