Primary School Admissions

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent or carer for your child. The guidance on these pages is designed to help you to apply for a school place.

• If your child’s birthday falls between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 your child will start Reception at an infant or primary school in September 2025

You must make an application for your child’s school place as there is no automatic transfer from either nursery school to infant or primary school (Reception intake).

The closing date to apply for a primary school place for September 2025 is midnight on Wednesday 15 January 2025.

Apply now for a primary school place for reception class in September 2025 .

Apply to Change Schools During the School Year

If you wish to apply for a school place during the school year for a child in reception year or above because you are moving house or for any other reason, please visit Durham County Council’s primary school admission page to apply for a mid-year school transfer. Durham County Council Admissions, Appeals and Transport Entitlement Team deal with school transfer requests in order of receipt. It can take up to ten school days from the date of receipt for the process to start, however during peak times it may take slightly longer. Please allow ten school days before chasing up your application. ‘School days’ do not include weekends, bank holidays or school holidays.

You will be notified from Durham County Council as to the outcome of your application. If a place can be offered you will be advised of a date by which you must take up the place. It is also recommended that you contact the school for further details of your child’s admission. If a place cannot be offered you will be advised of your right both to appeal and to place your child’s name on the waiting list for your preferred school.

For further information about appeals please visit Durham County Council.

Visit the Durham County Council website for information regarding Primary School Admission Arrangements