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Apply for a primary school place

Overview

It's important that you include three schools on your application. This will increase your chance of getting a place at one of your preferred choices. If you only put your top choice down, there is a risk you might not get a place at that school. You may be offered a school that you’re not happy with instead.

We always aim to offer you a place at your highest ranked school.

If you live outside Walsall, you should complete an application from your home local authority (even if you are applying for a Walsall school).

Reception

Children born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 are due to start reception in September 2024.

Having a place in the nursery class attached to a school does not guarantee a place in the reception class at that school. You must send a separate application for a place in the reception class.

Infant to junior (year 3)

Children born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017 are due to transfer from infant to junior school in September 2024. If your child attends an infant school, you'll need to apply to join the partner junior school.

Deciding on your school preferences

You can apply for a place at up to three schools for your child, and list them in order of preference.  

If any of your preferred schools are outside Walsall Borough, you still apply in the same way. Walsall Council runs a co-ordinated admissions scheme with neighbouring councils and admission authorities, so you only have to complete one application.

Walsall Council has a duty to offer your child a place in a school. We always try to meet your first choice, but sometimes we receive more applications than the school has places available. We will then try to offer your next highest preference. If we cannot meet any of your preferences, we will offer you a place in the nearest school to your home address with available places.

The schemes for co-ordinated admissions document tells you more about:

  • when key decisions are made
  • evidence for late applications
  • what to do if you live near a borough boundary and want to apply for a school in another authority
  • which schools are their own admissions authority

The determined admission arrangements document tells you about:

  • class sizes
  • oversubscription criteria
  • priority applications from siblings
  • paired infant and junior schools

When you need to apply

To apply for a September 2024 place, complete our online application by 15 January 2024.

Get support with making your application

Our step-by-step admissions guide will take you through the whole admissions process. It explains how to create an account, how to log in, and how to submit your application.

The guide is only available in English. If you need extra support, you can contact us.

You can also download the information for parents booklet.

Faith schools need you to complete an additional form as well as the online application. You can get  a copy of the form from the school, or download and print it yourself. When you've completed it, you'll need to send it direct to the relevant school.

Drop-in sessions

Do you need advice or assistance for September 2024? At our drop-in sessions, we will be available to help you make your child’s primary school application.

Location Date Time
Blakenall Village Centre, 79 Thames Rd, Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 1LZ Wednesday 6 December 2023 12.30pm to 4pm
 
Lichfield Street Hub, Lichfield St, Walsall, WS1 1TR Tuesday 12 December 2023 9am to 4pm
Willenhall Library, 1 Walsall St, Willenhall, WV13 2EX Friday 15 December 2023 9.30am to 12.30pm
Darlaston Library, 1 King St, Darlaston, Wednesbury WS10 8DE Friday 15 December 2023 1pm to 4pm

Download list

When you'll receive your offer

If you ask for an email notification in your online application, you will receive your offer by email on 16 April 2024. The emails are sent automatically over the course of the day.

If you apply late, we will let you know after 16 April 2024.

If you are not happy with your offer, you can appeal against the decision.

Download list

Late applications

Your application will be treated as being late if:

  • we receive it after the closing date (15 January 2024)
  • you change the name or ranking of a school after the closing date

We process late applications after the on-time applications. You probably won’t be offered a place at one of your preferred schools if you apply late.

You can find full details in our late applications policy.

Key dates for primary school applications
Date Details
4 September 2023 Primary 2024 applications 'Information for Parents' booklet published.
6 November 2023 Portal for reception and junior 2024 applications opens.
15 January 2024 Closing date for on-time applications (reception and junior 2024).
16 January - 14 February 2024 Late applications received during this period may be treated as being on time under exceptional circumstances (further information in the 'Information for Parents' booklet)
14 February 2024 All applications will be treated as late from this date onwards.
16 April 2024 National offer day. If you applied on time, you'll be offered a primary school place for September 2024.
13 May 2024 Late offers (phase 1). If you applied between 16 January and 8 May 2024, you'll receive an offer of a primary school place for September 2024.
15 May 2024 Waiting list positions available for reception and junior 2024 applications.
17 May 2024 Appeals deadline (further information in the 'Information for Parents' booklet).
28 June 2024 Late offers (phase 2). If you applied between 9 May and 27 June, you'll receive an offer of a primary school place for September 2024.
As required Further offers for late applications.
June/July 2024 Appeal hearings. Applicants will receive an exact date.
June/July 2024 Inset dates tbc.