
How To Apply For A Primary School Place In London
By Ben Gilbert
If you’ve got a kid turning four, chances are you’re stressing over which primary school to send them to.
It’s a confusing, complex process, so we’ve put together our tried and tested guide to help you through:
1. THE BASICS
The first thing to know is that children are legally required to begin primary education during the school year they turn five. Schooling options in England are as follows
State (primary) school
Private school
Home education
2. THE SCHOOLS
There are five types of state school available:
Community
Foundation
Voluntary aided
Voluntary controlled
Community special and Foundation special
3. THE RESOURCES
Visit Directgov to find a list of primary schools in London
Visit City of London to find out more about the admission process in the capital
Get a free local education authority prospectus booklet, which is generally available at the local library
4. THE AGES
Primary schools are broken into the following classes and ages:
Nursery: Three to four
Reception: Four to five
Year 1: Five to six
Year 2: Six to seven
Year 3: Seven to eight
Year 4: Eight to nine
Year 5: Nine to ten
Year 6: Ten to 11
5. THE FACTORS
Before selecting a suitable school, make sure you research the local options in full and consider a wide range of factors, far beyond the simple location and feel of a specific educational establishment.
Click here to find out more about the information listed below:
Exam and test results
Ofsted reports
Financial information


6. THE TOUR
Any potential school should be visited at one of the multiple open days available to parents in advance of the application process beginning.
Important things to consider when viewing a potential school include the building and facilities inside and out, the staff you meet, particularly the head teacher, the activities being undertaken by the children and the surrounding, external area, including transport links.
The BBC has put together a brilliant guide on looking beyond the obvious on school open days.
7. THE PROCESS
When applying for a primary school, a range of criteria is likely to play a part in the final decision.
These are different for each school and generally focus (in no particular order) on prioritising children who:
Have a brother or sister already at the school
Live close to the school
Are from a particular religion
Do well in an entrance exam
Went to a particular primary school
Are in care or being looked after
Have a disability likely to impact their ability to travel
8. THE APPLICATION
Applications for a primary school open on different days, depending on the local council area. This is generally at the start of the autumn term of the year before the child is due to start school.
Applications must be submitted by January 15. To apply, complete the application form provided by your local authority either online or on paper, stipulating the schools you’re applying for in order of preference.
It’s worth noting you must apply for at least three schools.
9. THE VERDICT
Expect to be informed by the local council on April 16 or the next working day, if this falls on a weekend. It’s possible to appeal against a decision, although you must appeal against each rejection separately.
More information on this can be found in the letter you receive.
10. THE ADVICE
When learning more about potential schools, the following resources are great for getting advice and learning the nitty-gritty:
Current parents
What tips do you have when it comes to choosing a primary school in London?