Application Procedures & Entry Requirements

Once you have decided on a school, make contact to discuss the next steps. You may not be able to secure a place at your first choice school and it is important to understand all the procedures involved and have time to consider alternatives.

Procedures vary from school to school, but you should be considering schools at least a full academic and preferably two years in advance. Many junior schools and a few senior schools take pupils on a first-come-first-served basis, so the sooner you contact the schools the better. Some very well-known schools, particularly day schools in London and other cities, have waiting-lists; in some areas of high demand you might even have to register from birth. Entry to a sixth-form at 16 can be highly competitive. For sixth form entry, you should start the process at least one year to eighteen months ahead.

Many schools will require you to register your child. This does not secure a place; it merely indicates that you wish your child to be considered for a place. There is usually a registration fee to cover administration costs, which is non-refundable.

After you have registered the school will inform you of any interview and/or examination dates. You will only be given a formal offer of a place after your child has been successful in whatever selection process has taken place, whether it is selection on a first-come-first-served basis or a competitive selection.

Accepting an offer of a place is legally binding; make sure that read all the conditions that apply. In particular, you should be aware that to withdraw a pupil usually requires a full term's notice in writing, and sometimes two.

Find out about schools' entry requirements. You must know whether you are choosing the school or the school is choosing your child. If it is the latter, what is the chance of your child being successful? You might need to consider other schools with less demanding entrance requirements.