Primary School Applications: A Step-by-Step Guide for Calm and Clarity

Applying for your child’s first school place can feel like one of the biggest decisions you’ve made as a parent so far - it is, usually, a commitment which will remain un-changed until your 4 year-old turns 11!

It’s easy to feel anxious - especially when it seems like other people already know what to do, while you’re just trying to understand the basics.

But don’t worry, this blog is here to give you a calm, clear overview of the process, without any jargon or pressure.

🧭 Step 1: Understand the Timeline

Every year, the application window opens in the autumn and closes in mid-January. Deadlines vary slightly by local authority, so always check your council’s website.

National Offer Day, when you find out your school allocation, is in April.

📍 Step 2: Research Schools (But Don’t Panic!)

You’ll be able to list several schools in order of preference — often between 3 and 6, depending on your local authority.

Start by:

• Visiting school websites

• Looking at Ofsted reports

• Talking to local parents

• Booking open days or arranging visits

In my Navigating Primary School Applications course, I cover all of these in MUCH more detail. Including how to find 'hidden' data which most parents don't know about - such as, how much a school spent on supply teachers! You can get instant access here.

👉 Pro tip: Don’t just list one school. If you don’t get your first choice and haven’t listed others, your child may be placed somewhere with available space - which might not suit your family at all.

📝 Step 3: Think About What Matters To You

Every child and family is different. Think about:

• What kind of learning environment your child thrives in

• How far you're willing to travel

• Whether wraparound care (like breakfast or after-school clubs) is important

• What your gut feeling was when you visited

Don’t just chase league tables - think about fit.

Education is values-based. There is no objectively good (or bad) school. Different people value different things. In my course, we explore my Five Key Debates in Education Framework to consider your own values and how to judge schools based on YOUR criteria.

🧠 Step 4: Understand the Criteria

Schools don’t just offer places based on preference. Most use admissions criteria, which might include:

• Distance from the school

• Whether your child has siblings at the school

• Religious affiliation (for faith schools)

• Looked-after or previously looked-after child status

• Medical or social needs (rare, but possible)

📨 Step 5: Submit Your Application

You’ll do this through your local council’s online admissions portal, usually, even if the school you want is in another borough. But check!

Keep a record of your submission confirmation - and then try to relax. Easier said than done, I know, but there is a fairly long wait. Too long to be in a state of anxiety!

✨ Step 6: Remember — There Is No Perfect School

There is no such thing as the best school. There’s only the best school for your child and your family - and most schools are much more similar than they are different. They are also living, breathing communities, not static buildings. Schools change all of the time and during your child's time at any school, there will be pros and cons and ups and downs.

Even if you don’t get your top choice, children are incredibly adaptable. Your involvement, care and consistency at home will have a far bigger long-term impact than any single school ever could.

Want a more in-depth walkthrough of the application process — plus help clarifying your values and preparing for open days?

 🎓 Explore my self-paced course for parents here.