Applications for a Reception school place can be made via your local authority website from 1st September, but how do you find out;

• which schools are in my local area?
• what catchment area am I in?
• can I apply for schools if I am outside the catchment area?

Some schools do not have a catchment area, so how do they prioritise applications?

 

How do I find out which schools are in my local area?

You can search ‘Primary schools near me’ online and will be presented with a map of schools in your local area.

 

What is a school catchment area?

A catchment area is an area around a single school. The catchment area may determine whether your child will be offered a place at the school. Children who live in the catchment area are most likely to be offered a place.

 

School catchment areas can sometimes change, so it's important to verify the information with the relevant local education authority or school before making any final decisions or admissions plans.

 

What school catchment area am I in?

To find out if your home address falls within the catchment area of a school, you can check your postcode on a local authority school finder website.

 

Dudley: Dudley primary/junior schools do not have a catchment area.

 

Sandwell: Sandwell primary/junior schools do not have a catchment area.

 

Worcestershire: Find a school | Worcestershire County Council

 

Please be aware that some schools do not operate a catchment area and therefore may not show in the search results.

 

What if my preferred school does not have a catchment area?

Schools without a catchment area do not prioritise applications to the school based on distance to the school. Admission to a school can depend on a number of factors:

• Special medical or social needs such as ‘looked after children’ or children with an Education Healthcare Plan
• Siblings already attending the school
• Attendance at a ‘feeder school’ that has an affiliation with the school
• Religion
• Ability to pass an academic entrance exam

The school’s admissions policy is available on the school's website and will outline which factors are given the highest priority.

 

Can I apply for a school If I am out of catchment?

Yes, if places at the school are available and have not been filled by children from within the catchment area and from priority groups.