Parents and guardians

Priority school admission

The School Admission Code gives looked after and previously looked after children the highest priority for school places.

In the normal admissions round (for applications for starting school or moving to a middle or upper school in September), this means places are allocated to looked after and previously looked after children first to ensure they get a place.

If your child is joining a school late or at any other time during the academic year, the school should offer them a place if there is one available. However, if the school is full, priority admissions mean your child will go to the top of the waiting list for a school place.

You can lodge an appeal for a school place at your preferred school. The process for this is explained by the admission authority in their decision letter.