How to Apply to Primary Schools
for parents preparing to apply to Primary Schools and/or independent Prep Schools
If you’re unsure of how to apply for Primary school places, here’s what you need →
The calendars and processes for applying to state schools and independent schools are not the same, so do check the information for each.
You’ll want to visit your target schools’ websites to check their dates for open days and any other information relating to admissions.
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How to apply to state-funded Primary Schools
Here are the links to the exact government web pages where you can begin the application process for Primary Schools in your region.
In England, applications for Primary School need to be made via local authority websites at a certain time in the year prior to entry: here’s the applications calendar in your region for the current year.
Applicants need to list at least three Primary School preferences, possibly more in areas where schools are typically oversubscribed.
Follow this link to begin applications to Primary Schools in England:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-primary-school-place
Alternatively, go directly to your local authority’s website, and search for ‘primary school admissions’.
In Northern Ireland, applications for Primary School need to be made via local authority websites at a certain time in the year prior to entry: here’s the applications calendar in your region for the current year.
Applicants need to list at least four Primary School preferences, possibly more in areas where schools are typically oversubscribed.
Follow this link to begin applications to Primary Schools in Northern Ireland:
https://www.eani.org.uk/parents/admissions#
In Scotland, your local council will choose your child’s school according to the catchment area that you live in. You will be notified of their choice by letter.
Here’s the applications calendar in your region for the current year.
Follow this link to familiarise yourself fully with the application process for Primary Schools in Scotland:
https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/my-school/school-information-dashboard/
In Wales, applications for Primary School need to be made via local authority websites at a certain time in the year prior to entry: here’s the applications calendar in your region for the current year.
Applicants need to list at least four Primary School preferences, possibly more in areas where schools are typically oversubscribed.
Follow this link to begin applications to Primary Schools in Wales:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-primary-school-place
Alternatively, go directly to your local authority’s website, and search for ‘primary school admissions’.
RELATED TOPICS →
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How to apply to independent Pre–Prep and Prep Schools in the UK
Each school will require you to register for admission with them directly. You are free to make applications to multiple schools, and each will come with a fee and an entrance exam (although some schools group together to set one shared exam).
Scholarship applications (for arts, music and sports) will attract additional tests in each case. Academic scholarships are typically offered after the exam results are known and do not require an application.
On the school’s own website, look for ‘admissions’ and follow the thread to register your application.
Here’s the applications calendar in your region for the current year — for specific dates pertaining to each school you’ll need to check their website.
Financial assistance is available at most independent schools, in the form of bursaries.
If you cannot afford the tuition fees, you can indicate your wish to apply for a bursary at the first opportunity given. That may be when you register with admissions at the outset.
Your child’s entrance to the school will still depend on the entrance exam results, but if successful, your case for a bursary will be considered by the School Bursar and the Governors. Details of bursaries are usually shared freely by each school, if not on their website you’ll find the information in their prospectus.
A school’s ability to award financial support seems to fluctuate like everything else. But where an institution is able to be, they are often keenly philanthropic.
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6 tips before you apply to Primary Schools
If it’s not too late already, consider going to Open Days two years before entry.
Start your preparation early for independent school applications because there’s lots to do.
You can apply to both state and independent schools simultaneously.
Catchment area is the primary factor used in the allocation of Primary School places.