In-year school admissions

Introduction

This page tells you how to apply for a school place partway through the school year, instead of starting in September. This is called an in‑year admission.

It explains what parents and carers need to do if they want to move their child to a different school or apply for a new school during the school year.

Step 1: Research schools in your area

• Use Somerset Council’s Find a school tool to look up local schools.
• Check which schools are in your catchment area and look at the admission criteria for each school being applied for.
• Arrange to visit the schools you are interested in so you can see what they are like.

Step 2: Complete an In-Year Application Form

• Fill in Somerset Council’s In-Year Application Form. This can be found on the Somerset Council In-year school admissions page.
•  Send your completed form straight to the school.
•  If you want to apply to more than one school, you will need to fill in and send a separate form to each one.

Step 3: School reviews your application

• The school will check if there is space in the year group you have applied for.
• They might ask you for extra documents if they need more information.
•  You should receive a decision within 15 school days.

Step 4: Decision point

If a place is a available:

•  If a place is available, the school will send you an official offer.
• The parent or carer will then arrange a start date with the school.
•  If your child needs school transport, please let Somerset Council know.

You can find more information on Somerset Council’s Home to school transport page.

If no place is available:

• The school will let the parent or carer know.
• Your child will be added to the waiting list
• The school will explain your right to appeal.

You can find more information about appeals on the GOV.UK School admissions: Appealing a school’s decision page

Step 5: Appeals and waiting list

•  Submit your appeal to the independent panel using the form on Somerset Council’s School Admission Appeal page
•  Waiting lists are managed using each school’s oversubscription criteria.

Step 6: Appeal preparation

• An appeal must be heard within 30 days of when you submit it.
• You will be given at least 10 school days’ notice before the appeal date, unless you agree to a shorter timeframe.
•  Before you go to the appeal, make sure you understand the school’s admission criteria and explain clearly why your child should be given a place.

Step 7: Appeal hearing

The Appeal Panel will review all the evidence and information provided, and then make a decision about the case.

Step 8: Fair Access Protocol (if needed)

• Support is available for vulnerable children or those who are not currently in education.
• The council will help find a suitable school place and provide the support needed to make sure the child can start as soon as possible.

Further information

If your child still doesn’t have a school place, you can continue working with the Admissions Team or the Fair Access Protocol (FAP) to help find one.

Choice Advice is also available to guide you through the admissions process and help you prepare for an appeal. Please get in touch – support is available, and we are happy to help.

• Choice Advice line: 01823 356903
• Email Address: ChoiceAdvice@somerset.gov.uk

The Somerset Council In-year school admissions page provides more detailed guidance to help parents and carers understand the steps involved in moving a child to a new school during the school year. This includes the forms you need, what to expect, and what to think about before making the change.