Admissions for Children from Overseas

Applications for overseas pupils are considered in accordance with guidance received from the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families) and in consultation with the Home Office.

If you are applying for a school place for a child from overseas, the Local Authority's decision will depend upon whether you are currently residing in the UK or whether you are living abroad.  Children from the European Economic Area have the same rights as British citizens.

Children of statutory school age coming from abroad accompanying their parents who have a right of residence in, or permission to enter the UK have the same rights as UK residents to apply for a place at a state school.

All parents residing in the UK, other than for a short period of time, have a legal duty to ensure their child receives education.

If you currently live abroad and are planning to live in the UK, your application for a school place will depend on whether your child will have the right, or will be given permission, to enter the UK and to attend a state school.

Unaccompanied children of statutory school age, without a right of residence in the UK are not normally allowed to take up a place at a state school. Entry to the country for the purposes of receiving an education is only permitted if they can show that they have been accepted for entry to an independent /private educational establishment.

Firm offers of places cannot usually be given until the child is permanently resident in the UK.  Once the child has arrived in the UK, a member of the Admissions Team will need to meet both the child and parent and see an original copy of the child's birth certificate (translated if necessary) and passports for the child(ren) and parents.

For more information about Admissions from overseas, please view the following links:

The Home Office Website

The Parents Centre

Teachernet