Applying for a school place: admissions criteria

It is not automatic that your child will get into a particular primary or secondary school. All schools have admissions criteria, which they use to decide who to admit if they get more applications than they have places available.

How schools allocate places

Every child aged between four and 16 is entitled by law to a place at a school. Wherever possible, your child will get a place at one of your preferred schools but this can't be guaranteed.

Many schools receive more applications than they have places to offer. Every school has an admissions limit and this determines the number of pupils they will accept.

Admissions criteria

Every school has admissions criteria. Schools that are oversubscribed follow these criteria when allocating places. The criteria are set by the school's board of governors.

Types of school

Find out before you apply

Details of admissions criteria, along with the number of applications schools received for the previous three years, are listed in the 'A guide for Parents' booklets produced by your local education and library board. This booklet is also referred to as the 'Transfer Booklet'.

The criteria will vary from school to school but all are required to be clear, fair and objective.

Appeals

If you think that a school has not applied, or not correctly applied its admissions criteria, you have the right of appeal to an independent tribunal.

These tribunals are set up by your local education and library board and their decisions are binding.

Link to boards:

In respect of post-primary admissions decisions, parents can also appeal to an independent Exceptional Circumstances Body if they believe that there are compelling reasons why their child must attend a particular post-primary school.

Appealing a school place decision

Does your child meet the criteria?

If you are applying to a popular school, check how closely your child meets the criteria. Be realistic - it is possible that not everyone who applies will be offered a place.

If you are unsuccessful at obtaining a place at any of your chosen schools, your local education and library board will contact you for other preferences.