On this page: Information about the admissions arrangements and process for secondary school places in the Borough of Swindon.
Secondary School Admissions – September 2014
Unless you decide to educate your child at home, your child must be in school the term following their fifth birthday. For example, if your child was born between:
Places can be applied for using our online system or by hard copy application form. When applying online you will receive an e-mail confirming that your application has been received. Please note that if you apply using a hard copy application form, the Admissions Team do not acknowledge receipt of these, but parents can contact the Team by phone or email to find out if the application has been received.
Applications for places in September 2014 have a closing date of 31st October 2013.
Even if you think you have registered your child with a school, you still need to follow the application process and ensure that you submit an application before the closing date.
You can apply for places in three named schools (three preferences). These can be within, or outside, the Borough of Swindon. The Admissions Team encourages parents to use all three preferences to ensure they maximise their chances of being allocated one of their preferred schools.
Please note however, the offer of a preferred school place is dependent on the number of applications received and the number of places available. Priority for places will be determined by the individual school’s admission criteria.
For more information on applying visit the How to Apply page.
Offer Day
The Secondary Place Offer Day is Monday 3rd March 2014. All parents will be sent a letter which will be posted on 3rd March 2014. If you applied online an requested an email to advise you of the offer, you will receive this on 3rd March 2014. Please be advised that no information regarding the offer of a place can be given before this date. Information can only be given to the person who made the application.
How to I accept my place?
The offer letter you receive will contain a reply slip which should be posted back to the address on the slip. This should be returned within two weeks of the offer day.
I have been refused my preferred school, how can I appeal?
When you have been refused a school place you are entitled to appeal against the decision. If the school for which you have been refused is an Academy, you should contact the school directly to request an appeal form.
I want to change my preference.
If you want to change the school you have been allocated, this needs to be put in writing to the School Admissions Team. You need to clearly state your child’s name and date of birth and list clearly the preferences you now wish to be considered for.
Admission Arrangements
If you are making an application for September 2014-15, please see the following page for further details on School Admissions Arrangements 2014-15
Education Transport Policy
When making a decision to apply for a school, consideration should be taken about how the child will travel to school. In certain circumstances, school transport may be provided.
Further information can be found on the School Travel Support page.
Further Information
If you have any questions about applying for a Secondary School place please contact us.