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Apply for a primary school place

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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 2016 and 31 August 2017 are due to start reception in September 2021.

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.

Year 1

Children born between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016 are due to start year 1 in September 2021.

Year 3

Children born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014 are due to transfer from infant to junior school (year 3) in September 2021.

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

The deadline for online applications has passed. You can still make a late application for September 2021.

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 the admissions and appeals team.

You can also download the information for parents booklet.

Faith schools ask for some additional information.  You can download the form for admissions to Walsall faith schools.

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 2021. The emails are sent automatically over the course of the day.

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

Download list

Make a late application

The online portal closed on 15 January 2021. 

If you apply after this date, or change the name or ranking of a school, we will process your application as late. It is unlikely that you will get a place at one of your preferred schools.

You can make a late application if the deadline of 15 January has passed and:

  • your child is due to start year 1 in September 2021
  • your child is due to transfer from infant to junior school in September 2021

Make a late application for a primary school place

Late applications received up to 4 weeks after the closing date 

We will accept late applications as being on time if:

  • you were unable to submit your online application to Walsall Council on time because you moved into the Borough of Walsall after the closing date
  • exceptional circumstances prevented you from submitting your online application
  • you are a single parent and have been ill for some time.

You will need to explain your circumstances in writing when you apply, and they will be considered by the Director of Children’s Services.
This applies to applications received between 16 January 2021 and 13 February 2021.

You can view our late application policy for full details.

Late applications received more than 4 weeks after the closing date

Applications for schools received more than 4 weeks after the closing date but before the notification date will be considered only after all other applications.

This applies to applications received between 14 February 2021 and 15 April 2021.

Late applications received after the notification date (once places have been offered)

We will offer you a place at the highest ranked school if places are available. 

For Walsall residents, if a place is not available at any of the preferred schools we will offer you a place at the nearest alternative Walsall school with vacant places. We will also put your child’s name on the waiting list for your preferred schools.  

View the waiting list policy.

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