The day is here - your little bundle of joy born in 2020/21 will soon be heading off to primary school. An exciting but daunting time for many families, we’ve put together a guide on what to expect on Primary School Admissions Day if you have applied for a place for your child, and what happens next.
The big day
While the 16th of April is a nationwide release date for primary school places, local authorities may communicate school places in different ways. Applications will have been made through your local authority website - and the way places are announced also depends on your local authority. Usually this comes via an online portal with email updates, but the timings of this vary. Some will have an automated email go out at midnight while others may be a little slower. If you find you haven’t received any updates by lunchtime on the 16th, we urge you to double check your spam! Often offers go straight into junk, so keep an eye out!
What’s next?
Received an offer for your child, and happy with the outcome? Fantastic news!
Once you have accepted your child’s school place, you’ll likely receive communication directly from your child’s new school explaining everything you need to know to start preparing. Unless you have a concern or issue, we’d advise not calling the school themselves on the day - they will likely be inundated! A few things to expect in the coming days and weeks, though, include:
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A welcome letter from the school headteacher, and possibly head of year group (depending on school size)
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Information on uniform, including where to purchase it if logos are required, as well as information on means-tested uniform grants in your local authority to help with costs (if you have concerns about uniform expectations, head to the government guide here, which outlines what is reasonable for a school to request)
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Information on parent and guardian welcome evenings - keep an eye out for anyone setting up a class whatsapp when you attend these, they are invaluable sources of reminders for non uniform days!
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Information about wraparound care, such as after school clubs and breakfast clubs, and how to book it (if this is vital to you, we recommend jumping on this quickly, as places fill up fast)
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Information on nursery and home visits, as well as settling in days if your child is starting in the early years foundation stage (EYFS)
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Information on booking hot school meals, which are free from EYFS to Year 2 at present
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A lot of consent forms and information forms!
We appreciate that’s a lot to take in!
If you’re not happy with the outcome
If you live in an area with multiple catchment schools and a high demand for places, you may find your child is allocated a school that you are not happy with. In this case, you have the right to appeal the decision that has been made.
Your offer letter should explain the process, as again, this differs across different local authorities. The UK government website does recommend, however, that you accept the place offered initially - so there is a back up. This ‘offer won’t affect your appeal or limit other options available to you’ (UK Gov, 2024). While the process will differ depending on your area, the UK government website has a helpful blog here providing an overview of the key information you’ll need to work through your appeal.
Getting uniform prepped? We’re here to help!
Got your place and ready to get prepping? We have a great offer for you for the next few weeks. Just enter code DELUXE20 at checkout to receive 20% off a Stamptastic Name Stamp Deluxe Bundle and get ahead with your labelling!
