School admissions

Parents have a legal right to express a preference for which school they want their child to attend. This is not the same as being able to choose, but means that if a parent expresses a preference for a particular school and there are places available at the school then a place should be offered at that school. In law there is no automatic right to place a child in any particular school.

We act as a clearing house for admissions to all Derbyshire schools.

For admissions to primary schools applications must be made to the council where the school is located.

For admissions to secondary schools applications must be made to the council where the applicant lives.

Information on applying for school places is given on the web pages How to apply for a place at primary school - a guide for parents 2009-10 and How to apply for a place at secondary school - a guide for parents 2009-10. Please read the guide before making an application. You can also find downloadable versions of these guides in the related documents section of this page.

If you have any questions after reading the guide you can contact the us on 01629 537479 or email admissions@derbyshire.gov.uk

Find your nearest school by using the following links:

Applying for a school place
You can apply for a place online by using the appropriate link below:

Children starting infant/primary school (opens in a new window) in the 2009/10 academic year, born between 01/09/04 and 31/08/05 (closing date for applications is 12/12/08)
Transferring to junior school (opens in a new window) in September 2009, children born between 01/09/01 and 31/08/02 (closing date for applications is 12/12/08)
Transferring to secondary school (opens in a new window) in September 2009, children born between 01/09/97 and 31/08/98 (closing date for applications 24/10/08)

You can apply by phone if your child is starting school for the first time or transferring to junior or secondary school - Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058.

Alternatively, you can apply by completing a paper application form. You can get a copy of this form sent to you by emailing admissions@derbyshire.gov.uk. Or you can download a PDF version of the in-year primary and secondary application forms and accompanying guidance notes from the more information section on this page.

Admission appeals
When parents are unable to obtain a place for their child at the school they want, they can appeal against the decision to an appeal panel independent of the school and the council.

You can download PDF versions of the primary and secondary school admission appeal forms and accompanying guidance notes from the more information section on this page.

Choice Adviser Service
The Choice Adviser Service offers free, confidential and impartial help, advice and support for parents and carers of children who are starting or transferring school or moving school at other times of year.
Further information is available at http://www.derbyshireparentpartnership.co.uk/ (opens in a new window)

School admissions

Related documents