Primary school admissions 2020: When will I find out and what can I do if my child doesn't get a place?

Parents should receive updates today on whether their child has a place
Councils will send confirmations for primary school places today.
PA
Charlie Duffield16 April 2020

There's already been a National Offer Day for children countrywide to discover if they've been accepted into their secondary school of choice - but what about those waiting on primary school places?

Offers are now being sent out to families up and down the country - despite the fact the coronavirus pandemic has forced schools to remain closed apart from those who are vulnerable, or whose parents are key workers.

The Government still hasn't announced when they will reopen; the National Education Union has asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to urgently share his modelling, evidence and plans for schools. ​

Here's all you need to know about primary school admissions this year.

 Those waiting on primary school places will find out their fate today
PA

When will I find out if my child has a place?

Councils will send confirmations for primary school places on April 16.

You can check your local council website for more information, or to find out your results if you applied online.

Otherwise, you'll receive you offer in the post, with times differing between households depending on the postal delivery service in your area.

Parents and guardians need to respond to offers within a certain deadline, or they may risk losing their child's place. This deadline will vary from school to school.

What should I do if my child hasn't got in?

You will be sent a letter detailing the decision about your child's school.

If a child does not get a place at their first choice school, local councils will offer them place at a nearby school with available spaces.

You can appeal against the decision, and the letter will explain how to do this, with parents allowed 20 days from when the letter is sent to appeal an admission.

You have to appeal against each rejection separately, and you can only appeal once against each rejection.

When can I apply for next year?

Applications vary in each local council, and open on different days. It's best to check your council website to find the exact date when you can apply for primary school places.

If you want your child to start school part way through the term, you should apply for a primary school place in the autumn term after your child turns four.

If your child was born in the summer (1 April to 31 August), you can apply in the autumn after your child turns five.

However, you have to ask for permission from your local council or school if you want your child to start in reception instead of year one

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