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Primary school applications can be a stressful time for many parents, as they choose their preferences for their child’s school and submit their applications. Today is the final deadline to apply in many areas across the UK, but what happens if you can’t submit your application on time? This is how to avoid your application being marked as “late”.
Deadlines for applying for a place at primary school are fast approaching, with many local councils setting today as the last date to apply for your child’s preferred school.
To check the primary school admissions deadline where you live, check your local council’s website.
If you’re not sure which local authority you fall into, you can use the Government’s postcode checker here.
But what happens if you miss the deadline to submit your application for primary school?
The guidance on what to do if you miss the deadline to apply to primary school may vary between different councils, so make sure you check your council’s website or call them if you’re unsure.
If your application is late, your child’s preference of schools won’t be considered until all the on-time applications have been processed.
This could make it less likely for your child to get into their top choice school.
Generally, the local authority will have a grace period of a few weeks for parents to submit a late application without it being marked as late, as long as they can prove there was a legitimate reason they were unable to submit their application on time.
This year, the extended date for applying to primary school is February 10 in most councils, but make sure to check with your local council as this may vary according to where you live.
You will only be granted an extension on your late application if you have a good reason and are able to prove why you weren’t able to meet the original deadline.
One council lists examples of circumstances which would be considered good cause as:
- A single parent or carer has been ill for some time
- A single parent or carer has been dealing with the death of a close relative
- A family has just moved into the area or is returning from abroad (proof of ownership or tenancy of a property will be required).
You will need to explain the reason you weren’t able to submit the application on time and offer any documentation you have to prove this was the case.
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If you are able to do this, and the council agrees you had a good cause not to meet their deadline, you won’t be marked as late and your application will be processed in the first round of processing, not treated as late.
If your application is late without a good cause, or if it reaches the council after February 10, it will be marked as late.
Late applications won’t be considered until all the on-time applications have been processed, so you’re less likely to get your preferred school.
However, you can be added to the school’s waiting list.
When will you find out what school your child has been accepted at?
Councils will send offers of primary school places on April 16.
There will be a deadline in the letter which you have to accept your place by.
If your child doesn’t get into any of your preferred schools, the council will offer your child a place at the nearest school with places available.
You also have the option to appeal the council’s decision. Information about how to do this should be available from your council.
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