How do I apply for a school place for my child?

State schools in England are free, and every child aged 5 to 16 must be in education. You apply for a place through your local council, not the school itself. For the normal yearly intake there are deadlines: secondary school applications close on 31 October and primary applications on 15 January, for places starting the following September. If you arrive mid-year, you make an in-year application to the council, which must find your child a place - this is normal and schools are used to it. You can list several preferred schools; living close to a school (the catchment area) usually helps. Your child's visa status does not affect their right to attend school. Children who speak little English get extra support in class. If your child was refused a place you wanted, you have the right to appeal.