In year school transfers
Please note:
From 1 January 2021 parents are reminded that it is their responsibility to check that they have a right of abode or that the conditions of their immigration status otherwise permit them to access a state-funded school.
Between the 17 July 2023 and 1 September 2023 any in-year applications submitted will not be processed until schools return in September, therefore you will not receive an outcome until after this date. Please see academies admission arrangements on their website for their in year process.
The earliest you can submit an in year transfer application is 20 school days prior to the requested start date. If you apply too soon, the application will be withdrawn and not be processed by the schools. The only exception to this is if the requested start date is for September in this case the earliest an application can be submitted is from the 1 June prior to September.
Children of armed forces personnel places will be allocated before the family arrive in the area if accompanied by an official government letter which declares a relocation date and a unit postal address or quartering area address for considering the application against Local Authority oversubscription criteria.
Only one application per academic year per school is permitted unless there is significant change of circumstance to warrant a new application. Circumstances must be outlined at the time of application.
There are two main reasons why you might be applying for a school place other than at the time of the normal admission rounds, these are:
- moving house
- unhappy with your child's current school
If you are experiencing problems at your child's current school, moving to a new school may not mean that a problem is resolved. Many things that worry parents and pupils can be sorted out without the need to move and it is always better to try and sort problems out rather than simply walking away from them. It is recommended that you talk to your child and staff at the current school to discuss your concerns and look to resolve outstanding issues
If a move of school is unavoidable e.g. due to a house move, it is strongly advised that you discuss this with both the current school and the new school that you are hoping to secure a place at. This is especially important once pupils reach years 10 and 11, when it is possible that their preferred options may not be available at a new school. The same will apply to advances courses in years 12 and 13 (sixth form).
You will need to consider how to get your child to school when making your preferences. You are responsible for getting your child to school. If your child gets a place at a school that is distant from your home address, this could mean that you pay the transport costs.
Once submitted this will be sent to the school/academy for them to process. The contact details of all schools/academies can be found in the school booklets.
Other ways to contact us
Email us to see which schools currently have vacancies. Email: admissions@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Please be aware that notification of a vacancy is not a guarantee that this place will still be available when you apply to the school/academy.
Further information
You will be required to complete an application for each child for each of the school/academies you are interested in. You are strongly advised to take into consideration when making your preferences as to how you intend to get your child to school. Information on eligibility for transport can be found in our school transport area.
- if they have a vacancy the school/academy will contact you to confirm a start date and will confirm in writing the offer of the place plus the start date you have agreed. Schools should aim to respond to parents within 10 school days but must notify parents in writing within 15 school days. (Please note, it is expected that you will take up the place on the date agreed with the school/academy - failure to do so may result in the offer being withdrawn)
- once you have accepted the place offered the school/academy will inform your child's current school of the offer and the agreed start date - your child should continue to attend their current school until the day before the agreed start date at the other school
- if the school or academy does not have a vacancy because they are full in that year group, the school/academy will aim to confirm in writing within 15 school days the reason why they cannot admit your child in addition they will inform you of your legal right to appeal against this decision and provide details of how to appeal.
Please note: there is no need to contact us before the 15 days have passed.
There are other options available. You can:
- appeal for any of the schools/academies where you have been unsuccessful
- check with the school/academy to see if they hold a waiting list and ask for your child to be put on that list.
- contact the school regularly or contact us to see if any vacancies have become available at the schools where you were unsuccessful
- contact us again to see which other schools/academies have vacancies and make further applications to these schools/academies
Where to find help
In the event that you are unsuccessful in obtaining any of your preferences please contact the school admissions team
- Email: admissions@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- By post: School Admissions, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH
The Fair Access Protocol operates outside of the normal admissions round. It is an agreement between the Local Authority and all of its schools to ensure fairness and equity so that all children, particularly the most vulnerable are offered an appropriate school place as quickly as possible. The agreement takes into account the needs of the child and the number of Fair Access admissions previously taken into each school. To ensure that no child is out of school for a long period of time or left without a school place, children who meet the fair access criteria may be admitted above a school’s admission number. For further information on this process please contact the Local Authority.