What is an 'in year' school place?
The 'in year' application process is for children requiring a school place during the academic year, rather than at the usual transfer time into a school (starting primary school, moving to secondary school etc).
From September 2010, it is a statutory requirement that applications are made through the local authority in which the family reside, or are moving to, and not to the school direct.
If you live or are moving into Northamptonshire, you must apply through Northamptonshire County Council for an 'in year' school place. The Admissions Team will co-ordinate the application process and advise parents, by letter, of the outcome of their application. We will require a confirmed address and moving date before we can process the application.
If you live outside of Northamptonshire and are not moving, but wish to make an application for one of our schools, you must apply to your home local authority. They will co-ordinate your application and contact other councils as required.
If you are moving out of Northamptonshire, you must apply to the local authority to which you are moving to request a school place for your child. They may require a confirmed address and moving date before they can process the application.
If a child has a statutory statement of special needs please contact the Admissions Team for information on how to apply, as there is a different process for these applications.
Before you apply
Please read the important information below before completing the application form. If you need any help with your application, contact the Admissions Team.
- Applications for in year school places must be made though the home local authority in which you live, or are moving to, even if you are requesting a place at a school outside of your area. Schools cannot offer places direct.
- The school place must be required within 2 months of the application date.
- Applications outside of this time scale will not be processed.
- School places cannot be reserved and we therefore process and allocate places, where possible, close to the date the school place is required.
- Once a school place has been offered the child should start attending the school within 10 school days otherwise the place may be withdrawn.
- We are unable to consider applications until you have a confirmed moving date.
- If you are moving into the county, documentary evidence in the form of a solicitor’s letter to confirm exchange of contracts or a copy of your signed rental agreement may be required to support your application.
- If you are moving from overseas, your child may be entitled to a school place.
- Children must be resident within the country before an application can be made. Please note a visitors visa does not entitle your child to a school place.
- If your application is due to a move into the UK, documentary evidence to support your application will be required. A copy of a child benefit letter or medical card are normally acceptable, along with a copy of your rental agreement or exchange of contracts letter.
- Please send copies to School Admissions ensuring your childs name and date of birth are included with the documentation. The county council reserves the right to seek further documentary evidence as it feels appropriate.
- Parents can state up to 3 preferences on their application form.
- If we are unable to offer a place at any of your preferences, a place will be allocated at the school nearest to your home address with availability.
- Only one application can be made each school year for one particular school.
- Some schools may require you to complete additional forms to enable them to apply their criteria i.e. Faith Schools.
- Special conditions apply for UK Service and Crown Personnel.
- Please contact the Admissions Team for further details.
Applying for a School Place
Please contact the Admissions Team if you require general information about the schools in the area or help with completing your application.