School Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions

Places are not guaranteed, however in most cases pupils from designated areas attain a higher admission criteria than non-designated area pupils, and are therefore more likely to be allocated a place.

This is not always the case as the admission criteria can vary, particularly with voluntary aided schools, so we advise that you refer to the relevant Guide to Admissions for precise admission criteria for each school. These can be found on our Primary School Admissions and Secondary School Admissions pages.

Generally you would be likely to be offered a place at your designated area school (if you applied for it on time on your Common Application Form). Although designated areas generally exist to take account of local need and the size of the school, the number of children eligible to apply for school places each year can vary.

If the school has more designated area children applying than spaces available, a final decision will be made on the straight line distance between the home and the school, with those living closest considered first.