🎒How to Apply for Primary Schools in the UK

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Simple Guide for New UK Parents — Including In-Year Admissions!

So you’ve just moved to the UK (or maybe to a new city), and now it’s time to find a good primary school for your child. If you’re feeling confused — don’t worry. You’re not alone! Many parents go through this, and this guide is here to help.

👶 Step 1: Is Your Child the Right Age for Starting Primary School?
In the UK, children usually start Reception (the first year of primary school) at age 4.

If your child turns 4 before 1st September, they can start Reception that September.

🗓️ Step 2: Apply for Primary School at the Right Time
There are two types of school admissions in the UK:

✅ 1. Normal (On-Time) Admission
This is when your child is starting school for the first time, usually in Reception (age 4-5).

• Applications open: September
• Deadline: 15 January
• Offers sent: 16 April
• 👉 You apply through your local council’s website.

🔄 2. In-Year Admission
This is when your child:

• Has already started school in another country or UK area, and
• Needs a school place during the school year (not just in September).

This might happen if:

• You just moved to the UK
• You moved to a new house within the UK
• You want to change schools for any reason

In-year applications can be made any time of year.

📍 How to Apply for In-Year Admission in the UK

• Find local schools near your new home using Google Maps or your local council’s website.
• Contact your local council. They’ll tell you:
  • Which schools have space
  • How to apply (usually a simple online form)
  • Some schools may ask you to apply directly — the council will explain if this is needed.

Fill out the form and include:

• Your child’s details
• Your UK address
• The name(s) of school(s) you’re interested in
• Previous school information (if your child attended one)

⏳ What Happens Next?
If a school has space → Your child will be offered a place quickly (usually within a few weeks).
If the school is full → You can:

• Go on a waiting list
• Be offered a place at a nearby school
• Ask about appealing the decision (but this may take time)

💡 Things to Remember About Applying for Primary School in the UK

• You must live at the UK address before applying. Just planning to move isn’t enough.
• All children aged 5–16 must be in school or have an official education plan.
• Schools follow the same national curriculum, so your child won’t miss out if they move schools.

🥳 Final Step: Celebrate!
Once your child has a school place:

• Tell their current/old school (if needed)
• Get uniforms (each school will guide you)
• Attend any welcome events or parent meetings
• And most importantly — give yourself a big hug! You’ve navigated the UK primary school admissions system 💪

👍 Summary (Quick Checklist)

Task	Normal Admission	In-Year Admission
When to Apply	Sept–Jan	Anytime
Who to Contact	Local Council	Local Council
Starting Year	Reception (age 4)	Any year (if child already started school)
Deadline	15 Jan	No fixed deadline
Result Date	16 April	Usually within 2–4 weeks