School waiting lists

If a child is starting Reception or transferring to Year 7 in September and the school place offered is not suitable, they can be added to a waiting list.

Up to 3 school preferences can be included in the application. If a place is accepted, the child can still be added to the waiting lists for up to 2 preferred schools.

Example:
A child’s application lists School A, School B and School C.
The child is offered a place at School C and accepts it.
The child can then be added to the waiting lists for School A and School B.

Waiting lists do not apply for in year applications.

Ask to join a waiting list

To ask for a child to go on a waiting list, email the school admissions team.

An appeal can still be made if your child is on waiting list.

How waiting lists work

Schools place children on waiting lists using their admissions policies. Places are not offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Most schools (including those where the council is the admissions authority) only keep children on the waiting list for 1 term.

For September applications, children are removed from the waiting list on 31 December. After this date applications will follow the process for in year applications. 

Waiting lists include:

• children who have made an appeal
• children who applied after the deadline
• any other children who have asked to be on the list