Introduction
The online form for starting school applications will open on 30 September 2024
A child can start school in September after they turn 4.
All applications for a starting school place in September 2025 must be made to your home authority. If you are unsure if your child lives in Somerset, you can check whether we are your local authority for school admissions.
How to get more information
Please read the Primary Admissions Guide before making your application. This contains everything you need to know to make your school place application, including
- information on the different types of schools
- published admission numbers
- the criteria used to allocate places at schools and academies
For more information, visit the GOV.UK school admissions page.
SEND information - part of our Local Offer
Starting school or changing schools if your child has an Education Health and Care Plan (EHC plan)
If your child has an EHC plan then you do not need to apply for school using the admissions process mentioned above. If your child is known to the Inclusion Support Services, there may be an opportunity for some support with school entry planning.
A phased transfer process happens when your child is transferring from one school type to another, for example
- first school to middle school
- primary to secondary
- infant to junior
Parents of children who are part of a phased transfer process can discuss the next placement as part of their annual review meeting.
Please see the EHC plan section of the Local Offer for more details.
How to apply
Please apply using the online application form. This goes live for starting school applications on 30 September 2024.
Paper applications are available from Customer Contact on request.
The closing date for starting school applications is 15 January 2025.
We only offer one school place for each child. If you submit ‘new’ preferences and it becomes possible to offer a place at one of these schools, any place we have offered you previously will be withdrawn.
Your options when your child starts school
See our page Delayed or Accelerated Admission for information on all the options available for your child when starting school, for example, deferred entry, and full and part-time schooling.
How you find out which school you've been offered
If you applied online by 15 January 2025, you will receive an email with the outcome of your application on 16 April 2025.
If you applied using a paper application form your outcome will be sent out by second class post on 16 April 2025.
From 16 April 2025 you can also view the outcome of your application by logging into the online application system.
Outcomes will not be given out over the phone or in person at the Council offices.
What happens if you missed the deadline or want to change your preferences after the closing date
It is the parent or carer’s responsibility to make a school place application before the deadline. If you are making an application after the closing date, it will be classed as late and your application will be considered according to the dates below.
For applications received by 2 May 2025 we will send outcomes on 6 June 2025. These will be sent by email.
Applications received after 2 May 2025 will be processed in strict date order of receipt and outcomes sent out after 6 June 2025. These will be sent by email.
Outcomes for late applications for schools in other Local Authorities will be made in line with the outcome dates for that Local Authority.
Outcomes will not be given out over the phone or in person at the Council offices.
Important tips for making your school place application
We would strongly advise that you carefully consider the following when making your school place application.
- It is strongly advised you put 3 school preferences on your form, especially if you live in an urban area. You are not given a higher priority for any school by stating it as your only preference, and may be more likely to be allocated a school you have not chosen. This could also be some distance from your home address. Although it is unlikely it could even be the case that it is not possible to allocate your child a school place, and you need to make a further application in the second round.
- Please visit the Find a school page to find schools in your local area
- All preferences are considered equally, and a place is offered at the highest preference possible.
- If you wish to be considered for your catchment school, you must include it as one of your preferences. You can check your school catchment area on a map on the School Catchment page. The map is a representation of the catchment areas, and cannot be relied upon for purchasing a property. If you are considering purchasing a property or if you live near a school border then please contact us.
- There are no guarantees that siblings will be allocated the same school when the school is over-subscribed, so you are advised to put other preferences, especially if you live outside the catchment area.
- Carefully read the over-subscription criteria for the schools you have chosen.
- If your preferred school requires a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) or further proof (for example, proof of regular church attendance), it is essential that this is sent in with your application form if you would like your child to be considered under the appropriate criterion. You can upload any supporting information, such as a SIF onto your online application. All SIFs can be found on the school website.
- If you have recently moved address or are due to move, please provide proof of your new address. This can be the ‘exchange of contracts’ letter from the solicitors on a house purchase or a minimum 6 month tenancy agreement.
- You will be responsible for transporting your child to any school you name as a preference unless you have a statutory entitlement.
- Please ensure you fully complete the applicant details section of the application form including supplying a phone number and email address.
Fraudulent school place applications
We thoroughly investigate all potentially fraudulent or misleading applications we are made aware of and welcome information from schools and the public.
If you know or suspect that someone is trying to or has gained a school place fraudulently please let us know. You can send us this information anonymously if you prefer, and you can be rest assured that your details will remain completely confidential.
Contact the team
Contact: Admissions and Entitlements Team
Address: County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
Email: schooladmissions@somerset.gov.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday closed.
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