Information about post-primary schools
For information about post-primary schools, go to:
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 have been advised that Open Days/Nights should not happen in their usual form for Transfer 2021 given the public health situation, and other options such as virtual tours should 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.
Online Applications
The Post Primary online application procedure opens at 12 noon on Monday 1 March 2021 and closes at 4pm on Tuesday 16 March 2021.
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.
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.
Processing applications for post-primary school places
Schools will process the Transfer applications between March and June 2021. During that time the Education Authority will transfer your child’s application to your first preference post-primary school for consideration. The school applies its 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 on Saturday 19 June 2021 via the online portal. The school may also let you know you of your child’s post-primary placement and the letter will arrive on 19 June 2021.
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
If you want to appeal a school’s admission’s decision, you must do this by 4.00pm on Friday 2 July 2021.
Find out how to appeal a school’s decision at:
More useful links
- School admissions criteria
- Types of school
- School terms and school closures
- Give your child a helping hand