7 things you need to know when applying to primary schools
1. Research your local schools
All primary schools have websites and many produce a downloadable presentation or prospectus. Have a look online to get a feel for the school. All schools run open mornings or evenings; a chance for prospective parents to visit the school and meet key staff. If you’re not able to attend one of these in person, look for dates of online tours. If you’re still really keen to visit, it’s possible the school may allow you to make an individual visit. Read about the best approach to open days.
2. You know your child better than anyone else
What would encourage them to learn, progress, and develop socially? Some children love a library while others want lots of outside space in which to run around. Would they be best served by a strict ethos or do they need somewhere where they won’t get into trouble for wearing the wrong footwear? Find out whether schools offer any particular activities or if there is a strong emphasis on reading or writing, art or sport.
3. Read a recent Ofsted report
But take Ofsted’s single term judgements with a pinch of salt. These overall ratings are no longer being awarded to schools and so those given ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ may be trading on former glories. The written Ofsted reports are still worth reading but may give more of a technical assessment than you want. SATs results are a useful indication of a school’s academic level and make sure to check the percentage of children are achieving at a high standard. Search for the schools you're interested in using The Good Schools Guide school search and tap ‘View all data’ to see academic performance and Ofsted reports.
4. Regularly attend your place of worship
If you’re applying to a school with faith-based oversubscription criteria (most of which are Church of England or Catholic) you’ll more than likely need to demonstrate your religious devotion. A faith school may be an attractive option but you may need to complete a supplementary information form (SIF) and provide details of your family’s religious adherence. Regardless of its proximity to your home, many faith schools give priority to children whose parents a regulars at church, synagogue, mosque, or temple. Always check the school’s oversubscription criteria to be sure.
5. Get the application process right
Your local authority’s admissions guide explains how to apply and lists the admissions criteria for schools in your area. Information from previous years is also published, such as whether schools were oversubscribed, how places were allocated, and the furthest distance children who were admitted lived from the school. Not all schools have catchment areas but, where relevant, maps may also be included. NB Catchment areas (aka ‘designated areas’, aka ‘priority admissions areas’) can be weird and wonderful shapes and you shouldn’t assume that just because you live two roads away from a school that you are in its catchment area.
6. List your schools carefully
Remember you are not choosing a school but rather listing those you would like your child to attend. Most local authorities ask parents to list three or four schools in order of preference. London parents and those in other urban areas are asked for six. Include at least one where you are virtually sure of getting a place – even if it isn’t your first choice. Otherwise, you risk being offered an undesirable, undersubscribed school some distance away.
7. You can appeal
Appealing the decision if you are unhappy with the outcome of your application is unlikely to work. Successful primary application appeals are rare and are dependent on the local authority making a mistake when assessing an application. Long journeys to the school or having siblings at a different school are not grounds for an appeal. Read our advice on schools appeals.
The primary school application deadline is on 15th January 2026
Click on the following link to take a look at our more detailed advice on applying to primary schools.
