Primary education information for parents - Making an application

Published: 2 September 2024

Applying online

Wirral’s online admission system can be accessed via our School Admissions webpage.

Applying online is quick and simple to do. You will receive an automatic email so that you know your application has been received by us. In April 2024, online applicants will receive an email with their child’s allocated place. The deadline for online applications to be submitted is 15 January 2024.

You can put up to three schools in the order of your preference. It is always recommended to put more than one school in your preferences, and include your zone school as one of your preferences.

If you want to give a preference for a school outside Wirral, you will need to include this as one of your preferences. The Mainstream Admissions team will tell other local authorities about parents’ preferences for schools in their area.

Applying on paper

If you cannot apply online, you can complete a paper application form. In April 2024 you will receive an allocation letter by post to your home address. The Mainstream Admissions team cannot guarantee to send an allocation email to you unless you apply online.

You can get application forms from:

If you have applied on a paper form, the Mainstream Admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application within 20 working days. If you have not received an acknowledgement after this time, please ring 0151 606 2000.

Note that the Mainstream Admissions team will not acknowledge paper form applications received after the deadline for paper applications which is 15 January 2024.

Whatever you do, apply on time

Whether you apply online or use a paper form, you must return your application by the application deadline.

If your child has a place in a nursery class in a school, this does not mean that they will automatically get a place in the Foundation 2 class sand you must complete an application. Nursery classes take pupils from a wider area than the school zone or the parish area for voluntary-aided schools.

View the key dates for applications for admissions in September