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 and if they have an open day or night.  At school open events, you can learn more about a school and meet staff and the principal.  Schools usually advertise their open days in local newspapers.

Transfer form

The Transfer form and guidance notes will be available from your child’s primary school in January 2020.

This form 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’re responsible for giving accurate and relevant information on the Transfer 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 schools admission 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 form.

• Types of school

Closing date for application forms

Your child’s primary school will tell you the date it needs you to return your child’s Transfer form. 

Processing applications for post-primary school places

Schools will process the Transfer applications between February and May 2020.  During that time the Education Authority will pass your child’s Transfer application to your first preference post-primary school. The school applies their admissions criteria to the information on your child’s application.

If unsuccessful in gaining a place, your child's transfer form will be passed to some or all of your school preferences.
 

Placement letters for post-primary school places

Placement letters about school places will be issued on 29 May 2020. The letter will tell you which post-primary school has given your child a place.

If your child doesn't get a place in any of their school preferences, the letter will ask you to choose from other schools that still have places. The letter will also explain how to appeal a decision about a school place.

Appealing a decision about a post-primary school place

If you want to appeal a school's admissions decision, you must do this by 4.00 pm on Friday 12 June 2020.

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