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Apply to start school or transfer to junior, secondary or KS4 school in September 2024


These application processes are for children currently living in Cornwall who need a school place in Cornwall or in another local authority.

Starting infant/primary school

For children born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020.  Application deadline: 15 January 2024. 

Apply for a place in a reception class

Transfer to junior school

For children born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017 (attending an infant school in Cornwall).  Application deadline: 15 January 2024. 

Apply for a place in year 3 in a junior school

Transfer to secondary school

For children born between 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013.  Application deadline: 31 October 2023.  You can make a late application here:

Apply for a place in year 7 in a secondary school

Starting at a university technical college or studio school

To apply for Year 9 at a KS4 school (UTC or studio school) in another county in September 2024, such as Scott College in Plymouth.  Application deadline: 31 October 2023. 

Please contact us for a copy of the KS4 application form: email schooladmissions@cornwall.gov.uk 

Further information

We have created a booklet with lots of helpful information. This will help you complete an application for a school place in September 2024 in Reception, Year 3 of a Junior School or Year 7.

Applying for a school place for September 2024 booklet

If you still have questions please use the links below for other subjects, or if you need further help please use the contact details below.

Where to get help

School Admissions Team
Email: schooladmissions@cornwall.gov.uk 
Telephone: 0300 1234 101

Applications received after the deadline will be dealt with in ‘round two’ and some schools will already be full.

  Round two (late) deadline Notifications will be sent
Transfer to Secondary School 4 March 2024 By 5 April 2024
Starting School 19 April 2024 By 24 May 2024
Transfer to Junior School 19 April 2024 By 26 May 2024

Please note that parents/carers are responsible for getting their child to and from school. 

However, your child may be entitled to support under Cornwall Council’s Home to School Transport Policy.  

If you are in any doubt as to whether your child would be eligible for home to school transport please contact the Transport Coordination Service (TCS) before naming your preferred school/s. 

Telephone: 0300 1234 222
Email: transporteligibility@cornwall.gov.uk

If your child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan you do not need to complete an application form.

Please contact the Statutory SEN Service (01872 324242) for more information.

You can apply for up to three schools.

Before you decide which schools to apply for you could:
• arrange a visit by contacting the school;
• have a look at the school’s website;
• ask for a copy of their prospectus.

You should also…

Read the school’s oversubscription criteria
This will help you understand how places will be allocated.

Find out if your child would be eligible for school transport

Please note that parents/carers are responsible for getting their child to and from school.  However, your child may be entitled to support under Cornwall Council’s Home to School Transport Policy.  

If you are in any doubt as to whether your child would be eligible for home to school transport please contact the Transport Coordination Service (TCS) before naming your preferred school/s. 

Telephone: 0300 1234 222
Email: transporteligibility@cornwall.gov.uk

Name more than one preference including your nearest school/s
If you only put one preference and we cannot offer you that school you might be allocated a school some distance away as other parents/carers who did express additional preferences will take priority for the nearer schools.
Naming more than one preference will not give you any less chance of getting a place at your preferred school.

It is important that you are aware of how applications will be ranked and places allocated at your preferred schools.

Please see the Admission Arrangements page for more information.

Please note, you will need to supply supporting evidence if:

  • you are applying for a place at a faith school and
  • you indicate on your application form that you feel that you should be given priority under that school’s faith criteria/criterion (this is as described in their admission arrangements).

You may need to complete a Supplementary Information Form or provide evidence in another way. Please read the school’s Admission Arrangements

Alternatively, you can contact the school to find out what is required and return any evidence direct to the school.

When applying online you will not be able to make any changes to your preference(s) or details once the application has been submitted.

• For a change of preference, please go to the Change of Preference page.
• For all other changes please contact the School Admissions Team.

Need help?

Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.

Use our contact us form