Apply for an in-year school place

You can apply online for a school place for other year groups outside of Reception and Year 7 starters in September. This is called an in-year application.

You can use the portal to apply for an in-year place at a Cheshire East school. Applications can be made by residents of any local authority or from overseas for places at Cheshire East community, voluntary controlled, academy, free, voluntary-aided and foundation schools.

 Apply for an in-year school place

If you made an online school application before September 2025 you will need to register again before making an application. This is because of a change in software provider.

To find out how we use your information see our privacy notice (opens in a new window).

If you are applying for a place at a voluntary (church) aided school, you may also need to send extra information direct to the school.

When not to use this form

Don’t use this form if you’re applying for any of the following:

• sixth forms, Crewe Engineering and Design UTC, Cheshire Studio, fee-paying schools - contact the school
• schools outside Cheshire East - check with the school's local authority

When to make your in-year application

For admissions at times other than the start of the school year in September, you can apply up to 6 school weeks before the day you want your child to start.

For September admissions, you can apply up to 8 school weeks before.

Before you apply for an in-year place

Make sure you understand what's involved:

• if you are thinking of changing schools for any reason other than a house move, read changing schools
• read admissions overview and choosing a school
• check which schools can offer a place

School vacancies

For the most up-do-date information about vacancies, contact the school direct. Our school vacancy spreadsheet will give you an idea of where there may be places. Primary and secondary vacancies are on separate tabs.

Sharing information about your child

When you make an in-year application, the form asks you to give information about your child's school attendance, behaviour and any medical or other support needs.

Only information about challenging behaviour affects what the school decides.

If you apply online, the application and the information you give is shared automatically with the current school and the new school. Staff from the schools may talk to each other.

If you do not want your current school to be contacted when applying via the portal ensure consent is not given. Should apply over the phone ensure you inform the advisor you do not want the current school to be contacted.

After you apply

In-year applications are normally processed within 10 school days. It can take longer in school holidays. 

You will be notified of the outcome of your application. If a place is available at one of your preferred schools, you will receive a single offer for the highest-ranked school on your application.

If you have applied for a school that is its own admission authority, the school will consider your application and contact you directly with its decision.

If you find it hard to get a place

You can make a school admissions appeal if you do not get a place at the school you prefer.

We can offer extra support to find an in-year school place to some groups of children. Schools can refer applications to us and parents of eligible children can also contact us directly. See Fair Access Protocol.

If you do not have access to the internet or need support to apply online you can call us on 0300 123 5012.

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