Transfer to a post-primary school

Information about post-primary schools

For information about post-primary schools, go to:

• Post-primary schools admission guide

You can find out:

• how many places are available at each school
• admissions criteria each school uses if the school receives more applications than places it has available

You can ask post-primary schools for their prospectus.

Schools may not have  open nights in their usual form for Transfer 2022 given the public health situation, and other options such as virtual tours could be considered by schools.

Prospectuses are available from schools’ websites and/ or in printed format and are free if you ask. 

Virtual tours/ viewings can be found on respective school websites. 

Advice on the position for Transfer 2022 will issue to schools shortly. 

Online applications

The Post Primary online application procedure closes at 4.00 pm on Wednesday 23 February 2022.

The online application is used to apply for your child’s place at a post-primary school.

Filling in your child’s Transfer application

Before you list a school on the Transfer application, read the school’s admission criteria.  You should make sure you understand what’s needed by the schools you list.  

Information schools might want

On the Transfer application, a post-primary school can ask if your child:

• has any brothers or sisters at the school you’re applying to
• is the eldest child, only child or eldest boy or girl in the family
• is registered as entitled to free school meals

You are responsible for giving accurate and relevant information on the Transfer application form.  This allows the schools you listed to consider your child’s application.

Schools admission criteria

When considering your child’s application, a post-primary school only uses information on your child’s Transfer application. They use this information when they need to apply their admissions criteria if they get more applications than places they have available.

• Post-Primary Admissions Guide

Types of post-primary schools

Your child isn't guaranteed to get a place in any of the schools you list. Even if your child would prefer to go to a grammar school, it’s important you include one other type of school on their Transfer application.

• Types of school

Processing applications for post-primary school places

Upon receipt of applications schools apply their admissions criteria to the information on your child’s application.

If unsuccessful in gaining a place, your child’s application will be transferred to the next preference school listed on your application.  This process continues until either a place is granted by a school or all preferences listed have been exhausted. 

Notification of post-primary placement

You will receive notification of the outcome of the application for a post-primary place at the end of the process via the online portal. The school may also let you know of your child’s post-primary placement and the letter will arrive on the same date.

If your child doesn’t get a place in any of their school preferences, you will be asked to choose from other schools that still have places. You will also be advised of how to appeal a decision about a school place.

Further information can be found on the Education Authority website at the time placement notifications are released.

Appealing a decision about a post-primary school place

There will be a deadline for you if you want to appeal a school’s admission’s decision.  The deadline for post-primary transfer in 2022 is yet to be set.

Find out how to appeal a school’s decision at:

• Appealing a school place decision

More useful links

• School admissions criteria
• Types of school
• School terms and school closures
• Give your child a helping hand