How applications are processed

How on-time applications are considered

All applications will be considered together. Each school’s policy sets out how applications will be prioritised if a school is oversubscribed. If more than one school can offer a place, the parents higher preference school will be allocated. If none of the schools named can offer a place, the catchment or next nearest school with a place will be allocated.

What to do if an application is unsuccessful

If your child is refused admission to a school, your child's name will be added to the waiting list of any higher preference school than the one you have been offered. You will also have the right of appeal to an independent appeal panel against the decision to refuse.Information about the waiting list and your right of appeal against the decision will be in your notification letter. Appeals for admission in September will be heard from May onwards and possibly into the summer holidays. If you choose to appeal you will need to make a written statement and most parents also attend the hearing to present their case in person. The decision of an independent appeal panel is binding upon the County Council and can only be overturned by the courts. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you cannot appeal again in the same academic year unless there is a significant and material change in your, or the school’s, circumstances. Appeals for community and controlled schools are handled by the Chief Executive’s Department on behalf of the County Council. The governors of foundation, voluntary aided and academy schools are responsible for their own independent appeals arrangements.

Waiting lists

Waiting lists for oversubscribed schools will be established two weeks after the notification date. Each list will automatically include the names of all applicants for the school who have not received an offer of a higher preference school. Parents wishing their child to be included on the waiting list of another school named in the application must inform the authority in writing. Please refer to the web page 'How are waiting lists operated?' for further details.

Late applicants

Two weeks after the notification date for on-time applicants, late applications will be considered. Where schools have enough spaces for all late applicants by this date, these will be offered. Where there are not enough spaces, all late applicants will be placed on the waiting lists in the correct position according to the admission criteria for the school. As places become available they will be offered from the waiting list.