When to Start Looking
The application deadline for primary school places is 15th January each year, for children starting the following September. But don't wait until December to start thinking about it. Ideally, you should begin researching schools at least a year before your child is due to start.
Most schools hold open days and tours in the autumn term (September to December), and some popular schools book up their visit slots quickly. Starting early gives you time to visit multiple schools, attend open evenings, and get a genuine feel for each one.
Step 1: Know Your Options
Start by identifying all the primary schools within a reasonable distance. What School lets you search by postcode and see every school within your area, along with their key data.
Consider:
- Distance — How far is the school from home? Will you walk, drive, or use public transport?
- Type of school — Community, academy, voluntary aided (faith), free school? Each has different admission arrangements
- Size — Large schools offer more activities and resources; smaller schools offer a more intimate environment
- Phase — Some schools are infant-only (Reception to Year 2) and junior-only (Year 3 to Year 6). Others are "all-through" primaries covering the full range
Step 2: Research the Data
Academic data tells you part of the story. On the What School, you can see:
KS2 Results (SATs)
These show how Year 6 pupils performed in reading, writing, and maths. Look at:
- Percentage reaching expected standard — the benchmark most children should reach
- Percentage reaching higher standard — how well the school stretches more able pupils
- Progress scores — arguably more important than raw attainment, these measure how much progress children make from KS1 to KS2, regardless of their starting point. A positive progress score means children are making more progress than average nationally.
Attendance
A school's overall attendance rate should ideally be above 95%. Persistent absence (below 90% attendance) is a warning sign.
Ofsted
Read the full report, not just the headline. Under the new report card system, look at the specific areas that matter to your child.
Staff Turnover
High staff turnover can indicate problems. Stability in teaching staff means children benefit from consistent relationships.
Step 3: Visit Schools
This is the most important step. Data can only tell you so much — you need to feel the atmosphere.
What to look for:
- Behaviour — Are children calm and focused, or is there a lot of disruption? How do staff handle difficult behaviour?
- Displays — Is children's work celebrated? Are displays current and well-maintained?
- Atmosphere — Does the school feel warm and welcoming? Do staff seem happy?
- Facilities — What's the condition of the building, playground, library, ICT suite?
- Outdoor space — Is there adequate outdoor learning space and play equipment?
- Inclusivity — How does the school support children with different needs, backgrounds, and abilities?
Questions to ask:
- How do you communicate with parents?
- What enrichment activities and clubs do you offer?
- How do you support children who are struggling — and those who need stretching?
- What does a typical day look like?
- How do you handle bullying?
- What's the school's approach to homework?
- How do you support the transition from nursery/home to Reception?
- What are the wrap-around care options (breakfast club, after-school club)?
Trust your instincts
If a school makes you feel comfortable and you can picture your child thriving there, that's a powerful signal. Children pick up on their parents' confidence, so choosing a school you genuinely believe in matters.
Step 4: Understand Admissions Criteria
Most schools use the following priority order:
- Looked-after children (children in care)
- Siblings — children who already have a brother or sister at the school
- Distance — how close you live to the school, measured in a straight line or by the shortest walking route
- For faith schools — regular attendance at a place of worship, often requiring a supplementary form signed by a religious leader
Oversubscribed schools — those with more applicants than places — will use these criteria to decide who gets in. Knowing the cut-off distance from previous years can help you gauge your chances.
Step 5: Make Your Application
Apply through your local council's website (not directly to the school). You can list up to 3-6 preferences depending on your area.
Use all your preferences. Listing only one school does not improve your chances of getting into that school — it just means you're less likely to get any of your preferred choices if your first choice is oversubscribed.
Be strategic but honest. Put your genuine first choice first. Include at least one school where you're very likely to get a place as a safety net.
Timeline:
- September – December: Visit schools, attend open days
- By 15th January: Submit your application
- 16th April (National Offer Day): Receive your offer
- Within 2 weeks of offer: Accept your place
- If needed: Lodge an appeal
Step 6: If You Don't Get Your Preferred School
Don't panic. You have the right to:
- Accept the offered place — you can always keep your child on waiting lists for preferred schools
- Join the waiting list — for any higher-preference schools. Position is determined by the admissions criteria, not by when you joined
- Appeal — you can appeal for a place at any school that turned you down. Appeals panels are independent
Useful Resources
- Apply for a primary school place (GOV.UK)
- School admissions code
- Search and compare schools on the What School
Remember: there is no single "best" school. The right school is the one where your child will be happy, supported, and able to learn. Trust the process, trust your instincts,and trust that children are more resilient and adaptable than we give them credit for.