In-year admission

Also called Mid-year transfer, In-year application

Applying for a school place outside the normal round — after a move, or when a placement has broken down.

What it is

An in-year admission is an application made at any point other than the normal admission round for entry to Reception, year 3 or year 7.

Where it applies

Any child needing a place mid-year, including children moving into the area, children out of school, and children after a permanent exclusion.

How it works

Councils must publish how in-year applications work locally. Some co-ordinate them all; in other areas you apply to own-admission-authority schools directly.

A refusal carries the same right of appeal.

Where a child is out of school and no school will take them, the Fair Access Protocol exists to place them.

What you can ask for

Ask the council for a decision in writing with appeal rights. Verbal "we are full" is not a decision you can appeal.

If your child has been out of school for weeks, ask about the Fair Access Protocol by name and ask what the council is arranging under section 19 in the meantime.

Where to get help

The council's admissions team, and Child Law Advice for the process. SENDIASS where there is an EHCP.