Step 1: Research schools
- Use Somerset Council’s Find a school tool to look up schools in your area.
- Check which schools cover your catchment and read their admission criteria.
- Arrange to visit each school you are interested in.
Step 2: Complete a Cyclical Application Form
- Fill out the online Cyclical Application Form. This can be found on the Somerset Council website.
- Always include three school preferences, and it is a good idea to list your catchment school as one of them.
- You can submit the form through the online portal, or request a paper form if you need one.
Step 3: Your application will be processed
- You will receive your outcome by email. If you applied using a paper form, your outcome letter will be posted second class on the same day.
- You can also log in to your online portal to view the result.
Step 4: National Outcome Day
- If you are happy with the outcome your child will start school in September.
- If you are unhappy with the outcome, you will be added to the waiting list and you have the option to appeal.
For more information, please visit our Writing your school admissions appeal statement page.
Step 5: Appeals and waiting lists
- If you are not happy with the outcome you can appeal the decision.
- Appeals submitted during the normal admissions round must be heard within 40 school days of the appeal deadline.
- If your application was late, your appeal must be heard within 40 school days of the appeal deadline or within 30 school days of the date you submitted your appeal, whichever is later.
Step 6: Appeal preparation
- You will be given at least 10 school days’ notice before your appeal hearing, unless you agree to shorter notice
- Before the appeal, make sure you understand the school’s admission criteria and clearly explain why your child should be offered a place..
Step 7: Appeal hearing
The panel will look at all the evidence and information provided and then make a decision based on the facts of the case.
Step 8: Fair Access Protocol (if needed)
- Support is available for vulnerable children or those who are not currently in education.
- The team will help by finding a suitable school place and providing the support needed to get the child settled.
More information
The Applying for school page provides all the key information families need to apply for a primary or secondary school place in Somerset. It links to guidance on school admissions, catchment areas, finding a school, starting school for the first time, transferring to secondary school, in‑year admissions, school travel assistance, allocation summaries, and how to appeal a decision.
Contact Choice Advice Somerset
Choice Advice offers guidance to help families understand the admissions process and prepare for appeal hearings. Get in touch, support is available and we are happy to help.
- Choice Advice line: 01823 356903
- Email Address: ChoiceAdvice@somerset.gov.uk