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Before you apply for a Middle school place, see the Frequently Asked Questions below:

See the full FAQ document here: Middle Schools Frequently Asked Questions 2025-2026 (PDF)

Which school can my child go to?

You can request a preferred school, but the law states that parents don’t have the absolute right to choose. Start by finding your local “catchment area” school. You can apply to other schools including academy, foundation, free or voluntary aided schools. Some important considerations are:

• if your child gets into your preferred middle school this doesn’t guarantee a place at the linked high school later, especially if that school is at full capacity
• younger siblings aren’t guaranteed a place at the same school if it’s oversubscribed when they apply
• applications submitted on time are given priority over late ones, including late changes
• think carefully about how your child will get to school, check the School Transport pages for help

How do I apply for a middle school place?

If you live in ������Ƶ and want a middle school place for your child (even if it’s your local catchment school), you must apply online by the deadline stated. This includes academy, foundation, free or voluntary aided schools and schools outside ������Ƶ.

You can list up to three schools you’d prefer. All are treated equally at first and the oversubscription criteria applied to each preference. If it is possible to make a potential offer at more than one school, then the final offer will be the school ranked highest on the application.

Please be aware that different LAs, Academies, Foundation, Free and Voluntary Aided Schools may have different admissions criteria, and therefore it is strongly advised that you ensure that you have understood the information from each LA/School, before stating a preference on an application.

If you’re applying to an academy or school outside ������Ƶ:

• get an admissions pack from the school
• still apply through the ������Ƶ online system

It is very important that applications are received no later than the closing date stated.

Please retain any receipt as proof of application.

Why do I have to make list preferences?

You don’t have to, however you should consider listing three so we can consider the best school for your child. If you don’t get your first choice, the council will try your next preferences. If none are available, they’ll offer the closest school with space.

What if we live outside ������Ƶ but want a ������Ƶ school?

Apply through your home local authority (not ������Ƶ) and you will need to add the ������Ƶ school to your list of preferences.

What if I miss the deadline?

You can still apply after the deadline, but it will be a late application. Apply online or request a paper form by calling the council.

If your child is not attending a ������Ƶ school, but you live in ������Ƶ, you must apply on a ������Ƶ application, at the intake stage, under the National Co-ordinated Admission Arrangements. Even if your preferences include schools within any other Local Authority.

Can I change my application after the deadline?

Yes, but only in certain situations (like moving house). You’ll need to provide evidence, and changes must be made by the deadline stated for late applications, to still count as “on time.”

The Council has agreed in its co-ordinated scheme to accept late applications, or changes to on time applications, for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools within ������Ƶ, within a specific timeframe, and treat them as being on time only in the following circumstances:

• where a family have just moved address, (refer to the relevant Information for Parents Book)
• where it is agreed, on behalf of the admission authority, that individual circumstances apply, and
  the delay was reasonable given the circumstances of the case

What if we're moving house?

If you're moving, provide proof of the new address before the deadline. If you move after applying, your application may be treated as late unless you meet certain conditions.

Who allocates the places?

For most local schools: ������Ƶ School Admissions decides.

For academies, foundation, or voluntary-aided schools: their own governing body decides.

How are school places decided?

Schools apply their own rules if too many children apply. If your child qualifies for more than one, you’ll be offered the school you ranked highest on your form.

If no preferences are available, you’ll be offered the nearest school with space.

What if we’re moving into a new area?

Apply as soon as you know you’re moving. Provide proof. If you’re applying partway through the school year (see: Changing schools (In-year applications)), they won’t hold a spot for you far in advance, and the school might already be full.

How many students can each school take?

Each school has a limit (called the PAN – Published Admission Number). See Middle school 2025-26 (PDF) for exact numbers.

What if the school is full?

Your child will automatically go on the school’s waiting list. This list is based on the school’s admission rules, not when you applied. Places may open up if others decline theirs.

For academies and other similar schools: contact them directly to check on the waiting list.

See the booklets and guides for more information:

• Middle school 2025-26 (PDF)
• Guide to starting Middle School (PDF)
• Middle Schools Frequently Asked Questions 2025-2026 (PDF)