Every child is given a rank for every school preference – by the Authority for community and controlled schools, and by the governing bodies of Aided and Academy schools. The Local Authority co-ordinates the admissions process to all these schools.
If your child is eligible to be given a Foundation 2 place at more than one school, you will be offered a place at the school you have named as the highest preference.
Example 1:
| Preference 1 | School A | 30 places | Child’s rank 25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preference 2 | School B | 60 places | Child’s rank 34 |
| Preference 3 | School C | 30 places | Child’s rank 12 |
Allocated School A - This child is eligible for all three schools. In this case, this child would be offered School A, because it is the highest of the three preferences, even though they are ranked higher for School C.
Example 2:
| Preference 2 | School B | 60 places | Child’s rank 34 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preference 1 | School A | 30 places | Child’s rank 56 |
| Preference 3 | School C | 30 places | Child’s rank 12 |
Allocated School B - This child is not eligible for School A (their first preference) as they are ranked outside the number of places available. They are eligible for both School B and School C, but would be allocated School B
because it is a higher preference, even though they are ranked higher for School C.
It can happen that all the schools marked as a preference by a parent are oversubscribed (in other words, there are more applications than places available) and it is not possible to offer a child a place at any of them. If this happens, you will be given a place at the nearest appropriate school with a place available.
Allocation of places
If you are a Wirral resident we will tell you which school your child has been allocated. On 16 April 2024, online applicants will receive an email with their child’s allocated school place. An allocation letter will be posted out to paper form applicants on this date. The Mainstream Admissions team cannot guarantee to send an allocation email to you unless you apply online. Allocations cannot be given out over the telephone.
If you have applied online and have since changed your email address, you should update your online account with the new email address before 28 February 2024, otherwise you may not receive your allocation email.
If you live in another English authority they will tell you where your child has been allocated.
Finding out more
You can find full details of all primary school admissions policies in the additional booklet ‘Admissions Policies – For all Primary schools 2024-2025’ available online, or on request via the Council’s Call Centre (0151 606 2000).