Contents
- Introduction
- Step 1: Check if you can apply for in-year admission
- Step 2: Research and choose a school
- Step 3: Before you apply
- Step 4: Complete the appropriate application form
- Step 5: Complete any supplementary forms
- Step 6: Outcome of your in-year application
- Step 7: You accept or decline a place
- Step 8: If you do not get a place at your preferred school
You must check if you can apply for in-year admission, or if you should apply during the normal admissions round instead.
When to apply for in-year admission
You can make an in-year application if you need to join a school outside the normal admissions round.
If your child is moving to Surrey, or within Surrey, and cannot continue at their current school, you will need to make an in-year application for a school.
If your child is currently in Year 2 at an infant school and you want to apply for them to move in September to a primary school that does not have a Year 3 intake, you will need to make an in-year application for a school.
If your child is being educated at home or in the independent sector and you would like them to attend a state funded mainstream school, you will need to make an in-year application for a school.
We discourage unnecessary school moves.
If your child is already at school but you feel a move would be beneficial, you must first discuss the reasons with your child's current school and try to resolve matters with them rather than seek a transfer.
If you decide to move your child, you will need to provide your reasons for wanting to change schools and we may ask what you have done to try and resolve the issues with the current school.
When considering your application, we may contact your child's current school to discuss your reasons for applying for a new school and whether it might be possible for them to resolve any difficulties your child may be having. We may also liaise with other services within Surrey, including any which have been involved with your child.
Please think carefully before applying, bearing in mind that other schools may be full and the upheaval may damage your child's educational progress. This is especially the case for children in years 9, 10 and 11, as other schools may not be able to offer the same subjects and/or exam boards. Alternatively, classes in your child's preferred subjects may be full, even if a place at the school can be offered. You should therefore consider very carefully whether it would be in your child's best interest to transfer schools at this crucial point in their education.
When not to apply for in-year admission
You should not complete the in-year application form in the following circumstances.
If your child is in Year 2 at infant school, and you want to apply for them to move in September to junior school or a primary school with a Year 3 intake, you must apply for a primary school or junior school place.
If your child is in Year 6 at primary or junior school, and you want to apply for them to move to Year 7 at secondary school in September, you must apply for a secondary school place.
If your child is looked after by a local authority, you should not complete the in-year application form.
Instead, your child's social worker should contact Admissions to request an in-year application form for children in care to apply for a school place.
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you must liaise with your child's case officer.