Secondary school places faqs
The application process for admissions to secondary education
This page is intended to assist parents with the most frequent queries arising during the application process. If the question you have is not answered here or you require more details on the application process please ring our Customer Services helpline on 01225 713010.
Do I have to make a written application?
You may either apply online or use a paper application. You should not do both. If you would like to complete a paper application you can obtain a form from any Wiltshire secondary school or from County Hall, Trowbridge. Call our Customer Services helpline on 01225 713010.
I would like a school place outside Wiltshire what should I do?
If you live in Wiltshire you should apply on the Wiltshire application form to the School Admissions Team at County Hall, Trowbridge. You can either apply online or complete a paper application form.
I don’t live in Wiltshire but I would like to apply for a school which is in Wiltshire. What do I do?
You have to apply through your home authority, which is the County Council where you live. Only Wiltshire residents should complete the Wiltshire application form.
How do I decide which schools to apply to?
Try to find out as much as you can about the schools you are interested in. Many schools hold open days or evenings which will enable you to look around the school and meet some of the teachers and pupils. The schools will be able to advise you about the likelihood of securing a place based on their experience of previous years. Please contact the schools directly or use the school links from this website. The School Admissions Team at County Hall can also provide general advice.
Where can I find information on examination results?
Schools will be able to advise you of their pupil’s test results. Tables comparing results from different schools are available from the Department for Children Schools and Familes (DCSF).
Please contact the DCSF on 0800 242322 for a copy of these results. The tables are also published in newspapers and available on the DCSF website.
How can I ensure that I obtain a place in the secondary school of my preference?
You cannot be guaranteed a place at any particular school. Every parent should complete an application form. Places will be allocated according to the rules set out in the admissions policy; details of these are given in the school admission brochures produced by the School Admissions Team.
I only want to name a foundation school. Do I have to send an application to Wiltshire Council?
Yes, all secondary school applications from people living in Wiltshire must be sent to the School Admissions Team at County Hall, Trowbridge. The admissions scheme which is coordinated by Wiltshire Council includes all foundation and voluntary aided schools.
How many preferences can I put down?
You can name up to three schools on the application form but you do not have to use all three preferences. A school should only be named once on the application form.
How do you allocate places?
The applications for each school are ranked according to their priority in the admission criteria for each school. Each school has a PAN or published admission number. This tells you how many applicants can be accepted into the year seven of each school. We will make an offer at the highest preference school which has a space available for your child.
Is there a deadline for applications?
You should submit an application either online or on a paper form to reach the School Admissions Team at County Hall, Trowbridge by noon 16 October 2009.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
You will be informed in writing at the beginning of March. Letters will be posted first class from County Hall on 1 March 2010.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you submit an application after noon 16 October 2009 it cannot be considered until all those applications received before the deadline have been processed and your notification will be delayed. Obviously by the time your application is considered the schools you name may already have been filled up and there may not be a place available for your child. It is therefore important to apply before the deadline.
Will my child go on a waiting list if they are not offered a place?
There are waiting lists for all voluntary controlled and community schools that receive more applications than there are places available. These lists are ordered according to the admission criteria for the school. Most foundation and aided schools keep their own waiting lists - again these have to be kept in order according to the admission criteria for the school.
What should I do if my request for a place in my preferred secondary school cannot be met and I do not wish to accept the place I am offered?
You have the right to an independent appeal if you are not offered any one of the schools that you named on your application. Please contact Customer Services on 01225 713010 who will explain how to appeal for a school place.
Why have I been offered a place at a school I did not choose?
If we have not been able to meet any of your preferences and you live in Wiltshire we will have allocated your child a place at the nearest school to your home address which had an available space. If you wish to apply for an alternative school you did not originally name on your application form you will need to submit a further application but in the first instance you are advised to talk to the School Admissions Team who can offer advice to you in this situation.
If I obtain a place in the secondary school of my preference for one of my children this year, can I guarantee obtaining a place at the same school for his or her younger brother or sister (sibling)?
No, there is no guarantee that a place will be obtained although most schools give more priority to an application if an older sibling is already in the school. When the time comes for your younger child to transfer, you will again need to request a place at the school of your preference. The request will be considered in accordance with the school’s admissions policy.
A sibling (i.e.: a brother or sister) is defined as a child who shares one natural parent, a stepbrother or sister, or has been legally adopted or fostered into the family. The sibling must be on the roll of the preferred school as at the deadline date (providing that the sibling is not in their final year at the school) and the child lives at the same address as the sibling.
What happens if I want a place at a church school?
You should still complete the common/transfer application form. The faith based schools are known as voluntary aided schools. In these schools it is the Governors that decide the admissions policy and rank the applications received by the School Admissions Team. Many aided schools will ask you to complete a supplementary form because they need to collect information to confirm church attendance or a baptismal certificate for example. It is important though that you send a completed application form to The School Admissions team or your application will not be valid.
What will happen if I move house before or after I apply for a secondary school place?
If you move house after the 16 October 2009 you should contact the School Admissions Team for advice. We cannot make any changes after 8 January 2010.
Will my child be given help with school transport?
Transport is only normally available where children have to travel more than 3 miles to school. This may affect the schools you name as a preference.
You should contact the Passenger Transport Unit 01225 713000 for advice on your entitlement to transport.
If the questions you have are not answered here or you require more details on the application process please ring Customer Services on 01225 713010.
Contact Details
Email: admissions@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 713010
Fax: 01225 713775
Postal Address:
School Admissions
Wiltshire Council
County
Hall
Trowbridge
BA14
8JN
Last updated: 1 September 2009