When to start applying for a school place in September 2024?

When to start applying for a school place in September?

Private schools have more autonomy in setting their term times and holiday lengths than their state contemporaries, but both have something in common: they begin the academic year in September. Where they differ in this respect is their application deadlines for admissions at the start of this autumn term. Let us guide you through both systems and their timelines.

Private schools

Private school admissions can be highly competitive for a limited number of spaces due to factors like their prestigious reputation, excellent exam results, small class sizes, and first-class facilities. By applying a few months prior to the September start, or even more than a year before, you can increase your chances by demonstrating your interest and commitment to the school – a proactive approach may be viewed favourably by the admissions committee. Moreover, applying early allows your child more time to prepare for any entrance exams or interviews that may be required as part of the admissions process.

Private schools create their own admissions criteria, meaning they will typically accept an application before you secure a permanent UK address. This flexibility allows you to apply early and increase your chances of being successful.

State schools

State schools must comply with a more rigid admissions process that’s overseen by the Department for Education (DfE). However, local authorities are responsible for coordinating admissions for community and voluntary-controlled schools. Academies, free schools, and voluntary-aided schools manage their own admissions.

To apply for a state-funded school place for your child, you must provide proof of your permanent UK address. This helps ensure that your child meets the residency criteria for attending a state school in the UK. It is a criminal offence to use a false address in your application. This information might also be required to establish that you reside within the catchment area of the school you are applying for.

To ensure your child is considered for the September intake, we recommend applying by the end of June/early July, unless applying for reception (the first year of school in the UK). You can apply throughout the summer, but processing might be delayed until admissions teams return from school holidays (late August/early September).

Use this handy calculator to work out when you should apply for a school place:

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What type of school would you like your children to attend in London?

• State (free) school
• Private (independent) school
• Not sure yet

Next

Which school year will your child be attending?

• Reception (4 to 5 years old)
• Year 7 (11 to 12 years old)
• Any other school year

Next

And when would your child start school?

• In September
• After September

Find out when you should apply for a school place

Private Schools - All School Years

• You can apply before you have an address in the UK.
• You can apply before you have moved to London.
• You can apply anytime for an immediate or later start.

Reception (4 to 5 years old) in a State School

• You can only apply once you have a permanent address in the UK.

For a September start:

• if possible, apply by January 15 of the same year
• If you cannot apply before January 15, you should apply shortly before September, in July at the earliest

Reception (4 to 5 years old) in a State School

• You can only apply once you have a permanent address in the UK.
• For a start date other than September: apply when your child is in the UK and ready to go to school immediately

Year 7 (11 to 12 years old) in a State School

• You can only apply once you have a permanent address in the UK.
• For a September start: if possible, apply by October 31 of the previous year
• If you cannot apply before October 31, you should apply shortly before September, in July at the earliest

Year 7 (11 to 12 years old) in a State School

• You can only apply once you have a permanent address in the UK.
• For a start date other than September: apply when your child is in the UK and ready to go to school immediately

State school - outside of Reception and Year 7

• You can only apply once you have a permanent address in the UK.
• For a September start, you can apply at the earliest in July.
• You cannot apply in advance for a September start.

State school - outside of Reception and Year 7

• You can only apply once you have a permanent address in the UK.
• For a start after September, you should apply when your child is ready to start school immediately

Not sure which school type your children should attend?

Take our survey to find out what would be best for your family. State school or private school? Take the quiz.

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Consult with Simply London

Consulting with Simply London empowers you with personalised guidance on school admissions and deadlines based on individual circumstances – so you can make your application at the right time and provide the correct supporting documents.  Contact us today to ensure you make informed decisions for your child’s education journey.

At Simply London our fantastic team of School Experts are on hand to assist you you throughout the entire school finding process, find out why our school search service is the best choice for finding and applying to the best schools in London!

FAQ’s

• Is the application process different for faith schools? Faith schools still have to follow the national curriculum, but their admissions criteria may differ to non-religious state schools. The official UK government website page has more information available on this topic: https://www.gov.uk/types-of-school/faith-schools
• Do state schools require entrance exams? State schools do not require an entrance exam, except Grammar Schools which are the only selective state schools. However there are very few of them in London, and they are heavily oversubscribed.
• Do state schools require previous school records? State schools do not require any school records, they are not selective and will take children purely based on their age, and the admissions criteria.
• Do we have to apply to schools in our Borough, or can we apply to schools in other Boroughs? It is possible to apply for state schools in other London Boroughs. Contact your local council to enquire. Some Boroughs will centralise applications, including those for other Boroughs, others will want you to make a direct application with the other Borough.
• Is there a minimum residency time required in a Borough to be eligible for admission? Whilst there isn’t a minimum residence time, local authorities have become aware of the popularity in recent years of renting only temporarily in catchment areas, and have implemented a ‘school catchment police’ system, which investigates parents who have recently moved into an area to ensure they are genuine local residents.
• Is there any way to know if our preferred school has an available seat for my child in advance? You can contact your local council, or the school itself, find which schools have places available. However they might not be able or willing to give that information.

Useful Resources 

Here are some resources that we think may be of use with your preparation in applying to a London school. 

• 11 Plus Guide A free, authoritative and independent guide for parents helping their child to prepare for the 11 Plus. https://www.11plusguide.com 
• Atom Learning Award-winning online learning for ages 7-11, helping to take the stress out of the 11 plus with a tailored preparation programme. https://atomlearning.com 
• Exam Paper Plus Specific 11 Plus Exam Practise Papers to cover every school, board, topic and exam type. https://exampapersplus.co.uk/papers/eleven-plus/
• Keystone Tutors One of the UK’s leading private tutoring organisations, tutors are predominantly based in London and work online with families based outside of London or overseas. https://www.keystonetutors.com/tutors/11-plus-tutors

Testimonials

I brought in Sylvie and her team to handle all global relocations for our London-based company. Every employee who was relocated by Simply London had nothing but wonderful things to say — especially that Sylvie made the process easy and smooth. I can’t recommend Simply London enough!! – Jessie F.

Suggested and found us a school in record time. This team made the school search and selection painless. – Lisa

Article published 14th April 2024